Lack of Discipline Dooms NUTC in Loss to Pike
Two defensive breakdowns and a red card later, NUTC FC (1-0-1) found itself at a loss and back to square one after a 2-0 loss to Pike Gold (1-1-0). The loss was a major setback, giving NUTC doubt over its ability to stay resolute through the whole season.NUTC was without Liz, last week's starting goalkeeper and sent Joe Draut into goal instead. The team also added Arpan, John LaBoe, Elise and Tucker Johnson. LaBoe cracked the starting lineup over Jung and Johnson started over Forrest. Arpan also started at left midfield.
The game was far more open than NUTC's game against Athletico Garnett. Unfortunately, this backfired on NUTC as Pike Gold was able to concede some possession and take advantage of NUTC's many, many mistakes. Pike absorbed early pressure and scored a early goal after 10 minutes. NUTC missed a clearance and the ball fell to a Pike player, who slotted the ball past Draut to make it 1-0.The Runners had chances to strike back but failed to take them. Forrest, who had come on for Johnson, took a long range shot three minutes later that cannoned off the bar. The mistakes in the final third began to pile up, however, and Pike was able to easily hold a 1-0 lead into halftime.NUTC once again started sluggishly in the second half. A long ball over the top was lazily dealt with, forcing Pleva and Kauzlaric to rush back and deal with a cross. Pleva tried to clear the ball, but he accidentally sent the ball into his own goal, giving Pike a 2-0 lead. The own goal crushed any hopes for NUTC to win the game. While the team continued to move forward and generate failed attacks, it wasn't enough. A third Pike goal was disallowed as a cross was judged to have gone out of bounds before being knocked into the goal.In a strange incident at the end of the game, Tucker Johnson was sent off for shouting "f*** you" to a referee. It was dumb. The incident typified NUTC FC's lack of discipline in the contest. According to the rules, Johnson will be banned for the next match."We had some opportunities and failed to convert," manager Cool Mike said. "I'm going to change the subject and talk about team culture instead of having you question my tactics."(note: that quote may have been invented)NUTC FC/Runners with No Chill will face Beta 1 on April 26th at 10 p.m.
Notes and Jokes
- After a strong performance last week, "The Sledgehammer" was held scoreless.
- Nicky Hug left the game at halftime through due to a quad cramp and did not return until the final quarter of the game.
- Elise and Karli came on and played some quality minutes in the second half.
- The author of this piece came on, ran a lot, won some corners, and also committed a dumb foul.
- #BRINGLIZBACK, #COOLMIKEOUT
- Player of the Game: nobody
