North vs Manual - close one

Tuesday, September 24... The boys are pumped after winning last night's game in a sudden death PK Shoot out.  Alex Foote did a great job.  Tonight's game started at 5:30 pm at Oldham County High School.  We are at their JV Invitational Tournament.  

Robert started the game as a left wing.  He really is more suited for center mid, but that's not our call.  Robert had a few runs for a good play, but didn't get a good pass.  

Robert makes a good move here and steals the ball, looks up and makes a perfect pass!  Way to go!!

With 16 minutes left in the first half there is a Free kick for us just at the top of the box.  Matthew Morris does a night roll back and Keyon Geyhomi plants one into the back of the net.  Goal NOHS!!!  1-0.  Robert plays another 2-3 minutes and then his subbed out.  

Robert dribbling away from trouble

With only 4 minutes left in the half, Dupont Manual scores.  Robert is brought back in to finishes out the half.  

After the half Robert starts again on the right side.  We are doing a good job but then again so is Depont Manual.  It is a very evenly matched game.  The game is tied up and everyone is on pins and needles.  Everyone wants a goal.  Robert played the majority of this half - he was in for 20 minutes.  He  had a great run and pass to Jack just at the top of the box, 

but Jack lost control and the ball went to Manual.  

On more of a defensive play, Robert had gotten back to help Evan Grady.  The Manual player came from behind as you see in the photos below ...

He not only goes for Robert's back leg but he grabs onto his stomach.

And then starts to pull on him - all the while Robert is desperately trying to get away and maintaining possession of the ball.

Robert breaks free, but loses the ball.  Luckily the refs blow the whistle and we get the ball at the spot.  Unfortunately, our free kick goes straight to a Manual player and we are back on defense.  Shortly after this Robert is subbed out.  The last 10 minutes of the game we didn't play as aggressive or as passionate.  All the parents were yelling - get into the game... first to the ball.  

Before Robert leaves the game, I was able to get a shot of Robert and Sam in the same frame.  Robert and Sam play on the same club team (Kentucky Fire Junior).

Just with about 3 minutes (or less) left in the game, Manual has a great play, they miss the shot but draws our goalie out of the box. Our defender that is supposed to cover for him did not get back fast enough and ... we missed the shot on goal.  Manual scores again.  The team worked very hard to get another chance to tie the game, but it was to no avail.  Final score Manual 2 - NOHS 1.