Playoffs, Biatches

With each week of big result after big result, it becomes more difficult to make blanket statements like, “Best victory of the season”. Sunday’s revenge win over Saugus, however, qualifies as such. With a playoff spot on the line, the Villains played a with composure, mental toughness, and clutch-ness, winning 3-0 in a game that was probably closer than the score indicates.

Mid-way through the first half, the Villains possessed the ball well, eventually working the ball laterally to Mike K., who moved up from his outside defensive spot to deliver a great cross to Ryan , who finished with a solid shot from about 15 yards out. The second goal was created by off a great free kick from Brendan from deep within the Villains defensive zone. He sent the ball over the heads of the Saugus defense to a streaking (well not really streaking per se) Azzy, who caught the keeper in “no-mans-land”, off his line but not far enough out to get the ball.  Azzy deftly one-touched the ball over the keeper’s head for a 2-0 lead that the Villains took into the half.

The second half was a struggle, but the Villains remained sound in their own zone, despite a blatant hand-ball in the box by Brendan and yellow cards from Nick and Rabbit. Finally late in the game, the Villains were able to clinch victory when Garv fought off some Saugus defenders, dug out a ball in the Saugus penalty box, resulting in Cam striking a great shot from the 18. 3-0. Ballgame. Playoffs.

The Villains haven’t been to the playoffs since the Patriots were dominating and winning Super Bowls. 

The playoff opponent is Peru Sport. Nobody knows anything about Peru but it looks like they have a penchant for scoring a lot of goals but they are also vulnerable to giving up goals. The Villains will win the game if they continue to play a solid, mistake-free, possession-oriented game in the back and the midfield, while not being afraid to take some chances offensively. Working the ball up the sidelines to the outside half-backs, forwards, and others who are making runs has worked quite well. Also short passing has been working well. Basically everything has been working, except thru balls to the other team’s keeper. As the legendary and now-plastic-surgery enhanced Kenny Rogers would tell you, “Know, when to hold ‘em, and know when to fold ‘em. Know when to walk away, know when to run.” You get the point. Be solid and not reckless. But if you decide to be reckless, then be 110% reckless and make something happen. Screw Peru.