Wankas FC romped to a 3-1 victory against AmaZulu on Sunday, turning in probably its most complete performance this season. Aided initially by the arrival of a short-handed AmaZulu side, it was the Wankas who made all the early running. Set out in their standard 4-5-1, WFC immediately took control of the center of the park and pressured the under-manned Zulus into several hasty clearances. Troy Divis caused problems all day, and after an early exchange resulted in an opportunity, from the sidelines you could see it was simply a matter of time before the Zulus were opened up. The Wankas quickly got their just rewards as a nice array of passing led to Troy gaining space in the attacking third and weighting a pass into the path of Schuyler Wareham who opened his scoring account with a neat finish alone with the goalie. The Wankas were rarely threatened by Zulu attacks, and the multitude of subs entered the game and continued to mount the pressure. A foray down the right led to a long throw into the box, which Andy Hughes harried the defense into a poor clearance. This fell to Schuyler’s feet and, after a nice shimmy to avoid his first opponent, he dispatched his second goal of the match. On one of the few occasions where the Wankas lost shape and composure, the lone Zulu threat managed to get in behind the defense and held his ground to slot under the on-rushing Jeff Graham. 2-1 at the break.
No doubt inspired by the halftime team talk, WFC returned to the field in the 2nd half determined to expand on their lead rather than get complacent. The Zulus saw very little of the ball despite being at full strength at this point, and their frustrations began to mount. An inability to do little more than ping long clearances toward their speedy forward saw them continually pegged by the strong wing play of the Wankas. One such Wankas attack seemed to harmlessly peter out, but in a karmic twist of fate reminiscent of the Wankas own mistake last week, the goalkeeper’s mis-hit clearance went straight to the feet of Ross Kenyon. Having spurned a golden first-half opportunity, Ross composed himself to make no mistake when presented with the ball. The Zulus were well and truly beaten, and the only further disappointment for the Wankas was failing to add to their goal tally as they managed the lion’s share of possession for the rest of the game. Final: 3-1
The Wankas move to 2-1-1 on the season and have a great opportunity to continue their move up the table with a victory on Thursday evening against Hoosier Daddy.
Scoring: Schuyler Wareham (Troy Divis), Wareham (unassisted), Ross Kenyon (unassisted)
Monday, September 29, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Wankas Share the Spoils
Wankas FC attempted to right the ship after their 2-0 road defeat to Columbus last weekend, as they traveled to German Park to face ISC Renegades, the current league leaders. WFC opened things strongly in the early going, but put themselves in a hole after just 10 minutes. The defense, still coming to terms with communication and cohesion, should have easily cleared their lines after tracking an errant through ball. Some dallying, however, led to a rushed clearance from Jeff Graham and his mis-hit found a Renegade inside the area. In an interesting contrast from other opportunities that would come, the Renegade striker took full advantage and put his side up 1-0 with his team having had little of the possession. WFC were spurred into action and pressed forward, but a return to 4-4-2 was giving away too much space for the opposition in the center of the park. ISC had several good opportunities as they found plenty of joy getting in behind the defense due to an overwhelmed midfield. Their shooting boots were left at home, however, and WFC managed to escape further punishment.
WFC began to take further control, though, and were rewarded for their efforts. Steve Kirchhofer took the initiative and advantage of weak individual defending to gallop forward and fire off a shot. Taking a deflection, the ball found its way to Ross Kenyon who coolly eluded his first marker and then beat the hapless Renegades GK at his near post. All even at 1, but the opportunities for the Renegades were not through. Jeff Graham, determined to make up for an early mistake, was flawless in goal as he turned away several clear shots and breakaways.
WFC picked things up a gear to begin the second half and saw their team pressure result in a turnover and then score as the Rosses combined to steal a goal from a poor Renegades defensive effort. The pressure and movement continued as the Wankas smelled the chance to seal a long-awaited victory over the Renegades. A quick throw-in to Doug Starnes led to a lofted cross toward the back post. Carl Britton glided under the cross, settled and beat his man to finish off a sweeping move. 3-1 to the good.
But as is often the case for WFC, defensive lapses would be their undoing. With 10 minutes to go, the Renegades began to ratchet up the pressure and WFC were beginning to tire. Failure to deal decisively with some marauding runs, WFC gave up a corner from which they would pay a hefty price. An unmarked Renegades attacker drifted from the edge of the box, and his header met a sharp corner to create an intense finish to the game. At 3-2, the Wankas bottled things a bit. A 1-goal lead was never safe in a game of such ebb and flow, and a failure to possess and control at this juncture proved their undoing. With several players over-committed to the attack and a deep lying defense, a Renegades counter-attack had plenty of space to develop. Their speedy front line breached the WFC defense, and despite closing the angle Jeff Graham could not keep out the equalizer.
In a game that saw several early Renegades opportunities go begging, a 3-3 result was probably fair. But having had a 2-goal cushion, WFC will rue their inability to kill off yet another winnable game.
WFC move to 1-1-1 on the season and will be cautious yet confident this coming Sunday when they take on a rejuvenated AmaZulu side.
Scoring: Ross Kenyon (unassisted), Ross Klippel (Kenyon), Carl Britton (Starnes)
WFC began to take further control, though, and were rewarded for their efforts. Steve Kirchhofer took the initiative and advantage of weak individual defending to gallop forward and fire off a shot. Taking a deflection, the ball found its way to Ross Kenyon who coolly eluded his first marker and then beat the hapless Renegades GK at his near post. All even at 1, but the opportunities for the Renegades were not through. Jeff Graham, determined to make up for an early mistake, was flawless in goal as he turned away several clear shots and breakaways.
WFC picked things up a gear to begin the second half and saw their team pressure result in a turnover and then score as the Rosses combined to steal a goal from a poor Renegades defensive effort. The pressure and movement continued as the Wankas smelled the chance to seal a long-awaited victory over the Renegades. A quick throw-in to Doug Starnes led to a lofted cross toward the back post. Carl Britton glided under the cross, settled and beat his man to finish off a sweeping move. 3-1 to the good.
But as is often the case for WFC, defensive lapses would be their undoing. With 10 minutes to go, the Renegades began to ratchet up the pressure and WFC were beginning to tire. Failure to deal decisively with some marauding runs, WFC gave up a corner from which they would pay a hefty price. An unmarked Renegades attacker drifted from the edge of the box, and his header met a sharp corner to create an intense finish to the game. At 3-2, the Wankas bottled things a bit. A 1-goal lead was never safe in a game of such ebb and flow, and a failure to possess and control at this juncture proved their undoing. With several players over-committed to the attack and a deep lying defense, a Renegades counter-attack had plenty of space to develop. Their speedy front line breached the WFC defense, and despite closing the angle Jeff Graham could not keep out the equalizer.
In a game that saw several early Renegades opportunities go begging, a 3-3 result was probably fair. But having had a 2-goal cushion, WFC will rue their inability to kill off yet another winnable game.
WFC move to 1-1-1 on the season and will be cautious yet confident this coming Sunday when they take on a rejuvenated AmaZulu side.
Scoring: Ross Kenyon (unassisted), Ross Klippel (Kenyon), Carl Britton (Starnes)
Monday, September 15, 2008
Wankas Blown Away
The notorious road woes of Wankas FC continued on Sunday as they fell to Columbus 2-0. A very strong wind made any ball above head height a farcical proposition, but it WFC's failure to use their superior skill and possession that ultimately led to their defeat.
WFC opened with a bit of a flurry, moving the ball into attack with some smart passing. But the wind quickly pinned them back as every clearance either hung up or was pushed out of bounds. WFC were weathering things and picking their moments, but were pegged back after 20 minutes by a penalty kick from a corner. Jeff Graham reacted terrifically but the shot still managed to squirt under his legs and trickle into the corner. WFC struggled to get back any momentum and saw themselves fall 2 goals behind after the defense was left exposed and an unmarked striker was able to turn home a cross. 2-0 at the half.
WFC regained some footing in the 2nd half, but many attacks broke down at crucial moments. Instead of using their individual skills to their advantage, WFC resorted to optimistic thru-balls that did not have much chance with the strong wind now behind them. Sam Robertson came closest to scoring after running down a good channel ball and lobbing the keeper, only to see the wind carry it just over the crossbar. Jamie Maggard also had a nice effort that put the keeper at full stretch to palm it away. WFC managed to get the ball in the box on several occasions, but the final pass and shot never materialized. Frustrations also mounted with the referee, and at this point WFC had no way back. WFC may well rue their failure to overcome the weather, the referee, and ultimately themselves in what was a very winnable game on the road.
WFC have an opportunity to redeem themselves on the road next Sunday when they take on ISC Renegades on the southside at German Park.
WFC opened with a bit of a flurry, moving the ball into attack with some smart passing. But the wind quickly pinned them back as every clearance either hung up or was pushed out of bounds. WFC were weathering things and picking their moments, but were pegged back after 20 minutes by a penalty kick from a corner. Jeff Graham reacted terrifically but the shot still managed to squirt under his legs and trickle into the corner. WFC struggled to get back any momentum and saw themselves fall 2 goals behind after the defense was left exposed and an unmarked striker was able to turn home a cross. 2-0 at the half.
WFC regained some footing in the 2nd half, but many attacks broke down at crucial moments. Instead of using their individual skills to their advantage, WFC resorted to optimistic thru-balls that did not have much chance with the strong wind now behind them. Sam Robertson came closest to scoring after running down a good channel ball and lobbing the keeper, only to see the wind carry it just over the crossbar. Jamie Maggard also had a nice effort that put the keeper at full stretch to palm it away. WFC managed to get the ball in the box on several occasions, but the final pass and shot never materialized. Frustrations also mounted with the referee, and at this point WFC had no way back. WFC may well rue their failure to overcome the weather, the referee, and ultimately themselves in what was a very winnable game on the road.
WFC have an opportunity to redeem themselves on the road next Sunday when they take on ISC Renegades on the southside at German Park.
Monday, September 8, 2008
W is for Wankas!
Wankas FC began the Fall 2008 season in earnest this weekend against Benedict Sunday. Warm weather and a full squad turned out to kick the season off in style, but neither team was able to find much cohesion during the opening exchanges. The Wankas defense eventually settled down, but early on there was a learning curve and a lack of communication led to an untracked runner getting in front of Jeff Graham and doing just enough to cause the distraction needed to open the scoring. WFC responded in decent fashion as they began to control more play, but a failure to control midfield saw a need to serve some long balls out of the defense. This method paid off, however, as a long clearance toward the sideline found its way to Brett Sommers who laid off to new boy Scott White. Without hesitation Scott let fly with a curling effort that was never in doubt. 1-1 at the break.
As the teams resumed play, the game began to take on a faster pace and more intensity as some erratic officiating left both sides scratching their heads. Despite beginning to dominate possession, WFC failed to deal with a corner kick and were punished. Some soft marking saw the knockdown driven straight at Jeff Graham, who made a great first save but could do nothing about the rebound. But as has happened many times before, going behind lit a fire under the Wankas and they responded with some consistent attacking play that eventually led to Sam Robertson winning a free kick in a tasty position. Making up for his defensive lapse on the Bennies second goal, Aaron Gordon stepped up to curl in a FK that the goalie should probably have done better with. All tied up, WFC pressed the game and really began to take full control. A nifty interchange saw Troy Divis played in directly to goal before being sandwiched between 2 Bennies. The Bennies were beginning to lose their composure and felt a further sting from yet another Aaron Gordon free kick, as well as his tongue, as this one was dispatched leaving the Bennies GK with no chance. A singular foray into attack led to a Bennies penalty kick being awarded for what seemed a soft foul (and not in the box). Tied up yet again, WFC seemed to make up their minds to finally finish off the game. Some sustained pressure finally found some Wankas in space at the top of the box. Working a nice one-two with Schuyler Wareham, Aaron Gordon slipped but held off his man before righting the ship and sending a 12-yarder into the side netting. WFC continued to press, and the defense continued to stifle the few remaining Bennies attacks. With little time left on the clock, WFC looked to finish off the game with some corner time-killing, but a Bennies defender overplayed the throw-in and allowed Andy Hughes to get to the byline before pulling a ball back to the top of the box. Initially it appeared to be heading into empty space as the Wankas were sitting deep, but Doug “Danger” Starnes out-hustled a retreating Bennies defender and sized up his shot before slotting it home. 5-3 at the final whistle, and a well-deserved victory for the Wankas.
All in all a fine performance for the first game, as the defense began to get comfortable among one another, and the bounty of subs allowed high-pressure intensity in the attack. WFC travel to Columbus next Sunday.
Scoring:
Scott White (Brett Sommers), Aaron Gordon (FK), Aaron Gordon (FK), Aaron Gordon (Schuyler Wareham), Doug Starnes (Andy Hughes)
As the teams resumed play, the game began to take on a faster pace and more intensity as some erratic officiating left both sides scratching their heads. Despite beginning to dominate possession, WFC failed to deal with a corner kick and were punished. Some soft marking saw the knockdown driven straight at Jeff Graham, who made a great first save but could do nothing about the rebound. But as has happened many times before, going behind lit a fire under the Wankas and they responded with some consistent attacking play that eventually led to Sam Robertson winning a free kick in a tasty position. Making up for his defensive lapse on the Bennies second goal, Aaron Gordon stepped up to curl in a FK that the goalie should probably have done better with. All tied up, WFC pressed the game and really began to take full control. A nifty interchange saw Troy Divis played in directly to goal before being sandwiched between 2 Bennies. The Bennies were beginning to lose their composure and felt a further sting from yet another Aaron Gordon free kick, as well as his tongue, as this one was dispatched leaving the Bennies GK with no chance. A singular foray into attack led to a Bennies penalty kick being awarded for what seemed a soft foul (and not in the box). Tied up yet again, WFC seemed to make up their minds to finally finish off the game. Some sustained pressure finally found some Wankas in space at the top of the box. Working a nice one-two with Schuyler Wareham, Aaron Gordon slipped but held off his man before righting the ship and sending a 12-yarder into the side netting. WFC continued to press, and the defense continued to stifle the few remaining Bennies attacks. With little time left on the clock, WFC looked to finish off the game with some corner time-killing, but a Bennies defender overplayed the throw-in and allowed Andy Hughes to get to the byline before pulling a ball back to the top of the box. Initially it appeared to be heading into empty space as the Wankas were sitting deep, but Doug “Danger” Starnes out-hustled a retreating Bennies defender and sized up his shot before slotting it home. 5-3 at the final whistle, and a well-deserved victory for the Wankas.
All in all a fine performance for the first game, as the defense began to get comfortable among one another, and the bounty of subs allowed high-pressure intensity in the attack. WFC travel to Columbus next Sunday.
Scoring:
Scott White (Brett Sommers), Aaron Gordon (FK), Aaron Gordon (FK), Aaron Gordon (Schuyler Wareham), Doug Starnes (Andy Hughes)
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