Team Shooters Wins Opener

Kettering, OH (AP) - Southwest Ohio was treated to one of the most thrilling events in decades last night. We're not talking about Jay Bruce hitting a walk off home run to clinch the NL Central Division title. We're referring to, of course, Team Shooters winning their opening game at the Kettering Recreational Center. It's always a little shaky when the team comes out for the first game, with many of them failing to touch a ball during the entire off season, but things can be especially tough when that game comes against Team Ballers, a team full of HUGE men.

Probably the biggest team, in terms of girth, that Team Shooters have ever come up against, Team Ballers intended upon playing a slow down, deliberate brand of basketball, taking advantage of the size discrepancy between the two teams. However, a team with Dan Kimble is not going to walk up and down the floor - they're going to push the ball at every opportunity. The thought process is that with Team Shooters running full bore each possession, it was only a matter of time before the giants of Team Ballers would drop.

At the start of the first half, the running by Team Shooters was making it tough on Team Ballers, but a lack of scoring by either team kept the score very tight. No more than 4 points separated the teams, and if not for the scrappy play of Mike Lehner, providing extra possessions with steals and deflections, Team Shooters might have found themselves in a tougher spot than anticipated. But they continued to push the ball, and even with shots not falling, they managed to always keep the lead. Finally, the team hit a couple shots - including three's by Dan Kimble and John Pallant - in the final minutes put them up by 12 heading into intermission. This served as a confidence booster, and left Team Shooters feeling good during the halftime show. But that confidence quickly faded, as Team Ballers methodically cut into the margin, cutting it to a score of 46-41 with about 7 minutes remaining. As things tightened on the scoreboard, Team Shooters knew that they had to respond. As they have thousands of times before, Team Shooters fell into a pattern on the perimeter, using a three man weave with backcourt players Zach Hensler, Ben Sicnolf and Dan Kimble. Overlapping one another, the team scored 9 points over three straight possessions - a three point play by Hensler, followed by a three point play by Sicnolf, and finally a three pointer by Hensler from the wing. This put the lead back into double digits where it would remain for the rest of the game. The final dagger came as Dan Kimble hustled to get a long offensive rebound. Backing off from Kimble, the opposition taunted Kimble by telling him to "Pull it!" Pull it he did, and he spiked the three ball to remove all doubt.

It felt good to get the win, and following the game, Coach John Beyer recognized that Team Shooters was approaching a milestone seldom reached in the world of rec basketball. They had won 19 straight games. They know that getting to 20 straight would be quite an achievement, but this team is taking nothing for granted. With more quality teams in this year's league, each week will be a much more difficult task than a season before.

Final Score - 63-45

Approximated Box Score, and short analysis:

John Beyer: 14 points, 2 blocks - Beyer was the most consistent scorer on the night, always running the floor and finishing the two-on-one breaks. As the team's power forward, made an impact on the block. Had two monster rejections on huge men - it was awesome.

Zach Hensler: 11 points, 2 blocks - Hensler was a double digit scorer, but easily the most important contribution he made to the team was the defense he played on the Team Ballers' post players. Probably the best defensive effort ever out of Hensler, no joke. The guy he was guarding for much of the game was like 6'5" and the size of an ox. Very solid outing out of Hensler.

Dan Kimble: 8 points, 6 rebounds - Kimble is the most athletic player on Team Shooters, and he uses that athleticism to consistently beat his man into the lane. Can push the ball when Sicnolf is out. Also spiked two huge threes at critical times.

Sam Lechleitner: 8 points, 10 rebounds - By his lofty standards, a rather pedestrian offensive game for Lechleitner, far and away the team's best player. But, as always, Sam controlled the boards and was the only inside presence for Team Shooters.

Mike Lehner: 5 points, 3 steals - Lehner may not always have the type of game that shows up in the boxscore - though he's been known to drop 20 points with no problem. But last night, he showed how you can affect a game without just putting the ball in the hoop. Lehner's active hands on defense and a pursuit of the ball made a huge impact on the game, especially in the first half when much of the team was listless.

John Pallant: 10 points, 4 rebounds - Pallant wasn't hitting his three's the way he normally does - to be expected in the season opener - but even when they aren't falling, his reputation as a dead eye stretches the opposing team's defense and allows for lanes for other players. Had two really tough finishes in the paint when the game started to get tight in the second half.

Ben Sicnolf: 7 points, 7 assists - Sicnolf is mostly a facilitator in this league. However, his speed with the ball continually set up 2-1 and 3-2 fast breaks, off of steals or offensive rebounds. Went 3-3 from the line and recorded about 10 deflections.

Game ball goes to: Dan Kimble. You could make an argument for Beyer or Hensler in this game - especially due to their defense - but Kimble was the easy choice here. Dan played perhaps his best overall rec league game in over a year. After taking a few minutes to get his legs at the start of the game, he continually made impact plays on both ends of the floor. Kimble was asked to defend all 5 positions at some point throughout the night, and always made it tough for his opponent. Offensively, no one can get into the paint from the wing like Kimble. He's a deserving recipient of this season's first O'Reilly Auto Parts Game Ball.

Here for Beer wins in Stunning Fashion

In a thrilling match up, Here for Beer pulled the upset of the season on a hot, humid night at Town and Country Sports Club in Wilder, KY last night before a capacity crowd of 7. They not only ended their losing streak, but also allowed their fewest goals of the year against their First Place opponent, Blue Team. Despite not winning by "several goals," Here for Beer wished to extend a giant middle finger to Zach Hensler, notorious detractor, and asshole.

 

New addition to the team, Dan Kimble, was a dominant force in the back, and his presence was needed as Team Blue was easily the youngest and strongest team Here for Beer has played to date. After surrending a goal when the Fat Guy on HfB passed the ball to the other team for a breakaway, the team fell into a swoon they have become so familiar with throughout the year. It seemed that, as usual, their opponents would put two or three more into the back of the net. But it was not to be on this night, as Kimble and newly acquired goalkeeper "George," put the clamps down in the back. The game stayed 1-0 until about 10 minutes left in the half when HfB got a corner kick. They had just missed on a kick minutes earlier when Ben Sicnolf sent a pass far post to Jeff Price, only to have him just miss the shot. Sicnolf, realizing that keeper was standing near post again, decided to attempt the same tactic of placing it just over the keeper's head right at the far post. This time, it was a success as Other Jeff deftly kneed the ball into the empty net, tying the score at 1 a piece.

 

Just before halftime it appeared as though Here for Beer would take the lead, as Sicnolf, running down the right side, picked out a streaking Jeff Price who got just a touch on it, but not enough to pass the keeper as it was parried wide. It would have been a spectacular goal, but given that it was Price's fourth run of over 20 yards of the game in just the first half, one cannot expect anything more out of the young star.

 

The game stayed netted at 1 throughout most of the second half. Kimble had to make several timely tackles that saved sure goals, including several breakaways. He was referred to as a "Ringer" by Gay Uncle Phil, which presumedly means something similar to a "Rimjob" to a gay man. Play was back and forth until about 10 minutes remaining, when Sicnolf charged at a defender while the ball was bouncing. He was able to tap it away from the defender at midfield, and race toward goal along the left side. As the goal keeper came out, Price had made yet another long run, bringing a defender with him. Sicnolf shot, and as the ball was going toward goal, the defender slid and kicked it into the net. At first it was ruled an own goal, but was later officially changed to a goal by Sicnolf, as it was headed goal bound regardless.

 

With the lead, HfB showed some remarkable ability to control the ball. Several minutes were wasted in the corner with Price and Sicnolf passing and shielding, then getting fouled, then doing it again. With about 30 seconds reamaining, Price decided to take a shot from deep in the corner on a free kick that skimmed the crossbar and went out at the other end for a throw-in. He was predictably furious with the result, but it proved to waste enough time so that the ensuing throw in resulted in the end of the game. Here for Beer had done it!

 

Men of the Match - Jeff Price - This was the most Price had run in years and it paid off. He made many long runs, and even played a beautiful ball down the sideline with his right foot toward the end of the game. Hustled back on defense. It was a sight to behold.

 

Dan Kimble - Kimble literally made all the difference in the world. Here for Beer would have given up 7 or 8 goals to this team on a normal night, and if not for Kimble, this would have assuredly happened.

 

"George" - some keeper who played in the game before ours was willing to join us because our shitty keeper didn't show up. George was old and fat, but his play resulted in the single largest improvement at one position in the history of sports by replacing "Marty," the team's usual goalkeeper.

 

Here for Beer looks to keep the momentum going next week when they take on another foe. Details on that game to follow later in the week.

Here for Beer Wins Heated Match

Wilder, KY (AP) - With Portugal taking on Spain earlier in the day in the World Cup, one might think that it was the odds on favorite for being the game of the day. But the most intriguing match of the day occurred about 5000 miles Northwest of there, in Wilder, KY at the Cincinnati Kings Sports Complex in the Over 30 Amateur Men's League. The game got off to an inauspicious beginning, with one of the referees showing up 20 minutes late, making for 22 antsy players making an extended warm up on the pitch. But once play began, the battle between Hummer FC and Here for Beer more than made up for the delayed start.

 

The game started off like many others in this league - slow, terribly played, and horrible to watch. Then, about 25 minutes in, one of the more amazing events ever witnessed on a soccer pitch occurred. With the score tied 0-0 in a relatively uneventful half, a seemingly normal foul was called on HFC's forward. After the whistle was blown, completely unprovoked and honestly really weirdly, an overweight 35 year old player from Hummer FC kicked the HfB defender, taking out both legs. While this may go down without much of a fight if done to your average HfB player, it was done to Gay Uncle Phil - and G.U.P. does NOT go quietly into that dark night. He immediately turned and RIPPED the HFC's players shirt straight off - from the neck. While it did reveal a fat man beneath, we also saw for the first time the sheer girth of the Hummer FC player. They were held back by teammates, but each was as fired up as two men could be. Gay Uncle Phil had the "crazy" in his eye, as he screamed gibberish at the fat Hummer FC player. The fat Hummer FC player was mostly calm, repeating - "Come at me," which seemed very scary to most observers. Eventually Phil got something coherent out - "I am a DOCTOR, with TWO bad achilles!" While it was clear that forward Ben Sicnolf was ready to make a joke that that injury had always been Phil's "Achille's heel," he recognized it was not the time or place for such a comment. The fight continued for several minutes, with each player breaking free at different moments trying to get to the other one. After they were each red carded, there was another delay because each was made to leave the complex, but they couldn't leave at the same time, as a death to one of them would have occurred in the parking lot. From this point forward, the game took on a different tone altogether.

 

About two minutes after the event, Daniel Imbus, HfB's do everything player, received the ball in the middle, playing it to the feet of striker Ben Sicnolf. Ben turned, cut up his man, and got brought down in the box with a trip. He turned to Jeff Price, who had a chuckle as he was reminded before the game that Sicnolf said specifically that he had "decided to get a penalty kick this game." Sicnolf took the spot kick himself and blasted it into the upper right corner, giving Here for Beer the 1-nil lead with about 10 minutes remaining in the half. 5 minutes later, Sicnolf again received the ball near the edge of the box. After beating two players with a cut back, he unloaded a shot with his left from about 12 yards out that went right over the keepers head and into the top of the net for a 2-0 lead, just as the halftime whistle was about to blow.

 

As they often say, a 2-0 lead is very dangerous in soccer because the team with the advantage has a false sense of hope, and this proved to be the case. After scoring about a minute in to cut the lead to one, Hummer FC seemingly grabbed the momentum. However, just 5 minutes later after earning a corner kick, a head ball from "Brian" gave HfB their two goal lead again, that set up for what would be a back and forth second half. This is when things started to fall apart for HfB. After giving up another terrible goal to cut the lead to one, you could almost see the wheels falling off. They held the one goal advantage, until a Hummer counter attack saw them spring on a 3 on 2 break. Price, playing midfield, made probably the best backtracking run of his playing career, and got to the box just as the cross came in. Unfortunately, so did a Hummer player. As the two collided, the Hummer player fell funny, and was awarded a penalty kick. While this set up the goal that allowed for the game to be tied at 3, all was not lost for HfB, as Price was able to keep his streak of giving up penalty kicks on bad calls alive. The tied scored might have done enough to give a strong sense of hope to Hummer, but even more was to come. After the penalty kick, Price was sure to give the referee who made the call a piece of his mind. After being given a yellow card for "dissent," Price did what any person in a 30 year old league would do after receiving a yellow - said, "BBBBFFFFFTTTT" while giving the "jack-off" motion to the ref, earning him the red card ejection.

 

This meant that Hummer would be a man up for the remaining 15 minutes of the game. They dominated play, but could not break through for a score. It appeared the game might be headed for a tie until Sicnolf came back to receive the ball in midfield and broke at the left back. After getting around him, he was being trailed by another defender. He cut it back at about twelve yards out on the left side of the box, got fouled but stayed on his feet, and hit a weak shot that was nearly saved by the goalie before going into the back of the net. Sicnolf could be heard saying his patented: "Get the fuck off of me," to the sweeper with whom he had been battling all game who was at his feet after attempting to slide him just before he shot. After a frantic few minutes, the final whistle blew, giving Here for Beer the unlikeliest of victories. One they won't soon forget.

 

Game ball: Gay Uncle Phil - Phil set the tone that HfB could not be trifled with. Though he did release vital injury information to other teams who may now attack his achilles, he also told us all he was a doctor for the first time, as if that were pertinent information.

 

Turning point - Price receiving the red card ejection - Although it appeared as though this was going to be a turning point in a bad way for his team, Price clearly sensed that his squad was letting this game slip away and did what he could to fire up the troops. They were able to rally around him and get the victory they so longed for. It was a savvy move by the veteran Price, who is actually the youngest member of his team.

 

Come check out the team next week, on July 5th, at 6:30, where I can guarantee you will see at least 33% of the players literally drunk on the pitch!

Megalopoli Win! Undefeated Season Complete!

Franklin, Oh (AP) - Mercury Morris, the oft-quoted spokesman for the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins, has said, "Don't call me when someone comes to my town, call me when they're on my block," when asked about potential undefeated sports teams. Well, Mercury, it's time to welcome your new neighbors. The Dayton Cincinnati Megalopoli achieved immortality last night defeating the Knights 9-5 to finish undefeated in their inaugural season at Kingdom Rec Sports. There were times when the play was not pretty, and the Knights put up a yeoman's effort in attempts to win the game and crush the hopes of DCM fans everywhere. But, as they have done so many times, the Megalopoli showed the grit and deterimnation needed to earn the win, and accomplish what many thought would be impossible in the modern era of indoor soccer.

 

The game started out with DCM scoring twice quickly in the first two minutes. With the second goal, it would have appeared that the route was on. However, the Knights hung in there and scored a goal to cut the lead to one 10 minutes into the game. With the recent struggles of Megalopoli scorer Ben Sicnolf, there was a sense that the Knights could really pull off this monumental upset. It wasn't until potential League Rookie of the Year, Justin Davisson used four consecutive sole rolls to the right leaving Knight defenders in his wake on his way to a goal that the Megalopoli began to feel truly comfortable.

 

However, perhaps the key turning point happened a few minutes prior to Davisson's run. Clinging to a tight lead, Sicnolf blasted a shot toward the net from close range, hitting the Knight goal keeper squarely in the chest. This may have dazed the keeper for a moment, but nothing could have prepared him for what was to come next. The ball bounced back out to Kyle, who goes by a single name like Pele or Ronaldo, who was trailing the play. Kyle unleashed a shot that could not be seen by human eyes without the aid of some technology. The ball was sent toward the upper corner, leaving the goalkeeper with zero time to react. Asked about the shot after the game, Kyle, a simple man of few words, said, "I tried to kick the ball as hard as I could." The goal became undoubtedly the greatest moment in the young player's career, and probably his life altogether, and propelled the team toward victory.

 

In addition to Kyle and Davisson, Mark MacDonald continued his offensive terror, netting 3 additional goals, moving him into second place on the team. MacDonald scored in a variety of ways - including a nutmeg of the keeper to open the game - but one goal was especially memorable because it seems to have become a calling card of the Megalopoli throughout the year. Breaking down the left side toward the goal, MacDonald spotted an opening at the near post. Wasting no time, he fired a hard low shot, just missing the net and careening off the board. Unfortunately for the Knights, it ricocheted off the back of the goalkeeper and into the net, for Mark's third of the game. As we all know, demoralizing your opponent is often more important than actually scoring, so to achieve both aspects with one shot is truly a great play.

 

Though the focus for the DCM within the media is often on their goal scorers, an undefeated season just does not happen without great defense. Former field player turned goal keeper, John Pallant, continued his amazing run of victories with another great outing in the net. Though it may not have been Pallant's finest game outletting the ball, he did what he needed to do to get his team the victory. Two way players, Phil Johnson and Eddie Marrinan, got up and back throughout the game, providing the support needed up top, but continuing to defend along the way. Finally, the two stalwarts in the Megalopoli defense over the past decade were dominant as always. Dan Kimble and Zach Hensler have a unique understanding of how to play the indoor game that can only come with championship experience. And these two have championship experience by the boat load. Kimble, with his additional championships playing for University of Dayton's Club Indoor soccer team, is perhaps the most decorated indoor soccer player in Miami Valley history. Tied with Ben Sicnolf for the all time lead in caps, Kimble simply knows how to win games. And playing alongside Zach Hensler, who may have just completed the finest defensive season in his illustrious career, a near impenetrable force is made. Following the game, you could tell this win meant a lot to Kimble and Hensler, two of the remaining members from the original "Golden Generation" of indoor soccer players in the Dayton area. The two form a sort of yin and yang combination: Kimble the hard nosed enforcer, Hensler the softer, matronly player. But both will tell you the reason for their success is the same: "Kick the ball away from the other team."

 

In Greek mythology, the Titans were even greater than the gods. With another championship, and an undefeated season, it would appear that the Megalopoli are even greater than the Titans. Next year the team will be another year older, and their time as the dominant force in Southwest Ohio soccer may be nearing its end, but something tells me these men aren't ready to call it quits just yet.

 

Notes

 

Goals Scored: MacDonald (3), Davisson (2), Kyle (2), Sicnolf (2)

 

Game Ball: Zach Hensler - This was perhaps Hensler's best game in years. Few people can poke the ball away from their defender like Hensler, but it was his calming influence in the back that really made a difference yesterday. Hensler did an outstanding job of collecting the ball and distributing it to his teammates, starting the Megalopoli attack.

 

Final Goals Scored Tally:

 

Sicnolf - 21

MacDonald - 15

Davisson - 14

Marrinan - 7

Kyle - 4

Phil - 1

Kimble - 1

Graham - 1

Price - 1

 

Goalkeeper victories:

 

Pallant - 7

Hensler - .67 (Two games for a 1/3 of the game each)

Price - .33 (One game for a 1/3 of the game)

 

The team will be having a celebratory "Pizza Party" in the weeks to come, with details to follow.

DCM Dominates Frickers FC

Franklin, Ohio (AP) - The Dayton-Cincinnati Megalopoli took down the upstart Frickers FC team last night in Kingdom Sports Rec Center League play. It was the first of two big tests for DCM, separated by a bye week. Frickers FC is young and talented, and just inexperienced enough to not be scared by the legends they were playing. However, it may have been that inexperience that cost Frickers FC a chance to win the game.

 

With the scoreboard broken, and timer stuck on 19:20, it was clear that the men of FFC were rattled to start the game. And when you're playing the league leaders, you need to be firing on all cylinders. The veteran group of DCM players took the scoreboard malfunction in stride, and looked at it simply as a way that they could yell out the score even more often than they usually do once they took the lead. To start the game, FFC had a nice sequence of ball control, including a penetrating pass that had the Megalopoli on their heels. However, once they gained control of the ball themselves, they punished Frickers with a beautiful display of passing leading to a tip in goal for rookie Kyle "Hauvey" Something. This was Kyle's first goal of the season, and popping his cherry could not have come at a better time. Following that, two more goals that featured outstanding quick passing led to do more tap ins, one for Justin Davisson and one for Ben Sicnolf. Once DCM found themselves up 3-0, the rout was on.

 

In a very physical game, Sicnolf was able to break through their back line an additional 5 times for goals. After some of his goals, many of which involved him getting kicked and tugged just as scoring, you could hear the Megalopoli Captain saying to the young Frickers back line, "You guys are some weak motherf*ckers." This only led to more fouls from Frickers in what was becoming a very chippy game. That is until team enforcer Eddie Marrinan sent a message to the upstart Frickers club that it's not quite their time yet, sending "The Guy with Tennis Shoes," into the wall HARD and then making the guy feel like a bitch afterward.

 

The final tally was 8-4, but it didn't really seem that close. John Pallant had his finest game in the net for DCM. He is a sort of cross between hockey goalie Ryan Miller and collegiate great Tim Crouch. He not only had one of his finest games saving the ball, but his outlets to the forward have become a thing of beauty. He has learned how to throw it so that it hits EXACTLY before the third line up against the wall, allowing JD or Sicnolf to run onto the ball. Additionally, his improvement in his kicks, including a left footed perfectly placed two line pass, has many of the media thinking he could be All-League not just in years to come, but for this very season - a goal that many thought may be unattainable for the green goalkeeper.

 

Notes...Justin Davisson did like 4 guys along the sideline last night as the game was coming to a close...Eddie Marrinan and Mark MacDonald did a fine job filling in for defender Zach Hensler who was not in attendance due to personal reprieve from the team...Dan Kimble is getting forward more, and that can only make DCM even more dangerous...the team will have a week off before coming back for a match up already being billed as the "Game of the Century" between co-league leaders Thor's Hammer.

 

Game Ball: John Pallant

 

Updated total goals scored on the season

 

Sicnolf - 18

Justin - 11

MacDon - 8

Eddie - 7

Phil - 3

Kimble - 2

Price - 1

Graham - 1

Kyle - 1

Rookies Rule the day - Megalopoli on Top

Franklin, OH (si.com) -

 

Recently, the Dayton-Cincinnati Megalopoli have been faced with many questions regarding co-league leader Thor's Hammer and whether they feel threatened with its success. It's a fair question, given the terror that Thor's Hammer has been on over the last several weeks (perhaps inspired by the Olympics hosted in Canada, the team's roots). But last night, the Megalopoli seemed to be playing with a chip on their shoulder not seen in some time. Never a team to run up the score, DCM was taking it to the hapless Thataboy far after the game's outcome was determined. As Ben Sicnolf beat the goalie for a score with only 10 seconds remaining in what was a 12-3 game, you could only think that they were looking to send a message to the rest of the league. That message: "We might literally kill you. Literally."

 

The game, matching one of the league's worst teams in Thataboy with the league leaders, started off closer than expected, with a fired up Thataboy tying the score at 1. After two quick goals from DCM, again Thataboy responded to pull within 1, at 3-2. It was at that point that rookies Eddie Marrinan and Justin Davisson put on a show. A team known for its veterans, the management at DCM has shown they also have an eye for young talent as newcomers Marrinan, Davisson, and Kyle (just called up from the minors a week ago) have shown flashes of brilliance, giving life to their older teammates. The most impressive thing about the rookies is that they haven't gotten caught up in the lights of playing on the big stage. They have different styles - Kyle, the do everything, all-around team player; Davisson, the flashy young buck who has subscribed to the Ben Sicnolf school that states,"It's not about winning the game, it's about embarrassing your opponent" since he was a kid; and Marrinan, the bruising physical specimen who, at 6 feet 11 inches tall, has become a sort of enforcer with the team. After the game we caught up with the rookies to see how they were managing jumping from semi-pro ball to the highest level indoor soccer has to offer.

 

"I grew up watching Dan Kimble play. The way he wins the ball in the air - that's how I wanted to be. If these guys think that I have become even half the player of a Dan Kimble, I'll take it," Marrinan said.

 

"I'm just trying to play my role. I was brought in to give a 'boost' at the offensive end - that's what I do, and that's what I've been trying to do since being called up," Davisson quipped, when asked what he brings to the team.

 

Kyle, the newest member to the team was in awe when he first joined the squad. "I'll admit, I was a little nervous playing with this team. I mean, a team that has won so many indoor soccer championships in the Dayton area. Growing up around here, like every other little kid, you dream of one day playing for a team like them. I never even dared to dream that I could be playing with them. To actually be able to play along side Mark McDonald and Zach Hensler, two of my childhood idols, I can't believe how lucky I am."

 

All three have contributed mightily at the mid-point of the season, and in no game more than last night. When the game got tight, it was the youngsters that put DCM on their back and carried them to victory. Scoring 3 goals each, Davisson and Marrinan showed that what they lack in experience, they more than make up for with talent. If these three youngsters can continue this impressive play, there is no reason to worry about DCM's league chances this year and beyond. And who knows, some day, just like they did with their idols, young boys will be wearing DCM jerseys around town not just with local heroes, "Sicnolf," "Kimble," and "Price", but with "Davisson," "Marrinan," and "Kyle" on the back.

 

Notes...Goals were scored by Davisson (3), Marrinan (3), Sicnolf (3), (and that's all we know for sure. MacDonald had at least one, and Phil had at least one, which means there are 2 more goals unaccounted for. Anybody? It might have been 4 with each of those guys up top.)...game ball goes to Eddie Marrinan, the first two time recipient of the award this year, and one away from the rookie record.

Megalopoli Win Again - Start Season 4-0

Franklin (AP) - Nobody said winning the Kingdom Sports Rec Center title, and perhaps going undefeated for the first time in league history, was going to be easy. And the Dayton-Cincinnati Megalopoli finally found that out last night, playing a talented and spirted Mixed FC team last night. However, in typical DCM fashion, they made the plays they needed to make to secure the win.

 

The game had an inauspicious start for the league leaders. A little over a minute in a fluke goal found them trailing 1-0, a deficit they are not used to facing. The goal did more than just give Mixed FC the lead, it gave them a new found confidence, which was perhaps the most important thing. As veterans Dan Kimble and Ben Sicnolf looked on from the bench, their faces told a story of - "We're in for a game today, we better be ready." The 1-0 lead held for another 5 minutes until Sicnolf broke free down the right side, beating several defenders before firing a low shot to beat the goalkeeper and knot the score at 1. This goal allowed the Megalopoli to calm down and play their game, but although they began to control the action, it would be another 14 minutes before the next goal was scored. That breakthrough came through the play of veteran Mark MacDonald.

 

Breaking free, MacDonald put the Megalopoli ahead for the first time in the match, with a shot between the goal keepers legs. That goal was followed up immediately with a goal from Dan Kimble. Known solely as a defender prior to this season, Kimble has been making deep runs into the offensive third, giving the Megalopoli another potent attacker. When the ball found Kimble's left foot from 14 feet out, you knew the veteran would not miss his chance. This goal was followed by rookie Justin Davisson's lone goal of the afternoon, and the rout was on...or so it seemed.

 

Mixed FC would not going quietly into that dark night. They found life with about 8 minutes remaining, scoring two goals to pull within one. Sicnolf then scored his two finest goals of the season - a heel flick beneath the MFC goalie, and a dazzling 1 v 1 along the left side (assisted from one of John Pallant's patented long throws from goalkeeper). Those two goals broke the back of Mixed FC, and it was all over but the shouting. Mixed was able to put one more in the net, but the game was never in doubt, and MacDonald connected on two more to seal it.

 

DCM moves to 4-0 in the league. They were tested dearly last night, but found a way to pull through. Quoted after the game, Dan Kimble said, "We've been here before. When we got down 1-0, a lot of teams would have just packed it up, but we weren't rattled. We know we can play with anyone, and I think we proved that tonight."

 

Notes: Game ball goes to Mark MacDonald. Mark got his first hat trick of the season. After the game, teammate and biggest fan John Pallant was overheard saying, "That's the McDonald we know - ATTACK the goal!" But it wasn't just the goals that earned Mark the game ball, the greatest achievement in his life thus far, but his relentless attack. This game meant something to him and he played like it. It was thrilling to see...Goals were scored by MacDonald (3), Davisson (1), Sicnolf (3) and Kimble (1)...DCM returns to action next week, February 23, to take on Thataboy.

Megalopoli Win!

AP (Franklin, Ohio) - Last night, a gritty Megalopoli team full of wily veterans pulled off what many experts thought to be impossible. With many players on the team not having played a game in over a year, they took down Chromparts in the opening match of the season at Kingdom Sports Rec Center. Though you could tell this team had been their before with their composure throughout the match, many would admit before the game that they were as nervous as the first time they took the pitch. Just before the opening whistle, defensive star Zach Hensler could be overheard saying, "I really just want to not miss the ball when I try to kick it."

 

Despite letting in an early goal, falling behind 1-0, the Megalopoli settled in and started to play their game, which consists mainly of building a wall around the goal and continually blocking shots or poking the ball away from defenders before kicking it up to the attacking forward for a counter. Though forward Ben Sicnolf had a difficult time with his finishing touch in the opening few minutes, looking a bit like a re-TARD, observers could tell it was just a matter of time before the team broke through. And break through they did behind the 9 foot long right leg of newcomer Jimmy Graham. After stealing a ball at midfield, Graham used 14 foot strides to move into the attacking area before unleashing a rocket shot putting the Megalopoli on the board, evening the score. Despite the injury to perennial all star, Chris Rank, they never looked back.

 

Additional goals were scored by Jeff Price (1), Mark MacDonald (1), Phildo Johnson (1), and Ben Sicnolf (3), though one of Sicnolf's did go off the post into the back of the goalie before ricocheting in. But it was just that kind of night for the Megalopoli.

 

In all, the Megalopoli scored 7 goals, against giving up 3. It was a magical start for the team, and one can't help but wonder if this group of huge, old men can't keep the magic up all year long.

 

Individual Performance Breakdown

 

Jim Graham

Positives - had the play of the day with his rocket toe ball off the wall setting himself up for a headball. Despite not scoring a goal, teammate Jeff Price could be overheard saying, "Jesus - he MEANT to do that!"; also, made another man say, "Quit it!" when Jimmy was playing his patented physical brand of soccer.

Negatives - needs to be on the field more; if at any point Jim realizes that he is currently on the bench, he should immediately sub in.

 

Zach Hensler

Positives - did indeed connect with the ball all nearly all of his attempts; is really good at stealing the ball and then kicking it in the direction of the forward, which is the most important thing you can do in indoor soccer. Only let in one goal when in the net.

Negatives - endurance. Hensler showed flashes of speed, but you could tell his inability to run most of the game frustrated him.

 

Mark McDonald

Positives - in the best shape on the team; one of the few guys able to get up and back. Also, had a nice goal when it seemed that Chromparts may make a run at the Megalopoli.

Negatives - did not pull out the Maradona/McDonald move a single time in last night's game. The Megalopoli most likely will not win another game if this happens again.

 

Jeff Price

Positives - the best goalie on the team. Made two impossible saves. Still has that rocket left foot if he has time. He's Kingdom Rec Sports version of Fulton Reed of District 5.

Negatives - fell over on his own when making a move.

 

Ben Sicnolf

Positives - scored goals.

Negatives - had a hard time dribbling, and couldn't really run the way he is used to, which was frustrating to him.

 

Chris Rank

Positives - when Rank has the ball at his feet, he is still the best player on the team. He's the only one that can actually look up and pass it to someone and it actually goes right where it should.

Negatives - mostly his knee ligaments. Has shitty knee ligaments.

 

Dan Kimble

Positives - absolutely the most important defensive player on the team. Seems to cover two men at a time.

Negatives - his toe poke anticipation wasn't quite where he wanted it to be last night.

 

John Pallant

Positives - John played very well last night in defense. ATTACKS the guy with the ball. Two quotes overheard. One, with 5 minutes remaining and the Megalopoli in the lead, Pallant checked into goal: Jeff Price could be overheard saying, "Board Safe," supposedly meaning that the scoreboard was now safe. And it was. Secondly, on the walk into the parking lot, Pallant said: "Here's the thing guys, I'm only going to get better, too."

Negatives - I'm honestly not sure if there was a negative in John's game last night - I don't mean this as like a crack, but I think he was much better than many of us expected he might be. He pretty much looked the same as everyone else out there.

 

Phil Johnson

Positives - Intense, serious about the game.

Negatives - Maybe a little too intense and serious about the game.

 

JD

Positives - very good on the ball. Could actually hold it until we got other attackers in the offensive end.

Negatives - needs to shoot the ball. I don't know if he realizes, but the name of the game is kick the ball as hard as you can and hope it goes into the goal. Trust me, as someone that takes a lot of shots, no one is going to get mad if at least some go in the goal.

 

Game Ball: Jeff Price. The premier two-way player on the team, Jeff played a great game in goal, and also scored a goal. Not many people this year are going to have a game like that. Well done, Jeff!