Dayton Cincinnati Megalopoli followed up their first defeat in years with a tough win against co-league leaders Amigos!. Goals were scored by Sicnolf (2) and McDonald.
This puts them in sole position of first place, with just 2 games left to play.
Game Ball goes to Andrew Kimble, a guest player for the holidays, who made a huge impact.
Year to Date Goal Stats
Sicnolf - 16
Davisson - 11
Perviz - 2
McDonald - 2
Marrinan - 2
Kyle - 1
Bills - 1
Johnson - 1
Monday, January 3, 2011
Friday, December 17, 2010
DCM Wins Nailbiter
Franklin, Oh (AP) - A wise man once said, "All good things come to an end." This has been seen over and over throughout the national sports landscape, especially this year. Last month, we saw Team Shooters historic 21 game winning streak come to an end at Kettering Rec Center, and just last week, Brett Favre's consecutive starts streak came to an end in a game against the Giants. So, trailing most of the game, one couldn't help but think that maybe it was time for the Dayton-Cincinnati Megalopoli to drop their first game in years, playing a hard working and smart Undeniable team. But, by now, we should know better than to doubt DCM. Digging deep, the Megalopoli overcame deficits throughout the game to pull out an 8-5 victory that was much closer than the final score indicated.
Scoring just 45 seconds into the game on one of his patented slalomed runs through the defense, Justin Davisson put the defending league champs ahead 1-0. "After that quick goal, I think we thought it was going to be a walk in the park," said goalkeeper John Pallant. "Usually when we put it in that early, we continue to pound away all night long." But the frisky players for Undeniable answered back with two straight goals to lead 2-1. The score stayed this way until the 22 minute mark when Davisson broke through again to knot the score at two. Undeniable scored their third just 3 minutes later to take a 3-2 lead, the latest the Megalopoli had trailed all season.
"I'm not going to lie, when I looked up at the scoreboard and saw us losing with 18 minutes left, doubt started to creep into my mind. It wasn't just that they were leading, but we weren't attacking the way we normally do," said Chris Bills, team leader in fouls. He was right, the vaunted DCM attack was off all night. Undeniable was content to keep two defenders back at all times having the lead, and with league scoring leader Ben Sicnolf having battled the Bowel Gods all day, there was some doubt that DCM may not be able to score enough to win the game. That's when newly wedded Phil Johnson began to take charge. Subbing in the game, trailing 3-2, Phil worked a magical give and go, receiving the ball in the middle of the final third. Taking one extra touch, he blasted the ball past the oncoming goalie just as he was getting tripped from behind. The goal ignited the crowd, and seemed to light a fire under DCM. "I try to do the dirty work for this team. I know the best thing I can do is to play as hard as I can. Good things happen when you play with maximum effort," said Johnson after the game, grinning from ear to cock.
With the score tied 3-3, Eddie Marrinan broke down the left side of the field. Firing the ball off the wall just beside the goal, Marrinan followed his own rebound, and after a scrum that left Undeniable calling for a handball, Marrinan calmly knocked the ball into the net. "It's not a handball if they don't call it," said Marrinan, when asked if he used his arm to settle the ball. Sensing that the game was hanging in the balance, Dan Kimble became a much more active player as well. Normally content to stay in the defensive end, Kimble continued to charge forward, which allowed the game to become much more wide open. With the score at 4-3 with 10 minutes remaining, John Pallant made one of the biggest stops of the game. Saving the ball, he popped up to quickly outlet a pass to Davisson who was streaking down the right side, making for a 2-1 with Sicnolf to his left. Davisson waited until the last second before playing a square ball across the goal that Sicnolf calmly placed in, giving DCM the 5-3 advantage. However, Undeniable showed their mettle, netting two goals in a matter of minutes, knotting the score at 5-5, with just a few minutes remaining.
"That's when we really show what we're made of. A tie game, just a few minutes remaining, it usually comes down to who wants it more," said Ervin Perviz, a candidate for rookie of the year. Fellow rookie Chris Bills was the first one to step up, as he and Sicnolf connected on another 2-on-1 that saw Sicnolf nutmeg the goalkeeper for his second of the game, giving DCM the lead 6-5 with five minutes left in the match. Sicnolf followed that with his third tally of the night, following up on another play set up by Phil Johnson's hustle and hard work. Finally, Sicnolf capped off the scoring, netting his fourth of the game with a little over two minutes remaining to remove all doubt, giving DCM the 8-5 win. Sicnolf struggled all night with his endurance and his focus, but in the end, he came through with 4 goals when they were needed most.
"Undeniable was a good team, there is no denying that," said Mark McDonald, following the game. "They denied many of our scoring attempts throughout the game, but in the end it was undeniable that we were the better team."
Goals:
Sicnolf - 4
Davisson - 2
Marrinan - 1
Johnson - 1
Jared Jewelers Game Ball - Phil Johnson
It wasn't just Phil's highlight reel goal that finds him earning the game ball on this night (though, that goal will be making its way to a SportsCenter highlight near you). It was more the attitude and effort that Johnson brought to the game. Seeing his team faltering right before his eyes, Johnson made it his duty to carry his team and motivate them to the win. Playing with reckless abandon and spirited effort, Johnson lead the comeback charge against Undeniable and was instrumental in DCM's win.
This moves the team to 4-0, good for first place in the league. On the season, DCM has now outscored their opponents 30-15.
Season Goal Totals
Sicnolf - 13
Davisson - 10
Perviz - 2
Kyle - 1
Marrinan - 1
Bills - 1
McDonald - 1
Johnson - 1
DCM returns to action next Thursday, December 23, at 9:00 p.m., when they take on Chrom Parts.
Scoring just 45 seconds into the game on one of his patented slalomed runs through the defense, Justin Davisson put the defending league champs ahead 1-0. "After that quick goal, I think we thought it was going to be a walk in the park," said goalkeeper John Pallant. "Usually when we put it in that early, we continue to pound away all night long." But the frisky players for Undeniable answered back with two straight goals to lead 2-1. The score stayed this way until the 22 minute mark when Davisson broke through again to knot the score at two. Undeniable scored their third just 3 minutes later to take a 3-2 lead, the latest the Megalopoli had trailed all season.
"I'm not going to lie, when I looked up at the scoreboard and saw us losing with 18 minutes left, doubt started to creep into my mind. It wasn't just that they were leading, but we weren't attacking the way we normally do," said Chris Bills, team leader in fouls. He was right, the vaunted DCM attack was off all night. Undeniable was content to keep two defenders back at all times having the lead, and with league scoring leader Ben Sicnolf having battled the Bowel Gods all day, there was some doubt that DCM may not be able to score enough to win the game. That's when newly wedded Phil Johnson began to take charge. Subbing in the game, trailing 3-2, Phil worked a magical give and go, receiving the ball in the middle of the final third. Taking one extra touch, he blasted the ball past the oncoming goalie just as he was getting tripped from behind. The goal ignited the crowd, and seemed to light a fire under DCM. "I try to do the dirty work for this team. I know the best thing I can do is to play as hard as I can. Good things happen when you play with maximum effort," said Johnson after the game, grinning from ear to cock.
With the score tied 3-3, Eddie Marrinan broke down the left side of the field. Firing the ball off the wall just beside the goal, Marrinan followed his own rebound, and after a scrum that left Undeniable calling for a handball, Marrinan calmly knocked the ball into the net. "It's not a handball if they don't call it," said Marrinan, when asked if he used his arm to settle the ball. Sensing that the game was hanging in the balance, Dan Kimble became a much more active player as well. Normally content to stay in the defensive end, Kimble continued to charge forward, which allowed the game to become much more wide open. With the score at 4-3 with 10 minutes remaining, John Pallant made one of the biggest stops of the game. Saving the ball, he popped up to quickly outlet a pass to Davisson who was streaking down the right side, making for a 2-1 with Sicnolf to his left. Davisson waited until the last second before playing a square ball across the goal that Sicnolf calmly placed in, giving DCM the 5-3 advantage. However, Undeniable showed their mettle, netting two goals in a matter of minutes, knotting the score at 5-5, with just a few minutes remaining.
"That's when we really show what we're made of. A tie game, just a few minutes remaining, it usually comes down to who wants it more," said Ervin Perviz, a candidate for rookie of the year. Fellow rookie Chris Bills was the first one to step up, as he and Sicnolf connected on another 2-on-1 that saw Sicnolf nutmeg the goalkeeper for his second of the game, giving DCM the lead 6-5 with five minutes left in the match. Sicnolf followed that with his third tally of the night, following up on another play set up by Phil Johnson's hustle and hard work. Finally, Sicnolf capped off the scoring, netting his fourth of the game with a little over two minutes remaining to remove all doubt, giving DCM the 8-5 win. Sicnolf struggled all night with his endurance and his focus, but in the end, he came through with 4 goals when they were needed most.
"Undeniable was a good team, there is no denying that," said Mark McDonald, following the game. "They denied many of our scoring attempts throughout the game, but in the end it was undeniable that we were the better team."
Goals:
Sicnolf - 4
Davisson - 2
Marrinan - 1
Johnson - 1
Jared Jewelers Game Ball - Phil Johnson
It wasn't just Phil's highlight reel goal that finds him earning the game ball on this night (though, that goal will be making its way to a SportsCenter highlight near you). It was more the attitude and effort that Johnson brought to the game. Seeing his team faltering right before his eyes, Johnson made it his duty to carry his team and motivate them to the win. Playing with reckless abandon and spirited effort, Johnson lead the comeback charge against Undeniable and was instrumental in DCM's win.
This moves the team to 4-0, good for first place in the league. On the season, DCM has now outscored their opponents 30-15.
Season Goal Totals
Sicnolf - 13
Davisson - 10
Perviz - 2
Kyle - 1
Marrinan - 1
Bills - 1
McDonald - 1
Johnson - 1
DCM returns to action next Thursday, December 23, at 9:00 p.m., when they take on Chrom Parts.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
DCM Wins
There is no report, but we were able to locate a box score
Goals:
Justin Davisson - 5
Ervin Perviz - 2
Ben Sicnolf - 2
Kyle - 1
Final Score: 10-4
DCM improves to 3-0 on the season.
Goals:
Justin Davisson - 5
Ervin Perviz - 2
Ben Sicnolf - 2
Kyle - 1
Final Score: 10-4
DCM improves to 3-0 on the season.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Pallant Shines as DCM Nips Bargo's FC in Thriller
Franklin, OH (AP) - Indoor soccer is often high scoring affair, where the winner is whoever can put up the most goals. After averaging over 8 goals per game last season, followed by putting up a 10 spot on their opponents in the season opener, it looked as though the Megalopoli would once again cleveland steam roll the competition. However, facing off against a tough Bargo's FC team that allowed just one game in its opener, it was clear right from the start that DCM would need to win this battle with defense. And that's exactly what they did, as goalkeeper John Pallant led his team to a 2-1 victory in this heated contest between league heavyweights.
Looking at the benches, fans of the Megalopoli had looks of concern on their face before the match even began. Bargo's had no fewer than 7 substitutes on the bench, while DCM started with just one reserve. Team runner Mark McDonald was out with the mumps (really), and Kyle and Chris Bills were absent as well. Kyle's absence was especially interesting, as the only reasoning for him not being there was given by teammate Justin Davisson by saying, "He dates a Puerto Rican girl. No, like, a girl that actually lives in Puerto Rican." Somehow that barred him from inclusion in this game, as he did not show up. (Maybe he was in the PR visiting her, but that could not be confirmed as the game was about to begin.) Phil Johnson arrived just after play began, giving DCM their second substitute.
Some poor finishing and impressive stops from each team's goalkeeper left the teams in a scoreless battle after 18 minutes of the 40 minute game. "You could tell Bargo's came out ready to play," said Dan Kimble, the team's defensive leader. "At one point, I was running back on defense and fell down and rolled over in an attempt to throw the other team off, but they weren't fazed by the ploy. That's when I knew we were in for a tough match up." Kimble was right. Bargo's - last year's Thursday night champions - were clearly not intimidated with playing DCM, the reigning Tuesday night champs. Pallant kept DCM in the game with stop after stop, but you could sense that Bargo's would soon put one away. Following a controversial allowing of a re-kick of a dead ball, Bargo's finally broke the brick wall DCM had in the net to take the lead 1-0. "When the ref let them retake that kick, you could tell it was going to be 'One of those nights'," said Pallant, clearly still frustrated about the incident. "I know I'm going to get fined for this, but I don't care. It felt like we were playing 6-on-8 out there with the refs against us too."
Eddie Marinnan, team giant, said about falling behind, "Yeah, that's certainly not something we're used to, playing from behind. But you don't get to the level we're at without having had to overcome some adversity. We're a Band of Brothers out there. We just needed to stick together and keep playing our game." Eddie was right as it was just one minute later that DCM forward Ben Sicnolf broke free. After several attempts on goal had been stymied earlier in the game, Sicnolf was sure footed as he crossed up his defender and fired a bullet of a left footed shot over the goal keeper and into the back of the net.
For the next 10 minutes, the game was an all out battle of wills. Neither team was backing down, and it was becoming a question of "Who would blink first?" That question was answered when a fat man blinked worse than giant-eyed Gale Devers in a dust storm. With 10:45 on the clock, Sicnolf received the ball in the corner. He was brought down by a fat Bargo's defender. Instead of just simply backing off after the foul, the fat Bargo's defender began taunting Sicnolf and telling him to "get up." Sicnolf did get up, and began to continually call the defender various forms of "fat a**" and "fat person." This caused the defender to get right up in Sicnolf's face to follow him around before the free kick. After the kick ricocheted of the wall, it bounced free to Sicnolf on the left side. Having the ball at his feet, Sicnolf taunted the fat defender by saying, "Ok, you ready? Are you ready?" The fat defender stabbed at the ball, as Sicnolf quickly avoided the tackle streaking down the left side. Spotting Justin Davisson running across the mouth of the goal, Sicnolf fed a low driven ball into his feet. Davisson deftly side-footed the ball into the side of the net, giving the Megalopoli the lead at 2-1. This left Sicnolf next to the fat defender for one last "I literally do not have time for fat people" comment following the goal. That's when the fat defender snapped, attempting to elbow Sicnolf. Hitting him in the chest with just a glancing blow, the referee across the field spotted the infraction, ejecting the fat defender on the spot. This also gave DCM a man-up advantage for 5 minutes. Although they did not get another goal, it provided them with a substantial amount of rest.
The last 5 minutes saw Bargo's buzzing around the net. Time after time, Hensler, Phil, and Kimble closed down on defenders before they could get a clean shot off. And any time they did, Pallant was there to swipe the ball away. With about 2 minutes remaining, Bargo's had their last great chance. Beating Sicnolf off the dribble, their best forward blasted a shot toward net. It seemed as though he was surely destined for a goal. However, once again, Pallant delivered the goods. Quickly falling to one knee, he not only blocked the shot, but covered up the rebound. After a few more tense moments, DCM came away with their hardest fought victory in years. Newcomer Ervin said after the game: "Seeing my teammates hustle to the ball really inspired me. I'm not going to lie, I was tired at the end. But when you see the other guys working the way they are, you can't help but work hard as well."
Scoring
Sicnolf - 1, Davisson - 1
The Time Warner Cable Man of the Match - John Pallant
Earning this honor for the second time in as many games, Pallant proved once again why he may be the most valued member on his team. Pallant continually stopped shots that recalled images of former DCM goalkeeping legend Dan Saluke. It's easy to see why he was tabbed as pre-season first team all defense. Right now DCM is having trouble scoring the ball, but it's possible that their defense is playing better than ever, with Pallant as the backbone in the net.
Looking at the benches, fans of the Megalopoli had looks of concern on their face before the match even began. Bargo's had no fewer than 7 substitutes on the bench, while DCM started with just one reserve. Team runner Mark McDonald was out with the mumps (really), and Kyle and Chris Bills were absent as well. Kyle's absence was especially interesting, as the only reasoning for him not being there was given by teammate Justin Davisson by saying, "He dates a Puerto Rican girl. No, like, a girl that actually lives in Puerto Rican." Somehow that barred him from inclusion in this game, as he did not show up. (Maybe he was in the PR visiting her, but that could not be confirmed as the game was about to begin.) Phil Johnson arrived just after play began, giving DCM their second substitute.
Some poor finishing and impressive stops from each team's goalkeeper left the teams in a scoreless battle after 18 minutes of the 40 minute game. "You could tell Bargo's came out ready to play," said Dan Kimble, the team's defensive leader. "At one point, I was running back on defense and fell down and rolled over in an attempt to throw the other team off, but they weren't fazed by the ploy. That's when I knew we were in for a tough match up." Kimble was right. Bargo's - last year's Thursday night champions - were clearly not intimidated with playing DCM, the reigning Tuesday night champs. Pallant kept DCM in the game with stop after stop, but you could sense that Bargo's would soon put one away. Following a controversial allowing of a re-kick of a dead ball, Bargo's finally broke the brick wall DCM had in the net to take the lead 1-0. "When the ref let them retake that kick, you could tell it was going to be 'One of those nights'," said Pallant, clearly still frustrated about the incident. "I know I'm going to get fined for this, but I don't care. It felt like we were playing 6-on-8 out there with the refs against us too."
Eddie Marinnan, team giant, said about falling behind, "Yeah, that's certainly not something we're used to, playing from behind. But you don't get to the level we're at without having had to overcome some adversity. We're a Band of Brothers out there. We just needed to stick together and keep playing our game." Eddie was right as it was just one minute later that DCM forward Ben Sicnolf broke free. After several attempts on goal had been stymied earlier in the game, Sicnolf was sure footed as he crossed up his defender and fired a bullet of a left footed shot over the goal keeper and into the back of the net.
For the next 10 minutes, the game was an all out battle of wills. Neither team was backing down, and it was becoming a question of "Who would blink first?" That question was answered when a fat man blinked worse than giant-eyed Gale Devers in a dust storm. With 10:45 on the clock, Sicnolf received the ball in the corner. He was brought down by a fat Bargo's defender. Instead of just simply backing off after the foul, the fat Bargo's defender began taunting Sicnolf and telling him to "get up." Sicnolf did get up, and began to continually call the defender various forms of "fat a**" and "fat person." This caused the defender to get right up in Sicnolf's face to follow him around before the free kick. After the kick ricocheted of the wall, it bounced free to Sicnolf on the left side. Having the ball at his feet, Sicnolf taunted the fat defender by saying, "Ok, you ready? Are you ready?" The fat defender stabbed at the ball, as Sicnolf quickly avoided the tackle streaking down the left side. Spotting Justin Davisson running across the mouth of the goal, Sicnolf fed a low driven ball into his feet. Davisson deftly side-footed the ball into the side of the net, giving the Megalopoli the lead at 2-1. This left Sicnolf next to the fat defender for one last "I literally do not have time for fat people" comment following the goal. That's when the fat defender snapped, attempting to elbow Sicnolf. Hitting him in the chest with just a glancing blow, the referee across the field spotted the infraction, ejecting the fat defender on the spot. This also gave DCM a man-up advantage for 5 minutes. Although they did not get another goal, it provided them with a substantial amount of rest.
The last 5 minutes saw Bargo's buzzing around the net. Time after time, Hensler, Phil, and Kimble closed down on defenders before they could get a clean shot off. And any time they did, Pallant was there to swipe the ball away. With about 2 minutes remaining, Bargo's had their last great chance. Beating Sicnolf off the dribble, their best forward blasted a shot toward net. It seemed as though he was surely destined for a goal. However, once again, Pallant delivered the goods. Quickly falling to one knee, he not only blocked the shot, but covered up the rebound. After a few more tense moments, DCM came away with their hardest fought victory in years. Newcomer Ervin said after the game: "Seeing my teammates hustle to the ball really inspired me. I'm not going to lie, I was tired at the end. But when you see the other guys working the way they are, you can't help but work hard as well."
Scoring
Sicnolf - 1, Davisson - 1
The Time Warner Cable Man of the Match - John Pallant
Earning this honor for the second time in as many games, Pallant proved once again why he may be the most valued member on his team. Pallant continually stopped shots that recalled images of former DCM goalkeeping legend Dan Saluke. It's easy to see why he was tabbed as pre-season first team all defense. Right now DCM is having trouble scoring the ball, but it's possible that their defense is playing better than ever, with Pallant as the backbone in the net.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Dayton-Cincinnati Megalopoli Win Opener
Franklin, OH (AP) - The Dayton-Cincinnati Megalopoli shook off the cobwebs to defeat a pesky FC Barcelona squad in this season's opening indoor soccer game at Kingdom Sports Recreation. The final score, 10-5, might lead you to believe that this game wasn't that tight, but as anyone from the near capacity crowd in attendance will tell you, DCM needed to give everything they had to pull this one out.
The team returns many familiar faces, in addition to the continuing influx of young talent that made them so successful last year. "You win a league title for one reason - to defend it," said team co-captain Mark McDonald. "We knew that to win this year, we would need to rely on youthful legs more than ever." This can be seen not only through the growth of the young stars who joined the team last year, but with a couple rookies who are brand new to the squad. Ervin "Chocolate Thunder" Perviz, the heralded Bosnian import, was suiting up for the first time with the team last night, as well as local product Chris Bills, and each made significant impacts on the game.
Right from the opening kickoff, you could tell FC Barcelona had a thing or two to prove. They looked to show the defending champion Megalopoli that this year would be different. Going away from the beautiful game that FC Barcelona is traditionally known for playing, the team came out displaying a physical style that knocked DCM onto their heels. Despite a back and forth game, no goals were scored for nearly 8 minutes - a near eternity in indoor soccer. During this time, all-league goaltender John Pallant showed why he's so important to the team, and why he earned Kingdom Sports Adult Men's League Pre-Season Defensive Player of the Year honors. He continually stopped short-range shots, giving his field players some time to find their stride. Clearly the physical play was getting to the Megalopoli, and frustrations were rising. That's when Phil Johnson subbed in, immediately making his mark on the game by fouling a Barcelona player before getting even a single touch on the ball. Johnson aimed to show the Barcelona players that his team wouldn't be pushed around, and the early message was sent. Finally, a dazzling display of footwork from last year's league Rookie of the Year, Justin Davisson, ended with a simple finish past the fat Barcelona goal keeper. Davisson is going to be relied upon heavily to create scoring opportunities this year, and he certainly seemed fit to the task.
DCM scored again a few minutes later on a long range shot from McDonald, much to the delight of his biggest supporter, John Pallant. After giving up a goal to Barcelona, JD added another to make the score 3-1. It appeared that, seemingly as always, everything would fall in place for the Megalopoli. However, Barcelona stormed back with back to back goals to knot the score at 3 at the midway point of the game. Crowds that had gathered in Catalonia, Spain, cheered as their heroes had tied the score against the might Megalopoli. "I'll tell you, when FCB tied the score, it had us all wondering if this could be the year we lose a game," said defensive stalwart and 10 time all-league performer, Dan Kimble, who is also the team's inspirational leader. "We've got a target on our backs every game. Still, I've been to war with these guys so many times. There's no one you'd want in your bunker more than an Eddie Marrinan, or a "Chocolate Thunder," or a "Kyle." These guys just know how to win."
DCM took control of the tight game from there, after Ben Sicnolf recorded his first goal of the season to put the team up 4-3. The contest stayed close for most of the way, but the Megalopoli pulled it out, as Kimble had predicted. And, just like Kimble pointed out, the team relied heavily on the play of Kyle, Eddie Marrinan, and Phil Johnson in the middle. The two way players made the difference in this game, continually gathered possession of the ball in the back and got it to the feet of their forwards. The highlight of the night may have come from Chris Bills' goal on his debut with the team. With his team clinging to a two goal lead, Bills received the ball at the midfield, and raced down to the offensive third. With Kyle and Sicnolf flanking him on either side, he paused the with the ball and coolly assessed the best method for attack. Working a give-and-go with Kyle in the corner, Bills scored an impressive first tally. "I'll admit it - I was a little nervous being out there with some of these guys. It's only natural when you're playing with living legends like Mark McDonald and Eddied Marrinan to hang back and let them take the reigns. But, I just went for it on that goal - it worked out," said Bills, grinning from ear to ear. "I know that we have a lot to accomplish this year as a team, but I'm going to let this feeling soak in for a while."
Game Notes...Zach Hensler missed the season opener due to undisclosed vagina issues...The team will be off next week, due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, and will return Thursday, December 2, to take on Bargo's FC.
Frank Z Chevrolet Game Ball Recipient: John Pallant - Pallant is the epitome of the "Last Line of Defense, First Line of Offense," descriptor for a goal keeper. Pallant continually made save after save, tending the net, then unleashed his patented long range throws to offensive players, which is literally DCM's best offense. He is also one of the more vocal players on the team, continually imploring Davisson, McDonald and Kyle to "SHOOT THE BALL!" Something tells us with way he's playing, he may be the league's first ever recipient of back-to-back goalkeeper of the year awards.
Individual Goal Tallies
Sicnolf - 6
Davisson - 2
McDonald - 1
Bills - 1
The team returns many familiar faces, in addition to the continuing influx of young talent that made them so successful last year. "You win a league title for one reason - to defend it," said team co-captain Mark McDonald. "We knew that to win this year, we would need to rely on youthful legs more than ever." This can be seen not only through the growth of the young stars who joined the team last year, but with a couple rookies who are brand new to the squad. Ervin "Chocolate Thunder" Perviz, the heralded Bosnian import, was suiting up for the first time with the team last night, as well as local product Chris Bills, and each made significant impacts on the game.
Right from the opening kickoff, you could tell FC Barcelona had a thing or two to prove. They looked to show the defending champion Megalopoli that this year would be different. Going away from the beautiful game that FC Barcelona is traditionally known for playing, the team came out displaying a physical style that knocked DCM onto their heels. Despite a back and forth game, no goals were scored for nearly 8 minutes - a near eternity in indoor soccer. During this time, all-league goaltender John Pallant showed why he's so important to the team, and why he earned Kingdom Sports Adult Men's League Pre-Season Defensive Player of the Year honors. He continually stopped short-range shots, giving his field players some time to find their stride. Clearly the physical play was getting to the Megalopoli, and frustrations were rising. That's when Phil Johnson subbed in, immediately making his mark on the game by fouling a Barcelona player before getting even a single touch on the ball. Johnson aimed to show the Barcelona players that his team wouldn't be pushed around, and the early message was sent. Finally, a dazzling display of footwork from last year's league Rookie of the Year, Justin Davisson, ended with a simple finish past the fat Barcelona goal keeper. Davisson is going to be relied upon heavily to create scoring opportunities this year, and he certainly seemed fit to the task.
DCM scored again a few minutes later on a long range shot from McDonald, much to the delight of his biggest supporter, John Pallant. After giving up a goal to Barcelona, JD added another to make the score 3-1. It appeared that, seemingly as always, everything would fall in place for the Megalopoli. However, Barcelona stormed back with back to back goals to knot the score at 3 at the midway point of the game. Crowds that had gathered in Catalonia, Spain, cheered as their heroes had tied the score against the might Megalopoli. "I'll tell you, when FCB tied the score, it had us all wondering if this could be the year we lose a game," said defensive stalwart and 10 time all-league performer, Dan Kimble, who is also the team's inspirational leader. "We've got a target on our backs every game. Still, I've been to war with these guys so many times. There's no one you'd want in your bunker more than an Eddie Marrinan, or a "Chocolate Thunder," or a "Kyle." These guys just know how to win."
DCM took control of the tight game from there, after Ben Sicnolf recorded his first goal of the season to put the team up 4-3. The contest stayed close for most of the way, but the Megalopoli pulled it out, as Kimble had predicted. And, just like Kimble pointed out, the team relied heavily on the play of Kyle, Eddie Marrinan, and Phil Johnson in the middle. The two way players made the difference in this game, continually gathered possession of the ball in the back and got it to the feet of their forwards. The highlight of the night may have come from Chris Bills' goal on his debut with the team. With his team clinging to a two goal lead, Bills received the ball at the midfield, and raced down to the offensive third. With Kyle and Sicnolf flanking him on either side, he paused the with the ball and coolly assessed the best method for attack. Working a give-and-go with Kyle in the corner, Bills scored an impressive first tally. "I'll admit it - I was a little nervous being out there with some of these guys. It's only natural when you're playing with living legends like Mark McDonald and Eddied Marrinan to hang back and let them take the reigns. But, I just went for it on that goal - it worked out," said Bills, grinning from ear to ear. "I know that we have a lot to accomplish this year as a team, but I'm going to let this feeling soak in for a while."
Game Notes...Zach Hensler missed the season opener due to undisclosed vagina issues...The team will be off next week, due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, and will return Thursday, December 2, to take on Bargo's FC.
Frank Z Chevrolet Game Ball Recipient: John Pallant - Pallant is the epitome of the "Last Line of Defense, First Line of Offense," descriptor for a goal keeper. Pallant continually made save after save, tending the net, then unleashed his patented long range throws to offensive players, which is literally DCM's best offense. He is also one of the more vocal players on the team, continually imploring Davisson, McDonald and Kyle to "SHOOT THE BALL!" Something tells us with way he's playing, he may be the league's first ever recipient of back-to-back goalkeeper of the year awards.
Individual Goal Tallies
Sicnolf - 6
Davisson - 2
McDonald - 1
Bills - 1
Monday, November 15, 2010
Shooters Back on Track
Team Shooters were as hungry as we've ever seen them heading into Tuesday's match up against BW3's. Having had a consecutive win streak of over 20 games snapped, any team would want to get right back into the gym to start another run. Unfortunately, back to back bye weeks derailed the return of Team Shooters to the hardwood for 20 days. But shaking off the rust, Team Shooters used a masterful game from long range bomber John Pallant to defeat BW3's by 10 to begin a new streak.
The game started out as a defensive battle, with neither team managing more than 4 points in the game's opening 10 minutes. Despite some early frustrations on the offensive side of the ball, Team Shooters displayed their patented lock down defense, holding BW3's until their offense could begin to pick up the slack. Eddie Marrinan was able to hold their front court players at bay, with his bruising style of play. The Shooters began to find their groove offensively when John Pallant - who thus far into the season has not met the lofty expectations had by himself and his teammates in terms of 3-point shooting - bombed in back to back three's to give the team their first lead. "We've always said that when Pallant is hitting, we're a tough team to beat. It opens up so much inside for our banger John Beyer, and allows Kimble to punish teams from the wing." The game stayed tight, however, throughout the first half, and Team Shooters found themselves trailing by two with 15 seconds remaining. That's when point guard Ben Sicnolf secured a deflection and pushed it up the court. Passing ahead, Dan Kimble attacked the paint. Drawing Pallant's defender, Kimble kicked leaving the sharp shooter wide open. As he hoisted the shot, you could see the heads of the BW3's defenders drop. The ball swished through, and Team Shooters went into the locker room with a 1 point half time lead.
The three point shooting of Pallant seemed to give confidence to everyone on the team, as Sicnolf, Beyer and Hensler (2) each hit three pointers in the second half. However, Team Shooters couldn't shake the pesky BW3's squad, and found themselves ahead by just 2 with 7 minutes remaining. That's when Pallant again hit back to back three-pointers to give the Shooters some breathing room. At this point, BW's came out of their 2-3 zone, and attempted to play man-to-man. Shooters spread the floor, and Kimble took the manhood of the man guarding him by beating him off the dribble for a short runner to effectively put the game away. After a couple free throws, the game was a wrap. Team Shooters 51 - BW3's 41.
Asked after the game about his barrage of long balls (7-10 from three), Pallant said, "I just try to fill my role on the team. Everyone brings something to the table. My teammates continually penetrate and are able to get me open looks - it's up to me to knock them down."
Game MVP and Approximated Box Score
John Beyer - 7 points, 5 rebounds - Beyer had a flashback to the Ping, when he spiked a high arcing 26 foot 3 point shot in the second half. Beyer continually found open spots in the middle of BW3's zone. This forced the team to collapse, and allowed for more open outside shots for Hensler and Pallant, and was a key to jumpstarting the offense.
Zach Hensler - 10 points, 8 rebounds - Hensler struggled with foul trouble for much of the game, picking up his fourth in the first 20 seconds of the second half. However, Hensler is a heady ball-player, and knows how to play the game no matter the situation. He banged in two three pointers, and had a nice lay-in during the first half run that got Team Shooters their initial lead.
Dan Kimble - 4 points, 6 rebounds - As stated before, Kimble did his part by taking the manhood of his opponent to close out the game. Immediately recognizing that the "shitty guard" would have to defend either himself or Sicnolf, he told his team to spread the floor and to attack whoever the "shitty guard" was guarding. That became Kimble, and Kimble drove on back to back plays, setting up a three in the corner for Pallant, and following it with a bucket of his own.
Eddie Marrinan - 0 points, 10 rebounds - Known for his dominance on the soccer field, this two-sport star showed he's more than a bruiser on the pitch. Eddie has filled in admirably for absent Team Shooter's big man Sam. He defends the post and rebounds so well, that his opponents get frustrated EVERY game. Very quick outlet after he gets boards. That may seem like it's not a huge deal, but getting the ball to Kimble and Sicnolf in a hurry sets up their early offense.
John Pallant - 24 points, 7-10 from three - Stroked the ball incredibly well from deep. You could tell early that Pallant was feeling it, and he let them fly all night, destroying the will of his opponents with each deep ball sunk. Played well on defense, and moved very well without the ball on offense, finding gaps against the zone.
Ben Sicnolf - 6 points, 8 assists - Sicnolf didn't shoot particularly well from the field, but he had perhaps his best game setting up his teammates for shots in good positions.
Mountain Dew Code Red Game Ball - John Pallant - This was the easiest decision of the year. Pallant's back might be tired from all the three balls he was hoisting, and from the added weight of carrying his entire team offensively. This is the type of performance that can spring board a player into again becoming an all-league performer, and putting this team in contention for back-to-back crowns. If Pallant can shoot like that, the sky is the limit for this team in the post season.
Stay tuned for TWO ADDITIONAL posts this week - Team Shooters continues their season tomorrow night, while the Dayton-Cincinnati Megalopoli begin their indoor soccer season on Thursday.
The game started out as a defensive battle, with neither team managing more than 4 points in the game's opening 10 minutes. Despite some early frustrations on the offensive side of the ball, Team Shooters displayed their patented lock down defense, holding BW3's until their offense could begin to pick up the slack. Eddie Marrinan was able to hold their front court players at bay, with his bruising style of play. The Shooters began to find their groove offensively when John Pallant - who thus far into the season has not met the lofty expectations had by himself and his teammates in terms of 3-point shooting - bombed in back to back three's to give the team their first lead. "We've always said that when Pallant is hitting, we're a tough team to beat. It opens up so much inside for our banger John Beyer, and allows Kimble to punish teams from the wing." The game stayed tight, however, throughout the first half, and Team Shooters found themselves trailing by two with 15 seconds remaining. That's when point guard Ben Sicnolf secured a deflection and pushed it up the court. Passing ahead, Dan Kimble attacked the paint. Drawing Pallant's defender, Kimble kicked leaving the sharp shooter wide open. As he hoisted the shot, you could see the heads of the BW3's defenders drop. The ball swished through, and Team Shooters went into the locker room with a 1 point half time lead.
The three point shooting of Pallant seemed to give confidence to everyone on the team, as Sicnolf, Beyer and Hensler (2) each hit three pointers in the second half. However, Team Shooters couldn't shake the pesky BW3's squad, and found themselves ahead by just 2 with 7 minutes remaining. That's when Pallant again hit back to back three-pointers to give the Shooters some breathing room. At this point, BW's came out of their 2-3 zone, and attempted to play man-to-man. Shooters spread the floor, and Kimble took the manhood of the man guarding him by beating him off the dribble for a short runner to effectively put the game away. After a couple free throws, the game was a wrap. Team Shooters 51 - BW3's 41.
Asked after the game about his barrage of long balls (7-10 from three), Pallant said, "I just try to fill my role on the team. Everyone brings something to the table. My teammates continually penetrate and are able to get me open looks - it's up to me to knock them down."
Game MVP and Approximated Box Score
John Beyer - 7 points, 5 rebounds - Beyer had a flashback to the Ping, when he spiked a high arcing 26 foot 3 point shot in the second half. Beyer continually found open spots in the middle of BW3's zone. This forced the team to collapse, and allowed for more open outside shots for Hensler and Pallant, and was a key to jumpstarting the offense.
Zach Hensler - 10 points, 8 rebounds - Hensler struggled with foul trouble for much of the game, picking up his fourth in the first 20 seconds of the second half. However, Hensler is a heady ball-player, and knows how to play the game no matter the situation. He banged in two three pointers, and had a nice lay-in during the first half run that got Team Shooters their initial lead.
Dan Kimble - 4 points, 6 rebounds - As stated before, Kimble did his part by taking the manhood of his opponent to close out the game. Immediately recognizing that the "shitty guard" would have to defend either himself or Sicnolf, he told his team to spread the floor and to attack whoever the "shitty guard" was guarding. That became Kimble, and Kimble drove on back to back plays, setting up a three in the corner for Pallant, and following it with a bucket of his own.
Eddie Marrinan - 0 points, 10 rebounds - Known for his dominance on the soccer field, this two-sport star showed he's more than a bruiser on the pitch. Eddie has filled in admirably for absent Team Shooter's big man Sam. He defends the post and rebounds so well, that his opponents get frustrated EVERY game. Very quick outlet after he gets boards. That may seem like it's not a huge deal, but getting the ball to Kimble and Sicnolf in a hurry sets up their early offense.
John Pallant - 24 points, 7-10 from three - Stroked the ball incredibly well from deep. You could tell early that Pallant was feeling it, and he let them fly all night, destroying the will of his opponents with each deep ball sunk. Played well on defense, and moved very well without the ball on offense, finding gaps against the zone.
Ben Sicnolf - 6 points, 8 assists - Sicnolf didn't shoot particularly well from the field, but he had perhaps his best game setting up his teammates for shots in good positions.
Mountain Dew Code Red Game Ball - John Pallant - This was the easiest decision of the year. Pallant's back might be tired from all the three balls he was hoisting, and from the added weight of carrying his entire team offensively. This is the type of performance that can spring board a player into again becoming an all-league performer, and putting this team in contention for back-to-back crowns. If Pallant can shoot like that, the sky is the limit for this team in the post season.
Stay tuned for TWO ADDITIONAL posts this week - Team Shooters continues their season tomorrow night, while the Dayton-Cincinnati Megalopoli begin their indoor soccer season on Thursday.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Team Shooters Fall, Historic Streak Ends
Kettering (AP) - As Ben Kingsley once said, "All good things must come to an end." Team Shooters put their historic winning streak on the line against Team Two, but came up short in a heated battle. The loss snapped a 21 game winning streak for the squad. The absence of team stalwarts Sam Lechleitner and Dan Kimble was too much to overcome, as Team Shooters played a horrid offensive game that left them with just 34 total points in the 14 point loss as time expired.
The last time these two teams hooked up was the most legendary game in the history of Kettering Recreation Center. In a game that was close the entire way, the game came down to the final possession. Due to disqualifications by fouls, Team Shooters was down to 3 men with 20 seconds remaining. Zach Hensler who was in street clothes nursing an injury, checked into the game wearing jeans, with a ringing cell phone in his pocket to give them a fourth player. Down two, Team Shooters worked for a good shot, eventually finding John Beyer in the lane. Beyer received the ball, pump faked, got his man in the air to gain a foul and hit the lay-up to tie the game. This allowed for one free throw with a second remaining. With the weight of a national audience on his shoulders, Beyer calmly sank the game-winning shot from the charity stripe to complete the miracle finish. With that as the backdrop for last night's game, there was hope for another instant classic.
The game was heated right from the start and tempers flared after several dustups under the hoops in the opening minutes. It was clear that this game would not be one for the timid, as each team was in for a battle. With strong interior post play, Team Two led right from the beginning. Boasting a really strong, 35 year old man, they continually went at Team Shooters in the paint, scoring on a variety of post moves, most notably "Elbow your man in the face and shoot a lay up." However, Team Shooters stayed right with Team Two throughout the entire first half. Ben Sicnolf was getting to the paint at will and seemed to be on a mission to foul our his opponent's entire roster. Making a couple of "And-1's" and hitting his free throws, Sicnolf was determined to keep the game close. Team Shooters continually battled at each end of the floor to knot the score several times throughout the opening stanza, and even took a lead at 18-16 with a couple minutes remaining in the half. Team Two closed on a run to make it a 6 point lead at half time.
The second half was all Team Two, as Team Shooters just could not score the ball. No one was hitting their outside shots, and Team Shooters began turning the ball over. Team Two methodically worked the ball on offense until they could get a good shot in the paint. Frustrations for each team were boiling over and the game got chippy toward the end, as Team Two pulled away. The only real second half highlight for Team Shooters came with about a minute left. Walking to the free throw line, perhaps the worst player for Team Two (who was bald) made some joke to Sicnolf. Sicnolf retorted, "Ok, this bald motherfucker is talking now, he's got jokes." The bald man, replied, "Yeah, well, I have a beautiful wife and a son, I don't need to listen to you." All right then.
Eddie Marrinan and Tony Schoen were great to come out to help last night, though Tony left early for undisclosed reasons. Marrinan is a beast, and will likely be called upon again next time these two match up. If Team Shooters shoots better from the outside next game, and can somehow get Sam Lechleitner there, they'll have a chance for the win.
Approximated Box score
John Beyer - 0 points, 8 rebounds - Beyer didn't hit a shot from the floor, but that was pretty much the norm for everyone on Team Shooters. He did a good job taunting an opponent after a technical was issued.
Zach Hensler - 8 points, 5 rebounds - Remarkably, Hensler probably kept his cool the best out of anyone on the team. Spiked a big first half three.
Eddie Marrinan - 0 points, 8 rebounds - Marrinan played admirably in defeat. He will be needed to defend this team when they meet up again. His presence allowed Sicnolf to talk more shit than he otherwise would have because at least someone on the team wouldn't get their ass kicked with him being there. Also had an awesome play saving the ball from going out of bounds.
John Pallant - 8 points, 4 rebounds - Pallant was asked to do a lot on both ends of the floor tonight. His shot from distance was off, but if his shooting will be key the next time these two teams match up, so he needs to keep stroking.
Tony Schoen - 0 points, 5 rebounds - Schoen hadn't played since February, but did a really nice job defending one of the big men for Team Two in the first half.
Ben Sicnolf - 18 points, 5 rebounds - Sicnolf scored a ton in the first half, but struggled mightily in the second. Turned the ball over like five times in the half, and got tired too easily. He'll need to put together a full game to beat Team Two next time.
No one deserves a game ball - we scored 34 points, that's incredible.
Team Shooters hopes to rebound - in more ways than one (hey-oh!) - next Tuesday night. They are having a general team meeting on Saturday to discuss a few plans and basic plays that Sicnolf has that will help them in future games. We need to take better advantage of Beyer cutting through the lane for one, and we've got to not just get three point attempts for Hensler and Pallant, but rather get ones where they are in a position to actually hit the shot. Need to get Kimble back.
The last time these two teams hooked up was the most legendary game in the history of Kettering Recreation Center. In a game that was close the entire way, the game came down to the final possession. Due to disqualifications by fouls, Team Shooters was down to 3 men with 20 seconds remaining. Zach Hensler who was in street clothes nursing an injury, checked into the game wearing jeans, with a ringing cell phone in his pocket to give them a fourth player. Down two, Team Shooters worked for a good shot, eventually finding John Beyer in the lane. Beyer received the ball, pump faked, got his man in the air to gain a foul and hit the lay-up to tie the game. This allowed for one free throw with a second remaining. With the weight of a national audience on his shoulders, Beyer calmly sank the game-winning shot from the charity stripe to complete the miracle finish. With that as the backdrop for last night's game, there was hope for another instant classic.
The game was heated right from the start and tempers flared after several dustups under the hoops in the opening minutes. It was clear that this game would not be one for the timid, as each team was in for a battle. With strong interior post play, Team Two led right from the beginning. Boasting a really strong, 35 year old man, they continually went at Team Shooters in the paint, scoring on a variety of post moves, most notably "Elbow your man in the face and shoot a lay up." However, Team Shooters stayed right with Team Two throughout the entire first half. Ben Sicnolf was getting to the paint at will and seemed to be on a mission to foul our his opponent's entire roster. Making a couple of "And-1's" and hitting his free throws, Sicnolf was determined to keep the game close. Team Shooters continually battled at each end of the floor to knot the score several times throughout the opening stanza, and even took a lead at 18-16 with a couple minutes remaining in the half. Team Two closed on a run to make it a 6 point lead at half time.
The second half was all Team Two, as Team Shooters just could not score the ball. No one was hitting their outside shots, and Team Shooters began turning the ball over. Team Two methodically worked the ball on offense until they could get a good shot in the paint. Frustrations for each team were boiling over and the game got chippy toward the end, as Team Two pulled away. The only real second half highlight for Team Shooters came with about a minute left. Walking to the free throw line, perhaps the worst player for Team Two (who was bald) made some joke to Sicnolf. Sicnolf retorted, "Ok, this bald motherfucker is talking now, he's got jokes." The bald man, replied, "Yeah, well, I have a beautiful wife and a son, I don't need to listen to you." All right then.
Eddie Marrinan and Tony Schoen were great to come out to help last night, though Tony left early for undisclosed reasons. Marrinan is a beast, and will likely be called upon again next time these two match up. If Team Shooters shoots better from the outside next game, and can somehow get Sam Lechleitner there, they'll have a chance for the win.
Approximated Box score
John Beyer - 0 points, 8 rebounds - Beyer didn't hit a shot from the floor, but that was pretty much the norm for everyone on Team Shooters. He did a good job taunting an opponent after a technical was issued.
Zach Hensler - 8 points, 5 rebounds - Remarkably, Hensler probably kept his cool the best out of anyone on the team. Spiked a big first half three.
Eddie Marrinan - 0 points, 8 rebounds - Marrinan played admirably in defeat. He will be needed to defend this team when they meet up again. His presence allowed Sicnolf to talk more shit than he otherwise would have because at least someone on the team wouldn't get their ass kicked with him being there. Also had an awesome play saving the ball from going out of bounds.
John Pallant - 8 points, 4 rebounds - Pallant was asked to do a lot on both ends of the floor tonight. His shot from distance was off, but if his shooting will be key the next time these two teams match up, so he needs to keep stroking.
Tony Schoen - 0 points, 5 rebounds - Schoen hadn't played since February, but did a really nice job defending one of the big men for Team Two in the first half.
Ben Sicnolf - 18 points, 5 rebounds - Sicnolf scored a ton in the first half, but struggled mightily in the second. Turned the ball over like five times in the half, and got tired too easily. He'll need to put together a full game to beat Team Two next time.
No one deserves a game ball - we scored 34 points, that's incredible.
Team Shooters hopes to rebound - in more ways than one (hey-oh!) - next Tuesday night. They are having a general team meeting on Saturday to discuss a few plans and basic plays that Sicnolf has that will help them in future games. We need to take better advantage of Beyer cutting through the lane for one, and we've got to not just get three point attempts for Hensler and Pallant, but rather get ones where they are in a position to actually hit the shot. Need to get Kimble back.
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