Hard Work Pays Off - McLean Ice overcome Arlington Earthquakes to win 4-2

After a week of hurricanes and tornadoes, McLean Ice faced up to their latest contest against Arlington Earthquakes at Tuckahoe Elementary School in surprisingly ideal weather conditions. The dominant theme of this game was the good decision-making ability of the McLean Ice players, which resulted in dominant possession and control of the play.

With an 11am kick-off McLean Ice were playing with the wind, providing them with some first-half advantage. Play started aggressively and in a first test of Earthquake’s defense Alex AbiNajm hoists the ball high towards the goal, but is easily saved by the goal-keeper.

As play settles down, McLean Ice get into their stride with most of the play staying in Earthquake’s half. Another attempt on goal goes wide. Michael Sniezek intercepts the ensuing goal kick, crossing to Michael Knight in the center. With perfect precision Michael Knight moves into position and scores the first goal for McLean Ice after just over four minutes of play.

Earthquakes respond with an attack but are unable to break through McLean Ice defense. With a period of play in mid-field McLean Ice still maintain the upper hand controlling most of the possession. A dangerous break by Earthquakes down the right wing leads to a goal scoring opportunity, brilliantly saved by Scotty Lafoon.

In the 11^th minute Harry Siggins launches an attack from mid-field, gets the ball to Dylan Goodale in the centre with just one player to beat. Dylan finishes the job. McLean Ice lead 2-0.

A period of attrition follows but again with McLean Ice dominating the game with mid-fielders Eric Leimkuhler and Michael Knight working hard. Earthquakes win a corner kick and the ball is crossed perfectly into the penalty area. McLean Ice has a lucky escape as the shot goes high and wide. Immediately Ice go back on the attack with Matthew Callahan clearing the ball to Dylan Goodale at the half-way line. Dylan beats three Earthquakes defenders to score his second goal of the game. It is almost 20 minutes into the game and McLean Ice now lead 3-0.

However Earthquakes may be down but they prove they are not out. A break through McLean Ice defense in the 24^th minute, they score their first goal. It is now 3-1. McLean Ice respond by piling on the pressure with four players in Earthquake’s penalty area. Robbie Hoepfl gets the pass to Sam McKay who scores McLean Ice’s 4^th goal with five minutes of the half remaining.

The second half starts with a lot of end-to-end play, Earthquakes increasing the pressure on McLean Ice. Great defensive teamwork by Stephen Seliskar and Justin Strahan closes down a number of opportunities for the Earthquakes and Robby Maffei makes sure to save any attempts on goal.

A free kick to Ice taken by Matthew Callahan, finds Phillipe Nunnenkamp, passes to Andrew Awad who is perfectly positioned in the penalty area. However Earthquake’s goalkeeper reads the situation perfectly and saves the attempt on goal.

After a long period of attrition Earthquakes break through the McLean Ice defense to score their second goal. With six minutes of play left. McLean Ice play to defend their 2-goal lead which they do successfully, even launching a last minute attack, before the final whistle goes. McLean Ice win 4-2.

In the post-game summation Coaches Ken Nunnenkamp and Michael Callahan gave the players their view of their performance and praised the players for good running without the ball, getting to the ball first, and controlling the play.

And player Ben Kodres-O’Brien summed it up perfectly by saying "Hard Work Pays Off". How true.