NE Portland Chiropractic 3 vs. FC77 Rangers 6

(Scorers: Muralt (2), McConnachie (2), Ntini, King)

June 18, 2008

Tale of Two Halves

It was the worst of times. It was the best of times. In good spirits, the Rangers took the field against PDX Chiropractic having taken the first match rather easily. Minus Sean and Gary, the Rangers fielded only 12 players while PDX had a full compliment of 16, including a few new faces that proved to be better then what was expected. A cheer even went up when the Referee arrived to signify a match would be played and counted (unlike last week).

The Rangers started strong early, pressing PDX's keeper several times before the ball made it past mid-field for PDX. Unfortunately, that's when the game changed and PDX started to send runners at long balls fired over the top. The first few were denied, once by a diving save by Steve to his right, but the pressure continued and a 10 yard strike got through for the first goal of the game. Again PDX used the long ball to runners that set up another goal when keeper Steve came out to the 18 yard line only to let one slip low passed him. Even a sliding stab by Jim couldn't prevent the goal, only change it to the owned variety. The luck would not change as PDX scored again on a long run from mid-field that beat the best efforts of Steve to reduce the angle around 15 yards out. Seconds later the half-time whistle pronounced the worst half of Ranger soccer all season.

Serious consideration was given to cracking into Steve's and Mike's homebrew during the half-time break, but Malvern led the cry for an all out effort to attack. So, begins the greatest display of Ranger scoring on record.

Only 2 minutes into the second half and after a couple of early shots on goal, Malvern was tripped in the PDX penalty box. Matt stepped up and drilled the penalty kick, low and hard into the left corner (keepers hate those). The second Ranger goal came in the 49th minute, with a drive by James (I think). Bam, now we have a game. The Ranger's controlled the mid-field, consistently winning the 50/50 balls and moving through the center against the PDX weakness, until after several shots misfired, Ron picked one off from close range. Tied 3-3, the game had changed in only 15 minutes and PDX looked to get back the lead. This time the Rangers defense had all of the answers, as only 2 runs at goal produced a shot and Steve was out to deny the effort. Mark, Mike, Jim and Dan worked the ball away from trouble and utilizing the lines moved any danger away from goal.

The back breaker was soon to follow as Matt struck again. The goal was a clinic, as only a half dozen touches were required from keeper to Aaron, to Malvern, to Matt. Just like that, PDX was done. Goals from Malvern, then James sealed the win for FC77 Rangers, and full goal differential was achieved. Final score, 6-3 good guys. Then we drank beer!

Steve