September 24, 2009

GFS 3, ANC 0

 

GFS boys soccer head coach Matt Zipin notes, "Speed is an invaluable asset in soccer, and we have some fast players.  We exploited this advantage today, scoring 3 times on breakaways, in a 3-0 win at ANC today, bringing our league record to 2-0."

"The field at ANC is one of the finest around, beautiful, flat and exceptionally wide.  This means that a player receiving a ball in the middle of the field will often have space to maneuver.  As a result, the offenses in a game such as today can be much more crisp and creative, and it helped us today, particularly in the first half," said Zipin.

In the 25th minute, Manolo Sanchez, whose skill level and poise set him apart all day, threaded a beautiful through pass to a flying Jason Symonette.  Jason raced past the final ANC defender, handling the ball perfectly, and beat the onrushing goalie nicely for our first goal of the game and his 5th of the season.  Jason now has 37 goals for his career, and is approaching the top 5 all-time scorers in GFS history.  Today his speed was a difference-maker all day, putting pressure on the ANC defenders and generating several excellent chances.  One minute after Jason's goal, his through ball to Manolo led to our second goal, as Manolo sped past the final defender and then easily beat the goalie.  6 minutes after that, Marcelo set up Manolo for another breakaway, and he finished again to give us a chance to relax.  Manolo now has 6 goals this season and 51 for his career, approaching the GFS record of 57, set by Mbizo Mzamane, class of 2006, currently playing professional soccer in Brazil.

The second half was scoreless but not without chances for both teams.  Sam Mercuris made a great play along the endline and played a ball to Manolo, directly in front; Manolo sent it over the bar.  A few minutes later, Sam took a wicked left-footed shot that just missed to the left of the post.  Ibz Kamara, Marcelo, Gil Myran and Nick Miller (varsity debut) all made their presences felt on offense.  But we didn't score again.

Our defense was strong once again.  Nick Marini, Brendan Turner, Hank Goldenberg and Mike Pinover continue to be consistent, steady and tough.  Hank, particularly, simply refuses to let guys get past him--he's inspiring to watch.  Mike gets better every game.  Evan Miller at sweeper played a great game all day, always in the right position, thwarting one attack after another, and driving balls downfield to start our offense.  Goalie Jay Query made all of the routine plays all game long and came up big--really big--on the 2 occasions the defense broke down and permitted ANC players to come in on goal unmarked.  Jay came out, stood his ground and smothered the play both times.

Next up is the Soccer Centennial on Saturday.  The ceremony starts at noon and our game against Friends Select is at 1:30.  It should be lots of fun--don't miss it!