Strikers in goal bonanza as all goalkeepers miss out
“Hi. My name is Justinian, you can call me J”. Large smile, friendly Californian attitude, this is how our new rookie introduced himself today as he joined the squad for his debut. An exciting new entry, as we haven’t had US-players for a while now and coming from San Francisco J can certainly bring some fresh Bay vibe. Besides, he carries the name of a Byzantine emperor, and that might help with future negotiations with the Palace.
As he found his place in the Colours team, J quickly realised that the pace and the quality of football was at a level he had never seen on the other side of the Atlantic. Still he managed to a deliver a solid performance helping his Colours team be on the lead for the entire match.
It was a cold but sunny day near the Pond, with long shadows created by the low sun. Among the 20 players on the pitch was Professor Andrè, who was honoured with a memorable “happy birthday” choir from all the players. Nice of him to celebrate his 40th birthday with the team.
Among the crowd and the strikers the excitement was palpable after news of the absence of the Club’s three professional goalkeepers had broken. A rare occasion to try to net more goals without having their shots frustrated by the usual heroics of Paride, TonyL and Alessandro. The bookies updated their odds, with “Match Goals Over 10.5” offered at the same low odd usually attributed to events extremely likely to happen, such as Yassin scoring at least one goal, Giancarlo missing a penalty or Hannes not being carded.
Playing with the Colours, Francesco was the first to find the net when he headed the ball on a beautiful cross from Ben, surprising the Oranges’ defence. A “Kodak moment”, as Hossam nicely defined it. Francesco scored again later in the match, when Victor (who also scored a brace) served him a ball that only needed a small touch to end in goal.
Among the Colours, Ben also scored a rare hat-trick. This is a player able to play magnificently in every part of the pitch, as valuable as the entire Arsenal squad.
Oranges were behind for the whole match but never despaired, fighting on every ball to get back on track and scoring many. Among those, the most extraordinary was a shot from long range by Charlie. Kicked from what looked like 50 meters, the ball took a missile-like trajectory and ended up in the net much to everyone’s surprise. A ballistic miracle.
After Giancarlo left to rehearse for his new theatre play with the Colours still leading by one or two (the result was 8-6 or 7-5) it was time to go for Golden Goal. Having been ahead the whole time, the Colours were absolutely determined to win the match and switched their play to “Ultra Attacking” mode. A risky tactic, as they ended up leaving Diego unmarked on a corner kick. Something that sounds as dangerous as it is. In fact it was easy for the Argentinian to put the ball in goal with a header, giving Oranges a well-deserved consolation prize.
“Today’s result is a testament to the quality of our strikers, more than an effect of us being unable to play” said TonyL after watching from the home the highlights of the match. “I am not sure it would have been much difference with me in goal, but I would have loved to try and stop that Charlie’s shot!”