After a series of three defeats to start the season McLean Ice found their form as they arrive at the mid point of the season. In addition the boys showed considerable courage and determination to recover from a 0-2 deficit to achieve a draw. With a little more time it looked like it could have been a win.

At the outset it was clear that these were evenly matched teams, but Ice making most of possession and attacking play. However at about the five-minute point, Epic managed to break through the Ice defense on their left wing and a nice shot towards the far post just made it into the net.

Ice responded with a sustained attack and we witnessed some excellent soccer, with a number of breakaways up both wings and crosses to forwards in he right position to score. But a combination of good defense and just that slight shortage of finishing yielded no goals. In one unlucky moment an excellent cross from Alex Abinajm found Robert who was perfectly positioned in front of the goal with one player to beat. A certain goal was thwarted by an illegal tug on Robert’s jersey but the referee was not in a position to see the foul – unlucky for Robert and for the team but that’s the way it goes sometimes.

The second half started with a sustained offensive by Epic. Stephen Seliskar put in a couple of great saves but in the end Epic managed to score about 10 minutes into the second half.

But here comes the difference from previous games – rather than get angry and frustrated the boys decided to get even. Robbie Hopfl passes to Phillipe in the penalty area. Phillipe takes the shot, which is deflected back out by the goalie. But Alex Abinajm is there to intercept and plays it past the goalie to score. To the relief of many, Ice have ended their drought of goals and narrow the gap in this game that many thought was well and truly over.

Shortly afterwards Robbie Hopefl passes to Phillipe who is positioned in the center just outside the penalty area. Phillipe hoists a low but powerful lob that takes the Epic goalie completely by surprise and finds the back of the net to equalize at 2-2.