Fusion plays to a 1-1-2 record....
The Fusion after a long day.....
The Fusion showed well on Labor Day competing in the PWSI Invitational. The tournament was almost rained out due to Ernesto soaking the area. But the games were cut in half and played on Monday at Tyrrell Fields in Woodbridge.....a beautiful complex of 4 bermuda grass pitches.
The boys tied 1-1 against the PWSI Courage in the first game at 8:30. Fitz put us on top with 10 minutes to go, but the Courage equalized with less than 5 left and the game ended as a draw. Overall, the boys played well, but this was definitely our first real game in 2 months and it showed.
At 10, the boys played the MCSA Raptors, another NCSL Div 6 team that we will be competing against this fall. The level of play really picked up as they were sharp through the middle and really looked to possess the ball and get forward as a team. The game ended in a scoreless draw.
Our third match of the day, had us playing the Great Falls Renegades, an NCSL Division 3 team. The boys were a bit on their heals until John broke through and was on his way to goal when taken down from behind. George tucked the ball in the left corner beyond the goalkeeper’s reach and the Fusion went up 1-0. Unfortunately, the Fusion sat back and the Renegades countered on the kickoff and evened up the game. We went into the half tied. But within a few minutes, the boys broke down and gave up a pass inside the 18 and the Renegades went up by a goal. The Fusion fought on and had some opportunities, but the score remained 1-2. Once again, the level of play increased and the boys continued to come together.
The fourth game of the day, saw the Fusion competing against the Great Falls Warriors. We decided to move players around and rest some of our workhorses. John went into the goal and that allowed Alex to get some time on the field as one of the strikers. Chris joined him up top as Sean manned the defense. A resounding win with 3 goals scored by Alex, Hank and Soufan was the final result.
Overall, this was a good day of pre-season play and the team gained some confidence heading into the Fall season.
Chris wins the header.....
The wall defends the free kick....
George pushes up through midfield....
Chris again in the air....
Pepi battles for the ball....
It’s John off to the races....
Kevin showing for the ball....
Mason getting involved in the play....
Soufan on the cutback....
Hank attacking the space....
"Fitz, I’ve got it!!"
Andrew closing down....
George puts the team up with the Penalty Kick....
John with the solid save....
