South Park Baseball Association

News Detail

19

Feb, 2014

Indoor Black v Royal (The Rematch)

The last time Black Team faced Royal (Gunners Division 1 Girls), the dust cleared with Royal winning 6-2. The long anticipated rematch gave Black Team a chance to even the score, knocking Royal off of their pedestal in epic fashion.

Knowing that Royal was going to start strong and work three players down the middle and cherry picking one deep in the box, the strategy was to load the back line with strong defenders able to delay the attack, wait for a mistake... and capitalize on it. The defensive line (Caden, Keaton, Logan, Stanley and Michael in 6 minute rotations) controlled the first half along with some creative keeper work by both Michael and Caden. There was only one goal able to penetrate in the first half. There were several attempts (one even stopped by a quick footed header by Michael) but the 24 minute buzzer ended 0-1 in Royal's favor.

Second half, with Royal confused at their inability to dominate per their usual, it was time for Black Team to take control. We were able to once again control the defense but as Royal grew more frustrated and tired, that defensive control turned to the attack. As we delayed and covered and eventually gained control of the boy, the boys began carrying and finding crosses and through balls. Royal was unable to recover as quickly with three black shirts on the attack. Back to back possessions, carries and crosses from Keaton found Peyton and Jacob for Black to take the lead 2-1.

Logan and Stanley had their share of won balls turned carry-cross. As Royal's frustration mounted, even their keeper came out of the box to load their attack. A through ball from Logan found a black shirt up front. An attempt by Hannah fumbled by the keeper allowed Noah to take control and place a well played ball dead center into a wide open goal. Black up 3-2.

The final 12 minutes of the game were intense with Royal pulling out all of the stops amid screaming parents and frantic coaches. They were able to sneak one in on Black but not before several attempts on the Royal goal kept the parents biting their nails.

As the minutes ticked away, Black continued to dominate in the center of the field, shutting down every Royal advance. Sometimes a close call in the box, other times a battle on the outside... things began to get physical. Once again Royal sent their keeper down the field for a hail mary attempt at a tie.

Black wasn't having it. The 6 standing behind the wall watching the last minute were as excited and spirited as I've ever seen them. The final buzzer erupted with 13 screaming U9 players! Final score 3 -2.

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South Park Baseball Association
SPBA, PO Box 240
South Park, Pennsylvania 15129

Email: [email protected]

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