And now the end is near...

Today's game ended as expected and our play mirrored the way we played against the 7th graders in game 3. We dominated play on our side, took some shots but no one was playing with any real intensity. Joe Roda put it best "We were playing down to them".

Some bouncing balls missed there mark and a strong Panther White defense ate up all our shots in the first half. They were giving up corners but we were letting the ball through without connecting. Not until a Vicky R. corner kick bounced around the box and found the head of Jimmy D. did we finally get on the board. (an actual scoreboard) We ended the half up 1-0 and didn't give up a shot on goal, but only took 6 of our own.

After the half time ritual speech of the mistakes we were making and how to correct them, we started with a new look. Jimmy D. was a last minute sub at keeper after another player forgot the meaning of team play. We pushed the ball down field and had some chances, but the hustle wasn't there. Not until Mike M's aggressive play put a rebound past their outstretched keeper. The White answered right back, when they took advantage of a defensive miss play and a soft shot to the far post rolled through the fingers of our guest goalie. We had ourselves a game.

The push continued, and with Greg M. running the flank, crosses were being missed, but we kept the pressure on. When Mike M's second goal was stolen by Dean F. we were up by 2, and accomplished the team's mission...."EVERYBODY SCORED A GOAL THIS SEASON". Mike M. jambed in what would have been his hat trick in the final minute, and the Petrides Panthers Blue clinched their 2nd Straight Under 14 Boys Division 1 Title.

With next week being our 148th and last game as a team, I've asked Mark Murrasso, Jr. to coach the game and I will take up position on the parents side for the first time in 9 Years. I'll have my chair, a cigar...and look forward to enjoying the action with the other parents.

Thanks for a great run......


Last Practice: Friday 2:30 to 4:00
Last Game: Sunday 9:00 (Show Up 8:30)

Championship Party: Monday 6/9 6:00 pm
Miyako Sushi & Hibachi
939 Richmond Ave (Corner of Forest Ave by IHOP)