Wankas FC Fall 2008 Roster and Schedule

Hello once again, and welcome back to the goings on with Wankas FC. Since the last update, WFC played a make-up game with ISC Falcons. WFC yet again outplayed their opponents, but failed to put them away. A late goal by Aaron Gordon (Morris) salvaged a point, but the game itself was a microcosm of the season overall. WFC will be looking to right themselves this Fall.

After finishing up a long, drawn-out Spring season, WFC rested before returning to the practice field a few weeks ago, and some new faces have been brought in to cover for players taking time away from the game. The new additions provide cover at most field positions and hopefully bring a renewed hunger to a side that disappointed itself with its Spring performances. So without further ado, here is the roster for Wankas FC for Fall 2008 in the Men's Open division. The schedule can be found at the bottom of the page.

Carl Britton
Lee Britton
Pfenne Cantrell
Ray Carter
Matt Collins
Frank Dale
Troy Divis
Aaron Gordon
Jeff Graham
Aaron Grant
Andy Hughes
Ross Kenyon
Steve Kirchhofer
Ross Klippel
Matt Kluth
Jamie Maggard
Sam Robertson
Brett Sommers
Doug Starnes
Schuyler Wareham
Scott White
Jason Williams

Catching up with the Wankas

Well, we've had a hectic few weeks, full of madness, despair, joys, losses, and wins. So let's get caught up. Several weeks back Wankas FC played a forgettable match with Benedict Sunday. Poor displays all around, capped off by an unfortunate sending off for Aaron Gordon. Fully deserved at that. The final was 2-0 to BenSun.

A week later, WFC took on ISC Falcons with only 9 players. Playing shorthanded galvanized WFC, however, and they gave a good account of themselves in a 2-1 defeat. Andy Hughes grabbed the goal in that one; unassisted unless otherwise informed.

The make-up game, coincidentally also against Falcons, was once again postponed due to inclement weather. It is unknown if this will be made up.

So after a long and disappointing season, we come to the Spring tournament and the Wankas responded in good fashion. Opening the tourney against a familiar foe, Hoosier Daddy, WFC put on good early pressure and created far more opportunities. Andy Carson, once again playing as a tournament guest, saw his cross/shot curl in at the far post. WFC controlled much of the rest of the game, but once again had a defensive lapse that cost them the clean sheet. 1-1 after the morning match.

WFC returned for their afternoon tie with ISC Renegades in fine spirits, and they were boosted even further by finding a short-handed Renegades squad that simply was not up to the task. They were further hampered by an injury to their main striker, and finally scuppered any chance of a true fight by having one of their players sent off for striking Jamie Maggard. Despite such a numerical advantage, WFC were down 1-0 at the half due to a fluke goal. However, for a change WFC made their advantage count as they ran riot in the second half, scoring 5 unanswered goals and putting the Renegades to the sword. Aaron Gordon (Hughes, unassisted, Hughes), Caleb (guest), and Andy Carson (unassisted) all found the net in the final frame.

The early game on Sunday was against ISC AmaBhubesi, who also showed up shorthanded. WFC wasted no time in taking advantage of this again, and Ross Klippel (Gordon) opened up the scoring in the first five minutes. Several minutes later, Klippel had a fine solo effort capped off by a terrific finish. 2-0 at the break, and Wankas were flying. Schuyler Wareham won an early second half free kick, which he converted himself by curling around the wall and beating the keeper with a sweet effort at the near post. WFC took their foot off the gas and allowed the largely whining ISC team a lifeline with a penalty and an OG, but the Wankas had the wherewithal to see the game out.

So to the semi-finals against Indiana Impact. By far the stiffest competition WFC had yet faced, Wankas rose to the task largely through the efforts of John ???, another pick-up for the tournament. His great work down the left drew all defenders his way, and his cross at the end line was eventually tracked down and turned in from an acute angle by Aaron Gordon. Impact struck back with a fine volley and another well worked goal to take the lead. WFC pressed hard and found an equalizer through Andy Hughes (also assisted by John?). As more storms rolled in, the refs opted to call the game short (9 minutes!!) in order to go straight to penalties. Sky, Doug, and John converted theirs, matched by Impact, before Andy Carson sent his wide. Impact converted their next and sent the Wankas to yet another pk semi-final defeat. Chants of "Ingerlund" were unconfirmed.

So a good tournament performance played by a short squad this weekend. Everyone worked hard and the team came together to make up for their disappointing season. The make-up of the make-up with Falcons may or may not get played, but we will soon begin gathering for Sunday kick-arounds. Please stay tuned. Thanks again to everyone for their time and effort. See you in the Fall.

Wankas Fade Late

WFC once again rued early missed opportunities and failed to take maximum points. Starting the first half with a very strong wind at their backs, WFC attacked non-stop for the opening 45 minutes. WFC saw many opportunities go begging, as their sharpness in front of goal remains to be found. 0-0 at the break.

WFC picked up the 2nd half where they ended the first and began to create more opportunities. Good passing and movement up the left flank saw Ross Kenyon collect the ball 40 yards from goal, beat a couple defenders, and then slot home. Not long after, a similar play on the right side saw Ross Kenyon get to the byline before sliding a ball across the 6 yard box, which Ross Klippel side-footed in. Unfortunately, a 2-0 lead is dangerous for WFC. A counter-attack saw AmaZulu's best attacking threat isolated on the left wing. Matt Collins seemingly did enough to slow his progress, but the attacker unleashed a 35-yard rocket that was simply unstoppable. This goal galvanized the Zulus, while undermining the confidence of the WFC goalie and defense. The midfield failed to possess the ball, causing more chaos at the back. A tying goal was inevitable as bickering and general malaise crept into the yellow shirts. Failing to keep their composure, WFC were forced to hold on near the end in order to keep a point instead of claiming all 3 deservedly. Final: 2-2

Scoring: Ross Kenyon (unassisted), Ross Klippel (Ross Kenyon)

Wankas Stumble on the Road

WFC continued their history of poor travel as they fell 5-3 to ISC Renegades. Wankas started very slow and found themselves down 3-0 at halftime.

The 2nd half started just as the 1st ended, with WFC enduring some back luck as a clearance deflected directly into the path of a Renegade attacker. 4-0 Renegades. But this finally seemed to rouse the Wankas from their slumber, and suddenly they found their stride. WFC went on to dominate play for the next half hour, with Ross Klippel and Ross Kenyon starting things off. Klippel served a teasing ball into the box that allowed Kenyon to head home from close range. Minutes later, a scramble in the box saw Brett Sommers turn home Ross Klippel's effort for a second. 4-2 and momentum shifting. More pressure saw another cross into the box, which Brett Sommers slipped on for Andy Hughes to quickly settle and slot under the goalie. Dreams of another southside comeback were put on ice, though, as WFC saw a potential penalty shout denied, only to give up what appeared to be an identical foul in the area on the Renegades counter-attack. 5-3 Renegades. WFC mounted a few more attacks, but defeat was inevitable.

WFC must find a cure for their slide soon, as this loss drops them to third in the table having played more games than any other team.

Scoring: Ross Kenyon (Ross Klippel), Brett Sommers (Ross Klippel), Andy Hughes (Brett Sommers)

Wankas Leave Door Open...

Wankas FC remain atop an uneven and inconsistent league table after drawing 2-2 with Hoosier Daddy on Sunday. Once again the Wankas were the better side for long periods, but also lacked the attacking sharpness to kill the game off. And that allowed HD to grab a late equalizer.

Wankas started out well enough, with some good passing creating space on the field. Clear opportunities were at a minimum, though, and free kicks were creating the majority of chances. A rare counter-attack from HD saw an optimistic ball played into the box. Unfortunately, this effort would find the back of the net as an errant touch from Troy Divis saw the ball trickle just beyond stand-in goalie Jeff Schroeder. 1-0 to HD without having taken a shot. The Wankas responded in fine fashion, though, and began to attack along the wings. Consistently spreading the HD back line thin, Matt Kluth played a defense-splitting ball into the feet of Ross Kenyon, returning from several weeks away from action. Ross looked as though he's been playing the whole time, though, as he neatly collected Matt's pass and sped beyond his defender before slotting nicely to the far post. 1-1 at the break.

WFC continued where they left off after the break and appeared to have the quality to take control completely. Unfortunately, several opportunities in and around the box couldn't get turned home. Troy Divis broke the deadlock after a throw-in deflected to his feet. Troy turned on the ball from 40 yards and hit his first-time shot high to the far post, leaving the goalie stranded. 2-1 WFC, and it looked as if they'd add to it as several more opportunities bounced around the HD area. None were converted, however, and a late breakaway by Darren Burroughs was finished strong to the far corner. 2-2 with minutes remaining, and the game-winner just wouldn't come.

Once again WFC were the more active side, but they will need to get more ruthless in front of goal if they are to maintain their lead at the top of the table.

Scoring: Ross Kenyon (Matt Kluth), Troy Divis (unassisted).

Wankas Move Up the Table with Win

Wankas FC improved to 1-0-1 on the season with a hard-fought 4-2 victory over Benedict Sunday. Several days of rain seemed to have had little effect on the hard, dry Lawrence fields, and, coupled with an impromptu and shortening re-lining of the field, presented an interesting playing surface for both teams. WFC started out the much brighter team with some good early possession and ball movement, while the Bennies struggled to maintain control and routinely gave away possession with lengthy through-balls on the short pitch. An early WFC attack seemed destined to put them in front as a beaten Bennies defender strangely stuck a hand up to intercept a ball over the top. Aaron Gordon stepped up for the ensuing spot kick, but his weak effort was saved well by the keeper. This inspired the Bennies and they stepped up their intensity, if not the quality of their play. However, WFC failed to clear a ball in the box and it eventually found its way to a Bennie on the edge of the area. His mishit shot unsighted Jeff Graham - probably because of the other Bennie standing offside directly in front of him - and trickled into the net. The "passive offside" rule strikes again. 1-0 to the Bennies, a bit undeservedly. This led to several minutes of long-ball from both sides, as the ground conspired to make stringing several passes together very difficult. Route 1 eventually paid off, though, as Jason Williams aimed a long free kick toward the attacking area. Several Bennies failed to deal with the first ball and as it bounced over the top, Aaron Gordon let it drop over his shoulder to hit a full volley from the edge of the 18 and dipped it nicely over the keeper and under the bar. 1-1 and game on! Minutes later, some chaotic defending from the Bennies saw Doug Starnes sneak in for some poaching. His first effort was blocked well from the goalie, stranded 17 yards from his line. But the rebound fell straight back to Doug's feet, and he side-stepped the keeper this time and picked his spot past the retreating Bennie defenders. 2-1 WFC at the break.

The second half saw much more of the same, with some decent attacks from WFC interspersed with some hoofing and chasing from BenSun. This technique paid off nicely, though, as a through-ball into the Wankas penalty area was not dealt with, and the Bennies attacker made the most of minimal contact between two WFC defenders. The spot kick was well converted; game tied 2-2. But WFC wasted little time in re-asserting themselves with some sustained pressure along the wings. Great hustling by Doug Starnes hassled a Bennie defender into coughing up the ball at the end line, and he eventually won it and rolled it back to Andy Hughes. Displaying some nifty footwork, Andy made his way into the box and worked a shooting opportunity to expertly beat the goalie at his near post. 3-2 Wankas. Moments later, a routine bouncing ball in the box colluded with the untidy pitch to force an unfortunate hand ball in the Wankas penalty area. A second spot kick for the Bennies, but though it was hit with power it was too close to Jeff Graham, who smothered the shot altogether. Off the hook but not out of the woods, the Wankas were forced into some desperate defending as injuries began to mount and stretch them thin. The back line held firm, though, as each Bennies attack was turned away with little danger presented. Their eagerness to pull a goal back would be their final undoing as several half-clearances eventually fell to the foot of Troy Divis, whose first-time ball back over the top was well-placed to draw out the opposing keeper. Andy Hughes got to it first and skied a lob over the keeper's head right as his pursuer arrived. The high ball finally dropped under the bar and bounced up into the net. 4-2 Wankas, and the Bennies folded with little time remaining.

Great team effort, but special mention to Andy for his multi-goal game, the defense for standing firm late on, and Jeff Graham for doing what he does best.

Scoring: Aaron Gordon (pk miss), Aaron Gordon (Jason Williams), Doug Starnes (unassisted), Andy Hughes (Doug Starnes), Andy Hughes (Troy Divis)

Wankas Start Season with a Draw

WFC started off their Spring campaign with a slightly uneven performance against ISC AmaZulu, which resulted in a 2-2 draw. The Wankas started brightly enough with some good passing and control of the ball. A few early chances were created, but WFC's attackers lacked the sharpness to make them count. A dubious penalty call against Dave Kegg saw the game's best goalscoring opportunity come from the spot. Karma caught up with the AmaZulu forward, as well as his own nerves, as the telegraphed spot-kick was well-saved and pushed away by Jeff Graham. Minutes later the Wankas would punish the Zulus for their profligacy. A free kick just inside their own half was worked upfield by the Wankas, with new-boy Brad Smith slotting in Ross Klippel through the right channel. Klippel outran his pursuers and coolly finished inside the far post. 1-0 to the Wankas at the break.

The second half saw the Zulus step up their intensity - and their whining - and some hard challenges began flying in. The Wankas did well to keep their collective cool, but were failing to match the Zulus' efforts. The Zulus have one strategy - Route 1 - and were held at bay for most of the game. However, they eventually breached the Wankas' back line with a through-ball and the attacker finished just beyond the reach of Jeff Graham. This seemed to awaken the Wankas from their slumber, and some consistent attacks eventually led to a corner. Aaron Gordon's curling corner was fortuitously flicked on by a Zulu defender and into his own net; Schuyler Wareham was the intended target and appeared to be ready for his first goal of the season before the error. 2-1 to the Wankas with 10 minutes to go, and the wheels began to fall off for everyone. The Zulus continued to lump everything forward, and the Wankas strangely began committing too many players to the attack. This resulted in a few breakaways and close calls - one shot hitting the outside of Graham's goal. The sustained long balls combined with a tiring defense eventually led to one more successful foray for the Zulus, and they managed to take something from the game with a late goal on the break. 2-2 for the final score, but the Wankas will feel it more as a loss given their superior possession and scoring opportunities. One to learn from for a team that should challenge for the league title.

Scoring: Ross Klippel (Brad Smith), Aaron Gordon (unassisted)