Saturday, September 26, 2009:

Today, we had a warm down session at 9 AM, after a tough game last evening against Rhodes College, in our first Conference game of the year. Before the game began, the bottom fell out and the heavy rain made the field just about unplayable. The game started and we took the ball and went on attack, only to have the ball stop in a puddle on a break away, that most assuredly would have put us up 1:0. But, as the weather continued to deteriorate, so did the field. We have had so much rain, that the field was past the saturation point. Normally, our field will not hold water and drains really well. However, due to so much rain over the past few weeks, it just was not the same. We continued pressing and finally, in the 15th minute, Andrew Shelton, took a hard shot right at the keeper, who bobbled the ball and Tyler Evans finished it off to give us a 1:0 lead. From that point on we were really on our heels and did not do our usual pressuring. That type of play made for their goal in the 38th minute, when a bad clearance allowed them to get a shot off and score the equalizer. So, at half, it was now 1:1.

In the second half, we began playing a bit better and created a few good chances that saw them block one with their hand, that would have been a sure goal and it was not even called a hand ball. We also had one just go wide in an easy scoring opportunity. Then they had a great shot from about 35 yards out hit the crossbar. We were extremely luck to have the score remain 1:1 at that moment. They also missed a clear chance a little bit later, that saw their shot go just wide. Again, luck seemed to hold for us. Then on a really good counter attack, one of our players was taken down in the box and a penalty kick was called. This happened with about 8 minutes remaining in the game. Scott Shelton, stepped up and calmly put us ahead 2:1. The game would end that way! Our record now stands at 6 wins and 1 loss and 0 ties. Sop far so good on this young season. We must remain resolute in our purpose and keep our focused channeled on each game. If we continue doing this, we could very well have a great season and a terrific turn around from last year.

What we found out last night, was that we could indeed adapt to bad circumstances and conditions and hold fast in taking care of our game and making sure we came out on top. In horse racing parlance, we were truly "Mudders" last night!

Sunday, we play Hendrix College at noon in another conference game. Hopefully, we will stay focused and resolute in our purpose. Until then, I will say have a great weekend and I will write again tomorrow.

Best regards,
Coach Goldfarb from Birmingham, Alabama