October 27, 2009

GFS 5, FCS 1

 

In rainy, wet conditions, two teams going in opposite directions met at Friends' Central.  Even though the game was tied at halftime 1-1, GFS came out in the second half to a 5-1 win, earning a home playoff game on Saturday against Moorestown.

"The wet field contributed to sloppy play," said coach Matt Zipin. "Normal plays became adventures. On numerous occasions, a player started dribbling, building up speed, only to have to back up as the ball hit a puddle and stopped."

"We scored a beautiful goal at the 10-minute mark when Henry Bushnell sent a lovely ball from left to right across the goal mouth to Hank Goldenberg, who nailed a volley from about 15 yards out for his second goal of the year.  We thought we might coast in from here, but even though we were thoroughly dominating the game, we couldn't put another goal home.  Then, in the 27th minute, Friends' Central took their only shot of the half, a lofted chip shot that went over the outstretched hands of goalie Jay Query.  We were deflated and disappointed, and Friends' Central had some momentum that could have changed the game."

"At halftime, we regrouped and realized that we were playing for a playoff berth.  We scored in the 5th minute after halftime when Manolo Sanchez made a beautiful long pass to Ibz Kamara, who drove down the right-hand sideline and sent a great, hard crossing ball into the box.  It hit an FC defender and ricocheted past a stunned goalkeeper for an "own" goal, credited to Ibz, which gave us a 2-1 lead.  Then the floodgates opened.  Manolo followed a few minutes later with a terrific shot from about 20 yards out, straight on, which beat the goalie to his right.  3-1.  Then Manolo drove a curving ball on a corner kick and Sam Conant headed it home for his first varsity goal and a 4-1 lead.  Then, with 15 minutes to play, Nick Fromell took the ball to the right and hit a great cross which Sam Hill-Cristol headed home for his first varsity goal and a 5-1 lead."

"It was a good win," said Zipin.  "Evan Miller continues to play very well for us in the back.  Brendan Turner had a good defensive game as well, and contributed several shots.  Jason Symonette did well at left midfield."

"We play Hill School tomorrow, but our main focus is on Saturday, home, against Moorestown, 2 v. 3 in the Friends League playoffs.  We will be ready.  Come out and watch at 2pm.  It will be fun."