Last week, Arlington FC94 White dominated the game even playing with two men down, fielding just 9 players for the first quarter of the game and no substitutes throughout.
Coming off that inspiring victory, FC-94 White faced off against the Takoma Celtics at the Greenbrier Field on a gray morning that set the mood for the game. The pace was plodding for most of the first half with the ball predominantly staying in the Arlington end of the field. Defenders hustled to hold the ball out of the goal for the first half.
Daniel whose quick footwork continues to be a key defensive factor, and Caleb who characteristically jumped into the fray time and again with headers and body blocks, turned the ball again and again to help Arlington push back across the 50.
Showing his penchant for speed, Berhane repeatedly outran defenders, catching the ball on the edge of the field to keep the ball in White’s hands and keep scoring hopes alive.
In perhaps the most promising scoring attempt of the game, Mohammad got off powerful a shot that whipped across the goal, the goalie’s fingertips just nicking the ball into the post and out of bounds.
Nearing the end of the first half, new player Carlos brought welcome added energy to the team, pushing the ball toward the goal and feeding his teammates with scoring possibilities. Another welcome new team member, Brayan, brought a spark of relief to the mid-field.
Arlington held the Celtics to a 0-0 tie at the half; then, after halftime, the pace picked up.
In an exciting surge near the start of the second half, Byron drove the ball 30-40 yards along the sidelines, setting up a quick series of passing plays and a corner kick
Bou continued to show offensive strength. Midway through the second half he booted a free kick that bounced off Green’s defensive wall and ricocheted back into Arlington hands, but the ensuing series of plays couldn’t reach the net.
Arlington got some bad breaks in the second half, but the players didn’t stop trying to respond. David got plenty of chances to demonstrate his quick feet and assertive defensive skills, turning the ball from Celtic to Arlington throughout the game. Meanwhile Jac’s speed came in handy as he intercepted several Celtic offensive players racing toward the goal.
In the last quarter of the game as the team continued scoring attempts, Josue sped along the sideline, requiring two Celtic’s and a yellow-card-drawing defensive move to stop him.
With the Celtic’s sending the ball toward the goal numerous times in both halves, Morgan had a number of solid saves, successfully facing down a penalty kick in the second half and forcing the kicker to send the ball into the post to stop the point.
Against some tough calls and an off-pace game, Arlington White managed to keep the game to a 2-0 loss. The momentum for Arlington FC94-White is just beginning. Next week, the team gets a chance to show its growing talent and strong heart in a matchup with FWAS Griffons at Webster Lane at 0930.
