Cataraqui Soccer Club

Cataraqui II 1 vs Kelsey’s United 2

In a game best described as “who missed fewer chances”, a surprisingly short-staffed Cataraqui II fell to a late winner from Kelsey’s.

The rearranged defensive line with Ted Bailey and Eoin Boyle in the middle and Steve Vardy and John McGarry on the outsides coped well with the fast-running Kelsey’s forwards, who squandered several early chances.  Melvin Orozco was in good form to keep the opposition at bay.  Kelsey’s took the lead mid way through the first half with a well-finished effort after what can best be described as an unfortunate series of events.  A clearance from the back rebounded off a Kelsey’s forward and hit the crossbar, falling nicely to a second Kelsey’s attacker and leaving Melvin stranded.

The boys were undaunted, however, since Cataraqui II had had its share of the pressure.  Perseverance by Pete Jenkins paid off royally as he picked up a ball fumbled by the Kelsey’s defense and slotted home the equalizer towards the end of the half.  The Kelsey’s team was left quite out of sorts by the goal, and a number of chances came Cataraqui II’s way.  Close efforts by Peter Boyle Jr, Luke Hempel, Brian Dodo, Val Tomsons and Warren Tutty were appreciated by the bench and loyal fans, but failed to result in a go-ahead goal before the half.

Cataraqui II had the better of the play in the second half (although there were some scary moments as they pressed for a winner: the Kelsey’s boys are no slouches and punished the defense a couple of times).  Excellent ball control and passing skills from Warren Tutty, Val Tomsons and Mark LaPrise provided good service from the mid-field.  Mid-way through the second half Cataraqui II came close, but despite what could best be described using the words of the late Arthur Montford as a “stramash on the goal line”, the ball would not cross.

Kelsey’s made good on one of their break-aways.  A sterling effort by Melvin Orozco staved off the first effort, but the ball continued to roll to end up in the net tantalizingly out of his reach.  Late in the game, Brain Dodo had a header cleared off the line, and the Kelsey’s defense managed to keep the forwards from equalizing.

Cataraqui II continues to be plagued with injury, Rob Lusink out after the shoulder injury from last week, Steve Vardy questionable after straining a hamstring last night, and George Lovell (with some improvement in the voice) getting the usual Cataraqui sympathy for a boo-boo on his shin.  Larry Hart seems back to full form, however, and provided harassment for the Kelsey’s midfielders.

Two of the players absent from last night’s game had perfect excuses, Peter Boyle and Eddie Edwards were attending an award ceremony at Holy Cross Secondary School where Joanne Boyle and Jermaine Edwards were, respectively, Senior Female and Senior Male athletes of the year.  Congratulations to both of them (and the proud parents)!