Pelicans FC White

P’Cheen arrived at Georgia Soccer Park ready to keep their winning streak alive…and they accomplished that goal. However, instead of kickin ass and takin names, the win was granted by forfeit. That’s right, Manchester Divided was divided indeed as only 7 or 8 players showed. The P’Cheen sidelines were pumped and ready to rumble on the soggy field full of puddles and mud, but would soon be told that the match may not be played. Manchester Divided was given an extra 15 minutes for their players to show. The time came when the referee gave P’Cheen the 1-0 win from a forfeit. All along the field, grumbles were heard as P’Cheen truly wanted to destroy and pick up a larger goal differential for the league. It was quickly suggested that we play a friendly match regardless and loan out some of our players for the day. Walter Voit and Jack Flicker joined Manchester Divided and Chuck Williford was our ref.
The game started with P’Cheen gaining quick possession and momentum. It wasn’t long before the field took control of the ball, almost making it impossible to pass on the ground or dribble without having to slow down. At one moment, it looked as if it was a match between 6 year olds who couldn’t make passes or even kick the ball in the bogged down swamp of a field. However, strategies were simplified and switching the field through the air became a wise tactic – for both teams. P’Cheen made some excellent runs down the sidelines and crosses were made to the 6, but we just couldn’t get a good shot off to take the lead. Manchester Divided goalie made some excellent saves from shots by Sean Coxen, Michael Lamond, and Alex Cameron. It would be about 20 minutes into the game before Josh Seabrook would take the ball from the midfield sideline and trail along the right side of the pitch with a defender hacking him. Once he forced his way into the 6, he ripped a shot to take the lead. Goals would soon follow in favor of P’Cheen.
Notably, Cameron Cobb literally made a 20 yard slide for a save, creating an image of MC Hammer (with his hammer pants) going down a slip-n-slide while taking out an opponents legs and keeping the ball in play along the endline. He soon jumped up and yelled “Can’t touch this!” Classic! Michael Lamond scored 2 great goals, one of which was from the 18 sailing up over the keeper to the far post. Perfectly Placed. Another goal came from Alex Cameron who crossed a break away ball from the corner flag that deflected off the keeper and into the goal. Super lucky.
Ryan Costigan took a chance in goal for the second half and shut down Manchester Divided. His saves consisted of strong blocks and cries of Chewbacca. Bob Poynter got dirty in goal too as he succeeded Ryan for the remainder of the game. With nearly 20 minutes left in the game, I could hear Manchester players requesting to stop the game to go home. It must not have been as much fun for them as it was for P’Cheen.
The final score was at least 5-1. When asked for comments after the game, James Holder said (in a British accent) “It was fun to play out here and a forfeit IS a win, but we wanted goal differentials”. P’Cheen will have to hold their aggression for next week as they play Glory United on Sunday in Lovejoy, GA at 1pm. Til next time…