March 24, 2002
Memphis Shock at Cambodian FC

We started the game with a different formation than we usually have. Much of the first half was played in the midfield area with both teams making runs to that lead to nothing. Right around halfway during the first half we struck first. Jon won a ball in midfield and sent it up to JJ. JJ beat his defender to the ball and took a shot. The keeper got a hand and it somewhat blocked it. JJ followed his shot and kicked it in the goal. Memphis Shock 1-0.

With just minutes left in the half, CFC won a penalty kick. Walt was going for the ball in the box with a defender and missed the ball and got the guys feet. He fell down writhing in pain as if his leg just got severed off. The center ref first awarded a red. But after much deliberation with the side ref and our captains, the ref decided on giving Walt the appropriate yellow card and not a red. So the CFC player stepped and up and shot right down the middle. Baxter got a hand on it but the shot was taken with such force that he couldn’t do anything other that slow it down. Game tied 1-1.

At halftime we came in tired. We had no subs, CFC had like 6. Once again people not showing up hurt us. Not to mention someone had to leave. That didn’t help. So we had to change our strategy again for the second half.

It pains me to say this, but nearly 2/3 of the play in this half was on our side of the field. The good thing, our defense was taking what they were dishing out. The bad thing, we couldn’t stop everything. From a throw-in, a CFC player took a couple of dribbles, and then shot toward goal. As CFC did in our last game last season, a shot from 35 yards out was placed to perfection over the leaping goalie and just under the crossbar. CFC up 2-1. They ended up winning the game with the same score, even though we were pressing hard the last couple of minutes.

While we had our chances, CFC had more. Other than that great shot, point blank shots are not their specialty. Baxter did save about 4-5 close hard shots total in the game, but many, many, many more from within 10 yards were not even close. Example, 8 yards out, over the bar. Suggestion, if you keep your knee over the ball, it will stay low. Normally I wouldn’t bring this kind of stuff up, but when you are that close that many times and it happens, its hard not to notice. As a matter of fact, we might not have even needed a keeper.

Lesson of the game: we need people to show up. Now we know that there are circumstances when you will not be able to come. That’s fine. But when you have a schedule, know when the games are, and still don’t call us until 3 hours before game time or not call at all, that’s different. Without going too much into it, there is no doubt in my mind that if those people, even just 1, would’ve come, this would be a joyful summary. It sucks. We should’ve won. Luckily, Rowdies beat Kodiak which made the season wide open.

I hope it was worth it.

Dennis Thompson