Bella Vista FC

Observers indicate that El Fuego is back.  They are now fielding a full team, and have a strong goalie.  Not reminiscent of the Global stock market crash that has no bottom in sight, El Fuego is optimistic about a bounce.  So, what happened?

“Vesuvio defeated El Fuego by a score of 3-1 last night.  Both teams had full squads and it was a good game.  The first half ended in a 0-0 tie due to some shocking Vesuvio finishing and some great goalkeeping by new Fuegan Jhonny.  The second half was more of the same before James Holt either (a) bundled it across the line or (b) caused enough trouble to get it across the line without touching it.  Another Vesuvio goal was then scored by Greg before Fuego got one back, scored by Jake.  Glenn then finalized the scoring with a Xabi Alonso-like long distance shot that could only be scored at the dark end at Sacks.  Thanks to Conrad for reffing and Jerry and Sarah for running the lines.” - Vesuvio Capt. Ben Reports.

El Fuego, the Burritos, need only be in the top 4 to remain a title contender.  It’s never too late, and they have taken the right steps to begin an impressive winning streak and rise from the depths of nothingness.  To win, they will need to keep the enjoyment levels up, build enthusiasm, and … of course, score!  (wake up Ricky John!!).  Even though a loss, this is a morale victory for El Fuego.

In the most anticipated match of the season, Bonte and Vesuvio battled it out Tuesday night.  As expected, the game was thrilling.  Chances were available for both teams.  In the first half, Vesuvio took the lead with a wicked goal from superstar Abduo whose deft skills opened up the narrowest of chances down the left wing, and an angle that only perfection could deliver.  Greg made the through pass that opened the opportunity up for Abduo.  His shot blistered past the Bonte defense to the far post, reminiscent of the French star Henry.  Chris Haines kept Bonte in the game once again with some divine saves, and the Bonte defense and midfield stepped up.

Bonte equalized with a shot from Robert Lange from Heri Ali’s cross.  Bonte stepped up the pressure and exploited the wings.  Dominic, Ben, Doug and Nathan were solid wings that carried the ball up for Bonte.  James (Big English) was the Vesuvio midfield and playmaker, and opened it up for Vesuvio.  All in all, it remained pretty tight in the midfield.

In the second half, the tempo did not let up.  A goal from Chris Bull was disallowed because Heri, in an offside position, meddled with a ball already destined for goal.  The second goal was a brisk counter attack where Heri again  delivered a low cross to Big Kev, who gave it a blistering ground shot past the Vesuvio goalie.  Vesuvio had their chances with some crosses to Abdul and Marcus;  the Bonte back 4 (Jared, Keith, Lil Kev, and Leah) were vigilant.  It must be said that Glenn, Vesuvio’s strong acquisition, was missing for the game.

“This was our best performance.  Adel was so excited, he just had to play with a sports hernia.  Every one of our guys and gal played an awesome game.  We look forward to playing even better with more set plays, better possession and many more ground passes.”  - Bula.

Chris Reggiani did an awesome job reffing.  (sorry about negotiating for the Chris Bull goal).

No, you read right.  Megawords had more than 11 players, in fact, 13!  … And it was a showdown against Bonte at the good ol’ Palumbo field.

Bonte took a 3 goal lead!  Bonte’s goals came from Rob Lange’s long distance shot, Chris Bull had one, and…  another waffle (cannot recall) .  Then, Megawords unified, woke up, and in the last 30 minutes, presented an exciting comeback reminiscent of Liverpool’s dream comeback against AC Milan in the Champions League final only a few years ago.  2 goals came from Mike Geller, and Andy scored a penalty kick.  Fabio was strong at goal for the waffles.

Overall, a tale of two halves.  Bonte dominated the first, and Megawords closed strong.  Megawords  fielded a full squad for the first time, and it paid off!!

Another day, another shorthanded game for Megawords.  And this time, it was a KO for the drinkers, who coaxed a white flag from their underhanded MegaWords opponents.  After  absorbing a hammering for 4 goals, 3 of which were from Ramon, Megawords had enough.
“The drinkers are excited about the party at their sponsor on sunday and also about their 4-0 victory against megawords.  The game was forfeited after the 1st half due to the low turnout by their opponent.  All things considered, megawords held the drinkers with their defense led by captains JT and Chris.  Ramon Sender rallied the drinkers with a hat trick.  David W. scored the 4th goal for the drinkers with a cross to the back of the net.  The drinkers are looking good…especially in their new uniforms.  (Thanks BVFC!)”  -  Reports the glowing Stephanie Singer.

Megawords needs to get a full team to show up.  On paper, they are a team to reckon with, but it is a pity that they just are not supporting their team, and this is proving to be tough on the morale of the rest that do.  One of these days, Megawords will put it together, and will register their first victory.  Let’s just hope it’s not too late.

BVB continues to celebrate.

Who would think that the Burritos would get a win…  well, not most of the world, and for one reason…  they were not showing up as they should.  Then, low and behold, they show up against MegaWords, who have had personel trouble of their own.  Yes, it was 12 versus 8.  But so what!!  Could Charlie and his Burritos exploit the difference?  Maybe.

” The megawords team is very thin. Our players have a hard time getting out to the games. The players that do show up run their asses off for 90 minutes. El fuego should have destroyed us. We started with 7. Jim came late and played goalie (injured).  Mike Geller scored a goal in the first half. Andy scored a goal in the second. Where are all the other captains helping out with the lines? Like the field isn’t bad enough with no real chalk lines and the one half being the dark side of the moon. Players shouldn’t get too hyped up for standing offsides—on a team playing short— and taking shots at a crippled goalie. The header at the end was a nice goal though. Thanks to James for handling the whistle. I saw Ricky try to punch Jim after he blocked his shot? — GO PHILLIES!!!!!! ” - Reports captain Chris.

No report from Charlie yet, so we’re not sure who scored.  At least one thing’s for certain…   YOU NEED TO SHOW UP TO WIN!!   Congratulations Burritos…

In probably one of the most contentious games this year, Bonte and Race St battled at old clumpy park under great weather.  The game was very even.  Bonte took an early lead with a phenomenal freekick from star back Jared Kane whose “bend it”curler had both Ronaldinho and Beckham turn in admiration.  The ball curled around and over the wall, beyond Juan the Race St defender, and past the reach of the goalie into the top corner of the net.

Soon after, Dave Petit had a dramatic run and was one on one with Haines the Bonte goalie.  Haines’ amazing reflexes denied the Racer a goal.  In the second half, Bonte extended its lead with a cross from Adel across the Race goal that was guided in by Doug or Nathan (i am not sure).  And now, Bonte were up 2-0, and managed to hold it together until the last 20 minutes.

Race St, desparately looking to equalize, became more aggressive and pressured Bonte.  They scored their goal with a strong run down the right side by Mark Herczeg.  Mark’s shot across goal found the net.  Race St continued their pressure in the last 10 minutes, with crosses across the Bonte goal, that were not finished.  Then, suddenly, a handball by Keith (inadvertent) resulted in a Race St penalty.  Dave stepped up to take it, and shot the ball straight over the bar.   Minutes later, Dave’s shot from a 20 yard freekick was a foot off target.  Bonte hung on to its lead by a thread.

Conrad, who did an awesome job reffing, blew the whistle.
“The man of the match was Chris Haines who played goalie for Bonte.  His remarkable saves of Dave Petit’s unrelenting shots, and numerous crosses, makes Dr. Haines one of the best player goalie combination in the league.  Bonte would have lost this game without his performance.  Our defense held up well, but we need better midfield and striking performances.  We need to put together 10+ ground passes in a row… it will happen, and we will get stronger as the season goes on.” - Bula said.

Next week Tuesday, Bonte (the only team with only wins) meets Vesuvio, the league favorites despite a 4-1 loss in what should be a fun game.

Race St armed with 14 players railroaded the underhanded burritos last week.  El Fuego had 9 players.    More to come…