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Spring 2005 - Game 1 Final Season Begins on High Note
 Tim Marshall and
Chris Giangi ready for the kickoff, among the faces and personalities we all know, and there, too, were new Vipers
Kevin Hart, Sean Jenkins, and Martin Lees. A combination of old and new would be the story of this historic day. The match began with a ceremonial kickoff using the "old" ball. For years, literally, Giangi has been bringing his MLS ball to practice and games. It's showing wear, for sure, and it's special to all of us. It's certainly no longer in game shape, but the referee and the opposing coach agreed that the game could begin with the
dilapidated old friend on the field. And so it began.The entire first half was somewhat flat for our boys. This was to be expected since the team is now a combination of three varsity teams and a number of players who don't play for their high schools. Everyone looked in good shape, but their passing and finishing did not have the mark and subtlety of Vipers in high gear. Still, most of the play was in the offensive side of the field for the the initial forty minutes.
Tony Soukup,
Travis Dezendorf, Lees, Jenkins, Andrew Babilonia,
Jordan Stanbridge, John Thomas and Brian Colan.At halftime, the Vipers--as they usually do--dissected their own problems. It was clear to them that they weren't finishing well or following their own shots. They seemed a bit tired from the grueling week of high school soccer, but they knew that they had more to give to this match. All they had to do was raise their level of play by a half step. And raising their play was the answer as soon as the second half began. Just three minutes into the second forty minutes, Bobby Doyle broke down the left wing and rocked the keeper with a tough shot to handle. The rebound went to Marshall, who knocked it home to knot the match. Just a few minutes later, Hart lifted one over the defense to Marshall who chipped a perfect shot over the Vienna keeper for the lead. For the next fifteen minutes, our boys continued to pressure the net with shots even though they never scored again. Trey Whiteman and Brad Johnson consistently controlled the middle third and moved the ball efficiently up front. After a substitution,
John Beerman and Sam Porter did the same.Vienna never seriously threatened to score for the rest of the game. There were a few tense moments, and the team did not clear the back as cleanly as they usually do, but that's understandable given that this was the first game of the season. It's going to be a tough season with games ahead against Loudoun and Herndon rivals. Game 2 is against a very tough Springfield opponent, so the team will need to be ready. We're counting down to the final Viper match. It's going to be a great, fun ride full of memories and surprises. Let's hope that all of the notes are this high. |
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