| May 20th,
2004: Hawks 2 – La Universitario – 3
The Hawks took the field on
Thurs night missing some key players but confident that the team
on the pitch, despite having no subs, could get the job done against
a red hot La U, winners of their last 3 WPL matches. Unable to field
a full squad at the start of the game, starting keeper Anthony Peters
was forced to fill in at striker with backup keeper Pierre Fults
taking care of the nets. Pierre did a fine job in the first half
and striker Geof Thompson arrived 15 minutes after kickoff to complete
the squad.
The pitch was again abyssmal
and not conducive for a premier league match. Both teams threatened
in the first half, but the halftime score was 0-0. La U found the
net first at the 50 minute mark on a nice through ball to a streaking
striker, who laced a perfect shot low and hard to the far post before
defender Alex Peacher could close him down. With daylight fading
and the field lights unoperational, the Hawks found the net in the
60th minute twilight off a nice free kick cross by Sean O'Sullivan
to a streaking Vince LaPorta, who was incredulously unmarked and
able to easily bang home the header for the equalizer. Game tied
a 1-1 and short intermission ensued for the lights to come on. The
break seemed to do the team well, as 2 minutes after recommencing
Alan Golden was able to steal the ball in the heart of La U's box
and bang home an unassisted goal to give the Hawks the 2-1 advantage
at the 65 minute mark. Unfortunately, the Hawks were not able to
hold onto the advantage for the second game in a row, and La U found
the net from a well placed 15 yard shot in the 75th minute.
The Hawks seemed to wilt after
the La U equalizer and the last minutes of the game found the team
resorting to long ball tactics in lieu of the solid possession soccer
that would have sealed the victory. Instead, La U was able to slide
home the game winner in the 89th minute when a free kick cross at
the edge of the box was tapped in the near post. A heartbreaking
loss which makes the loss to a weak UAE team and the late game breakdown
vs. Rangers FC hurt even worse. Despite the loss, the team made
a valiant effort with no subs. With a full squad lined up for Sunday's
match up vs. Glover Park, the Hawks are confident that they can
notch the remaining two games of the regular season in the win column
to make the playoffs and a chance for post season play at RFK stadium.
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