07/23/2018
Legends 04's had great and SPECTACULAR performances at the tournament this past weekend. With only 11 field players and 2 GKs we only had 2 subs on the bench. Eventually falling to 10 field players and an extra GK on the bench, The Legends rose to the occasion and showcased football that makes a coach proud.
Game 1: vs Merced United. 7-3
Man of the match : Josh De Jesus.
After a slow start and going down 0-1 in 5 min, the boys bounced back to the the match at 1's just four minutes later. On a marking mishap we go down 1-2 by the 12th min. That only sparked an incredible reaction from the legends who scored 3 beautiful goals off of combination plays. Closing the 1st half up 4-2. Second half was no different and saw the boys add 3 more to the tally, while giving up a third goal towards the end of the match.
Game 2: vs CCYSL Cobras. 2-4
Man of the match: Phillip Loo
Cobras has a striker with incredible strength and pace. He would bury two goals by imposing his mere will. Down 0-1 in the first 8min, we found the the equalizer from a quick throw in and fast dribble towards the back line who was unorganized. Beautiful individual effort by Brian6 to beat the GK near post. We finished the 1st half down 1-3 as the Cobras surged to get their first win of the tournament.
Second half was better balanced and we imposed our style of play, completely dominating possession and the tempo of the game. With a burst of speed down the flank from SAV7 he found Marcos16 in the box who tend spun a defender as was taken down as he sized up the GK. Rychards9 stepped up to take the Pk, his shot was rebounded by the GK and Alvaro17 burried his chance on goal to make it 2-3. Unfortunately, due to us pushing for the the we were caught on a break away sprint, a bad pass back to the keeper caused an error and the game shuts down at 2-4 Cobras. We played with a man down due to Phillip27 coming off the pitch with a strained calf due to heat exhaustion.
Game 3: vs AFC Ajax United
Man of the match SAV7
In a must win for both teams and a man down leaving us with absolutely no field player sub, we altered our game plan to face Ajax who was coming off of 2 wins with 6 Goals in favor and only 1 against. Our tactics paid off perfectly as we immediately took control of the midfield and out possessed Ajax. 17 min into the half the boys sprung quick counter and drew a could just out wide of the penalty box. SAV7 stepped up, ripped grass from below him and let it go to blow in the wind. Once he processed the elemental factors we began his stride and launched a laser across the face of the goal and burried it far post side net. No need to drop and seal the win, Legends pushed for more. Half ended 1-0. Second half was impressive. With no subs the heat and exhausted muscles began to get the better of the boys. Several times they played with 10 players as one would come out so that we could stretch, get some water and then head back out. Blisters and cramps kept us cycling players during the last 18 min of the game. Of second GK suited up and came on as a sub to add some sort of spark up top. The thrilling match ended with us the exhausted victors. 1-0.
Unfortunately it was a 3 way tie for the top 2 spots. The 3 and 4 Goals against is what hurt us tremendously. Leaving us in 3rd place after the tie breaker . Legends 2004 go home empty handed after 2 wins and 1 loss.
