Barnstonworth Rovers Thirds (3) - NY Finest (1), 11/9/08

Rovers got passed old division cop rivals NY Finest with 45 minutes of brilliant football and are back on the chase.
A day that started with some confusion, as four players, one of them carrying the kit, got lost in the wilderness of Flushing Meadows Park. After many back-and-forths, and while our white kit was being driven all around the park by our goalkeeper Rubin, all was sorted after the opposition was able to produce a white kit and Rovers were able to wear the alternative blues.
Neither team was able to do much in the first minutes of the game, as the ball was being passed around from defense to defense without any chances being created. Twenty minutes in, with Rubin now on goal after finally being able to find the field, NY Finest took advantage of a free kick to open the score. The long kick was deflected inside by one of their players and Rubin, as late to come off his line as he was
arriving to the game, was not able to get to the ball before their forward managed to put it past him. 0-1.
The remainder of the half found Rovers not able to put two passes together and NY Finest moving the ball around midfield without creating any real danger. Still, Rovers could have tied the game when Mackers put a nice ball through to Brown, who attempted to chip the keeper and hit him straight on the face.
After a refresher course on 101 Soccer Fundamentals from coach Gonzalez Casares, Rovers came out for the second half a different team. From the kickoff, they took possession and started moving the ball around well, creating a couple of chances where shots from Garro and Billard went just wide. After a few minutes of complete dominance, it all started to pay off and, in 10 minutes, Rovers found themselves
up 3-1.
The first goal came from a breakthrough from Arceneaux, who crossed a nice ball inside that no one was able to connect on. Nobody but Dirolf, who was running down the opposite side and first-timed the ball from 20 yards out to place it right next to the post. A thing of beauty for the rookie's first goal as a Rover.
The second one came from a PK called on a foul on Arceneaux, who again beat his defender running into the box but was tripped from behind before he could shoot. Penalty kick and Rowley for the 2-1. The third goal was another piece of art. Obudulu got a through ball from Garro down the right flank, took on the defender and put the ball just passed the keeper with barely any angle. 3-1 Rovers.
Rovers had a couple of chances to increase their lead when Obudulu made a very similar play but was not able to connect as nicely as before and when Brown was sent through, this time by Gonzalez Casares, and was not able to yet again chip the keeper.
Overall, a great performance by the Thirds, especially in the second half, though a full 90 minutes of solid football will be needed next week when they face a very strong Rovers Reserves side for the second round of the State Cup.

Team: Mackers; Schlatter, Kilfedder, Wine and Sholl; Maciunas, Garro, Arceneaux and Dirolf; Gonzalez Casares and Obudulu.
Subs (all played): Rubin, Moore, Roberston, Billard, Brown and Rowley.