I am definitely excited for this match. I've looked forward to it ever since I left RoPS. Not that I want to hurt my old club, its merely an opportunity to prove to myself and to RoPS that I was good enough to play more for them. Unfortunately, things didn't go as well as I would have liked up there, but I hold no ill-will towards them. But I think every player looks forward to playing their old team.
Both teams have quite a bit riding on the game. RoPS has let their lead at the top of the table slip to just 4 points and a loss tomorrow could prove devastating (hence my dilemma- of course I want nothing more then to win but I also want RoPS to win the championship). JIPPO meanwhile are fighting to stave off relegation. Currently we hold a 2 point lead over GBK and a win for us could really put us into safety. GBK take on KuPS in Kuopio, and I'd have to think that KuPS wins that one.
As for the team news, RoPS welcomes back Drogba from suspension, but loses Antii Peura. Other then that, I believe they have the rest of the squad available. Taking care of Drogba will definitely be a handful for our backline, and we can't allow any slip ups like we did against PP-70 last week. Then of course you have RoPS midfield which is stacked with talent.
JIPPO will lose Mikko Maatanen and Tero Tahvanainen to suspension, but will welcome back Mikko Ikkonen. It remains to be seen who will start in goal, but I would have to think Lassi Hurskainen would keep his place after his last 2 performances. I should keep my place at right midfield, and hopefully I can extend my scoring run to 3 games.
It must be said that JIPPO have been in better form the last 3 games. We've taken all 3 points in our last 3 (TPV, PK-35, and PP-70) while RoPS have been held to two 0-0 draws in their last 2 games. Their lack of scoring will be definitely be welcome, but they haven't conceded more then 1 goal since a 2-2 draw against PK-35 over a month ago.
So that's all the team news i can think of. I'll leave predictions up to you guys.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Monday, September 24, 2007
Jippo 2 PP-70 1
Another 3 points headed our way this weekend. I can't tell you how immense these points were for us. We now have a 2 point cushion from relegation and at the same time severely dented PP-70's chances of avoiding the drop. It wasn't the prettiest of matches, but I don't think you will hear any complaints from us.
The first half was especially unpleasing to the eye. There were times when I wondered if we were playing ping pong rather then football. Neither team was good with the ball, and there were few chances. There was 1 clear cut chance, however, and I am still trying to work out how exactly the ball did not end up in the net.
A long clearance managed to bounce over the opposing goalkeeper's head and with no one in the goal everyone must have been thinking that Jussi Kemmo would put Jippo up 1-0. But somehow, when it was hard to miss than to score, Jussi put the ball wide. I have seen misses like this in plenty of bloopers videos, but never in person. But credit to Jussi as he would make amends later in the game.
Other then that chance, there really wasn't much in the half. I had a particularly good half although I did not see the ball as often as I would like. Nevertheless, I felt something positive happened each time I touched it, and I seemed to be running past multiple defenders with the ball with ease. Unfortunately, nothing would come of my good work as the final ball from me or someone else was lacking.
The second half was a much better game. Both teams seemed to have collected themselves and it became much more of a possession game. I would say we were the better side, but we managed to give up a goal at the 55 minute mark. A mix up between our central defenders allowed the ball to bounce in between and over them leaving an easy finish for PP-70 striker Mika Lahtinen (joint top scorer with 16).
The goal seemed to kick start our game though. We attacked with much more purpose, and tied the game at 60 minutes. I'll admit it was a bit of a fluke, but again you won't hear us complain. I collected a ball wide after some good work out of midfield and attempted to put in a cross. However, the cross turned into a inch perfect shot as it saild over the goalkeeper's head and into the top corner of the far post!
We continued to play well, and I continued to have a stellar game. The next 15 minutes we would constantly pressure the opposing goal. I had an opportunity to add a second as a cross was flicked onto the far post. It managed to go over my defenders head and after chasing the ball down I put a shot on goal that beat the goalkeeper, but was unfortunately, cleared off the line by a defender. We had several other opportunities inside the box with Jussi Kemmo, Sasha Antilainen and myself doing the damage, but unfortunately the were all deflected.
On one of these occasions though, I managed to split two defenders inside the box with the 'elastico' move I had pulled off a few weeks back. But my left footed effort was blocked. The game took a turn around the 70 minute mark or so. Our right back, Mikko Maatanen received his marching orders after receiving a second yellow card. I slotted into right back to fill his place, and it must be said that I was a little worried.
But my worries were laid to rest when Jussi Kemmo collected a cross from Tinge and calmly skipped past his mark and deposited the ball into the back of the net less then 5 minutes after the red card. We managed to hold out for the rest of the match almost adding a third after some good work from Sasha gave Tinge with a clear opportunity. Unfortunately, it was smuggled by the goalkeeper. We were under a lot of pressure towards the end, but held off and won 2-1 victors.
I was named the sponsor's man of the match and received the Veikkaus gold medallion. Lassi Hurskainen was named man of the match after a good performance in goal for us. We take on RoPS next, which will definitely be an intense match for me personally. I would love to put one over on them!!
Check out Football in Finland for my Ykkonen Wrap!
The first half was especially unpleasing to the eye. There were times when I wondered if we were playing ping pong rather then football. Neither team was good with the ball, and there were few chances. There was 1 clear cut chance, however, and I am still trying to work out how exactly the ball did not end up in the net.
A long clearance managed to bounce over the opposing goalkeeper's head and with no one in the goal everyone must have been thinking that Jussi Kemmo would put Jippo up 1-0. But somehow, when it was hard to miss than to score, Jussi put the ball wide. I have seen misses like this in plenty of bloopers videos, but never in person. But credit to Jussi as he would make amends later in the game.
Other then that chance, there really wasn't much in the half. I had a particularly good half although I did not see the ball as often as I would like. Nevertheless, I felt something positive happened each time I touched it, and I seemed to be running past multiple defenders with the ball with ease. Unfortunately, nothing would come of my good work as the final ball from me or someone else was lacking.
The second half was a much better game. Both teams seemed to have collected themselves and it became much more of a possession game. I would say we were the better side, but we managed to give up a goal at the 55 minute mark. A mix up between our central defenders allowed the ball to bounce in between and over them leaving an easy finish for PP-70 striker Mika Lahtinen (joint top scorer with 16).
The goal seemed to kick start our game though. We attacked with much more purpose, and tied the game at 60 minutes. I'll admit it was a bit of a fluke, but again you won't hear us complain. I collected a ball wide after some good work out of midfield and attempted to put in a cross. However, the cross turned into a inch perfect shot as it saild over the goalkeeper's head and into the top corner of the far post!
We continued to play well, and I continued to have a stellar game. The next 15 minutes we would constantly pressure the opposing goal. I had an opportunity to add a second as a cross was flicked onto the far post. It managed to go over my defenders head and after chasing the ball down I put a shot on goal that beat the goalkeeper, but was unfortunately, cleared off the line by a defender. We had several other opportunities inside the box with Jussi Kemmo, Sasha Antilainen and myself doing the damage, but unfortunately the were all deflected.
On one of these occasions though, I managed to split two defenders inside the box with the 'elastico' move I had pulled off a few weeks back. But my left footed effort was blocked. The game took a turn around the 70 minute mark or so. Our right back, Mikko Maatanen received his marching orders after receiving a second yellow card. I slotted into right back to fill his place, and it must be said that I was a little worried.
But my worries were laid to rest when Jussi Kemmo collected a cross from Tinge and calmly skipped past his mark and deposited the ball into the back of the net less then 5 minutes after the red card. We managed to hold out for the rest of the match almost adding a third after some good work from Sasha gave Tinge with a clear opportunity. Unfortunately, it was smuggled by the goalkeeper. We were under a lot of pressure towards the end, but held off and won 2-1 victors.
I was named the sponsor's man of the match and received the Veikkaus gold medallion. Lassi Hurskainen was named man of the match after a good performance in goal for us. We take on RoPS next, which will definitely be an intense match for me personally. I would love to put one over on them!!
Check out Football in Finland for my Ykkonen Wrap!
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Jippo 3 PK-35 1
Three BIG BIG BIG points came our way this afternoon. We left the field 3-1 winners over the traveling Helsinki side and more importantly came away with 3 points that have now moved us out of the relegation zone!!! I also opened my account with Jippo after a great cross from Jan Berg to put us up 2-1.
We certainly didn't start as the brighter of the two sides. In fact, the entire first half was pretty poor from our end even though we scored 3 goals. Passing to our own team was at a premium and put us under a bit of pressure although we came out relatively unscathed.
I have no idea how our first goal was scored. Jussi Kemo got the opener while I was receiving treatment on the side of the field. While running back to get into my defensive position, I mistakenly ran into Etu Sassila of PK-35 with my head crashing into his. Unfortunately for me, my tooth managed to find its way through my lip, leaving a gaping hole.
After some rather crude medicinal work, I re-entered the field with a makeshift band-aid covering my lip. However, the band-aid didn't exactly do anything for the pain. But I soldiered on. PK-35 managed to work themselves back into the match at the 20 minute with Petteri Kaijasilta doing what he does best...scoring.
A few minutes later, I would help restore the lead, however. Jan Berg found some space as a crossed the half way line and put in a great cross. I made a pretty good darting run and met the ball with a slide and deftly placed into the corner of the net. It was a pretty goal I must say, but most of the credit should go to Jan for an immaculate pass.
We were awful in possession and for some reason opted to long balls into the heart of the PK defense. There defenders easily towered over us and won most of the balls. However, despite the lack of possession John Keister managed to give us a two goal cushion heading into half time. After picking up the ball near the half, John noticed PK's defensive line was playing rather high. He made a long touch behind the defense and after rounding the goalkeeper deposited the ball into the back of the net despite the last ditch effort from a PK defender.
The second half was much better on our end. Our passing was much cleaner and we found plenty of space behind the PK line although never managed to take advantage of it. I managed to make several good runs behind the line, but unfortunately the pass was either cut out before reaching me or was too long. We were too slow in recognizing the pass as several others had made some terrific runs behind the line, however, and we really should have managed to put a few more goals in.
Specifically, I missed a glorious chance to put the game away. Sasha Antilainen ran onto a ball into the space on the wing and after out racing his mark played a hard ball centrally to me. With little pressure I managed to put the ball over the goal from six yards out. To be fair though, it was played with quite a bit of pace and bounced just before reaching me. Regardless, though I should have put the ball into the old onion bag.
PK dominated proceedings toward the end of the match, but never truly threatened with the exception of a Peter Louis (fellow American) drive that flashed wide of the goal. Lassi Hurskainen, our goalkeeper, did a terrific job of gathering crosses although his distribution was a bit off (sorry Lassi couldn't make you sound too good!).
In the end, it was a much needed 3 points and a happy day for me despite having to go to the hospital afterwards. I had 3 stitches placed on the inside of my mouth and have a lovely white, butter-fly band-aid across my lip (the band-aid doesn't have a butterfly on it, its a butter-fly band-aid ie helps to pinch together the hole in my lip).
Look forward to my Ykkonen wrap at Football in Finland
We certainly didn't start as the brighter of the two sides. In fact, the entire first half was pretty poor from our end even though we scored 3 goals. Passing to our own team was at a premium and put us under a bit of pressure although we came out relatively unscathed.
I have no idea how our first goal was scored. Jussi Kemo got the opener while I was receiving treatment on the side of the field. While running back to get into my defensive position, I mistakenly ran into Etu Sassila of PK-35 with my head crashing into his. Unfortunately for me, my tooth managed to find its way through my lip, leaving a gaping hole.
After some rather crude medicinal work, I re-entered the field with a makeshift band-aid covering my lip. However, the band-aid didn't exactly do anything for the pain. But I soldiered on. PK-35 managed to work themselves back into the match at the 20 minute with Petteri Kaijasilta doing what he does best...scoring.
A few minutes later, I would help restore the lead, however. Jan Berg found some space as a crossed the half way line and put in a great cross. I made a pretty good darting run and met the ball with a slide and deftly placed into the corner of the net. It was a pretty goal I must say, but most of the credit should go to Jan for an immaculate pass.
We were awful in possession and for some reason opted to long balls into the heart of the PK defense. There defenders easily towered over us and won most of the balls. However, despite the lack of possession John Keister managed to give us a two goal cushion heading into half time. After picking up the ball near the half, John noticed PK's defensive line was playing rather high. He made a long touch behind the defense and after rounding the goalkeeper deposited the ball into the back of the net despite the last ditch effort from a PK defender.
The second half was much better on our end. Our passing was much cleaner and we found plenty of space behind the PK line although never managed to take advantage of it. I managed to make several good runs behind the line, but unfortunately the pass was either cut out before reaching me or was too long. We were too slow in recognizing the pass as several others had made some terrific runs behind the line, however, and we really should have managed to put a few more goals in.
Specifically, I missed a glorious chance to put the game away. Sasha Antilainen ran onto a ball into the space on the wing and after out racing his mark played a hard ball centrally to me. With little pressure I managed to put the ball over the goal from six yards out. To be fair though, it was played with quite a bit of pace and bounced just before reaching me. Regardless, though I should have put the ball into the old onion bag.
PK dominated proceedings toward the end of the match, but never truly threatened with the exception of a Peter Louis (fellow American) drive that flashed wide of the goal. Lassi Hurskainen, our goalkeeper, did a terrific job of gathering crosses although his distribution was a bit off (sorry Lassi couldn't make you sound too good!).
In the end, it was a much needed 3 points and a happy day for me despite having to go to the hospital afterwards. I had 3 stitches placed on the inside of my mouth and have a lovely white, butter-fly band-aid across my lip (the band-aid doesn't have a butterfly on it, its a butter-fly band-aid ie helps to pinch together the hole in my lip).
Look forward to my Ykkonen wrap at Football in Finland
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Lineups US vs Brazil
Well SBI just put up the lineups for the match tonight. Here they are...
US:
-------------------Dempsey----------------------
Beasley------------Wolff---------------Donovan
------------Feilhaber------Bradley--------------
Pearce-------------------------------Cherundolo
--------------Onyewu---Bocanegra--------------
---------------------Howard----------------------
Brazil:
-----------------Alves------------------------
Robinho-----------Ronaldinho---------Kaka
---------Gilberto Silva------Mineiro---------
Gilberto---------------------------------Maicon
---------------Juan--------Lucio---------------
---------------------Doni------------------------
Generally, I don't like Donovan on the wing, but in this game it might be a brilliant move. The wings will be where Brazil is most vulnerable. Hate that Dempsey is playing as the target striker, and don't like the Wolff addition (his time is done with USMNT, then again who else is there?). But this is probably the best line-up we could put out with the squad available.
US:
-------------------Dempsey----------------------
Beasley------------Wolff---------------Donovan
------------Feilhaber------Bradley--------------
Pearce-------------------------------Cherundolo
--------------Onyewu---Bocanegra--------------
---------------------Howard----------------------
Brazil:
-----------------Alves------------------------
Robinho-----------Ronaldinho---------Kaka
---------Gilberto Silva------Mineiro---------
Gilberto---------------------------------Maicon
---------------Juan--------Lucio---------------
---------------------Doni------------------------
Generally, I don't like Donovan on the wing, but in this game it might be a brilliant move. The wings will be where Brazil is most vulnerable. Hate that Dempsey is playing as the target striker, and don't like the Wolff addition (his time is done with USMNT, then again who else is there?). But this is probably the best line-up we could put out with the squad available.
Preview- US vs Brazil
If anything this will definitely be an entertaining game for somebody although I doubt it will be the American supporters. Brazil is fielding a full strength side with the likes of Ronaldinho and Kaka pulling the strings. Of course, their starting status is not guaranteed. After opting to skip the Copa America the two have been told they would have to work their way back into the squad by Brazilian coach Dunga.
The US will also be fielding a full strength squad with the likes of Landon Donovan and Damarcus Beasley (does anyone still think we have a chance...kidding, well sort of!). In any case, it will definitely be a firm test for our Nats, and I can't say I'm very confident. We haven't exactly been outstanding in possession in our last few matches, and against a team like Brazil you have to value every chance you touch the ball. And with the lack of a true international caliber striker, things definitely look a little bleak for us.
Timmy Howard will get the nod in goal, and we are in safe hands there. The back four I imagine will be Stevie Cherundolo, Gooch, Los, and the left side is up for grabs. I would be willing to bet that Spector gets the nod their even though we have the natural lefty Heath Pearce in the squad (wait a minute...Bornstein's not in the squad? Is Bob finally over the love affair? No, Bob has done his best to stay away from the MLS teams with important matches). Los and Gooch scare me to be honest. Neither has had a really solid match in a while, and with the attacking prowess of Brazil it could turn into a long night.
The midfield should look something like...Dempsey and DaBeas on the wings with Michael Bradley and Benny Feilhaber in the middle with Landon and EJ up top. Dempsey and DaBeas should cause some problems. But I am worried about the Bradley/Benny combo. Don't get me wrong, the two are tremendously talented but neither is an attacking mid. So we are essentially playing with two defensive midfielders, which will pull down either EJ or Landon (most likely Landon) stranding the other alone up top.
I would rather see Benny with Landon in front of him and then EJ with a Brian Ching. Unfortunately, Ching isn't in the squad and the only other forward available is Josh Wolff (why are we calling this guy in...his time with USMNT is up!!). Landon just isn't a striker and excels when he is allowed a free role behind the front two where he can run out of midfield.
Despite this, we will see chances during this game, and hopefully we can actually finish this game. Brazil's wing backs will push forward at every opportunity which will leave a ton of space for Dempsey and DaBeas to work with. They will be key to our attack and if they can get in some dangerous spots out wide and play a few good crosses then we should be able to get a goal or two. Then its just up to the defense to stop Robinho, Kaka, Ronaldinho, Vagner Love...ok ya so that probably won't happen, but I can always have dreams of repeating that magnificent performance in 1998 (I think 1998) when Preki scores a great goal and Keller has the greatest performance of any goalkeeper in the history of football!!
Prediction- unfortunately I'm going to go with a 3-1 Brazil win.
The US will also be fielding a full strength squad with the likes of Landon Donovan and Damarcus Beasley (does anyone still think we have a chance...kidding, well sort of!). In any case, it will definitely be a firm test for our Nats, and I can't say I'm very confident. We haven't exactly been outstanding in possession in our last few matches, and against a team like Brazil you have to value every chance you touch the ball. And with the lack of a true international caliber striker, things definitely look a little bleak for us.
Timmy Howard will get the nod in goal, and we are in safe hands there. The back four I imagine will be Stevie Cherundolo, Gooch, Los, and the left side is up for grabs. I would be willing to bet that Spector gets the nod their even though we have the natural lefty Heath Pearce in the squad (wait a minute...Bornstein's not in the squad? Is Bob finally over the love affair? No, Bob has done his best to stay away from the MLS teams with important matches). Los and Gooch scare me to be honest. Neither has had a really solid match in a while, and with the attacking prowess of Brazil it could turn into a long night.
The midfield should look something like...Dempsey and DaBeas on the wings with Michael Bradley and Benny Feilhaber in the middle with Landon and EJ up top. Dempsey and DaBeas should cause some problems. But I am worried about the Bradley/Benny combo. Don't get me wrong, the two are tremendously talented but neither is an attacking mid. So we are essentially playing with two defensive midfielders, which will pull down either EJ or Landon (most likely Landon) stranding the other alone up top.
I would rather see Benny with Landon in front of him and then EJ with a Brian Ching. Unfortunately, Ching isn't in the squad and the only other forward available is Josh Wolff (why are we calling this guy in...his time with USMNT is up!!). Landon just isn't a striker and excels when he is allowed a free role behind the front two where he can run out of midfield.
Despite this, we will see chances during this game, and hopefully we can actually finish this game. Brazil's wing backs will push forward at every opportunity which will leave a ton of space for Dempsey and DaBeas to work with. They will be key to our attack and if they can get in some dangerous spots out wide and play a few good crosses then we should be able to get a goal or two. Then its just up to the defense to stop Robinho, Kaka, Ronaldinho, Vagner Love...ok ya so that probably won't happen, but I can always have dreams of repeating that magnificent performance in 1998 (I think 1998) when Preki scores a great goal and Keller has the greatest performance of any goalkeeper in the history of football!!
Prediction- unfortunately I'm going to go with a 3-1 Brazil win.
TPV 0 Jippo 1
Well I can't write too much about the match as I didn't make the trip to Tampere. I was forced to sit out due to yellow card accumulation, and decided to stay back and train on my own rather then make the long trip to Tampere.
From what I have heard, we didn't exactly play that well, but John Keister's first half goal ended up being enough to give us a hard fought win. It appears we were under a bit of pressure towards the close of the match as TPV searched for the equalizer, but obviously we managed to handle the pressure well enough and come home as victors.
The three points is massive for us, and currently we are only 2 points away from being safe from relegation. Of course, we will need results to go our way today if we want it to stay that way. GBK managed to take a win from PK-35 whom we will play next weekend.
In other news, Finland managed to come out of Belgrade with a dull 0-0 tie. One of the other benefits of staying behind yesterday was that I was able to catch the match. Finland from the start were obviously looking for a draw and that's it. Experience over youth seemed to be the preferred option for Roy Hodgeson's selection with Mika Nurmela getting the start out wide.
That selection told me enough about the game before it even begain. A player like Nurmela, who at his age couldn't really offer much more then helping to keep the ball when playing out wide. If he's played more centrally then I could see him having a bigger impact, but out wide he neither has the pace nor the stamina. What resulted was a very dull, uneventful draw from the Finnish side.
In the end, a draw is a good result for them though so I can't fault Roy too much. I think most Finns would have taken a draw in Serbia before the match began, and I assume and hope they will play a more youthful and offensive line-up when they take on Poland Wednesday to grab three points and really put them back in the thick of things. If they can manage to pull that result they may be able to squeeze into Euro 2008.
From what I have heard, we didn't exactly play that well, but John Keister's first half goal ended up being enough to give us a hard fought win. It appears we were under a bit of pressure towards the close of the match as TPV searched for the equalizer, but obviously we managed to handle the pressure well enough and come home as victors.
The three points is massive for us, and currently we are only 2 points away from being safe from relegation. Of course, we will need results to go our way today if we want it to stay that way. GBK managed to take a win from PK-35 whom we will play next weekend.
In other news, Finland managed to come out of Belgrade with a dull 0-0 tie. One of the other benefits of staying behind yesterday was that I was able to catch the match. Finland from the start were obviously looking for a draw and that's it. Experience over youth seemed to be the preferred option for Roy Hodgeson's selection with Mika Nurmela getting the start out wide.
That selection told me enough about the game before it even begain. A player like Nurmela, who at his age couldn't really offer much more then helping to keep the ball when playing out wide. If he's played more centrally then I could see him having a bigger impact, but out wide he neither has the pace nor the stamina. What resulted was a very dull, uneventful draw from the Finnish side.
In the end, a draw is a good result for them though so I can't fault Roy too much. I think most Finns would have taken a draw in Serbia before the match began, and I assume and hope they will play a more youthful and offensive line-up when they take on Poland Wednesday to grab three points and really put them back in the thick of things. If they can manage to pull that result they may be able to squeeze into Euro 2008.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
They Call Me....Ronaldinho
Ok so they really don't call me Ronaldinho, but this past weekend I did my best impression. With a Brazilian defender barreling at me, I sweetly pulled off Ronaldinho's elastico move, sending my defender the wrong way and nearly onto the ground. Those that have played with me more then one time know that I do this trick pretty much every chance I get. Here's a link where you all can watch. It happens at the 3:20 mark. Enjoy...I know I have (about a hundred times!!!)
Monday, September 3, 2007
Jippo 2 TP-47 2
It was a dreary day for my first game in my new jersey. Rain poured down for most of the day making for a slick surface and a not so pretty game. Despite the conditions, we actually started quite well. Tornio were good in possession, but hardly created anything in the early-goings whereas we were quite effective at carving out chances on the counter.
At about the 10 minute mark, after some good build up play, the ball was played out wide to me near the top of the box. I took a good settling touch and then struck a terrific shot only for it to deflect off of a defender before getting to the goal. A few minutes later, Jussi picked up a clearance and drove at this defender. I made a run to the inside of him where Jussi played a great ball in front of me and into the box. I slid, along with the defender, to get an attempt at goal but once again it was deflected for a corner.
However, our first goal would come off of a great counter attack. Kemo picked up a clearance and then found a streaking Jussi. Jussi managed to beat his mark wide and play a great ball back across the box where Kemo finished easily into the side netting. Unfortunately, we kind of lost the plot a bit after the goal. We seemed merely content in kicking the ball away as if we were in the 90th minute.
Tornio gained more and more possession and were beginning to penetrate. They would score after a poor clearance made it only just outside the box in the center of the park. Tornio's midfielder took a settling touch that bounced high, however, he dealt with it remarkably well and volleyed it into the upper corner. After the goal we seemed to gain a bit of composure, and while we didn't create any clear cut chances we were much more calm on the ball.
The half ended 1-1. The second half was a carbon copy of the first. We started well, effectively countering after winning the ball from Tornio. John Keister, who was brought on in the first half, helped stretch the Tornio defense and effectively held up the ball for us along with his strike partner Kemo.
Again off of a quick counter in which Kemo found himself streaking out wide with the ball, I nearly scored. Kemo played a great ball across the top of the box. I ran onto it and struck it sweetly with the inside of my foot. It was destined for the top right corner, but once again was deflected. A few minutes later, however, we would take the lead again. Jan Berg played in a good corner from the right side where Diego got a good head to the ball. It was initially saved but a pouncing Mikko roofed the ball into the top of the net.
It was 2-1, and at the time I felt sure of victory. But once again, we lost composure and allowed Tornio back into the game. Possession became a rarity for us, and we were made to pay. Unfortunately, I have a bit to do with their tying goal. I picked up the ball wide deep in the opposing half. I had the opportunity to immediately cross the ball, but elected to take on my defender. I did brilliantly pulling off Ronaldinho's 'elastico' to beat my Brazilian mark, but rather then take a left footed shot on goal I tried to play the ball back to a streaking midfielder. It was picked off by a defender though, and Tornio countered towards the other end. The ball made its way deep and wide, and their forward managed to pick out a player of his own color despite the fact that there were 3 defenders to one attacker.
I was immediately disappointed with myself. The move was great, looked pretty, but when you're up a goal you can't afford to give away possession the way I did. Had I put in a cross, it may have been cleared by the defense, but it wouldn't have led to a quick counter. Of course, there were others who are at fault as well, but it started with me and I know better then that. Chances were slim after the tying goal. Tornio continued with most of the possession, and while we got better we didn't really carve out any chances. However, we should have been awarded a penalty at the death of the match after John Keister was pulled back in the box. The ref waved play on and then blew the whistle for the end of the match.
I was pulled off in injury time, and I was very happy with my display. It was my first game with a new team, and I definitely caused some problems for the other team. I felt a bit slow, however, which was largely due to the fact that I had not played a 90 minute game at right wing and a long long long time. But to last as long as I did and to make chances and keep the ball was very pleasing for me. Unfortunately, I picked up my 3rd yellow and will miss out on the next game to suspension. Three points is absolutely necessary if we are to avoid the drop.
At about the 10 minute mark, after some good build up play, the ball was played out wide to me near the top of the box. I took a good settling touch and then struck a terrific shot only for it to deflect off of a defender before getting to the goal. A few minutes later, Jussi picked up a clearance and drove at this defender. I made a run to the inside of him where Jussi played a great ball in front of me and into the box. I slid, along with the defender, to get an attempt at goal but once again it was deflected for a corner.
However, our first goal would come off of a great counter attack. Kemo picked up a clearance and then found a streaking Jussi. Jussi managed to beat his mark wide and play a great ball back across the box where Kemo finished easily into the side netting. Unfortunately, we kind of lost the plot a bit after the goal. We seemed merely content in kicking the ball away as if we were in the 90th minute.
Tornio gained more and more possession and were beginning to penetrate. They would score after a poor clearance made it only just outside the box in the center of the park. Tornio's midfielder took a settling touch that bounced high, however, he dealt with it remarkably well and volleyed it into the upper corner. After the goal we seemed to gain a bit of composure, and while we didn't create any clear cut chances we were much more calm on the ball.
The half ended 1-1. The second half was a carbon copy of the first. We started well, effectively countering after winning the ball from Tornio. John Keister, who was brought on in the first half, helped stretch the Tornio defense and effectively held up the ball for us along with his strike partner Kemo.
Again off of a quick counter in which Kemo found himself streaking out wide with the ball, I nearly scored. Kemo played a great ball across the top of the box. I ran onto it and struck it sweetly with the inside of my foot. It was destined for the top right corner, but once again was deflected. A few minutes later, however, we would take the lead again. Jan Berg played in a good corner from the right side where Diego got a good head to the ball. It was initially saved but a pouncing Mikko roofed the ball into the top of the net.
It was 2-1, and at the time I felt sure of victory. But once again, we lost composure and allowed Tornio back into the game. Possession became a rarity for us, and we were made to pay. Unfortunately, I have a bit to do with their tying goal. I picked up the ball wide deep in the opposing half. I had the opportunity to immediately cross the ball, but elected to take on my defender. I did brilliantly pulling off Ronaldinho's 'elastico' to beat my Brazilian mark, but rather then take a left footed shot on goal I tried to play the ball back to a streaking midfielder. It was picked off by a defender though, and Tornio countered towards the other end. The ball made its way deep and wide, and their forward managed to pick out a player of his own color despite the fact that there were 3 defenders to one attacker.
I was immediately disappointed with myself. The move was great, looked pretty, but when you're up a goal you can't afford to give away possession the way I did. Had I put in a cross, it may have been cleared by the defense, but it wouldn't have led to a quick counter. Of course, there were others who are at fault as well, but it started with me and I know better then that. Chances were slim after the tying goal. Tornio continued with most of the possession, and while we got better we didn't really carve out any chances. However, we should have been awarded a penalty at the death of the match after John Keister was pulled back in the box. The ref waved play on and then blew the whistle for the end of the match.
I was pulled off in injury time, and I was very happy with my display. It was my first game with a new team, and I definitely caused some problems for the other team. I felt a bit slow, however, which was largely due to the fact that I had not played a 90 minute game at right wing and a long long long time. But to last as long as I did and to make chances and keep the ball was very pleasing for me. Unfortunately, I picked up my 3rd yellow and will miss out on the next game to suspension. Three points is absolutely necessary if we are to avoid the drop.
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