Brave Ice undefeated run ends against EPIC Renegades 3-1

Match Report – McLean Ice vs Epic Renegades, October 31

Well Jimmy Goodale’s prediction of a 4-1 victory for Ice against the Renegades didn’t work out, however we were treated to a thrilling game of soccer in perfect weather conditions in Winchester. Our team knew that this game would be tough, and despite the disappointing score line, outplayed the Renegades in the second half, creating many scoring opportunities that just didn’t quite make it.

The game started at a fast pace with both teams enjoying equal amounts of possession and opportunity. Ice secured several good scoring opportunities with Alex AbiNajm, Harry Siggins and Dylan Goodale constructing a number of effective attacks. However after the first ten minutes of play the Renegades started to apply consistent pressure leading to their first goal in the fifteenth minute. The Renegades kept the pressure up and but for several daring saves by Robby Maffei, the scoreline could have been wider.

With Ben Kodres O’Brien, Scott Lafoon and Michael Sneizek working hard in mid-field a hand-ball by the Renegades just outside their penalty area leads to a direct free kick, however the shot just goes wide.

A further period of sustained attack by the Renegades leads to their second goal about five minutes from the end of the half. However Ice hold on with excellent defense from Matthew Callahan, Matt Mc Donald and Stephen Seliskar and continued solid goalkeeping by Robby Maffei.

Disheartened at half-time the Coaches team-talk clearly worked, and Ice started the second half very strongly with Michael Knight gaining a number of scoring opportunities from the mid-field. A break up the center by Robbie Hopefl, passes wide to the left wing where the ball in picked up by Alex AbiNajm who scores the perfect goal and Ice are back in the game.

However luck was not on our side today as a free kick to the Renegades leads to an opportunistic lob that Robby just could not reach, and the score line is now 3-1 to the Renegades. Justin Strahan and Albert Doumar are solid in defense, averting an almost certain fourth goal for the Renegades while Sam McKay and Phillipe Nunnenkamp, Eric Leimkuhler and Andrew Awad work energetically to keep Ice in attacking play.

Harry Siggins comes back in late in the second half and puts on an impressive display on the right wing, creating a number of attacking opportunities however the Renegades prove effective at defending their lead and the game ends 3-1.

There is no doubt, however, that Ice were the better team in the second half and were a little unlucky that their attacking play did not result in more goals.

An entertaining game of soccer – and we look forward to the last game of the season next week!!