Cataraqui Soccer Club

Cataraqui II 1 vs ihMyBar 2

I had the opportunity to watch much of this game from the sidelines because of a knee injury (hope to be back at the end of the month).  This is certainly a different perspective from watching on the pitch.

While I had a little trouble agreeing with Rob McDonald’s assessment: “That’s it: we’re officially a Gong Show”, things could have gone better for the boys in black. It was nice to see Val Tomsons, Barry Cave, and Wayne Ingham back in action, adding weight to the defense and midfield (not that they need any more).  Max Steele and James McIntyre are excluded from the ongoing avoir dupois comments, being the closest thing we have to svelt on the back line.  (Sorry Ben, you’re not excluded – but you did play well!).  Wayne came off early with a pull in the calf, and since he is just back from the DL this was certainly wise. Solid performances by the solid Dave Rossborough and Tyson Boehme helped the midfield out.

Rick Pierce had his usual strong game in nets, but was unfortunate on the first goal.  He made a good parrying save from an excellent shot, but ihMyBar were quicker on the follow-up and able to convert the rebound.

Young Jonathon Baldwin and Dino Laurie added some of the needed pace up front, although the former is still nursing an ankle injury from the match at Amherstview which did not allow him to inject his usual vigour.  Dino added to his already impressive goal tally with the tying score.

Half time was an interesting interlude with Coach Armstrong and a number of players doing their best to talk up the team.  Tiago Caldas was particularly vocal at this juncture imploring maximum effort from all.  (Later a strong side-to-side wave of the finger combined with a piercing stare indicated his displeasure when “a fan” suggested that the 100% target was being missed).

There is little doubt that this game could have gone either way.  Cataraqui had a number of scoring opportunities which just failed to covert.  Peter Boyle took a fast free kick which was headed away from its destination at the back of the net.  Bernie Harpell and Tiago Caldas had opportunities at the back post, but a miscommunication got in the way of that one. IhMyBar managed the go-ahead goal, and could not be pegged back.

The game was marked with frustration, with Ross Corcoran, Kevin McEleny and Warren Tutty being ploughed over with no protection from the referee.  There was little doubt that the frustration spilled over to the other players.  Joel Badour did his usual sterling job of back coverage, but really wanted to be up trying to get the equalizer.

Communication did seem to be the major issue on the night.  There is no doubt that more talking is needed at the back (seemed very quiet there considering the vocal attributes of the defenders).  A little more attention to the colour of the shirt the ball is being passed to would also not go amiss: we did give the ball away a lot. (I do acknowledge that I am as guilty, if not moreso of this than many, but I will work on it).

Overall there is no need to shed our positive attitude.  We have the talent to score a hatful of goals in a game on any given night, and our midfield and defense is as good as anyone’s.  The team camaraderie is strong, and the Toucan afterwards is a good place to unwind (sorry young lads, you’ll have to wait).  I will be away for 3 more weeks, so someone else can pen the reports.

Ross Morton