April 17^th, 2005: Hawks - 2, Reds United FC - 1
A uncharacteristically cool April evening saw the Hawks face off against league rival Reds United FC for the second game of their Spring 2005 campaign. With a mist hovering over the surface of the pitch, a full Aegean Hawks side took the field looking to continue their impressive early season form. In a game that saw the Reds show tremendous heart and fight, the Hawks came out on top after scoring two early goals and holding off the Reds for a 2-1 victory to remain one of two unbeaten teams in the WPL.

The Hawks started quickly controlling the midfield and were able to dominate the first 20 minutes of the game with a sustained offensive attack. The scoring opened up when the ball squirted out to outside back Jonathan Knight off a corner quick. The delivery of his driven, swirling cross into the box was headed home by an opportunistic Andreas Nydal. Minutes later, the Hawks capitalized through good pressure, taking the ball from the Reds in their zone. Center midfielder Mike Goldman was able to penetrate the defense and drop the ball off to Nydal who was able to slam home a second goal at the 20 minute mark. Hawks up 2-0.

The second goal seemed to wake up the Reds side and they pressured well for the rest of the half, but the score remained 2-0 at the break. In the second half, Reds continued their momentum, with the Hawks still dangerous off the counter. While building up nicely, the possesion game was abandoned at midfield in favor of the long ball which never quite was able to break the Reds defensive corps. The Reds kept fighting and got a goal in the 70th off some penetration on the wings and a fortuitous ricochet cross landed at the feet of a Reds forward who chipped on rushing goalie Anthony Peters to make the score 2-1. The goal snapped the Hawks to life and the best form was saved for the last 15 minutes of the game. Crips passing combinations found several chances that should have increased the scoreline. However, the Hawks could not find the net and neither could the Reds. Final score of the game 2-1 in favor of the Hawks. Center backs Kevin Sindelar, Trevor Martin, and forward Nick Van Sicklen all looked promising in their Hawks debut. The Hawks improved to 2-0 in the WPL and look to improve upon the performance against the World Bank at Bretton Woods on Sunday. .

Other WPL Scores on the Weekend:
LCC International - 4, AWFC - 2
Bier FC - 3, Village Settlements - 3
Quilmes - 2, Rangers - 2

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