11/28/06:
Pats, no patsy anymore, defeat Vesuvio 1-0 on Tuesday Night.
Under the lights at Palumbo, and seen on ESPN 8, the ocho, The Patriots continued their winning ways with an inspired 1-0 victory over the Calamaris, gaining revenge from an earlier defeat (4-3 week 1).
The game proved to be one of the better matches of the year as each team punched and counterpunched for the entire 90 minutes. Opportunities abound in the first half, with a Calamari missing from point blank range and a Patriot knocking a header just over the crossbar. I’m sure there were more, but they are the two that stand out the most. The teams were scoreless at the break.
The second half had the same ferver as both teams kept on coming. It seemed as if Vesuvio would wear the Pats down as they had subs and the Pats were with just the 11 on the pitch.
When it looked like this game might end in a scoreless draw, Greg Simonds headed a Jimmy Reg corner into the goal to give the Pats a 1-0 lead. Vindication for Lil Jimmy against his former squad, who had given up on the young lad after rumors milled around his lack of play in the cold climate.
I think there may have been 15 minutes remaining when the Pats took the lead. However, the Calamaris would not go quietly. Ricky tried to put his team on his shoulders and will them to a victory. Opportunites by Greg, Dave and Brian (quick guy on the right) seemed to mount, and the Pats were trying to hang on. It seemed as if the Calamaris would get the equalizer when a scramble led to a Vesuvio shot with the Pats keeper off his line. However, Paul Roberts manned his post and headed the ball out just before the ball crossed into the goal. Saving the day and the match for the Pats.
Up next for the Pats is a NOONER with El Fuego on Sunday. The Burritos no-doubt will come with their A game as Bulas Boys (and girls) will be looking to avenge their playoff loss last year to Race St., in a PK thriller, and advance to the finals. The Patriots, who now have a 3 game winning streak, will also be ready to rumble as they make it to the Playoff Round for the first time in team history.
Second game will be @ 2 as Race St. plays Vesuvio. Wow, who do you root for in this game? Is it possible that both teams could lose? Its like the Cowboys playing against…the Cowboys?
Good Luck to All.
11/26/06:
Race 3 – Fuego 0
Patriot Construction defeats Fergies 5-2 to clinch a playoff berth.
The Patriots clinched the final playoff berth with a 5-2 victory over an outmanned Fergie club. Fergies played the game with 9 or 10 players. However, although short a man or two, the men on the field gave it their all. Kudos to them for not giving up and playing hard for the full 90.
The Patriots took a 2-0 halftime lead on goals by Jimmy O & Jimmy Reg. Once again I played in the back, so details may be shotty.
Fergies could’ve mailed it in at that point, with a 2 goal deficit and a man or two deficit, however they continued to play hard and agressive. They cut the lead in half shortly after the 2nd half began on a corner kick which deflected off a Patriot and into the back of the net.
However, the Pats fired right back on a goal by Jimmy ( i don’t know, was it Okarma or Reg – either or, they each tallied 2 goals on the day).
The next punch of this fight came from Fergie striker Harald who found himself all alone at the edge of the penalty area and fired a left footed shot past the Pats keeper. (Notice how much detail on this goal as I had a great view of it, being out of position and “trying” to get back) Thus, a one goal game again (3-2).
After cutting the lead, Fergies seemed to lose a little strength, probably from being down men. The Pats took control and sealed the deal with two late 2nd half goals, one by one of the Jimmys and the other by a fast breaking Jeremy.
5-2 was the final and the Patriots were happy to join the Playoff Party.
Now up for the Pats is a bout with Vesuvio, whom won an earlier match 4-3. The winner gets El Fuego in a playoff match, the loser gets Race St. In the event of a tie…I’m not in charge don’t ask me what happens.
11/21/06:
On Tuesday, in front of a raucous crowd, the Patriots eliminated the Dodgers from playoff contention with a 4-1 victory. It was standing room only at Palumbo park as fans braved the cold climate to see a well played game by the two squads.
The Patriots, who had not played in two full weeks, seemed rested and eager to play. They came out aggressive and sustained it through the entire match. The Patriots took a 2-0 lead into the half on goals by Lil Jimmy Reg & Greg Simonds. One goal was set up by a Napolean Dynamite run and shot which Jimmy rebounded. Greg’s goal I couldn’t tell you what happened. I played in the back most of the evening so details are shotty at best.
After half, the Dodgers cut the lead about half way through on a missile placed in the upper corner by, I believe, Fabio. He was in the area on a modeling shoot. Although he looks a little different without the golden locks.
The Dodgers keep a comin’, with nice center mid play by Mike and had some other opportunities. But on this day Chau Phan, the Patriot keeper, said you only get one.
The Patriots gained some breathing room with another goal by Greg in the 2nd half, and Jimmy O’Karma sealed the deal with a poke that just sneaked in the far corner. To tell you the truth, I don’t think it was a goal, but what do I know 
The game was well played on both sides and it seemed as if the bickering amongst the teams, players and the ref was kept to a minimum. Maybe its the Holiday Spirit.
Thanks to Dave for volunteering to ref.
Everybody have a great Holiday.
Patriot Captain
