The boys scored a 3 - 1 win this afternoon to set up a group title battle with Ft Wayne Fever tomorrow. The first goal came early again, scored by Devon Newport. It started in midfield and it was an emphasis on the basics - pressure the ball, win the 50/50 and push forward. Not once but several balls were won through individual determination and the team pushed forward. The goal was scored as Newport challenged for a ball in the box and as it popped loose he nailed a shot to the left side past the keeper.
The Sockers came out strong to start the 2nd half and tied the score at 1-1 on a set piece. The ball came in hard and while initially blocked, the rebound gave the Sockers renewed energy. The interlopers from Missouri were not to be denied however and it was from a set piece that the game-winner was scored. An initial corner kick in the 61st minute was headed just wide right but a deflection meant that SSC got a second opportunity and they closed the deal. More specifically, Graham Basecke went high a second time and was not to be denied. The result is pictured above 
The third goal was scored by Tim Griffin in stoppage time. Ryan Moses challenged and won a ball as the Sockers tried to get numbers forward. Griffin alertly pounced on the ball and confidently slotted it into the net.
I can’t tell you how impressed I have been with the play of this squad. The commitment to the team and the system, the hard work that leaves me breathless, the quality of the little things. How well they tackle and defend, anticipating passing lanes as teams attempt to bring the ball in down the line or over the top. Movement off the ball. I can go on…
Back again - after checking the scores, FC Milwaukee bounced back from yesterday’s shutout loss to SSC by putting the hurt on Ft Wayne, 4-1. That would appear to mean that a tie against Ft Wayne would send our boys through to the semi-finals on Tuesday morning. Given the way they are playing, I would not expect to see a strange in strategy or even a defensive approach as that would be counter-productive if the team moves on.
This has been quite a weekend, what an eye-opener in terms of the quality of play and the opportunities. I brought 500 business cards with me and there are as many college coaches to pass them out to as there are parents and fans. I’m posting some of the familiar, and less familiar faces, as I meet them and as they discover the quality standard possible in Southwest Missouri. Check them out on the photo site.
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