Tuesday, July 14, 2009
*Article by Pistolas F.C. player/columnist Davidinho*
MARKHAM - Lingering injuries. Hobbled players. No bench presence. Many players unexpectedly M.I.A. On-field injuries. A red card.
Pistolas F.C. found themselves behind the eight-ball for much of Sunday's contest, having only ten players hitting the pitch with no reserves in sight. The ten Pistolas included Charles Eppich, who surprisingly (and admirably) joined his teammates while nursing injury which was meant to keep PFC's all-time leading scorer sidelined. After the opening whistle and once it was realized that only 9 men had taken, and would be taking, to the field, Eppich suited up in true captain-like fashion to provide his services.
Conversely, their opponents with the resources of a full bench rotated players in rapid succession throughout the match.
As admirable as the inclusion of Eppich into the lineup was, the entire team's play must be applauded as well. PFC may have applied the most aggressive offensive display in recent memory. To their dismay, PFC could only muster a lone tally from Jules Auyeung in the second half. A mixture of surprising saves, numerous shots off the post, missed chances and at least one questionable 'no call' in the penalty area kept the team from adding to goal sheet.
The PFC goal came in the second half, while down 1-0. From the goal line on the left side, Rob Pikula sent a roller across to the top of the 18 yard box and found a waiting Jules, who neatly took the ball and placed into the far side, to even up the score.
In the second half, PFC players Carlos and Romerinho suffered injury, with each respective Pistola laid out for several minutes on the field. Both players gallantly continued to play on. The efforts of this pair of Pistolas was likely the result of their stark realization that no other bodies were available to replace them on the pitch. As if the player situation was not dire enough, PFC even lost the services of defender Matt Dookie in the second half as a result of, in my humble opinion, an opposition player's 'bonehead' move.
From this player's perspective (nearest to the situation), Dookie solidified his position tightly behind his man who was in receipt of a goal kick on the left flank. Relentless as always and within the confines of the rules, Dookie would not allow his mark any room to turn and trapped him neatly along the sidelines. After a few seconds of jostling for position, the opposition player unexpectedly turned into Dookie, with total disregard for the ball he left behind (as he must have understood he was not going anywhere) and shoved the physically daunting PFC defender. This display could only be described as no less than an act of utter cowardice, desperation and frustration. An angered (and rightfully so) Dookie returned the favour with a forceful shove, then proceeding to grab the opponent by the collar and pull him in. Dookie had some choice words for the opponent, including to query what his 'problem' was, as well as to launch other sentiments that this columnist dare not publish. The scrum, which eventually settled down, resulted in red cards to both combatants.
PFC's collective efforts (and legs) seemed to become energized after the tying goal and even more so after the heated altercation involving the aforementioned Dookie. They sought a late victory, continuing a mad push to the opposition goal. However, on this day, there were too many missed chances to list and PFC, although noble in their effort with a short squad, couldn't help but feel that they let a win slip away.
"We should have won this match, that's it", voiced a disgruntled Eckleton Richards after the game. Of note, he was the recipient of the most controversial of tackles which many onlookers, and without a doubt Eckleton himself, believed should have resulted in a penalty kick. Post game, Eckleton could only shake his head in his continuing disbelief and displeasure on the bench.
Two weeks ago, I reported that "(PFC's) worries about fielding a full squad appear to have resurfaced." The attendance for this match was the most concerning of any previous. Normally a team with such a shortage of players would do well simply to compete. On this day, the Pistolas clearly did more than compete, however the result was a deflating 1-1 draw. So in fact, the tragedy here was not the shortage of players, but that PFC found themselves short on another number by game's end: points.
The Men in Black truly deserved more than just the one. And the shortened roster, who battled fiercely all game, knew it.
