(April 9, 2006)

The Generals stayed unbeaten in league play with a hard earned 1-1 draw with the now familiar Braddock Road Blackhawks. The Generals drew 1-1 with the Blackhawks to open the fall 2005 season, and this game was eerily reminiscent of that earlier clash.

The big difference this time was the conditions. Rain the day before caused the match to be moved to an alternate site, and the new pitch was rough and sloped. To make matters worse, the Generals played the first half into a stiff breeze. As is typically the case for the Generals, they adjusted slowly to the difficult conditions.

More difficult that the pitch or the breeze, however, were the Blackhawks, who are big and fast, and don’t shy away from the physical side of the game. The Generals were back on their heels early, with the Blackhawks applying substantial pressure with their vertical play.

The Generals struggled to find their possession game, and at the 15 minute mark the Blackhawks pressure paid off with a quick strike and a 1-0 lead. Despite being down a goal, the Generals gradually began to assert themselves; before halftime they had generated several chances and were unlucky not to have leveled the score by the break.

When the teams switched ends for the second half, the breeze that had vexed the Generals throughout the first half became their ally. Now it was their turn to apply some pressure, but several good chances came to naught. Just when it looked like things might not go their way, however, the Generals found their finishing touch.

A deft through ball from the center circle led to a break and a calm finish, and the Generals were now level. Unsatisfied with a draw, the Generals turned up the heat further, and generated several more good chances and near misses. The Blackhawks still had something to say, however, and the Generals needed some staunch defending, solid play in the net, and a bit of lady luck at their end to keep the score tied.

After a late chance that was answered by a quality save from the Blackhawks keeper and two opportunities from the corner, the game was in the books as a 1-1 draw. The Generals have a number of tough opponents left on the schedule, but the Blackhawks appear poised to challenge for the division title again. While the Generals were looking for a win, a draw must be considered a good result at this point of the season.

Season Archive:

Generals Win Spring 2006 Season Opener