Cataraqui Soccer Club

Cataraqui II 3 vs Brandees B 2

Judging by the number of “newest members” of the Cataraqui Soccer Club, it now becomes apparent why the Cataraqui II team was struggling a bit to score (at least on the soccer pitch) towards the end of last season.

That having been said, the boys in black got off to a fine start to the 2009 campaign.  Coach Kennedy was in inspiring form before the match kicked off. 

There was a touching minute’s silence out for the memory of Michelle Mendes which was very respectfully observed by both teams and the officials and then the action began.

Cataraqui II was in control at the back and in the midfield for the first half.  There was little for Max Steele in goal to worry about.  Max was well in charge of his area and cut off a couple of long balls with his usual aggressive style. James and Paul were solid in the middle at the back, and the midfield was able to create a few good chances for the forwards. 

The first goal was the result of a series of simple passes on the ground, taking the ball all around the defense and forward to the right corner of the field.  Joel had one of his inspired runs diagonally across the field.  His hard work paid off as he won the ball and sent it across goal for Brian Harpell to knock home.

The second half started off well with an inspired coaching move.  Warren Tutty was brought on as a substitute, ran up the field and put the ball in the net.  It was clear, however, that Brandees B had come out for the second half with more fire and determination than they had been showing in the first half.  A nicely headed goal from Luca Andolfatto brought them within one.  They kept the pressure on, and were a little unlucky to concede an own goal on the breakaway.  Still a good cross which would likely have been met by a Cat II player was headed in by one of the Brandees’ defenders.

With the pressure on, Cat II conceded a second goal after a powerful shot hit the crossbar and fell nicely in front of Brandees' Sean Beck who made no mistake.  Cataraqui Soccer Club know a thing or two about bad breaks, but we were on the receiving end of a very good break towards the end of the game.  After what could only be described as a stramash in the six yard box, one of the Brandees forwards was clear to score.  Only Max's big toe and an unlikely “swing and a miss” preserved our lead and the 3 points.

All in all, however, the correct result from an exciting game (which did seem to drag on a bit beyond the 95th minute mark) and an excellent start to the season.

Ross Morton