(April 2, 2006)

 The Generals opened their spring 2006 league campaign with a convincing 4-1 win over the Damascus Boca Juniors. The Generals came out of the gate fast, and generated a few early chances, but then the Boca Juniors came roaring back and applied pressure of their own. A tight Generals defense, with strong support from the midfield, limited the Juniors to few if any quality chances, but the Juniors dominated possession for much of the first half.

Throughout the half, Generals seemed more focused on not making a mistake than on producing quality soccer. Their first touches were loose, and their passes lacked purpose. Despite their lackluster performance, and against the run of play, a quick counterattack and a quality finish late in the half gave the Generals a 1-0 lead. The Generals took this somewhat fortunate one goal advantage into break.

The Generals looked like a different team at the start the second half. Whether Coach Moser gave them the wake up call, or they simply realized that they needed pick up their level of play, the Generals showed a renewed urgency. Their passing game began to click, and they opened up large sections of the field. This effort was rewarded early and often with quality chances, and midway through the second half the Generals had built a 4-0 lead.

As the game wore on, the undermanned Boca Juniors (limited to one substitute due to injuries and absences) clearly tired. Meanwhile the Generals continued to generate opportunities and could have added to the tally several times. The Juniors were game throughout, however, and showed their quality with a late strike. By this time the outcome was no longer in doubt, and losing the clean sheet was a small blemish to a great start to the season.

Well done Generals!