On a crisp Saturday, I was able to get out for several games at the end of the day. As cold as it was, I’m glad I wasn’t covering the early morning matches. But as I heard from a couple of groups wandering the grounds, at least its not raining or sleeting.
The games I was able to see include the JB Marine U14 girls (pictured) who took on the Tony Glavin Lions, winning 4-0 with three goals in the first half. The game was fought in the center of the field with both teams able to mount attacks when they found space on the wings. The score reflected the JB Marine girls ability to get into the box more regularly, finishing the two goals I saw from within 12 yards.
The Springfield SC U13 boys were playing on an adjacent field and had a tight game against the Tulsa Blitz, winning 2-1. Again, all of the goals were scored in the first half with SSC taking an early 2-0 lead before giving up one late in the first half following a wonderful exhibition of ball skills by the Blitz’s forward, #13. The second half saw both teams developing excellent opportunities that they were unable to finish. There are eight photos to enjoy.
The final game of the day was the best as the Springfield SC U15 boys took on the Metro United Strikers Premier squad from Collinsville on Field 1. SSC surprised with an early goal from Horton as he crashed the six yard box. Springfield got a second from a set piece as central midfielder Chris Maddox finished a loose ball that fell to him after the first ball was pushed wide. The Strikers, who compete in the Midwest Premier League Premier Division, got one back from Peoria’s TJ (?) late in the first half. TJ created his own opportunity, bringing the ball into the box from the right side before striking a hard shot that goalkeeper Jordan Pitt did well to knock down. Unfortunately for the home side, it was TJ who jumped on the loose ball to bring the Strikers within one.
The second half saw the Strikers attack on a consistent basis as SSC had a difficult time getting the ball out of their defensive end. The team sagged but was not broken however, holding off numerous opportunities to win a nice game against a very talented opponent. As one Metro United parent noted afterwards, this might be the wake call needed to prepare for the MRL games that are a significant part of their schedule in the coming weeks. Congratulations to Carl Rose’s squad on the win.
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