August 24, 2000
Bumrushers vs Rage

Being the second game of the year for us, we were eager to make up for our debacle of the second half of our first game. This game was against the Rage on a muggy Thursday night. This game was nothing short of the physical battle that I thought it would be. With the physical play, there were surprising no cards. Just the kind of game that you want to play.

Both teams started the game off with 4 subs. The most we have ever had. We started the game off with the first goal of the game about 8 minutes in. Mark took a loose ball on the right side and one timed a cross to the middle when the goalie punched the ballout, it took a bounce and Patrick blasted one from the 18 that found the back of the net. Bumrushers 1-0. Both teams were attacking the opposing goals with fast breaks with the defense thwarting most of the attacks. Much of the play for both teams was in the middle of the field. With every ball being contested by both teams. The Rage were playing with a roaming goalie and Baxter was staying put. We struck again with about 12 minutes left when were we rushing their goal and the Rage goalie for some reason ventured way off of his line and paid for it when Art coolly and calmly shot a left footer in for a goal from just beyond the 18 with the goalie diving about a foot from Art. Bumrushers 2-0. And who says defenders can’t score?

Half time. At half were we reminding ourselves what happened Sunday, and saying that it wasn’t going to happen again.

In the second half, every part of the game of was stepped up from us. The Rage scored 12 minutes in when a ball slipped through the defense and a Rage player shot and scored. Bumrushers 2-1. As if the defense wasn’t already playing a great game, after that they completely shut down any chance of Rage coming close to trying to score. All game long when the Rage tried to come in the middle, the ball was sent away. Of the few shots that they had, all came from the wings. Magnanimous game from the D.

After the Rage goal, they had their spirits flying high. But not for long. With any penetration bring sent out, our mid-field started picking it up from the vibe the defense was giving out. Roughly 10 minutes later a ball was cleared from the back from Brian and Sam beat the trap and out ran their sweeper with a one-on-one with the keeper. The keeper tried to stop him, but Sam lifted one over his head and scored. Bumrushers 3-1. Sorry goalies, but if Sam has a one-on-one with you, he will score. Just go ahead and lay down cause he will make it. Eight minutes later we got more insurance. With the Rage still using their trap, Patty sent a soft ball for Sam and he once again had a one-on-one with the keeper. Bumrushers 4-1.

The scoring ended with 15 minutes left when Cam was streaking toward the Rage goal and was taken down from behind in the box. Penalty kick. Cam stepped up and shot the ball just right of center and beat the goalie when he guess anywhere but straight. Bumrushers 5-1.

Wining this game was a big relief. We showed that we will be hard to beat. We had 2 more subs this game and it really helped. All the players we have picked up this year have really contributed in every aspect. Our returning players are really contributing also. Of the 2 aspects I noted in the last summary, we did well on both this game. We had subs and we were not negative on each other. We lifted up everyone up when maybe they did something wrong, which wasn’t that much this game. And having our subs and using them properly, we were still pressing as hard near the end as we were in the first of the game. Having 2 extra subs does make a difference. Rage also had the same amount of subs so it was hard to see just how much better over another team it would be to have more subs. But just watching the game it was evident. Everyone played a great game, but the defense totally shut down the Rage. Great job guys!!! Let’s keep this tenacity up.


Dennis Thompson