The scores of the last 4 games against Argo have been 0-0, 0-0, 0-0 & 2-4. The anomaly happened to be on a viciously cold night on the same enormous Pier 40 field where the wind and lack of key defensive starters resulted in numerous counterattacks for Argo and 4 goals. Some late dropouts resulted in managerial scrambling from Resnik, but the final result was 15 strong with 2 from the Old Boyz and 2 from the On Call list helping out. Although only a point was required, that was not the mindset the Legends rolled out with given the 4 substitutes and overall strong squad.
The Legends should have had a glorious chance early on but a blatant handball had the referee hesitating, only not to blow his whistle. His laughable, respect draining response was that the ball was right in front of the goal and that we should have scored. How that obviates the penalty is anybody’s guess, but from the start the referee as an ex first division footballer showed that he wanted to control every action of the game. That wouldn’t have been a problem if the decisions had actually been correct and the attitude less dictatorial, much to the disgust of both teams.
|
 |
| Once the referee lectured us about not being ready at 8:55pm it was clear it would be a long day. Contradictory explanations, pedantic throw in interpretations and whistle happiness only helped aggravate both teams. |
Fortunately the Legends overcame the refereeing blunder by generating a Route one attack through the middle culminating in a nicely taken goal from Street from his left foot. Although they continued to press the penalty box there were no more clearcut chances, much as the showy opposition keeper generating hope of a mistake.
At halftime it was reiterated that it was Argo that needed to chase the game, not us, and that it should be defence first. With only a couple of substitutes it was clear that they would tire out before the Legends, and with the smart one touch passing and switching continued there would be more chances generated. Chris Jee continued to advance down the left side touchline, but his athletic dominance was not as pronounced as usual with Argo one of the taller, fitter sides in the division. A great one on one produced an excellent save by the keeper, and at one point Belizano found himself with only the keeper to beat, but rounding him delayed the shot long enough for a despairing saving dive by the Defender. Argo created a few moments late from corners, with one cleared off the line by Street right at the death.
With a win over Argo another longstanding nemesis had been subjugated, much as SC Gjoa and their disastrous field had been earlier in the season. Although the spring season at 5 games is over almost before it started, a guaranteed runners up position is a well earned reward for a well played season.
Competition: Argo Silver, League Opposition
Location: Pier 40 Courtyard East, Manhattan
Conditions: Humid warm evening, but not intolerable
Fans: 4: Mrs. Jee/Resnik, Omar Sanchez & Bernoske Buddy
|
 |
| Omar watchin’! |
Result: 1-0 (1-0 at H/T)
Goals: 1:0: Street, Assist Kovel
Yellow Cards: None
Red Card: None
Mike D’s aka No Shows: Pat Berran again
Conboy’s aka Reverse Mike D’s: None
”Mr. Glass” Fragility/Old Man Injury Award: Casanova forgot his tights, and without his South American fancy dan protection went down in the second half (not without some characteristic fancy flicks).
Old Man of the Match: Not much of a competition. Street scored a well taken goal with his left foot, cleared a ball off the line late in the game and sprayed the ball around the large field with authority. This time he got to drink out of the chalice.
Old Man of the Bar: None due to the lateness of the hour.
El Presidente (new award for Old Men who don’t make it to game but come to the bar): None.
Team Bar Showing: 11 out of 15 (73%)
Team Bar Night: 3 out of 5: Virtually everyone showed at least for a few minutes, but a 9pm game on a Sunday makes it very difficult.
Team (No new profiles this week): Brian Stroh (GK), Mark Resnik (DF), Dan Bernoske (DF), Luciano Belizan (DF), Pete Hahn (DF), Dan Ochoa, Sean Street, Manohar Venkataraman, Creighton Mershon, Scott Brindley (DF), David Kovel, Randall Klink, John Hodges, Manuel Casanova, Chris Jee
