The weekend started dark and stormy, and finished pleasantly under the lights of Delta Park Strasser. The first weekend saw every match end with either a win or a loss. The winners were IPS/Marathon Taverna, Thirsty Lion, and DNA Futbol Club. So that left Light of Africa, FC Swoosh Kell's, and Westside on the unfortunate end of their scorelines. I'm quite confident that any rustiness will have been shaken off and we can look forward to many more thrilling fixtures to come.

Here's an excerpt from Sunday Night's Match Report; DNA Futbol Club 2 - 1 Light of Africa:
...Strasser Field witnessed DNA Futbol Club win a wild and intense match played in front of a frenzied and raucous crowd. This match saw DNA FC unveil a completely revamped squad infused with an array of highly skilled players, and more importantly showed much improved chemistry and character. But the Light of Africa made them earn every bit of those three points with their own valiant and overhauled roster. The match wasn't decided until the 90th minute when DNA countered as the Light was going for the win. DNA had seemingly wrapped up the match earlier off of a brilliant upper v blast by newcomer Luis Ibanez off a pass from the venerable Raul Garcia, but the Light snagged a timely late equalizer as DNA tasted the victory. Not being content with a draw, DNA pushed back and took the lead in the 90th, on an exciting counter with Juan Carlos Ibanez slotting the pass over to Luis Alberto Estrada who slammed it home to leave no doubt. Cue wild celebration. Cue yellow card for taking jersey off swinging it like a helicopter.

Other scores from the weekend were:
IPS/Marathon Taverna 3 - 2 FC Swoosh Kell's
Westside 1 - 2 Thirsty Lion

Things we should have learned from last weekend:

1) Fitness and weather really don't have much of an effect. The quality of the athletes is more than enough to overcome a little rain, and the intensity of the matches inspires these players well past any fatigue.

2) Goals can come from anywhere. Tracy Hasson launched a gorgeous long range shot for FC Swoosh, and DNA Futbol Club's first goal was an incredible volley. Both of these shots surprised both the defense and the fans, so keep your eyes on the ball.

3) Goal-line clearances. Both matches I saw had goal-line clearances, so clearly, once the defense is committed, they are fully committed.

Red Army 2 - Kellys Olympians 2
A slippery pitch made for a sloppy contest riddled with lots of hard tackles and goofy bounces. RAwas in their traditional form of ball control and began to spin the same old story of patient opportunism.However, KO got on the board first with a goal kick that was helped along and create a foot race that was won by Victor Ilau. Determined, the Army continued to press and evened the score on a shot from the top of the 18 yard box that was deflected and curled inside the far post. Shortly before half, after many minutes of attack, the Army took the lead on a cross from the left side that was abley tucked away by Tim Hegge.

The second half saw KO fight back and create more balance of possession and attack. On several occassions, the Army nearly shut the door but were denied, no play more dramatic than on off the line clearance by Nadar Nawas. With 15 minutes left, KO's Ilau tied the game at 2-2 when he blocked a clearance by the Army's keeper. The shot ricocheted into the Reds net, leaving the Army flush with frustration adrift in search of special assistance.

Other scores from Sunday matches:

FC Swoosh Kell's 1 - Westside Lompoc 1

JH Kelly 4 - Black Cats 1