Vardy Captures MVP Honours as CAT I Army Secure First Victory |
Cataraqui I 2 vs Pilot House 0
The A Division debutants got the season off to an incredible, dare I say, surprising, start with an impressive win over last year's 4th place A Division team. "Total and complete team effort" are the words that best describe this win. From back to front Cataraqui I were full value for the 3 points.
Coach Boyle had an army of players from which to choose but the full line swaps didn't seem to take away from the flow of the game. The team used the extra men to their advantage by playing a fast and aggressive style while trying to maintain ball control on a slippery Novelis pitch.
The good guys were up by two after about 20 minutes and never looked back. In fact, Pilot House had very few clear opportunities on net and when they did they were wild with their efforts. Both goals were things of beauty.
The first started from left full-back Mark Laprise who, at about midway, sent a ball along the touch line that Jason Akers dummied beautifully, taking a defender with him. That sent left forward Mark Schultes down the left flank where he cut the ball in slightly. As he reached the goal line near the 18 yard box he sent in a ball to the near post which met Graham Fedorak in full run. From just a few yards out Graham headed the ball home. No chance for the keeper. 1-0
I think Pilot House was a bit stunned by the turn of events and Cat continued to take it to them. Not sure where the through ball for #2 came from but it probably had to do with the stalwart play of central midfielders Roman Zablocki and Larry Hart who were on the pitch at the time. All alone from 25 yards out, provider turned scorer Mark Schultes made absolutely no mistake lacing a shot just inside the charging keeper's right post. 2-0
What to say about the rest of the game other than Pilot House tried constantly to lay the pressure on the blue and black but it was a rare occasion that they built any momentum. I believe they had only one corner through the game. Steve Vardy was named as a well deserving man-of-the-match. He controlled the fullbacks from his sweeper position. Other fullbacks who had solid games include Ciaran Boyle, Andy Nadar, Paul Blais, Steve Stutzman and Matt Herod. Actually now I remember Pilot House did have one very clear chance just after the score became 2-0 and if it wasn't for Matt's crushing (but clean) slide tackle at about the six yard box and then Andy's goal line clearance the game could have been very different.
Should mention that Peter Boyle Jr. had a "goal" disallowed in the second half. His shot went through the netting at the bottom of the far post and despite hollers from the sideline (who had a perfect angle) the game carried on.
Great games were had by Dave Ryding and Zac Lewis who kept the opposing fullbacks hopping, Eoin Boyle controlled the middle when needed and Alex Fletcher kept his fullbacks loose for a deserved clean sheet. Oh man, I wish I had a team sheet in front of me. Sorry to whoever I might have missed!
Next week the first place Cataraqui I take on Sporting, who will be out to avenge their opening night loss to Soccer Plus United. 8:30 at Woodbine 4. Thanks to the handful of supporters from the other teams who cheered us on!
P.S. 12:48, laying in bed: Oh damn, Luc Hampel was there too – didn’t have him in the summary. 12:49, still laying in bed: John Gallianaro too. Glad I got you out of my head before that dream about the two … oh, never mind.
Good game.
Paul Blais
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