March 24, 2001
Memphis Shock at Mid South Glory

For the first time we started the game with a full squad on the field (WOO-HOO!!). We got the good fortune of going with the wind in the first half. We started the scoring off early again with a goal in the 7th minute of the game. Cam won a ball near midfield and sent the ball on the ground for Ryan. Ryan took a couple of dribbles and megged the keeper for a goal. Memphis Shock 1-0. Five minutes later Sharp won a ball in midfield, juked some seamen out, and stood tall to a defender who tried to bring him down. The defender couldn’t contain Sharp who after dropping his marker, shot the ball which the keeper tried to deflect up to save but delayed the inevitable by by hitting it in the goal. Shock 2-0. Just minutes later Davis won a ball and sent it out to the left for Chris. Chris used his space and dribbled into the box and shot the ball past the keeper for another goal. Shock 3-0.

With the wind going against the Glory, they only mounted really 1 serious attack. The endplay was a Glory player running into Baxter who had the ball, made him drop it, and they got the ball in goal. But, the ref called a foul on the Glory player to take away the goal. Other than that the defense didn’t allow jack in the half. The Shock were mounting many attacks on the goal. Many through balls were sent just a tad too far that made it to the keeper. The Glory were playing a trap all game long. At times it was doing its job, but we were also beating it more than they were getting the off sides call. We could have had a couple more goals, but due to suspect finishing and being knocked to the ground from behind while taking a shot kept us from getting more.

Right before half, Bishop got the second nard attack of the young season.

Going into the 2nd half we were looking pretty good. All we had to do was just last another 45 in this wind and we would be in first place.

With the Glory getting the wind, they seemed to be better in the 2nd half. They got a pretty goal when from the right side of the field, one of their guys took a shot at goal. On a regular day Baxter would’ve had no problem with this ball, but due to the wind, it carried up and over his head. Perfect placement no matter who you are or what team you are on. Shock 3-1. Before the next goal scored, Ryan sent a ball up front for Dennis. While making his run to the opposing goal, with only the keeper in front of him, he was brought down from behind. Surprisingly, there was no red card given, not even a foul awarded. Apparently, this is no longer an infraction.

Near halfway in the 2nd half, Glory got a penalty kick off of an accidental handball in the box. The kick taker shot the ball just under our keeper. Shock lead cut to 3-2. After this goal we picked it up a little more. Davis had a good chance on goal. He stole a weak pass and took it to the right side of the box, took a delicate shot, which the keeper barely tipped, and then hit the ball hit the bottom of the crossbar and bounced straight down. With about 10 minutes left we got the capper. Nathan won a ball from a defender, and passed it off to Ryan. Ryan dribbled around a few guys and then took a shot. It was deflected by a Glory player right to Sharp who shot a low line drive ball that hit the back of the net. Shock with the win at 4-2.

I didn’t realize how much wind could act as an equalizer. We had the wind the first half and totally dominated the half, not giving the Glory anything. When Glory had the wind, they played better. We still had a lot of chances on goal, but not as much compared to the first half. We still won the play in the second half. Glory must have the word football and futbol mistaken. They played much rougher than any team we have played. Not to mention the many high kicks that weren’t called. If they play with a ref who does call fouls on little things, they will be in trouble. There were at least 3 instances that should’ve seen cards, but none given. But strength can’t stop skill.

Even though we were somewhat on our heels in the 2nd half, we still stood tall. Baxter made some great saves on balls that we knuckling into the goal area. Our defense did a great job not allowing any shots from within the box, which is ideal if shots are taken. All shots were from the wings. Midfield did a great job, wining loose balls and creating many chances. Forwards did a great job also. A couple of suspect finishes were our enemy today. We did get a few off sides called against us, but that just means that we are aggressive. On that, just watch the trap. Other than that, we played a great game. All we need to take away from this game, is, wind burn.

Dennis Thompson