North Takes Down Judge 1-0

McCarthy, Martinez, Hall and Defensive Backline Hold Judge Scoreless for Taut 1-0 Victory

Well the waiting is over and the final score is in, North holds on and defeats neighborhood rival, Father Judge to remain unbeaten in the PCL Red Division and remain in first place. It is still early in the season with eight more games until the real season, the playoffs. Played in front of a packed house, the Crusaders and Falcons gave the crowd their money’s worth. The game was highly contested, physical, and offensive with North’s early goal the difference in the match.

It is the usual story line for the Falcons, even though is was shorthanded due to suspensions from the previous match, with its defensive line not allowing many penetrating balls through and forcing Judge to shoot from long range. When Judge did get inside the box, McCarthy was able to make several sensational saves to keep his clean sheet.

It’s interesting though to hear and see how others perceive the contest. Many were still shaking their heads and wondering out loud how in god’s name North won the game. Well, it is really simple to be honest. First we scored more goals, albeit just one and we let up less, which would be 0. Yes, yes, Judge controlled more play, yes, Judge created more attack, yes, Judge had more shots but think about one thing for just a minute. Do you remember the Washington Generals, you know, the basketball team that the Harlem Globetrotters beat up on a regular basis. Did you ever go to the game or watch it on television. Who held the ball longer? Think for a moment, hmmm, I betcha it was the Generals but who won every game (except one)? It was the Trotters. All that is meant here is that possession does not always lead to goals and victories, especially when you have the best keeper in the league, City and surrounding counties playing for you.

Early in the match, North created several scoring opportunities. In the 10th minute, Sr. midfielder, Juan Pablo Martinez flicked a ball past the keeper but it ricocheted off the crossbar. But in the 20th minute, Martinez again was able to control the ball when he spotted Sophomore Hall splitting Judge’s back. Slotting ball in front of his run, Hall was set alone on the Judge keeper. Like a wily veteran, Hall deked the keeper and nestled a shot into the unmanned net.

With 60 minutes remaining, Judge turned up the pressure, but could not find the equalizer before half. The second stanza began where it ended with Judge pushing as much as it could into North’s defensive zone. While on its toes most of the half, the fact that the ball remained in North’s half allowed the Falcons to get behind the ball and force most shots from outside the penalty area. A keeper the ability of McCarthy easily handled most shots. As in the first half, the few dangerous balls in the box were handled by McCarthy.

North finishes up the first half by visiting Ryan on Friday evening. Game time is set for 7 PM. Come root your Falcons on!