We began our Wednesday morning game with beautiful blue skies and temperatures hovering around 70 to 75 degrees. Though bruised and battered, our players came to play. Sparta began playing a little different formation, a 4-5-1, which allowed us to control and string our passes together a little better than against Colorado and Nevada. Though I'm not a big fan of the formation (who is?) the benefits of 'possession' soccer, rather than playing 'dump-n-run', clearly outweigh the score-at-all-costs mentality...in other words it's better to sacrifice a goal or two and keep true to the beautiful game than it is to create bad habits. The trio of Travis, Amp and Brock stabilized our midfield which frustrated and shut down Oregon and kept them from scoring for the first 20 minutes of play. Even then a very iffy goal was awarded to Oregon even though control of the ball appeared to be in Arturo's grasp. Sparta was down 0-1 at the half with plenty of time for a comeback.
The triple trouble of Amp, Travis & Brock wreaking havoc in Oregon's midfieldThe second half started like the first in that our midfield & defense (Michael, Fulmer, Jordan, Mokoto, & Steven) were doing a terrific job, after a while pressures were beginning to take their toll. In particular, Oregon's 'Big Red' was creating havoc and problems for us. He scored in a fantastic individual effort by beating four of our players before slotting the ball in right-hand corner off a diving Arturo. A third goal was made shortly thereafter from a very unlikely angle. The last goal was by a PK, which Arturo came close to saving.
Daniel Fulmer finding space & time!
Conner Stearns in relentless pursuit, pressuring Oregon's defense
In the end, our boys played well and should be proud of their efforts; they can build from the experience they've gained.
Congratulations Sparta!
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