October 23, 2009

GFS 1, George School 0

 

"This was, in essence, the make-or-break game of our season," said boys soccer head coach Matt Zipin.  "Win and we're virtually in the playoffs; lose and we're virtually out.  George came to our place today with an identical league record of 4-2-1, and both teams were aware of what was at stake."  At the end of the day, GFS came away with a 1-0 victory. 

"Early on we dominated the play," said Zipin. "Within the first 10 seconds we had driven the ball down the field and forced our first corner kick.  We didn't score, but all day long we forced George back on their heels and controlled play.  We ended up with 12 corner kicks to only 1 for George, a stat that points out how much more the ball was in their defensive half of the field.  We controlled play with good ball control, accurate passing, dangerous dribbling and fast guys sprinting past George defenders creating chances for us on offense."

"We scored at the 12-minute mark.  Evan Miller sent a beautiful long ball to Marcelo Osorio-Soto, who outraced 2 defenders and pounded home a volley from about 15 yards out.  It was a beautiful goal, Marcelo's 4th of the year, and it may have been the biggest goal of our season.  We thought we would get more, but the George goalie practically stood on his head to save several shots."

Defenders Nick Marini, Brendan Turner, Hank Goldenberg and Sam Mercuris teamed with Evan to keep everything away from our goal mouth. "The fact that the wind was blowing at 10-15 miles per hour in our favor helped too."

"In the second half, with the wind at their backs and with the appropriate sense of desperation, George mounted a few attacks, but our defense never caved in.  We had many good chances.  Ibz Kamara made run after run down the sideline, beating George defenders and getting to the box.  Jason Symonette, playing both midfield and forward, created several opportunities.  Henry Bushnell made some wonderful, clever passes playing forward that could have turned into goals.  And Manolo played an outstanding game, controlling the ball, making excellent passes and getting off some dangerous shots.  But nothing changed the score, and we were happy to win 1-0."

"It was Senior Day, and I want to thank the seniors for their efforts all season long.  I also want to thank the parents--senior parents and others--who came out and supported us, today and all season," said Zipin.  "And I also want to thank our wonderful fans who stayed and watched a rainy, cold game--an entertaining, fun game, to be sure, but rainy and cold nonetheless.  The players really, really appreciate the fans, I assure you."

"We play Friends Central next Tuesday at Friends' Central to determine our seeding in the playoffs.  If we win, we finish second and play a playoff game at home, next Saturday 10/31.  In the meantime, we play at home against Hill School on Wednesday of next week.  We hope to see you there!"