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.
Where can I get a DCM scarf?
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