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.
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