| May 2nd,
2004: Hawks 2 – LCC International – 1
The Hawks took the field on
May 2nd vs 3 time state and reigning WPL champs, LCC International
on Sunday May 2nd in the first meeting between the two sides. LCC
won the Premier handily in the Fall, with an 8-1 record, but the
Hawks were poised to make a statement to the league that last week's
loss to UAE was a fluke....and make a statement we did. The game
was a dominant display of solid possession and attacking soccer.
LCC packed it in and relied on the long ball and their dangerous
counter attack, but the Hawks prevailed 2-1 by taking risks and
opening the game up with strong inside-out play and a steady, determined
possession attack.
The game's opening stanza saw
the Hawks quickly setting the tone for the match after withstanding
an early flurry from LCC to establish strong control of possession.
As LCC left huge gaps between their midfield and their striker corps,
the flanks were left wide open for Aegean Hawks fullbacks to press
into the offensive zone, receive and distribute balls to the open
middies, and send in dangerous crosses. The first goal came in the
30th minute. After an exquisiste series of one-touch passes, midfielder
Alan Golden received the ball at the top left corner of the box
and danced his way past two defenders to the end line for a quick
tap to his college and Hawk teammate, Doug Henry. Doug's chip pass
from the side of the box found Mike Williams left foot for a dribbling
effort that was good enough for the goal as the LCC keeper was forced
to guess the shot's direction erroneously. Hawks up 1-0. The rest
of the first half continued with the Hawks dominating possession,
but LCC almost found the equalizer in the 40th minute, when LCC
striker and former Hawk Rich Nyren had a one vs. one with the Hawks
keeper, but his far post placement shot fell to the side of the
goal frame in a stroke of luck for the Hawks. At halftime, the Hawks
were determined to stay vigilent, fully cognizant of LCC's counter-attacking
style, and wary that a one goal margin would most likely not be
enough to ensure victory.
The second half started and
the Hawks escalated the intensity and elevated their play. Possesion
was ours on the day and Doug Henry and Mike Williams were orchestrating
the midfield beautifully. Both were constantly a presence by showing
for defenders and setting up the Hawks attack in a tireless effort.
In the 65th minute, the Hawks struck again when forward Scottie
Hamilton received the ball on the flanks and danced around a defender
to send a destined lob to the far side of the opponent's box. His
pass was met by a streaking Alan Golden for a clinical 90 degree
header finish that was forcefully put away from 8 yards...Hawks
up 2-0. The Hawks continued their domination of possession for the
rest of the game but LCC had several solid chances to score. The
first opportunity was off a muffed clearance by Hawks keeper Anthony
Peters after colliding with center back Alex Peacher that found
the ball at the feet of the opposing striker 13 yards from the prize,
but his boot to the open goal did not find it's mark. LCC's counter
attack gained momentum in the waning moments of the game and they
found the net on a nice skimming header off a free kick 1 minute
before time. A minor blemish in an otherwise superlative peformance.
All in all, an outstanding effort for the entire game by everyone
on the pitch. This was one of the best Hawks victories in recent
memory, attributable to the tireless efforts of all our players.
Alan Golden gets game MVP for knocking in the difference-maker in
fine fashion, and honorable mention goes to Jon Knight for a commanding
performance at right back. Honorable mentions also go to Doug Henry,
John Stephens and Scottie Hamilton for their stellar contributions,
but no Hawk present on the day should be forgotten - a great team
effort. The Hawks will look to make a statement next Sunday when
they face reigning DC/VA state champs, Dynamos FC, in a May 9th
showdown at the Germantown Soccerplex at 11 AM. The Hawks have not
forgotten the 0-3 drubbing they received by Dynamos in the opening
stanza of the Spring 2003 season (a dual regular season/USASA National
Amateur Cup match)...it's payback time and this is a different team,
with a different attitude.
--
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