| September 25th,
2005: Hawks - 1, Bier FC - 2
The Hawks matched up against long-time rivals Bier FC, back
in the WPL after a one-year hiatus, in a night time matchup
under the lights at Old Redskin Park artificial turf field in
Herndon, VA. The Hawks-Bier rivalry has a long history and while
both teams have changed significantly since their last WPL matchup,
the game was sure to be a classic. Bier FC was looking to establish
itself again as one of the top WPL teams and build on their
7-3 thrashing of two-time WPL champs Glover Park while the Hawks
looked to set their season on course after a lackluster 1-0
loss to Quilmes two weeks prior.
It was a very competitive game, with Bier providing the most offensive
threat in the opening 15 minutes of the first half. While the Hawks
struggled to shake the rust off their two week hiatus, Bier provided
waves of attacks down the flanks and were able to notch the first
goal early in the 15th minute off a cisp shot from the right hand
side of the box that found its way past keeper Pierre Fults for
the 1-0 margin. The goal provided a wake up call to the Hawks,
who established a strong possession game and were able to take
control of the game flow with nice interplay orchestrated by a
three pronged central midfield of Alan Golden, Watson Vaughan-Prather,
and Mike Goldman. The Hawks were able to capitalize just before
halftime on a defensive error by the Bier defense that left Mike
Goldman on a one vs. one with the Bier keeper for the equalizer.
Halftime score 1-1.
The opening 20 minutes of the second half saw the new 3-5-2 formation
and new personnel for the Hawks begin to show well for the first
time during the Fall season. Some very nice possession and passing
display was evident. However, the tide turned during the last 15
minutes of the game where it appeared that the Hawks began to tire
and the momentum swung back in Bier's favor. The Hawks almost took
the lead when striker Geoff Thompson unleashed a corker from 30
yards that smacked the crossbar...inches away from the go-ahead
goal. As the end of the game wore on, the Hawks looked tired and
marking was lax, allowing Bier to threaten several times. The game
ended in tragedy, like so many of these classic battles between
the two sides, when Bier was able to score seconds from the final
whistle off a nice combination at the top of the box culminating
in a Bier midfielder finding space in the box for a well-placed
strike to the far side netting. Hawks go down 2-1 to one of their
arch rivals. The loss was tough, but everyone on the squad recognizes
that the talent is there and we have to find a way to play to our
potential. This is the most talented Hawks side ever assembled,
and with 10 new pieces, it's only natural that a good number of
games will need to be played before the chemistry comes to fruition.
The Hawks next look to take the pitch against the always dangerous
Village Settlements in two weeks. While the second bye week in
as many weeks is unfortunate, the Hawks look forward to the opportunity
to display their new talent.
Other WPL Scores on the Day: (Next week's
added)
Glover Park 1, World
Bank - 0
LCC International - 8, Reds United FC - 3
LCC International - 1, Village Settlements - 0
Village Settlements
- 2, Rangers - 1
Quilmes - 4, Rangers - 4
Rangers - 3, Glover Park - 0
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