2007 Fall Season

"The FC77 Rangers kicked off their Fall 2007 campaign under glorious September skies on the new club pitch located at the Montessori Earth School in SE Portland. In front of a record crowd for the Over-30, Third Division squad --consisting of approximately two dozen club players, fans, family and some malted beverages"

• FC77 Rangers vs. Inka United: 9 September, 2007
• FC77 Rangers vs. Viet Portland: 16 September, 2007
• FC77 Rangers vs. Blue Monk: 23 September, 2007
• FC77 Rangers vs. Code Blue: 30 September, 2007
• FC77 Rangers vs. Petro Kickers: 7 October, 2007
• FC77 Rangers vs. Tekvision Lagers Legends: 14 October, 2007
• FC77 Rangers vs. Symmetry Northwest: 21 October, 2007
• FC77 Rangers vs. NW Bike United: 28 October, 2007
• FC77 Rangers vs. Azzuri: 11 November, 2007
• FC77 Rangers vs. FC Banfield: 18 November, 2007

Season	Played	Wins	Losses	Draws	Points
2007 Fall	10	3	6	1	10

2007 Fall Scorers
Name	Goals
James McConnachie	7
Malvern Ntini	4
Aaron Radigan	3
Sean-Scott Ingersoll	2
Brian Bauman	1
Thomas Fahrbach	1
Ron King	1
Matt Muralt	1
Jim Snyder	1

FC77 Rangers 4, FC Banfield 3

(Scorers: King 18’, Ntini 25’, Muralt 30’, McConnachie 60’)

18 November 2007

THIS IS HOW IT ALL ENDS

On a cold, wet, dark afternoon that was miserable enough to keep all the would-be Junior Rangers and family back at home, the Yellow and Black clawed their way to a season finale victory against FC Banfield and finished with their best record in many years. The Montessori Earth School pitch was perhaps better suited for a monster truck rally—most of the striping was washed away and the field of play was barely defined by the corner flags and a pair of orange buckets that marked the center of the field, but despite the wretched November weather and the quickly approaching darkness, ‘Gers made their own luck and claimed their third victory of the season. Some might say that a 3-6-1 record isn’t that impressive. Those people would be ass-monkeys. [Kids, be sure to get your parent’s permission before reading the Ranger’s Match Summaries!] Ten points from a tough campaign is another step forward for a team that didn’t win any matches a year ago (OK, we did win one by forfeit, but…) and indicates steady improvement for the Over-30, Third Division team.

As with all of our matches, it wasn’t easy. Seventeen players braved the elements and every single player contributed to the victory in another shortened match. Despite Ranger’s good early passing and control, Banfield’s Division 2 “ringer” player broke through the back line against the run of play and put the opposition up approximately ten minutes into the match. A response was forthcoming as both Malvern Ntini and James McConnachie had shots just miss the target in the following minutes. ‘Gers finally answered with a truly spectacular effort approximately eight minutes later when McConnachie and Ntini, working a series of quick passes to stymie Banfield’s trap, got the ball out to the far right corner. McConnachie arched a beautiful cross to the far post and Ron King answered with a thundering header into the upper corner to equalize. King’s first goal of the season proved to be a much-needed proverbial adrenaline shot to FC77’s heart and rallied the squad for a stellar fifteen minutes of football. Around the 25th minute, ‘Gers capitalized on a corner kick and Ntini slammed home the go-ahead goal after a brief scramble in the box. Matt Muralt, one of the central midfield workhorses all season long, put Rangers up 3-1 with an expertly timed run through Banfield’s fullbacks. Thinking they had caught him with offsides, the defenders stopped pursuit, only to have referee Ken Koopmans allow play to continue. Muralt noticed the keeper was way off his line and audaciously chipped him…from about 35-40 yards out. You could almost hear the incoming whistle as the bomb loped over his head and dropped into the net. Truly, it was an awesome strike. With approximately ninety seconds to play in the half, the Banfield ringer picked up his hat trick with a cutting run at the top of the box that allowed him to score far side and then, a minute later, with the finish on a Route One link-up at the whistle.

Tied at 3-3 and with halftime reduced to about two minutes in order to maximize the length of the second half, Rangers dug in and fought their way to victory. The match turned chippy from the second half whistle. Aaron Radigan exchanged forearms with a Banfield player who took exception to his perfectly legal tackles. Brian Bauman violently upended more than one striker who tried to dribble through him and Mike Pullen and Jay Abramowitz also took on multiple attacks by going to ground, usually to the visitor’s chorus of “Referee!” Finally, around the hour mark, ‘Gers made that little bit of luck that the footballing gods had not given them all season long. Instead of playing our trademark long ball counter, the team worked a pair of beautiful near side midfield links. The first, from Ron Burden to Matt Muralt, back to Burden and then to King, just needed a clean finish to score. The second series (the exact sequence escapes me), skittered the ball across the goal mouth and McConnachie did what he has done so often this season…he found the net. His team-high seventh strike was coolly slotted past the keeper as the defense failed to cover his run. The sideline roared with approval. The last fifteen minutes, as play literally faded to black, became outright hostile—harsh tackles from behind, shoves in the box on set plays, a kick to the head and eventually a yellow card for Banfield. Rangers gave as good as they got and the final whistle was greeted with determined enthusiasm. In the glow of the SE 148th street lights, ‘Gers celebrated the effort and the season with malted beverages provided by former Ranger Attila Szlovak and Mike Pullen’s home brew.

In many ways, the win exemplified the spirit and character of the team as a whole. We scrap. We hustle. We yell at each other and we look for the sexy football when we can. We occasionally score some pretty awesome goals. We still don’t have any jerks on the squad and although we were desperately unlucky on some occasions—you know what I’m talking about—we work with what we’ve got and usually leave the pitch with our heads held high.< /p>

Oh, and if you piss us off, we will make you pay. [Kids, what did I say earlier?!]

Rangers, best wishes for a safe holiday season and a happy new year. The Spring 2008 season will start in late March or early April, so stay healthy until then. I look forward to seeing you all back at the Montessori School next year.

FALL 2007 GOAL SCORERS*
James McConnachie: 7
Malvern Ntini: 4
Aaron Radigan: 3
Sean-Scott Ingersoll: 2
Brain Bauman: 1
Thomas Fahrbach: 1
Ron King: 1
Matt Muralt: 1
Jim Snyder: 1
Total Goals Scored, Fall 2007: 21
Total Goals Scored, Spring 2007: 18
Total Goals Scored, Fall 2006: 9

PREVIOUS RANGERS SEASON RECORDS */**
FALL 2007: 3 – 6 – 1 (10 POINTS)
SPRING 2007: 2 – 6 – 2 (8 POINTS)
FALL 2006: 1 – 8 – 1 (4 POINTS)
SPRING 2006: 1 – 8 – 1 (4 POINTS)
FALL 2005: 0 – 10 - 0 (0 POINTS)

* -- Statistics not official, but I think they are pretty accurate. My recollection of Spring 2006 is pretty hazy, but I think we beat a nine man Code Blue team and tied the Azzuri. Let me know if you remember it differently.

** -- Do you see a pattern here? We are improving every season.

Sean Ingersoll

FC77 Rangers 1, Azzuri 1

(Scorer: Bauman 3')

11 November 2007

The last time the Rangers and the Italian club Azzuri met in the spring of 2006 over at Hillsboro Stadium, the match was a heated, controversial affair. The Azzuri were shown a straight red card for dissent, they tried to pick a fight with our own Jim Snyder, they protested virtually every call and harassed the referee from whistle to whistle...and then pleaded with him not to report the sending off. Despite the 0-0 tie (the two Ranger goals were disallowed for "offsides"--a pair of dubious calls at best), the match left a foul taste in the mouths of some of the FC77 players and provided the manager with enough ammunition to send out a...shall we say spirited?...bunch of rallying emails to the squad in the two weeks before the match. I won't reprint them here, but they were awesome. Trust me. With only a contingent of ten players, the Azzuri inquired with the home side if we would spot them a few players. As keeper Steve Berg said, "They asked if we would loan them some players, so I told them I wasn't the manager...but I think I know the answer to that one already." That answer was no. With twilight becoming darkness by 5:00, the match was forced to be played with short 35 minute halves, but the teams prepped the field in short order and were ready to play when referee Ken Koopman started the proceedings. A few remaining players from the previous 0-30 Division 2 match offered to fill the ranks of the Italians and so, buoyed by their new on-loan players, the match kicked off a little before 4:00.

'Gers were joined for the afternoon by new player "Dan", an experienced sweeper friend of Brian Bauman. Short of strikers and well-stocked with defenders for once, Brian was shifted from his typical enforcer role and moved up front with James McConnachie...and the manager's tactical genius was soon proved when Brian and James plowed through the ranks of the opposition and Brian scored within the first 240 seconds. "Now that's a spicy meatball!" Rangers played an aggressive, up-front match, often keeping the ball in the blue end for five-ten minutes at a time. James McConnachie fired a half-dozen shots at the woodwork and was unlucky to keep his goal-scoring streak alive. The play was often physical and tenacious, but the Italians only mustered a few medium to long distance shots that Steve easily saved. 'Gers also welcomed back Scott Anderson, playing for the first time this season after a protracted knee injury. Scott immediately picked up where he left off last season and filled gaps in the front and back lines when called upon and charged hard after every ball.

With a 1-0 lead at the half and looking comfortable in front (it really was unbelievable at least two or three more shots didn't find the back of the net), Rangers hurried back onto the field after a brief break to try and salvage as much of the second half as possible before the match was called on account of darkness. A couple of early right side misses seemed to signal another score for FC77 when the match took a strange and unfortunate turn. One of the on-loan players for the Azzuri poked through the right side and fired a hard shot at our keeper, equalizing the game with about twenty minutes to go. Disgusted by the turn of events, Rangers protested vigorously and, although the goal stood, the reserves soon pulled themselves off the pitch. Regrettably, the damage was done and the Yellow and Black could not find the match winner before it became pitch black. It was an especially bitter pill to be forced to swallow, considering the history between the two squads and the fact that they used to drub us 0-8 back in 2005.

Thanks to the Vogel girls for acting as our Junior Rangers for the evening. Rangers conclude the Fall 2007 campaign next Sunday vs. FC Banfield--and only FC Banfield, I've been promised--at the Montessori Earth School. Ranger supporters, family and friends are encouraged to attend...and bring flashlights and glow sticks.

Sean Ingersoll

FC77 Rangers 1, NW Bike United 3

(Scorer: McConnachie 85')

28 October 2007

James McConnachie's eighty-fifth minute strike gave him a club-leading six goals for the season and kept the Rangers from being shut out against always competitive NW Bike United. Oddly enough, 'Gers managed to keep the majority of possession for the first half and held the ball at least 50% of the second half, but it was United that made the most of their few chances and earned the win. The result was identical to last spring's match at Milwaukie High School and was admittedly disappointing given that Bike was only a position or two ahead of the Yellow and Black in the table. The match was well-attended by supporters and family and Jim Snyder's children, Ethan and Rory, were Junior Rangers for the afternoon.

Sean Ingersoll

FC77 Rangers 4, Symmetry Northwest 3

(Scorers: Radigan 10’, Ingersoll 45’, Ntini 60’, McConnachie 75’ – pk)

21 October 2007

Four – Number of goals scored.
Three – Number of goalkeepers Rangers used.
Two – Number of oversized goalie boxes.
One – Gutsy win.

The Rangers returned to their winning ways with another strong performance at the Montessori Earth School against Symmetry Northwest. Last season’s match resulted in a 2-2 tie and the contests have been historically close, if not always in the Yellow and Black’s favor. Crisp autumn skies and a slick field provided a perfect October venue for men’s soccer and the throngs—oh yes, we had throngs of fans—were treated to another fine victory. Junior Ranger Appreciation Day was celebrated with treats for all the younger FC77 fans, namely, Champion’s League soccer trading cards. After all, what four year old girl wouldn’t want Gianluca Zambrotta’s Barcelona card? (In mint condition, no less!)

It only took about ten minutes before Malvern Ntini, returning to his striker role, harassed and haunted the Symmetry back line. A dazzling dribble along the right edge of the huge goalie box, two jukes at the end line, and a laser pass across the goal mouth found Aaron Radigan go to ground to plant the shot into the net, much to the delight of the PBRmy. Play continued for another twenty minutes or so before tragedy found FC77. Keeper Steve Berg, throwing himself at a Symmetry cross to punch out the clearance, smashed heads with the lunging striker and went to the pitch in obvious agony. Rangers, thinking play had been stopped for a head injury, picked up the ball…only to be called by referee Ahmed Shams for a penalty kick. Steve’s lip was notably torn and bleeding. Play was stopped for four minutes as Steve gamely tried to self-bandage his mouth and continue, but it was obvious that his day was done. (Steve later was treated at an urgent care facility with four stitches.) Surrendering the gloves and keeper shirt to Jim Snyder, Symmetry converted the dubious penalty and leveled around the half-hour mark. Undaunted, ‘Gers continued our brand of spirited play and raced the ball down the right side, drawing the Symmetry defense toward that half of the field. The cross was expertly dummied by Dan Holstein, allowing Sean Ingersoll to run onto the pass, take a touch, and slot a left-footer inside the near post. Sean honored the strike with a Natasha Kai goal celebration* and the squad went into the break up 2-1.

That little bit of luck that has escaped the team for most of the season continued into the second half. Malvern added a third tally to the score line (as well as his own season strike count) around the hour mark with another dribble and shot that appeared to bounce off the Symmetry stick minder and a defender before coming to rest in the net. Not content to sit back and wait the match out, Rangers tried to capitalize on corners—Matt Muralt had a leaping header go wide—and free kicks, as the Symmetry keeper was forced to stretch for a ricocheted shot that was headed under the crossbar but for his efforts. James McConnachie was tripped up in the box approximately fifteen minutes later by a clumsy, hacking tackle and took Rangers to the Charity Spot for the first time this season. Despite Symmetry’s baiting protestations, James coolly stepped up and sent the keeper left before dumping the ball into the net for his fifth goal this season. Up 4-1 with less than thirty minutes to go, Mark Vogel graciously offered to let Jim go back into the field and assume the keeper’s duties…and was soon put to the test when Shams awarded another Symmetry penalty. Guessing correctly that the shooter would go to the left, Mark just missed the stop by inches. A legitimate, arcing shot around minute 85’ put the opposition within a goal of tying and forced ‘Gers to dig in and hustle on defense for a tense final five minutes. The final whistle was greeted with cheers and sighs as another characteristically close match concluded. The defense was tenacious as usual and the midfield worked well to come back and shape up on defense when called.

Special thanks to Jim Snyder for accepting the keeper’s gloves when asked and for Mark Vogel to selflessly come in and close out the match. It is that kind of teamwork that makes our team so cool.

That and the Champion’s League trading cards. Anybody want to trade a Rooney for my Materazzi…?

* - If you were not at the US National Women’s Team exhibition against Mexico the previous Wednesday and sitting in sections 113 or 114, you likely have no idea what this means.

Sean Ingersoll

FC77 Rangers 1, Tekvision Lagers Legends 4

(Scorer: McConnachie 85')

14 October 2007

Ever wonder what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object? In the case of stationary Brian Bauman v. hard charging Tekvision Lagers Legend striker, the answer is immovable object all the way! Not content to be handed a 7-0 thrashing like we did back in fall of 2005, Rangers literally stood their ground and played the league contenders hard for ninety minutes at the Montessori Earth School.

When you play Tekvision, you’ll expect hard runs through the center of the field, some deft passing, and a back line that seems to stand about six and a quarter feet tall. The Yellow and Black, playing with a comfortable complement of 14 players, scrambled and hustled to meet the challenge, never backing away from fifty-fifty balls nor failing to try and counter when the opportunity availed itself. The visitors bagged three before half time from a variety of plays, but we refused to be run over as in years past. Bauman’s fair challenge for the ball at the top of the box referenced in the opening paragraph exemplified the gutsy performance of the squad…even as it put the striker out of commission for a good three minutes. Rangers took away Tekvision’s clean sheet about five minutes from time on a nifty sequence that saw Sean Ingersoll cross the ball from the right to Aaron Radigan’s head, who sent it over to James McConnachie…who finished the sequence with a header of his own past the keeper and into the net. We played them to a 1-1 draw in the second half and that is something to build upon.

The final stretch of four matches for ‘Gers are against middle to bottom of the table squads—Symmetry Northwest, NW Bike United, the Azzuri, and FC Banfield. With spirited performances and the “stand your ground” work ethic we have seen over the season, there is no reason to believe we can’t nab a few victories and finish with more wins than we have had in the last five years. As a matter of fact, I believe Rangers will return to our winning ways next week…in a close match…perhaps decided by a penalty kick… Will the manager’s prediction come true? Tune in next week and find out!

Sean Ingersoll

FC77 Rangers 6, Petro Kickers 3

(Scorers: Ntini 10', 60'; Radigan 20', 85'; Fahrbach 65'; McConnachie 75')

7 October, 2007

GOAL-A-PALOOZA, BABY!

The Rangers unleashed a barrage of shots against league newcomers Petro Kickers and were rewarded with six goals at the Montessori Earth School, highlighting a solid all-around performance that saw the yellow and black triumph with their highest offensive output (against a full-strength squad) in the last three years. Inspired by the manager's email call-to-arms after last week's low attendance, 'Gers responded with a full strength squad that included 17 uniformed players, a half-dozen family members/spectators, and of course, the PBRmy. New player Mike Porter joined the team for the afternoon to help shore up the back line and referee Joe Pardo promptly started play at 4:00 p.m.

Even from the kick-off, it was obviously going to be FC 77's day. Rangers held possession for the first two or three minutes solid and kept play in the opponent's end. Malvern Ntini, returning from an early season hamstring injury that kept him out of the first four matches, got on the scoreline ten minutes in with a dazzling dribble through most all of the Petro back line, across the face of goal, and shot back against the keeper to the net. 1-0. Not to be outdone, Aaron Radigan produced a similarly impressive dribble of his own through the goal box and finished with a goal to the left side. He may say he was trying to cross it, but we all knew that had "score" written all over it. 2-0.

Up by a deuce at the half, Rangers were excited about their ball movement and control. Ample substitutes kept everybody's legs fresh and the pace lively. Petro found some momentum of their own early in the second half and scored approximately fifteen minutes into the half, but Ntini quickly answered back with a second strike to keep the lead at two...3-1. Rangers and Petro exchanged goals for the last half hour to keep the match interesting and taut: Petro found another shot ricochet off the inside of the woodwork to make it 3-2, but Thomas Fahrbach's tap in off Ntini's cross restored the two goal lead. Petro had another mid-range shot skitter off the crossbar to make it 4-3, but then the Rangers turned the screws and killed the game off. After the Petro keeper punched a shot off the line, Radigan took the deflection and crossed it back toward James McConnachie, who finished the series with a header to the back of the net...5-3. 'Gers finished the scoring summary when Radigan cleaned up a poor Petro clearance and shinned it back into the twine...6-3. The defense also shined throughout the match. David Hayden, playing the near post on a Petro corner, took two shots/deflections to the body before Steve Berg wrapped up the ball...and David never left his post! Mike Porter headed another curling corner off the line that would have been a goal. Mike Pullen, Brian Bauman, and Ron Burden all put in their typically solid efforts at the back line, and the midfield kept good possession and control throughout the afternoon. Referee Pardo issued a caution to Petro late in the match (a green card again...what is with the green card?) for a frustrated challenge on Ron Burden (I believe).

A sterling performance for the club. To paraphrase the timeless words of '80s uberrockers the Scorpions:

"Here I am...and I will rock you like a hurricane."

Kendall Ingersoll was the Junior Ranger for the match. Ranger fans are encouraged--nay, beseeched--to join us next week for the always epic battle against Tekvision Lagers Legends. Good seats always available. Any young fans waving a Rangers banner or sign will get a prize the following week! Seriously!

Sean Ingersoll

FC77 Rangers 1, Code Blue 5

(Scorer: Ingersoll 82')

30 September, 2007

Nearly 45 minutes before the 2:00 p.m. kick-off against league power Code Blue, nine of the opponents were huddled under their canopy tarp at the northwest corner of the pitch. Around 1:40, Sean Ingersoll, Brian Bauman and Ron King were similarly gathered under a tent of our own with Brian's two girls. Blue's ranks had swelled to a full eleven.

"Well, we got a forward, a gimpy midfielder, and a defender." The trio of Rangers chuckled. "I guess that's almost a team." Soon thereafter, Jim Snyder and his boy Ethan showed up, as did Thom and goalkeeper Steve Berg...and he was suffering from a head cold. Aaron Radigan and new Argentine player Dario Lemos began to warm up. Referee Jan Wolf came by to check the roster.

"So, is this all of your players?" he asked. With eight, we technically had enough to field a team and play the match.

"As of right now. We like dramatic last minute entrances," Ingersoll smiled. Wasn't it just two match summaries ago I was waxing about having fifteen and not worrying about not having enough players? Stupid manager! Bad manager!

As the teams took the soggy pitch in a new 3-3-1 formation, Mark Vogel came dramatically rushing onto the field. We decided to play a 3-1-3-1, or maybe it was a [6/2 + 2 + (3 x 1)] + 1. Whatever. We had nine against an a full squad of police officers and DAs under stormy conditions. All we needed was some Scandinavian thrash metal and it was just like the Battle of Thermypolae as depicted in "300"...minus 291.

No one would have faulted the Rangers for sitting back Alamo-style and hoping for reinforcements, but to our credit we played Code Blue like we had a full team, collapsing on defense to meet wing attacks and charging the counter when the opportunity arose. Despite having two additional men, Blue struggled to connect with the open players and their shots were often wide. As usual, keeper Steve was active in the box, sliding in to grab the ball off the striker's feet and coming off his line to throw himself at point blank shots. Thom, Jim and Brian formed the makeshift defensive line and the three of them slid, dived and punted everything that came near them. Dario and Ron worked a few surprise runs that caught the opponents off guard and managed a few shots of their own; Dario in particular had one strike that just missed the woodwork. Despite 'Gers best efforts, Blue finally found the net off a fluke deflection...after twenty-five minutes. Blue scored another one before half, this one a real goal, and the yellow and black went into half-time down 0-2.

The half-time gathering was surprisingly upbeat. "We're playing good ball," someone offered. Dario suggested more give and gos, "South American style." Splattered in mud and starting to feel tired, the team regrouped at the north end and pressed on for another half. Play continued in much the same manner as the first half. Rangers scrapped to clear the ball. Blue squawked about getting called for offsides. Around the hour mark, Steve made two tremendous consecutive saves--a sprawling, fingertip diversion followed by a point-blank block off the chest--before the rebound was clipped in. That was a heartbreaker. Two more goals followed in the ensuing twenty minutes as 'Gers were overwhelmed by numbers and Blue made better use of their two open men. It was disappointing, but there was to be a bit of a silver lining in the afternoon's leaden skies.

Rangers broke the right flank and moved the ball along the sideline into the Blue half of the pitch. Someone, maybe Jim or Dario, booted a beautiful cross back to the center of the field. Sean--at this point a hobbling, limping train wreck of a left midfielder--chested the ball down and, despite being twenty-five to thirty yards from the goal, somehow decided it would be a good idea to take a strike off the half-volley. The shot had some zing to it and beat the keeper at full stretch to the upper right corner. Sean, both elated and momentarily blinded with pain, let out a scream that was either "YEEAAAHH!" or "RANGERS!" or some other unintelligible exclamation. In any case, we took away their clean sheet and played some spirited ball for the last eight minutes. It was kind of cool.

Thanks again to Ethan Snyder for being our Junior Ranger in the worst of conditions. Our fans are by far the best and most dedicated...even if they come because their Daddies make them. We look forward to fielding a full strength squad next week. Until then, remember the heroic efforts of the nine Rangers who fought bravely against the assembled armies of the Code Blue, Mother Nature, and Totally Trashed Groin Muscles..."RANGERS!!!!"

STEVE BERG...BRIAN BAUMAN...THOM FAHRBACH...JIM SNYDER...AARON ADIGAN...DARIO LEMOS...MARK VOGEL...RON KING...SEAN-SCOTT INGERSOLL

Sean Ingersoll

FC77 Rangers 1, Blue Monk 4

(Scorer: McConnachie 65')

23 September, 2007

The Blue Monk-Rangers rivalry is always a highlight in the club's fixture schedule. I daresay it is a derby match of some sort. Many of our squad are friends with their team and play in the same indoor soccer league (if not on the same team) with them. The matches are generally pretty close and well-contested without getting too surly--good, hard-played recreational football. Rangers managed a 2-1 win last Spring on the season opener and so it was with some optimism that the yellow and black took to the pitch at the Montessori Earth School. Clear autumn skies and another good crowd of family, FC77 PBR players from the previous match, and the occasional neighbor came out to watch.

Referee Mohammed Al-Abbas started the match promptly at 4:00 and the two sides, as expected, matched up fairly evenly. Fullback Mike Pullen once again orchestrated the back line and kept the early Monk shots from being too threatening. Rangers put together a few probing stabs from the right and center, keeping the away team keeper on his toes. Monk opened the scoring around the twenty minute mark with a drop shot from the center that fell kindly for their striker, but 'Gers recovered their shape and managed to deal with the rest of the attacks until the half-time whistle. Matt Muralt, switching to a striker role from his usual center midfield position, dribbled the ball straight down the throat of the Blue Monk defense, fended off a pair of charges, and sent a hard shot just right of the goal. Spurred by the play, Rangers continued to scrap for possession and control. Aaron Radigan had a notable battle with a Monk left midfielder that saw the two of them go to ground, recover, shoulder charge each other (and repeat!) along the near touchline with Radigan ultimately winning the ball. Dan Holstein and Muralt also coordinated on a fine free kick just outside the box that whipped and dipped, making the keeper leap to parry out the shot. Down by a goal at halftime, the sideline consensus was that the team had an equalizer coming...

...and the team was correct. Jim Snyder, finding some open space and freedom to run along the right side, took a through pass and corralled it down the touchline, beat the left back, and served up a beautiful, floating cross to the far post. Sean Ingersoll hobbled/gimped his way to to get on the end of it and headed it back off the end line to James McConnachie, poised mid-goal at the six yard box, who finished the attack with a predator's header into the net. I suppose as the writer of this match summary (and active participant in the play) I should maintain some sort of journalistic neutrality, but I have to say, it was BLEEPIN' AWESOME! The assembled crowd roared their support, especially the "FC77 PBRmy" as I shall dub them. Play continued with enthusiasm for the rest of the match and included more set play class from Holstein and Muralt on another well-taken free kick and a late match short corner that Ingersoll sent high, wide and not too handsomely over the crossbar. Playing with fewer than anticipated players due to a rash of last minute injury reports, 'Gers did well to keep the tempo up and the tackles clean.

Unfortunately, Monk scored three more times. Whatever. Our goal was way cooler.

Special Ranger props goes out to all of our fans, notably, the Vogel girls ("Go Yellow Team!"), the entire Radigan family, the Ingersoll girls, and the members of the Muralt family who came to watch. An extra special shout-out goes to Toby Holstein, who selflessly set up the corner flags and helped with the nets. Toby, when you turn 30 in like, 17 or 18 years, you totally have a starting position on the squad. If I neglected to mention any family spectators--my apologies. The 1400 mg of ibuprofen I have to take to play occasionally messes with my head.

Sean Ingersoll

FC77 Rangers 2, Viet Portland 3

(Scorers: Snyder 15', McConnachie 55')

16 September, 2007

Bullie Sibanda runs onto the ball with James McConnachie providing support.

The Rangers defensive line (Hayden, Pullen and Bauman, from left) defend against a Viet Portland attack while the midfielders race back for support.

The second week of the Fall 2007 O-30, Third Division campaign found the Rangers taking the field against Viet Portland at the Montessori Earth School. A light drizzle and leaden skies kept the grounds cool and slick, in marked contrast to the previous week's soaring temperatures. Boasting a comfortable compliment of fifteen players--remember when we could barely field a full eleven? Ah, good times--the team lined up for the traditional team photo in fine spirits and was backed by a good crowd of about a dozen pro-FC77 supporters. Our previous match-up against Viet in the fall of 2006 resulted in a 2-5 loss and 'Gers anticipated an energetic, fluid opponent...but was oddly surprised with the slow start to the game. Not the on-field action, mind you. Despite having approximately 30 players, Viet took an excessively long time to put up the nets, get a game ball, change out of their all-too-similar yellow strip, etc. When referee Joe Pardo blew the whistle to start the game, ten minutes had already passed.

With the kick-off came the quick, mobile play the Rangers had anticipated. Playing what appeared to be a 2-6-2, Viet marched the ball down the field and found the net within the first ten minutes. Discouraging, yes. Deflating? Not with this team, buddy. Discovering that Viet's Achilles heel was their reluctance to play defense, 'Gers got behind their back line and attacked hard from the right side. Aaron Radigan's aggro header took a deflection off the Viet goalkeeper (maybe a defender--I couldn't tell) and landed at Jim Snyder's feet, who finished the tough offensive series but putting it in the back of the net to equalize approximately five minutes after the first goal. With the tie, the two teams battled evenly for the rest of the shortened first half. Brian Bauman and Jay Abramowitz played enforcer and kept many Viet runs at bay with crunching tackles and forceful shoulder charges. Keeper Steve Berg was again everywhere between the posts, picking up at least a half dozen saves before half-time.

The second half looked promising and around the 55th minute, Mark Vogel soft-shoed through the left side of the Viet defense, stayed on his feet despite several stabs in their box, and laid the ball off to James McConnachie, who obliged with a wicked kill shot into the net. For the first time in 145 minutes, Rangers had a lead. Pressing on for a third, striker Ron King was unfairly called for offsides a couple of times. Against the run of play, Viet Portland broke through the middle, caught Steve Berg one on one, and equalized around the 70th minute. Another goal followed on a similar breakaway ten minutes later. Tensions started to rise as both squads scrapped for possession in the closing minutes and the referee was forced to book one of the Viet players for dissent...with a green card. Maybe he meant to reach for a yellow card. Maybe there is some new football law I'm not familiar with...whatever. With the Rangers winning a corner kick in the 90th minute, manager Sean Ingersoll screamed for the entire team to push forward for a last ditch effort. Pushing ten men into a potential scoring position for the last kick, Viet deflected the ball out of bounds--didn't look like they were ten yards away from our sideline--and Pardo blew the match over.

While not quite getting the win, Rangers certainly improved over last year's performance and, with a little bit of luck, might have salvaged a point. Ethan Snyder returned as Junior Ranger along with Kendall Ingersoll who, despite being on crutches, also served as match photographer.

Sean Ingersoll

FC77 Rangers 0, Inka United 4

September 9, 2007

The FC77 Rangers kicked off their Fall 2007 campaign under glorious September skies on the new club pitch located at the Montessori Earth School in SE Portland. In front of a record crowd for the Over-30, Third Division squad --consisting of approximately two dozen club players, fans, family and some malted beverages-- 'Gers faced a tough new opponent, Inka United, who had been playing in the Hispanic Leagues for the past few years.

Aye, carumba!

The first fifteen minutes was a fairly open affair as both teams worked the lush, wide open grass pitch. Inka broke the deadlock with their first goal after the quarter hour and then another strike approximately ten minutes thereafter, followed by a third goal around minute 35 from a toe punch well outside the box. This appeared to put the match out of reach; the Rangers were were obviously disappointed but remained unbroken. Goalkeeper Steve Berg, frequently tested by close-range and long distance efforts, remained a formidable presence between the posts, coming off his line to challenge the Inkan strikers and sliding in to take the ball of their feet. Down 0-3 at the half, the 'Gers regrouped under the shade of the pitch trees and returned for the second half renewed and determined.

The soccer gods appeared to smile on the home team as the Rangers quickly took position of the ball, rushed the right side of the field, and put a cross to striker Ron King, who found the back of the net...only to have referee Bobby Neeway disallow the goal with an offsides call. For a fifteen minute span in the middle of the second half, it really looked like the Rangers would find their opening strike. One frantic series saw two consecutive shots rocket off the woodwork, deflect off the keeper's gloves and bounce off another defender at close range...
but Soccer is a cruel mistress and she was not in a loving mood this afternoon. United's fourth goal fifteen minutes from time was unfortunate and, I recall, against the general run of play.

Jim Snyder's children, Ethan and Rory, volunteered to be the Junior Rangers for Match Day #1 of the campaign and, as previously mentioned, the home team had good fan support along the touchlines. While we wished the first result on our new pitch had been more favorable, the team agreed the field was definitely an improvement over pretty much everything we played on in the spring. Rangers continue their World Tour next week when Viet Portland comes calling at the Earth School. Season tickets are still available!

Sean Ingersoll

2007 Fall Season Squad: 3rd Division, Over 30

Manager: Sean Ingersoll

Back row (standing):
Ron Burden (midfielder), James McConnachie (striker), Aaron Radigan (midfielder), David Hayden (fullback), Brian Bauman (utility), Steve Berg (goalkeeper), Mike Pullen (fullback)

Front row (kneeling):
Bulisani Sibanda (striker/midfield), Ron King (striker), Kendall Ingersoll (Junior Ranger), Sean-Scott Ingersoll (manager/midfielder), Jim Snyder (midfielder), Thomas Fahrbach (striker/midfielder), Matt Muralt (midfielder), Mark Vogel (utility)

Not pictured:
Jay Abramowitz (fullback), Scott Anderson (utility), Dan Holstein (midfielder), Douglas Greenberg (midfielder), Malvern Ntini (utility), and Jim Seaton (fullback)

2007 Spring Season

"It was a dark and stormy night.
Suddenly, a shot rang out!"

"Well, not so much as rang out, but more like skipped across the muddy field until it came to rest against the inside of the net. Just like that, the Rangers opened the Spring 2007 campaign with a goal and the lead en route to a 2-1 victory over Blue Monk."

• FC77 Rangers vs. Blue Monk: 19 April, 2007
• FC77 Rangers vs. Code Blue: 25 April, 2007
• FC77 Rangers vs. Rose & Thistle: 9 May, 2007
• FC77 Rangers vs. Symmetry Northwest: 16 May, 2007
• FC77 Rangers vs. Tekvision Lagers Legends: 23 May, 2007
• FC77 Rangers vs. NW Bike United: 6 June, 2007
• FC77 Rangers vs. FC Banfield: 13 June, 2007
• FC77 Rangers vs. Tekvision Lagers Legends: 20 June, 2007
• FC77 Rangers vs. NE Portland Chiropractic: 27 June, 2007
• FC77 Rangers vs. Rose & Thistle: 11 July, 2007

Season	Played	Wins	Losses	Draws	Points
2007 Spring	10	2	6	2	8

2007 Spring Scorers
Name	Goals
Ron King	4
Malvern Ntini	4
Ron Burden	2
Attila Szlovak	2
Darin Creason	1
Dan Holstein	1
James McConnachie	1
Aaron Radigan	1
Jim Snyder	1
Mark Vogel	1

FC77 Rangers 4 vs. Rose & Thistle 5

(Scorers: King 10', Vogel 30', Creason 70', Ntini 84')

11 July, 2007

One of the jobs of a club manager is to send out email reminders to the squad prior to the match. Normally, these are straightforward messages with the correct time, date and field location. There is often a reminder/plea to let the manager know if you will be unable to play. Prior to the July 11 rematch against the division champions Rose & Thistle, the English team that drubbed us back in May, manager Sean Ingersoll wanted to take the email reminder up a notch to properly motivate the team. Please note the original email has been edited for family-friendly viewing on the website:

Now a season ender against a formidible opponent like the English merits some sort of call-to-arms...some really rousing charge to get us pumped. Here's what I got...
I may love Manchester United more than most of the members of my extended family...
And I may think that Kate Beckinsale and Keira Knightley are two of the hottest women on the planet...
And I may even dip my French fries into mayonnaise, not catsup, like they do in England...
...but for ninety minutes this Wednesday, these particular [antagonistic nationalist characterization that rhymes with "slimy"] [expletive deleted, kind of rhymes with "mustards", but not really] can kiss my Ranger [expletive deleted, rhymes with "brass"]!
CAN I GET A "HELL YEAH?!"

Oh, Seanny got his "Hell, Yeah!" all right. In temperatures in the low 90s and humidity that felt almost as high at Delta Park #2, the Rangers closed out their Spring '07 campaign with a rousing, spirited performance and almost pulled off the impossible tie. We didn't get beaten; Rose & Thistle simply scored one more goal.

Our full complement of eighteen players took to the field with a cheering section that included injured Kyle Gunsul, his dog, occasional on-loan player and friend of FC77 Dan Calkins, vocal supporter Toby Holstein, and the entire Radigan family (including Junior Ranger Sydney, Almost A Junior Ranger Joel, and--for the first time ever--Rangerette wife Shannon). We even had a shaded canopy tent I will christen "The Citadel" (mostly because that sounds really cool.) Unfortunately, Rose scored about five minutes after the kick-off and the situation appeared grim. Not to be outdone, the Rangers answered with a left side blitz that allowed Ron King, nursing a back injury, to beat the keeper near side to equalize. Play continued with Rose getting a lot of passing sequences through the middle and they got two more goals to appear to put the match out of reach. As has been the case all season, the Rangers never gave up. Another far side series saw the ball get crossed back across the top of the English goal box and land at Mark Vogel's feet...who lobbed an achingly beautiful shot over the keeper and into the net. 'Gers went into half time only a goal down and filled with enthusiasm.

The second half saw our side get a few corner kicks and decent ball movement along the outside. Rose & Thistle was given a penalty kick for a lame-[expletive deleted, rhymes with "pass"] box flop that should cause the striker eternal shame. Keeper Steve Aarnio guessed the right direction on the spot shot, but it was just outside his reach. Down 4-2, the Rangers really began to scrap and fight for every ball--in the air, tackling on the ground, and along the sidelines. When Darin Creason punched in a rolling cross (off Dan Holstein's corner, I believe) to make it 4-3, the assembled crowd went wild. Rose got another cheeky goal--stupid counterattack--but Malvern Ntini dribbled around the left fullback and punked the keeper for a fourth goal with six minutes to play; Brian Bauman followed the shot in to make sure it counted. The English were stunned. The last six minutes was an exciting back and forth display and it was a heartbreaker not to find that fifth goal, but the Rangers more than avenged the 0-5 and 1-10 smackdowns we've endured from these guys over the last year.

A 2-6-2 record is a huge improvement over the past four seasons and while the squad has every reason to be proud of our efforts, the win-loss-tie stats don't tell the whole story. The fact is, we have a great team. Nobody is a jerk, we have fun, we scored more than a few goals, and our uniforms rock. Our club has our own pitch now, so hopefully we can avoid Lents Park-related traumas to our bodies. More wins will undoubtedly come with time and experience. So until the Fall campaign, thanks for playing (and paying your fees on time), recover from any nagging injuries or surgeries you have had/will have, and take care of yourselves. Everybody expressed an interest in returning and I have no doubt our squad is going to be [expletive deleted, rhymes with "fighting and ducking", but not the "fighting and" part] awesome sometime in the near future.

Cheers, gentlemen.

Sean Ingersoll

FC77 Rangers 2 vs. NE Portland Chiropractic 2

(Scorers: Holstein 25', Ntini 46')

27 June, 2007

The ninth match of the 2007 spring campaign found FC77 on the artificial turf at Delta Strasser against NE Portland Chiropractic. Under pleasant evening skies and with a roster of fifteen (eventually), the Rangers noticed that the visitors had appeared to have taken their own advantage of the summer transfer window--at least two and perhaps more of their players were from Symmetry Northwest. Typically a struggling club, NE PDX played several through balls against the 'Gers back line and appeared more organized than their overall record suggested. Approximately fifteen minutes into the match, a fluke ricocheted shot plopped behind keeper Steve Berg and put the yellow and black down by one. Undaunted, the Rangers pressed on. Sean Ingersoll had a streaking left side run that resulted in a cross to Bullie Sibanda, who dummied the ball to Brian Bauman for a hard shot on NE PDX. Dan Holstein followed up with a beauty of a goal that appeared to come off a volley and found the back left corner of the net. Ten minutes later the visitors scored again, this one a legitimate goal, and at the break the Rangers were down 2-1.

Malvern Ntini, recently arrived at the field, started the second half as the center midfielder and immediately made an impact. After stealing the Chiropractor's kick-off, the Rangers passed the ball down the left side and connected with Ntini, who dribbled around the keeper to equalize after less than a minute's play. Dominating for long periods of the second half and outshooting our opponents by at least a 3 to 1 margin, it was only cruel fate that kept the winning goal from going in. Matt Muraut had a zinger from distance smack off the crossbar. Another bold dribbling effort by Ntini saw him go through the fullbacks and fire off a shot to the far post that, in apparent defiance on all the known laws of Newtonian physics, hit the inside of the woodwork and somehow spun out into the sprawling goalkeeper's gloves. In the final two minutes, the Rangers had a trio of threatening shots from inside the box and Chiropractic appeared resigned to wait it out until referee Bristol Schmitz's final whistle. Honestly, if the match had lasted another two minutes, we would have won...it was that close.

The club had another healthy turn-out in terms of spectators--our handful of fans included former Rangers manager Tim Hanson and his daughter. Kendall Ingersoll returned as Junior Ranger for the evening and promptly made friends with every other child in attendance. The tie brought our club record to 2-5-2, with fourteen goals scored--truly, our best showing in the last three years. Our season comes to an end in two weeks when we replay the English, who apparently lost for the first time last Wednesday. So...they are mortal after all, eh...?

Sean Ingersoll

FC77 Rangers 0 vs. Tekvision Lagers Legends 2

20 June, 2007

Two sharp plays. That was the only difference between the Rangers and Tekvision Lagers Legends Wednesday night in the much anticipated replay between the two squads. Playing under clear skies at Lents Park Field #1--thereby completing the "Triple Crown" of Awful Lents Park Pitches--the Rangers once again summoned a full-strength squad to reprise a match-up with one of our more memorable games this season. Taking full advantage of the summer transfer window, Dan Calkins (on loan from Blue Monk for the evening) and new player Matt Muraut came out to make sure that our side wasn't short in numbers.

As usual, the 'Gers looked sharp, scrappy and determined throughout the first half. The defense played tough against the freakishly tall Tekvision side. Scott Anderson spent most of the time marking up on the bald striker "Chris" and keeping him from asking too many questions. Fullbacks Mike Pullen, Jim Seaton, Steve Aarnio, Dan Calkins and Brian Bauman (as well as others) also worked hard to keep Tek's offensive efforts at bay, including a dramatic goal line clearance. Play was predominantly in our half, but just before halftime Steve Aarnio got his head to a cross that was over the bar and Dan Holstein put back a goalkeeping clearance that made the Lagers nervous.

Despite many minutes spent chasing after the ball when it went out of touch and dodging traffic along Holgate, the teams battled pretty evenly for the first twenty minutes after the restart. Tekvision scored around the 65th minute with a quick through ball that was, in all fairness, deftly played. Bauman nullified a second charge from the left with a crunching slide tackle at the edge of the box-ish that sent Tek clamoring for a penalty call, but to no avail. Their second goal came about ten minutes from time off a monster throw-in that was headed in.

McKenzie Anderson finished her three-peat tour of duty as Junior Ranger and, despite eight regular players being on the disabled list or on travel (stupid work commitments!), the team once again put in a competitive performance. Next week the squad moves to the artificial turf goodness at Delta Strasser for a match against struggling NE Portland Chiropractic, so if any of you Ranger fans have been waiting to come out and watch, this would be the match to see. Seriously. Strasser Field has bleachers and everything. All the cool kids are going to be there. You should, too.

Sean Ingersoll

FC77 Rangers 3 vs. FC Banfield 0

(Scorers: Burden 15', Ntini 25', 65')

13 June, 2007

In what was the team's greatest performance in the last four seasons (and this includes the 8-0 drubbing of a nine man Code Blue squad in Spring '06), the Rangers destroyed FC Banfield at Delta Park #5 and earned goalkeeper Steve Berg his first clean sheet for the year. Bolstered by new players Doug Greenberg, Bullie Sibanda, and Malvern Ntini, 'Gers fielded a full squad of sixteen players and ran riot over the home team from the tenth minute on. Or, in the immortal words of '80s supergroup Def Leppard (from the single "Run Riot" off their acclaimed 1987 multi-platinum hit album "Hysteria"):

Get up! Break out!
Don't be the odd one out
C'mon, it's alright we're hot tonight
You better run
(Run)

(Run riot)

Banfield looked threatening early on when a long ball run left Steve Berg one on one with an attacking striker, but he was able to slide in and snuff the ball off the forward's feet. Immediately thereafter the Rangers started asking the questions, chiefly, How many goals are we going to score tonight? Banfield conceded the corners and the yellow and black took full advantage. A near side run, composed nicely of an overlap, a fantastic dribble and a fine cross allowed Ron Burden to put the exclamation point on a dynamic offensive series.

You gotta run
(Run)
(Run riot)
You know the time has come
(Run)
(Run Riot)

The Rangers soon found their rhythm and were switching fields, defending well, and linking up to the outside to keep the defenders off balance. Not content to keep the scoreline at just 1-0, new player Malvern Ntini took a run straight through the heart of the Banfield defense and beat the keeper to the left. 2-0.

C'mon, it's alright we're hot tonight
(Night, night, night)
Run! (Run)
(Run riot)
You gotta run

The potent attacking threat offered by the new players allowed the team to loosen up and play possession. The reserves on the sideline enthusiastically counted a series of eleven consecutive passes. The team was also able to add a new dimension to their game--the attacking stopper. Spirits were high at the halftime whistle, and ever cautious of the first ten minutes of the second half, the Rangers continued to hustle and play a smart game. Ntini got his second goal a little after the hour mark--

You know the time has come
(Run)
(Run riot)
C'mon, run with me
(Run)

--and then Banfield started getting frustrated. A studs up, double boot tackle on Kyle Gunsul was correctly carded by match referee Casey Dineen. Sibanda was also cautioned after fending off hard challenges from a handful of attackers tying to steal the ball from him. Greenberg was robbed of at least four breakaways on goal when the official incorrectly called him offsides--he was played on in all cases by their right back. Throughout the match, our side showed class by playing the ball out of touch when an opponent dislocated his shoulder or was otherwise injured.

McKenzie Anderson returned as Junior Ranger and our sideline boasted five or six fans. All in all, it was a fine evening...a fine evening to watch FC77...

(Run!) (Run riot)
Hey! C'mon!
Stick with me!
(Run riot)

(Extended one-armed drum solo)

Sean Ingersoll

FC77 Rangers 1 vs. NW Bike United 3

(Scorer: King 47')

6 June, 2007

The Rangers took to the field at Milwaukie High School with a full complement of players (we haven't played short yet this season--not too bad!) and as goalkeeper Steve Berg raced down I-5 to make the second half, Jay Abramowitz graciously offered to stand between the posts. The weather was fine, the pitch wasn't awful, and play moved from end to end for the opening fifteen minutes. Bike opted to play a long ball game and got two goals within ten or fifteen minutes of one another midway through the opening half. This could have deflated the 'Gers all together, but instead the squad continued to battle back. One series in particular down the right flank involved five different players give-and-going, moving to space, reversing the field and ultimately giving Aaron Radigan a crack at goal.

Historically, the team has struggled the opening ten minutes after the restart, but not today. With Jay yielding the gloves to Steve Berg and partnering with Scott Anderson as the tall center backs, Rangers went right on the offensive. Another right side run yielded a decent shot that clanged off the woodwork...only to see Ron King hit the rebound and beat the hopelessly out of position United keeper. Just like that, the Rangers were back in it. Sean Ingersoll, finally back after a two-month injury, worked the left sideline to harass the United defenders and teamed up with Dan Holstein on at least three corner set plays. Sean also shanked a shot so far to the right that it was a wonder our fans on the sideline weren't injured...but I digress. As the match wore on, Bike started getting better looks at our goal and asking questions. Their third goal, about ten minutes from time, was a cracker from outside the box that found the upper right corner.

A large, mostly pro-Rangers crowd (eight of our fans to two of theirs--in your face, Bike!) came out to watch and, as always, their support is greatly appreciated. McKenzie Anderson wore the Junior Ranger jersey and faithfully stayed for the entire evening. Maybe we should have a promotional night for the kids at the next match? Maybe if you make a Rangers poster and proudly display it on our sideline, maybe you'll get a surprise the following week. Maybe it will be a good surprise from Far Post Soccer Supply and not be lame.

Maybe...

Sean Ingersoll

FC77 Rangers 2 vs. Tekvision Lagers Legends 3

(Scorers: King 10', Szlovak 30')

23 May, 2007

In what would have been the upset of the season, the Rangers used a blistering opening half hour to go up 2-0 on perennial league leaders Tekvisions Lagers Legends...only to come up short in a heated match that included dueling yellow cards, smack talk, a couple of shoves and a bite. Seriously. A bite.

After discovering that the pitch for the match, Clinton Park's Lower Field, was non-existent and the goal posts were chained to the fence, the teams were forced to move to the short Upper Field. The seven pro-Ranger fans who came out to watch in the evening drizzle were treated to an opening barrage of shots and corner kicks from the gold and black, who showed determination and exploited a weaker Tek right side to keep the ball in the opponent's half. Ron King doubled his season point tally with a blast after just ten minutes. The Rangers back line swept and cleared out Tek through balls and attacks, allowing keeper Steve Berg to make the occasional easy save. Attila Szlovak doubled the scoreline around the half hour mark with a left-side break away that the keeper fumbled, allowing the lone attacker to collect the ball and easily dump it into the net.

Then things started getting really surly. Darin Creason took a charge near midfield that left him on the grass for a few minutes and the chatter between the squads grew more testy and sharp. As tensions continued to simmer, Tekvision opened the second half with two deflected shots that found their way into the goal. Over the course of ten minutes, the referee showed both squads the yellow card, gave two drop balls, and whistled a half dozen fouls. Ron King came off the field with a bite mark on his hand, surely a first for this division. The tie was broken with about fifteen minutes to play when Tek found their third goal. Rangers answered with a flurry of shots, including two free kicks that made the keeper stretch, but the equalizer just wouldn't go.

Junior Rangers for the match were Jim Snyder's children, Rorie and Ethan, who served as an excellent ballboy/ballgirl and, in Ethan's words, "cheered for the goalie." I have noticed that when we have Junior Rangers at the match, we tend to play better and score goals. Hmm...I'm just saying... While the loss was disappointing, the team can take heart in two things: 1. Our last three match-ups resulted in a net score of 17-4, so this was by far the most competitive we've played against them and, 2. We play these guys again on June 20th.

Bring your muzzles.

Sean Ingersoll

FC77 Rangers 2 vs. Symmetry Northwest 2

(Scorers: Szlovak 30', Burden 70')

May 16, 2007

A few hours before the 16 May match against Symmetry NW, the signs were not looking favorable. The last time we had played them in the fall, Rangers had lost 0 - 6. Four regular players were scheduled to be gone, including starting goalkeeper Steve Berg, and as match time drew closer, many others indicated they were injured and unable to participate. Thirty minutes before kick-off, four of the first five players to show up all confessed to some sort of nagging injury that kept them from 100% fitness. However, more Rangers kept showing up and when Steve Aarnio made a dramatic last minute entrance and slapped on the goalie gloves, the Rangers took the field at Clackamas Community College with three substitutes to boot.

The match started briskly and play moved up and down the field regularly. Brian Bauman, playing striker, got his head on a couple of decent crosses and was unlucky not to find the net. The squad kept the ball down in the opponent's half of the field for long stretches of play and even when Symmetry scored around the twenty minute mark, the yellow and black didn't appear too disturbed. Ten minutes later Attila Szlovak took the ball in the far right corner, juked their fullback, and pulled the trigger on a cool near post strike to equalize.

Play continued back and forth for the opening fifteen minutes of the second half. Symmetry banged a cross back into the net on a volley that anybody would have been hard pressed to stop. Sean-Scott Ingersoll and Jim Snyder both took dangerous cracks at the upper right post for another goal, but were just a little high, wide and handsome. Around the seventieth minute, a 'Gers raiding party took the ball through the middle with a series of nice passes, banged out a couple of shots, and new player Ron Burden (having joined the Rangers for the first time ever) put a deft touch on a rebound to equalize at 2-2. Referee Osama Qutub showed Jay Abramowitz a caution late in the match, but the Rangers continued to scrap, scramble and scrape until the final whistle. A tie was a fair result and both sides left the pitch in good spirits.

Special FC77 thanks goes out to our Junior Ranger for the match, Stella Bauman (Hannah Montana rocks!) and to Steve Aarnio's unnamed baby-sitter, allowing him to come out and mind the sticks for us. By the way, did anybody actually do last week's delightful Word Jumble? Anybody? Anybody? I worked really hard on that thing!

Sean Ingersoll