Pistolas FC 2011

MOUNT JOY - In a pre-game team scouting report (from our player analyst Marcello), the Pistolas' midfielder listed the Rangers' keeper as a 'question mark'.

Signs of the mid-fielder's accurate analysis became evident in the first half, when a soft roller somehow squeaked through the keeper's legs and nearly resulted in a goal. Speaking with Eckelton on the sidelines shortly after, who was the nearest Pistola to the gaffe, he voiced regret in giving the keeper too much credit, assuming he'd simply pick the ball up. In his defense, there was absolutely no 'sting' to the ball, which fought to even roll end-over-end through the trademark lush grass of the MSL, that should have warranted the keeper's error.

0-0 at the half.

To begin the second half, off touch, Rob Pikula, with his ever-booming right foot, launched the ball towards goal. The Rangers keeper cautiously cradled the ball and seemed visibly upset over the attempt, responding with some sarcastic commentary. However, on this night it would soon become quire clear that the Pistolas had an accurate feeling about their opposing keeper. A Pistolas Sixth Sense.

In the 75th minute, in a disastrous turnover on an attempted clearance, the Rangers keeper gift wrapped the eventual game winner (and lone marker) to an ever-lurking Rob, who calmly rolled it into the vacant net. Indeed, Christmas came early for the Pistolas on this night.

The tally, his third of the season in the fifth game of the 2009 campaign, gave Rob the Pistolas' goal scoring lead.

Stellar play throughout the game from Mark, including a huge save in the dying minutes to hold the lead. The defense was also solid in front of him. Definitely a win that can be credited to the play of the Pistolas' guard in this late night encounter, under the beaming lights of Centennial field.

To their credit, the Rangers did well to keep the Pistolas on the outside most of the game, not letting the ball into the middle of the field often, specifically around the area. A focus on getting the ball on goal with more frequency was a definite takeaway from this game for the Pistolas, who tested the questionable goalkeeping little throughout the game.

Many Pistolas believed this Rangers team to be last year's Silver - the team that ousted the Pistolas in the first round of the 2008 playoffs. If the case, a bit of sweet revenge for the Pistolas with last night's victory.

With the win, the Pistolas better their record to 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss. The win did come at a cost, with the Pistolas receiving 2 yellow cards in the game, bringing the team total to 4 (6 shy of an automatic team fine).

Next week, the Pistolas take on AC Milan 1899. Going into last night's game, both teams shared similar records of 2-1-1. The game is scheduled for 7:00pm at Centennial Field.