Winter 2011 (Pre-)Season Wrap Up

Winter 2011 (Pre-)Season Wrap Up

With the first winter season in the books and a fine third place finish under our belts--ahem!--I called in some favors and asked a few of the finest minds in the world of soccer commentary to analyze FC77 Rangers five match run.

Here is what they said.*

Bobby McMahon, Fox Soccer Channel analyst:

"I think when you look at the season as a whole, you have to say that Rangers have suffered from some inconsistency of form against sides they ought to have beaten and in the case of the Old Firm match against Celtic, they just--what? We're not talking about Glasgow Rangers? Then who are we talking about? What Rangers? FC77 Rangers? Who the bloody hell is FC77 Rangers? Is this some kind of bloody joke? Is Derek Taylor punking me again? I'll kick your bloody arse!"

Derek Taylor, Fox Soccer Report anchor:

"Big FA Cup results tonight on the Report, but first let's go to Portland, Oregon where--AAAIIIGGHHHH! Stop hitting me, Bobby McMahon! Oh, God, the pain! Not the teleprompter! Not the tele--!" [Interview cut short due to technical difficulties.]

Tommy Smyth, ESPN Champion's League Analyst and Absolutely the Worst Soccer Commentator Ever:

"The problem 'Gers suffered this season was not putting the ball in the old onion bag enough! And on corner kicks, they let the other team put the ball in the old onion bag too many times! If they can't put the ball in old onion bag more times than the other team puts the ball in the old onion bag, then there's--Argh!" [Interview cut short when manager Sean Ingersoll burst into the studio and kicked Smyth right in the old onion bag.]

Chris Berman, ESPN:

"Rumblin'! Fumblin'! Stumblin'! Bumblin'! Mumblin'! Crumblin'! What are we talking about again?"

Jim Rome, Rome is Burning:

"I hate soccer. [Bleep!] off. Next caller!"

John Spencer, Manager, Portland Timbers:

"The lads showed a lot of heart for not always having enough players. When I need a bunch of working class forty year old guys who never give up, I know where to look."

Charlie Sheen, Insane Guy (via Twitter):

"These WARLOCKS ROCK!! they shoot fireballs from THEIR FEET!! LOVE IT BROS!"

"THEY EAT TROLLS 4 BREAKFAST! im callin u out Hawwks!"

Chewbacca, Famous Wookiee:

"Ngrawwl! Hurk! Hurk! Rooaarrg! Rawhr! Rawhr! Hurp!"

[Translation: Ingersoll's insistence on a 3-1-4-2 for the majority of the season was, in retrospect, perhaps ill-advised as it did not allow the defensive line to take full advantage of the width of the pitch and instead allowed the fullbacks to be susceptible to the lobbed long ball. Of course, having a full complement of eleven players on the field and some substitutes would have helped, too, or failing that, I could have played holding midfielder while my colleague Tartuff acted as a sweeper to neutralize the delayed runner on corner kick set plays. Plus, wookiees are justifiably famous for their aerial prowess as well as ripping people's arms out. Sure, it earns the red card dismissal, but let's just say the other side is a little less eager to make the challenge after his teammate has just been mauled. Ha! Ha! I slay me!]

Well, that just about sums up the winter season, Rangers! Thanks to our guest commentators for their input and remember, "Parody, not libel!"

See you in the spring!

* Note: Some responses may be edited for brevity, content, or more than likely just plain made-up in their entirety.

Symmetry 1 : 1 FC77 Rangers

Symmetry 1 - 1 FC77 Rangers

(Muralt 50')

The GPSD 2011 Winter (Pre-)Season concluded with a 1-1 tie between FC77 Rangers and familiar divisional opponent Symmetry on a wet but not overtly awful morning at Dick Baker Stadium, Gladstone High School. With raining falling before and immediately after the Match Day Five contest--but generally not during the hour we played--and both sides starting with only ten players, the teams finished the season with five points each and tied for third place in the O-30 First Division. Hey, at least we weren't last!

Starting X:

Payne, goalkeeper

Brian from Wolfhounds - Snyder - Brian Gaffney, fullbacks

Burden - Harris - Muralt - Ingersoll, midfielders

Dean Jones - King, strikers

Reserves:

Calkins, Calkins' Beard...The Veritable "Twelfth Man"

Not Available:

Bauman, Gullung, Pullen, Schutte, Silverman, Youssef

Due to the Shamrock Run, work travel obligations, recuperation from male medical procedures, and other life obligations reducing the roster to well under the necessary eleven, Ingersoll was required to bring on "guest players" Brian Gaffney and Den Jones. Both Gaffney and Jones are FC77 stalwarts from multiple teams, notably FC77 Hibernian and Newcastle. Their presence on the pitch was greatly welcomed as they both put in full shifts and definitely helped to keep the match from being another undermanned runaway...but that is the last reference I will ever make to the Sunday night massacre from last week. Brian from Wolfhounds also offered to stick around and play a second match and his efforts at the back right side were also appreciated as he did very well to neutralize the outside striker and keep control of the ball it was pinged back and forth in our end. Thanks, gentlemen!

Payne took over the keeper's gloves for the match, an impressive feat since he is still recovering from broken ribs. Despite the injury, Payne made several bold rushes off his line to intercept the inevitable long ball O-30 players send on bouncy turf pitches. Another scrapped together back line did a fine job keeping him from getting too busy, with Symmetry's only score coming from another dreaded corner kick play approximately twenty minutes into the first half.

Calkins and Calkins' Beard slid into the back line around the fifteenth minute, pushing Snyder up to his more familiar roll as holding midfielder. This enabled Jim to do what he does best every match, and that would be executing textbook-perfect slide tackles on breakaway strikers. Bearing the fruits of his labors (i.e., a nice bloody raspberry on the knees from one such challenge) as his scabby red badge of courage, he helped lock down the rear guard for most of the match and frustrated several menacing attacks, especially by that one guy who looked like Edgar Davids without the goggles.

Most of the match seemed to center around the middle of the pitch, with almost 85% of possession within 20 yards each side of the center line. Muralt and Harris commandeered the center of the squad and they had several good series of shorter passes and distribution to the wings. The typical Rangers style of "ball from middle, to wings, and then crossed back inside" started to reappear and 'Gers held a lot of possession and threatening attacks in the first twenty minutes...making Symmetry's goal against the run of play. Burden and Ingersoll both had a couple of good runs and many crosses into the mixer, but the goal was either too small or too far away for it to find net.

The Yellow and Black's equalizer came in the second half. Gaffney collected a loose ball, took it wide to the touchline, and arced a pass forward to Ingersoll. The skipper collected it on the line, turned upfield, and made a run down the sideline. Spotting Jones and King surging forward, he flared the ball across the center to Jones, who skillfully took control and made for the box. He was clattered over from behind just inside the "D" and earned 'Gers a free kick from a dangerous position. Muralt knew what to do next. After the wall was pushed back the requisite ten yards, he squared himself up and sniped a curling ball over the right side of the wall and just inside the far post of the net, beating the outstretched keeper. The final ten minutes was frantic as 'Gers looked for a winner, with King coming close off another dish from Ingersoll and Burden hitting a bouncing shot from the top corner of the box, but regrettably, victory was not to be had on the day.

Rangers first official winter season ever ended with a 1-2-2 record, some good goals, and an appetite for more football in the very near future...which is good, because the real spring season starts the first or second weekend in April. Some new faces were added the roster, we learned we never want to play Kells FC again (EVER!), and no long-term injuries were reported during the last five weeks, so there you go...

Match notes: Junior Rangers for the match were Ethan Snyder and Ashley Payne...Youssef came out to support the squad after having just run the Shamrock Run...Attendance for the day was estimated at ten, with that number increasing to a whopping thirty...of which most of those people were players for the O-50 match waiting to get on the pitch...Matt Muralt won the unofficial "Golden Boot" for the winter with his two goals...

FC77 Rangers 0: More Than 0 Kells FC

FC77 Rangers - 0

Kells FC - A Lot More Than 0

Due to technical difficulties, there will not be a match report from the FC77 Rangers - Kells FC match played Sunday 6 March at Liberty High School.

Specifically, they were technically very good and we had a lot of difficulty stopping them from scoring after the 27th minute. That's what happens when you only have ten players.

A much more in-depth match report from the season finale with Symmetry to follow.

Wolfhounds FC 0:1 FC77 Rangers

Wolfhounds FC 0 - 1 FC77 Rangers

(Burden 40')

'Gers recorded their first match victory in a freakishly long period of time against eternal rivals Wolfhounds FC at the now familiar confines of Dick Baker Stadium, Gladstone High School on Match Day Three of the GPSD 030/1st Winter (Pre-)season. Ron Burden's curving corner kick was the difference between the two sides in a closely pitted contest. It wasn't a classic Blue Monk Derby, but we'll take the three points nonetheless, ma'am...

Starting XI:

Silverman, goalkeeper

Pullen - Calkins - Payne, fullbacks

Snyder, holding midfielder

Ingersoll - Muralt - Gullung - Burden, midfielders

Switzer - Youssef, strikers

Reserves: Harris

Not available: Bauman, King, Schutte

After the official winter 2011 team picture was taken--because honestly, we get literally hundreds of requests for photos so our throngs of fans can get them autographed. Seriously--'Gers took to the pitch in their familiar 3-1-4-2 formation. Welcoming Snyder and Gullung into the side for the first match of the year, the Yellow and Black pressed the play from the start. Rushing down the field, former Wolfhound Switzer, playing for perhaps the final time as a Ranger, blasted an early shot past the left upright. A couple of throw-ins deep in the 'Hounds half of the field hinted at more chances and Ingersoll's drive from inside the box chipped past the right post. Youssef fought hard up front and often found himself battling multiple defenders for space or the ball.

The home side recovered their composure and started to put together some passes. Payne [Fun true fact: He was playing with a fractured rib!], Calkins, and Pullen were able to intercept any potential messes and Silverman aptly dealt with any balls that trickled through. Muralt looked dangerous from distance as the half wound down with a wicked shot that was headed just under the crossbar, but to their keeper's credit, he stretched big and got enough of his fingers on the ball to push it off the top of the frame and out of bounds for a corner kick.

After the interval the side went back to work through the middle, with Muralt, Gullung, Snyder and Harris all working hard to change up the play, make quick passes, or look for an outlet. The little bit of luck that has eluded us for quite a while finally came round ten minutes into the second half when Burden came across the pitch to take a corner kick. His kick was expertly delivered into the mixer and seemed to curve inwards just enough to make the goalkeeper nervous. The delivery found eyes for net and despite a valiant effort to punch it away, the ball splashed into the net for the only goal of the afternoon. "I'll take that!" Burden cheered as the sides reformed. 'Hounds put up a spirited bit of ball for the final twenty minutes and found a lot of possession in our side. Silverman roared out to make several sliding saves, eventually getting his clean sheet. A late series of shots had the home side screaming for a penalty, but match official Padman would have none of it and looked like he was giving serious thought to carding one of the more vocal Wolfhounds. 'Gers got a couple of more breaks, with Muralt and Ingersoll both letting fly from outside the box, but in the end it was Burden's blast from the corner that was the game winner.

Match notes...As mentioned, this was Switzer's last match as a Ranger...Attendance was estimated at ten, consisting mostly of joggers running along the track...Wolfhounds donned yellow pennies as the home side since both sides were wearing black...

Next Match:

FC77 Rangers v Kells FC

Sunday, 6 March, 2001

Liberty High School, Hillsboro, Oregon

7:00 p.m. KO

"Rangers vs. a Celtic replica wearing Kells...

A potential Rose City Old Firm in the making?"

FC77 Rangers Winter 2011 Official Team Photo

FC77 Rangers - 0ver 30 First Division

Winter 2011

Official Team Photo

Back row, standing: Ron Burden, "Angry" Mike Pullen, Dan Calkins, Mohamed Youssef, Aaron Silverman, Charles Gullung, Dan C. Harris

Front row, kneeling: Jim Snyder, Matt Muralt, Sean-Scott Ingersoll, Roy "Ironsides" Payne, Bob Switzer

Not pictured: Brian Bauman, Ron King, Paddy Schutte

"We're bringin' sexy back."

FC77 Rangers 1:2 No Subs

FC77 Rangers 1 - 2 No Subs

(Youssef 35')

Match Day Two reunited long-time rivals FC77 Rangers and No Subs to the turf pitch at Dick Baker Stadium, Gladstone High School for the early morning kick-off in the GPSD O-30 First Division. Both sides came off hard-fought draws in their respective openers ('Gers 2-2 Controlled Chaos and No Subs drawing 0-0 with Symmetry) to form the middle of the table and each were looking to improve on their previous result in order to keep up with league leader Kell's FC, a dominant 5-0 winner last week over Wolfhounds FC. In the end, however, the difference between a single point and nothing at all was reduced to a matter of inches. D'oh!

Starting XI: (Hooray! Enough players!)

Silverman, Goalkeeper

Pullen - Calkins - Payne, fullbacks

Switzer, holding midfielder

Burden - Harris - Muralt - Ingersoll, midfielders

King, deep striker

Youssef, high striker

Reserves: None (Boo! No subs--er, I mean, no reserves!)

Unavailable: Bauman, Gullung, Schutte, Snyder

Another dry, crisp, not unreasonably cold morning greeted the sides. 'Gers lined up in their preferred black strip--because it is slimming--while No Subs donned their newer maroons. Familiar referee Josh ("Lil' Vin Diesel") presided over the preceedings and got both sides underway at exactly 10:00 a.m. 'Gers got the first menacing look on goal with King blasting a shot past No Subs keeper Ricardo from inside the box, but his strike went just outside the post. No Subs countered with a run of their own that seemed to be offsides, but the sixteen year old linesboy kept his flag down and allowed the striker to dribble around Silverman, who had slid out to deny him, and shoot from about eight yards out...and miss. Wide left by less than 12".

Harris and Muralt battled fiercely for the central midfield as both teams preferred a long ball attack on the bouncy turf. Switzer, playing deeper than usual as a makeshift holding midfielder, worked well with Calkins to stop up short runs and allow the harder kicks to roll back to Silverman. Another Yellow and Black found King swing left to run onto Ingersoll's pass, hold up, and crack another shot at Ricardo. The keeper bumbled the collection and their central back rushed in to punt it away. It appeared the half would end scoreless until around the 25th minute mark when a No Subs corner kick routine was (in all fairness) nicely executed, with a delayed central runner finding his header into the upper right corner. Another was it or wasn't it? offsides no-call threatened to put the visitors up by two in just three minutes, but Calkins scrambled back just in time and kicked the ball past the far post to keep it a 0-1 match.

Determined to keep pressure on certain members of their suspect back line, 'Gers found their equalizer just five minutes into the second half. After King was fouled just inside the near sideline, maybe twenty-five yards out, Ingersoll dropped the free kick into the mixer around the penalty spot. After clattering off some heads in the box, the ball was cleared out to Pullen, who had pushed forward on the far side. He sent a beauty of a ball over the scrum and onto the forward rushing Youssef, who trapped it with his body and fired from inside the six. Hopelessly beaten, Ricardo could do nothing as 'Ger's striker smashed it to the right. 1-1 with plenty of time to find a go-ahead goal.

That go-ahead goal seemed to come just ten minutes later, when (Muralt?) loped a ball over back line and found Ingersoll hur-hobbling forward with as much urgency as his bum hamstring could muster. Ingersoll collected just left of the penalty spot and got the slightest chip on it before Ricardo could close the distance. With No Subs' back line screaming for offsides, the ball bounced casually back toward the goal.

Once.

Twice.

Three times, each consecutive bounce getting lower and slower...until on the last bounce it tinked off the inside of the far post and rolled mockingly slow back across the goal line. King and Youssef hurled forward to throw themselves on top of it, but the center back who had been protesting the least and realized the play was still live hurled himself into the goal as the ball continued its slow motion roll toward the netting...only to be violently expelled by a panicked kick from the No Subs defender. Youssef, King, Burden, and Muralt all screamed at the linesboy who was, in all fairness, on the line even with the post and theoretically in a position to see it, but a goal was not to be given.

No Subs continued to go long ball and found a break with ten minutes to play when a rush and a push and the ball that was theirs found the feet of an isolated striker. Silverman valiantly tried to wipe him out, but he was able to dish to the right. Unopposed, he almost put it over the bar, but still found net for the game winner. 'Gers bravely fought on and a late corner offered one final chance to equalize. Ingersoll roared for everyone to come forward [Editor's note: Next time we are down by one late in the game and have a corner kick, we should pull Silverman forward, too. Losing by two gets you as many points as losing by one and it would so cool for him to score.] Burden's corner streaked along the end line, bounced off a No Subs defender, might have bounced off the keeper or the post, and was haphazardly cleared through a mass of players to the top of the box. Eventually it rolled out to Payne, still forward to support the set play, and he dropped another pass into the mixer where several shots blasted off, well, everybody until eventually it was cleared out for good. Time soon ran out, leaving the good guys on the short end of the scoreline...by about less than the width of a goal line.

All in all, it was still a spirited performance. New player Dan Harris worked very well in the central midfield on his debut and props to Switzer for playing holding midfielder as is not the custom of his people. Next week against Wolfhounds FC, we should have a full complement to play--including people at their regular positions--and I am optimistic that our fortunes may turn around for the better.

Match notes...Attendance was estimated at 12, including Roy Payne's daughter as unofficial Junior Ranger and a bunch of random people running around the track...King, Muralt, and Youssef are currently tied for the Golden Boot, if that was an award we actually gave out...Team picture day was postponed because there was not eleven players to take a picture. It has been duly rescheduled for next week and will be taken if I have to Photoshop Muppets in to make a full strength squad...

Next Match:

Wolfhounds FC v FC77 Rangers

Sunday, 27 February, 2011

Dick Baker Stadium, Gladstone High School

11:00 a.m. KO - BE THERE BY 10:30!

Controlled Chaos 2 : 2 FC77 Rangers

Controlled Chaos 2 : 2 FC77 Rangers

(Muralt 10', King 18')

'Gers kicked off their inaugural winter season with a respectable draw against familiar foes Controlled Chaos in Match Day One action in the GPSD Over-30 1st Division. Crisp, clear skies greeted the squads at Dick Baker Stadium in Gladstone for the 10:00 a.m. kick-off--because ironically, winter outdoor soccer weather is usually better than half of the fall matches--and the Yellow and Black got off to an impressive start, netting twice before twenty minutes had ticked off the clock. Chaos battled back to equalize with ten minutes left in the match, but Rangers held on to earn a point and announce they were no longer going to be the friggin' Over-30 doormat anymore...

Starting X (Yes, X. Ahem.)

Payne, goalkeeper

Pullen - Calkins - Ingersoll, fullbacks

Burden - King - Muralt - Switzer - Schutte, midfielders

Youssef, striker

Reserves: Brian Gaffney (yay!), Silverman

Not Available: Bauman, Snyder, Gullung, Harris

Ingersoll maintained his ongoing streak of losing the coin toss but the Yellow and Black still kicked off and maintained a fair bit of possession. Calkins and Payne--ably filling in as substitute goalkeeper while Silverman made his way to the pitch (he even has his own goalie shirt!)--marshaled the back line impressively, keeping the Chaos strikers at bay and forcing a lot of long passes that Payne was able to easily collect. Playing a modified 3-5-1 until friend of Rangers and former player Brian Gaffney just happened to show up early for the Newcastle-Old Nicks tilt at 11:10, he quickly took up a holding midfielder role and allowed King to push forward into his own preferred striker position. The ball rattled around the stacked midfields for most of the opening ten minutes until long distance sniper Muralt took a free kick from approximately 25 yards out and dropped a tricky bouncing ball through the mixer and into the back of the net. Youssef's whoop of victory signaled the first score and buoyed the collective spirits of the squad.

King doubled up the scoreline a scant eight minutes later when a break through the middle found (Switzer?) lob another bouncing ball back through the box. King hit the pass sweetly on the volley with his left foot and completely beat the keeper as 'Gers surged forward through the back line, making it 2-0. 'Gers finished out the half with comfortable play. New player Paddy Schutte did a great job battling on the left side and didn't hesitate to drop back on defense to help Ingersoll when the Chaos outside players tried to run the flank.

Payne moved to his more typical role as left back for the second half, allowing Silverman to mind the sticks. Chaos started to find their rhythm and more of the play, getting more mileage out of long balls and testing our defense. Chaos scored ten minutes into the second half off a well-executed corner kick play and equalized in the 50th [Note: winter season plays only 30 minute halves] when a sideline play appeared to be offsides, momentarily stymying the team when the linesmen's flag refused to go up. The resulting scrum in front of the goal involved several deflections and haphazard bounces before the ball stopped in the net. While 'Gers played demanded to know why the play wasn't offsides, match official Padman explained that the player offsides was not a part of the play and that the pass was made by a deep running midfielder who was onside, thus his eligibility.

Still sucked, but at least there was a reason.

Muralt fired a few more middle and long distance shots to find a winner and Chaos responded with two hero runs that looked very threatening. Silverman snuffed both forays out with monster legitimate slide tackles--not a fun thing on artificial turf--at the edge of the box and, in the second instance, a good distance outside the box. Both attacks ended with a striker sprawled on the carpet and somebody griping about a card that was not coming.

While most would probably see the draw as a bit of a letdown, a point against a team that beat us 3-2 last season and 6-3 in a fall 2008 championship isn't a bad result...especially since we've only had one team scrimmage and started with only ten guys. 'Gers return to Dick Baker Stadium next week for the always epic, usually chippy match against No Subs.

Next Match:

FC77 Rangers v No Subs

Sunday, 20 February, 2011

Dick Baker Stadium - Gladstone High School

Gladstone, Oregon

10:00 a.m. KO

Know Your Rangers, Part I

"Know Your Rangers"

Part I of a Neverending Series

"I've heard that there is a Ranger 'gangster' symbol.

What is it, when do I flash it, and will I be shot

by rival street gangs if I do so?"

Submitted by: Someone Who is Not Sean in Beaverton, Oregon

Excellent question, Someone Who is Not Sean...if that is indeed your real name. The Ranger "gangsta" (not "gangster") sign is the goal celebration of choice for FC77 Rangers players. A unique but not over-the-top display of goal-scoring prowess, it was first flashed in the fall of 2011 when Manager Sean scored a wicked awesome goal against Controlled Chaos that beat the keeper from 16 yards out and banked off the inside far post into the net. Rather than freak out and uncontrollably scream excited profanities ala Tourette's Syndrome as had been his custom, Sean turned and displayed this symbolic hand gesture:

Exhibit A: Symbolic Hand Gesture

Some might say that this is nothing more than Nicolas Anelka's "flying bird" goal celebration, but those people would be incorrect. Please note the startling similarities between this hand gesture and the Rangers crest:

Exhibit B: Rangers crest

The thumbs are upraised, alluding to a "thumbs up" gesture of success and positivity, but they also look like the crossed sabers above. The outstretched fingers take on the form of outstretched wings, which can refer to soaring/taking flight/victory or perhaps obtusely refer to the mythological phoenix rising from the ashes of defeat. It should be also noted that the hand gesture does not literally mimic the star in the middle of the crest, because it is implied that after you score, YOU are the star of the moment. Just don't forget some love for the guy who fed you the awesome assist.

It is unlikely you will be shot by anybody for displaying this during a soccer match. Unlikely, but not impossible. It is hoped that there will be many, MANY occasions to flash the Ranger "gangsta" symbol during the winter 2011 campaign.

Until next time...KNOW YOUR RANGERS!

Preseason Friendly: Rangers 4-1 Wolfhounds FC

FC77 Rangers 4 : 1 Wolfhounds FC

Duniway Park, Portland, Oregon

Attendance: 10...and some joggers

FC77 Rangers played their only preseason match of the Winter 2011 season on Sunday, 6 February against Wolfhounds FC and came away with a well-earned 4-1 victory. The match had originally been scheduled for PSU's Community Recreation Field for a 12:30 kick-off, but unscheduled turf maintenance sent the two teams to nearby Duniway Park for a good-spirited and lively seventy minute scrimmage. (Did you know that turf needs to be mowed or rolled? It's true, apparently.) Several new squad players debuted with Rangers, including Dan Harris, Paddy Schutte, and Charles Gullung and all made a positive impact on the afternoon. The Yellow and Black side also included guest players Tyler Shook and Jason Carney.

Starting XI:

Payne, goalkeeper

"John" from Wolfhounds - Shook - Pullen, fullbacks

Snyder, holding midfielder

Schutte - Harris - Carney - Gullung, midfielders

King - Youssef, strikers

Reserves: Ingersoll, Burden, Calkins

Not available: Switzer, Bauman, Muralt, Silverman

After a thirty minute delay to get to Duniway Park and stretch out, the match kicked off at approximately 1:00 p.m. with 'Gers in their typical 3-1-4-2 formation. Payne graciously stood between the posts as keeper and proved his keeper skills are not limited to the indoor style of play. Relatively unbothered for most of the match, Payne was only forced into a few collections and a couple of punches on corners. The back line proved stalwart and maintained good control of the ball when it got into our half. The Wolfhounds keeper pulled a hip muscle early on in the match and was soon substituted, forcing the new arrival to face a series of wing-inspired breakaways and touchline sprints down both flanks. Harris led a calvary charge ten minutes into the match that netted--if there had been nets, obviously--the first goal with Youssef (I believe) finishing a similar sequence shortly thereafter with a tap-in. Harris may have had a second, also (sorry Dan, I can't remember) and Snyder added the fourth in the second half after a quick throw-in from Shook on the near sideline.

More important than the goals, however, was the relatively good movement and passing the team exhibited for their first practice together. The field was boggy in spots, to be sure, but 'Gers seemed to knock the ball around well on a short pitch and really opened up the wings...much like our regular style of play.

With the regular season starting next Sunday at Gladstone High School, let's hope that ball control and movement translates to a good start on an artificial pitch.

FC77 Rangers Online: New and Improved! Well, Mostly Just New!

An Important Message from FC77 Rangers

Some of you--and by some of you, I mean the four of you who actually check this website on a semi-regular basis--may have noticed that the usually timely, snarky, and generally all-around awesome updates for "The Greatest O-30 Recreational Football Club in the Greater Portland, Oregon Area" were a little nonexistent last fall. While that was in part due to a disproportionately high number of losses and a disproportionately low number of regular players, that is not an excuse for keeping our loyal handful of followers up to date on the latest and the greatest about the Yellow and Black. A lack of updates is inexcusable and not in keeping with one of the many unofficial Ranger mottos, particularly "Never Give Up." As such, swift and ruthless administrative action has been taken to ensure that sure a lapse in reporting never happens again. As of this morning, the squad issued the following statement:

"Due to a lack of the usual high quality--or, well, almost ANY posts--for the previous fall 2010 campaign, FC77 Rangers has announced that effective immediately, Sean Ingersoll has been sacked as manager. We thank Sean for his four years of faithful service, which saw the team go from 0-10 prior to his arrival to winning one division championship in 2008, two runners-up (also in 2008 and 2009), and getting royally shafted by finishing tied for top points in spring 2010 but not being allowed to play in the championship. However, an 0-8-2 season is not acceptable to a recreational football team of Rangers' stature and so a change must be made. I mean, we're not like Arsenal that keeps their manager on forever without ever winning anything!

"However, a change must be made and so it is with a heavy heart that we have released Sean from his contract. We realize that with the Winter season approaching February 13th, a quick replacement must be made in order to ensure a smooth transition and to keep Sven Goran Eriksson from getting too interested in the position. As such, after an exhaustive search process, we are proud to announce that a worthy successor has been tapped and has taken over the squad effective immediately. He is familiar with the squad's proud history and will help us move forward in a positive, ass-kicking direction. Please help us welcome our new manager to FC77 Rangers...

"Seanny 2.0: Same snarky bald guy, just more awesomer."

Seriously, people. Did you really think you were going to get rid of me that easily?

I'm back and my head is fully in the game. We had some struggles in the fall, but if you spend all of your time looking back, you get smacked in the head by what is coming up. Which is cool if you are into that kind of thing, but I'm not. Look for regular updates on this site regarding match results, new personnel, merchandise that we may or may not ever produce, etc. I'm even toying with the idea of introducing some fun new features to the site like "Know Your Rangers" and "The Full 95". "Know Your Rangers" will include random questions about the team, our history, and our general awesomeness. "The Full 95" is a total copy of the Portland Timbers segment where they take a player and ask a series of random rapid-fire questions while a stopwatch ticks in the background, only instead of 90 seconds we'll go for 95 because ladies, FC77 Rangers can go just a little longer than everybody else. Hubba hubba!

Stay tuned for more updates here at http://fc77rangers.blogspot.com, your one-stop source for all things FC77 Rangers on the internets!