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YC&AC, Sat 8th April. Nice day for a game, unfortunately it was at YCAC which is getting bumpier by the day but I guess we have to be grateful for any pitch we can get.
About the match, it really wasn’t much of one to tell the truth. There was a lot of huffing and screaming at the referee from both sides and very little skill on display as a result of the poor conditions. The best looking player from a skill stand point was the YCAC right midfielder and he sent Krando sliding a couple of times but never created much danger as he didn’t want to come off the grass on the side and his crosses were headed out by Cho or Kirk.
YCAC had one chance about 20 minutes in when Damien floated in a perfect cross for James to knock in but he pushed it just wide. Another chance for the YCAC was hit straight at Peter and he did well to knock it out for a corner. The Swiss didn’t create much up front – the forwards just being muscled off the ball meant that they couldn’t create anything or get a clear shot.
The only real chance came from a free kick around 25 meters out. Aoki drove in a bending ball over the defense, Krando ran through the wall and rather than knock it on chose to let in run in leaving the keeper stranded. The offside flag went up and a consultation resulted but a good goal stood.
Since I was the player in the offside position, at the far post with a perfect view of Krando’s run, the call was correct in spite of the hoots and howls from the YCAC team.
Other than that, a lot of high balls – and head balls and very little passing because it is near impossible to do it were the lowlights of the 1H and most of the 2H for that matter. YCAC brought on some skillful Japanese players, including Daisuke up front, it created a little more havoc in the Swiss half. In spite of that the Swiss were able to get through for 2 one on one’s vs. the keeper – typical of our year though – unable to finish them off.
YCAC had 2 decent chances with James shooting just wide of the right post and with a Daisuke header to the far post rolling away for a goal kick. The YCAC worked hard for the equalizer but it just wasn’t to be on a windy and bumpy day. It was a good warm up for next week’s Cup semi-final in Saitama and I think both teams will have different members and mind sets for that match. The Swiss have climbed back into second in the league but the YCAC have a game in hand so still all to play for as Sala are close behind as well.
Reporter: Cap'n Kirk.
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