YCMS 4, Asheville MS 2

Thursday, September 14, 2007. At Asheville.

I didn't have my camera as my wife took the digital on her trip, but I did get to attend the game.

The game was much more intense than the 4-2 score might suggest.

The teams were tied 1-1 at the half; Asheville having scored first and Yancey equalizing.

The Cougars kept the ball in Asheville's third for much of the second half. After the 4th or 5th strong run, the Cougars were rewarded with a goal to go up 2-1. Then, things got weird.

Asheville got a breakaway. Our defender was even with the man with the ball. The ball carrier took a shot which Juan stopped beautifully. Another Asheville player then slammed into Juan (the 2nd hard collision that Juan had to endure). The ref blew the whistle. We in the stands thought "good..penalty for roughing our goalie". WRONG. The ref called an illegal pass back to the goalie on the Cougars. Asheville was awarded an indirect kick about 5 yards outside of the goal. The Cougars quickly lined up a wall, but the tap then shot went in to tie the score 2-2. Very odd play as it certainly looked like the Asheville player shot the ball and Juan stopped the shot (then got creamed). But, alas, that's soccer.

The Cougars were so eager to correct the situation that they ran to the circle and kicked off, beating the ref to the spot by about 30 seconds, and resumed play. The ref did take kindly to this and called all the players back to the circle to "wait on him". On the kickoff, Santiago took the ball deep down Asheville's left side and won a corner. Santi then launched a beautiful looping corner to the center of the goal about two yards in front where Brian Krause turned the ball into the goal. BAM! Cougars back in front...to stay. Asheville's will sagged a little as a roar went up from the Yancey players and fans.

After some tough defense, the ball found Victor about 15 yards out from Asheville's line. Victor fired a shot on goal which an Asheville defender tried to head away, but instead, headed the ball into his own net. Cougars 4-2.

Yancey stood toe to toe for 5 more minutes of frantic soccer to secure the 4-2 win.

Impressive win for the Cougars in what was by far their most intense challenge. Asheville had enough player to have two squads of ten players, with very little dropoff in talent between their two sides. All of coach Powell's players played with guts and determination. Can't wait for the rematch in Burnsville next week!