Pelicans FC White

On a beautiful Sunday morning at Silverbacks Park, the Pelicans’ D3 Team went out to put their past few games behind them and take some points from the leading team in their Division 3 Blue bracket, the Buckeye Silverbacks (which I assume is a mix between an Ohio State fan and a gorilla – wait, aren’t all Ohio State fans gorillas anyway; just kidding Mr. Eskew). The Pelicans haven’t won a game since their mid January forfeit in which the other team didn’t show up with a full roster, but the stars were aligned and the weather was amazing for soccer on this 7th day of March. I don’t even think Chuck brought the long sleeve jerseys because this day was definitely a short sleeve white jersey day. We had 11 players by game time (no subs).

For a team who whines about their lack of playing time, this game would have been one to come to if you wanted to play soccer, b/c the rumor was that one of our guys (Kevin ‘the backstreet boy’ Littrell) would have to leave at half time which would leave us down a man for an entire second half. Not only that, but the Pelicans that did show up had a combined 4 games in front of the net, meaning very little Goal Keeping experience. Our normal goalies weren’t available for this game, so one of our field players had to take the reigns in goal. Due to the lack of subs, Chuck thought it would be smart to put Michael Clark in goal due to his lack of fitness and cat-like reflexes. Little did Chuck know that yelling at your teammates and praying that the ball doesn’t come screeching at your face at 95 miles per hour is physically draining as well for the Clarkster.

This writer was very proud of his Pelicans team who controlled a good portion of the game. They played very well as a team and were able to muster up quite a few scoring chances. They were easily the best team out on the pitch. Unfortunately the final score didn’t show how valiantly this team played, losing 2-0. It was much closer than the score says though. And that Clark guy in goal was a beast. Not only did he make a few daring saves, but he looked hot doing it. Too bad he’s not gay, because this guy would love a ride on the Mikey-Train. The rumor on Michael (they all call him Clark) is he’s more like Barney Stinson from ‘How I Met Your Mother’ not the actor who plays him, NPH. But that’s actually just a rumor that he started. Sad.

Moving on to the game, the Pelicans came out on fire, challenging for every ball and playing with their hearts on the field. About 30 mins into the game, the Silverbacks had a corner kick. The ball came flying through the air into the 6-yard box. Clark went out with his fist and nailed that sucker out of danger. Too bad he was too busy looking for someone to brag to about his massive punch, because the ball went to a bad guy on the other side of the six. In their attempts to clear it, 2 Pelicans touched the ball on it’s way to the back of the net in the far corner away from the goal keeper who was still admiring his mad skills. Needless to say, that was the last corner kick by the Silverbacks that didn’t have a back postman guarding the weak side.

Up top, Alex had a few great chances…one where he got behind the defense and had a breakaway against the keeper, who in a sliding attempt to stop a shot through his legs, barely got a piece of the ball which carried wide of the goal. Mike Lamond had a chance as well, as did pretty much everyone on that side of the field. We just couldn’t score. Will also played forward this day, a spot he’s not used to when playing for the Pelicans. He hurt his ankle really badly earlier in the week and we needed him to sit up top and shadow the sweeper. Will played a great game even though he wasn’t able to turn quickly on that gimpy leg of his.

At halftime, Kevin left for personal reasons and Bob went to the bathroom. We didn’t think he’d be coming back, because he was gone a long time. Facebook pictures tell a story of a bachelor party and lots of heavy drinking in his recent past. Don’t you know you aren’t supposed to take cameras with you on those trips, Bob? Well, Bob made it back in time for the whistle and he even headed the ball a few times. Bob played really well controlling the center of our attack. We played the entire half a man down, and it showed.

The Pelicans still looked to control a lot of the half, however, they got caught outnumbered on defense a lot. Mike (the new guy who was wearing another guy’s pants – something about not having time to purchase his own; this writer doesn’t believe that story) played great coming back on defense. As did Tim and Mike Lamond. Ryan, Sean and Jack controlled the defense in front of Clark and as a team were able to clear almost everything that came their way. The other team had quite a few breakaway chances, but seemed more interested in passing the ball around instead of going straight to goal against an inexperienced keeper. It must have been those massive 8 in python arms that made their guys weary of driving straight for Clark’s goal. The home team had a free kick just outside the 18-yard box, and their striker, who had 17 goals in the league prior to this game, cranked one just over the head of the Pelicans’ keeper. But just before the kick, I saw the keeper turn to his 3 posts and tell them to put up an invisible shield across the goal, very Patrick Roy-esque. It worked and the ball dinged off the cross bar and out to safety. 5 Pelicans worked as a team to clear the ball from danger.

That same striker came down a few minutes later, with about 7 minutes remaining in the game, and got passed a few Pelican defenders. As he crossed into the 6-yard box from the side corner, Clark hugged up against his side post as if to say “you better pass it because it’s not coming in here, bia.” That guy didn’t like Clark’s attitude and by reaching his leg back for some extra strength, zinged the ball right between Clark and his goal post. Most people thought the shot went wide, but after examining the side netting, it became clear that the guy must have shut down Clark’s impenetrable defense system and scored a goal right through the heart of the courageous goalkeeper.

One thing that Clark likes to work on with his goalies is distribution out of the back. I felt most of Clark’s goal kicks went at or near a Pelican player, something the team has struggled with this year. This Pelicans team normally just doesn’t move around to help the goalie, but today they did a good job. Most of the time, they were able to do something about it and start on the offensive. Other times, there were bad touches that put the Pelicans on defense immediately. Clark also kicked a few balls directly to the opposing team as if saying, “shoot it, I dare you. I’ll give it right to you and I’ll stop your shot at point blank range with no defenders, you pansy.” I’m not going to say whom that reminded this writer of, but if you are out there, you know who you are.

All in all, valiant effort by the Pelicans in the loss. I think the addition of Mike ‘the new guy’ up top along with healthy numbers will provide this team a great chance to wins some games down the stretch.

STARTING SIDE: Alex (Mr. Longhair) Cameron, Mike (the new guy whose last name I can’t remember) Hill???, Mike (my tattoos are faster than this defense) Lamond, Tim (I’m bigger than Michael, so no nicknames here please) Warner, Will (pass to my feet please) Holland, Jack (I got your defense) Flicker, Sean (don’t ask if anyone is tired b/c I’m old and I have kids. What do you think?) Coxen, Ryan (I’ll crack you if you come into my area) Costigan, Kevin (if you separate my first and last name, you actually get 2 backstreet boys) Littrell, Bob (if you can’t have a hangover if you are drunk, who brought the beer for me?) Poynter, and Michael Clark (I just need a good 35 minutes of playing time and I’ll be good. Wait, you want me to do what? Play goalie? But I’m afraid of the ball.)

SUBSTITUTE: Didn’t you read my notes above? There were no subs.

MATCH: Screaming Pelicans FC vs. Buckeye Silverbacks
DATE: March 7th, 2010 (Oscar day)
TIME: 11am ET
COMPETITION: ADASL regular season game.
VENUE: Silverbacks Soccer Park
ATTENDANCE: We had lots of fans in attendance today. We had parents, girlfriends and even an original Pelican, Mr. Brian Kirchdoerfer, who is taking a season off to grow some facial hair
WEATHER: 60 degrees and sunny

ROSWELL, GA (February 5, 2010)P’Cheen Pelicans plays well but suffers the loss.

On Feb. 5th P’Cheen faced AC Majestic from Division 2. The game started out with rabid pace as P’Cheen’s defense withstood numerous attacks from the opposition. P’Cheen calmed down and with some formation changes, managed to take some control. It wouldn’t equal success as AC Majestic would go up 1-0 on a crucial mistake by the P’cheen defense. However, P’cheen never gave up and kept their poise. Down 3-1 in the 2nd half, the dual threat of Michael Lamond and Alex Cameron began to wear down the Majestic back four. Alex Cameron would finish with a hat trick, the final goal coming in the 88th minute. Tied 3-3 at the end of regulation, the match would be determined by penalty kicks. P’cheen would end up losing 3-4 on pks. It was a good showing from the P’cheen club against a D2 team.

- Pelicans FC Match Report Details -

MATCH: P’cheen Pelicans FC vs. AC Majestic
DATE: February 5, 2010
TIME: 7:30pm ET
COMPETITION: Perrin Cup Match

VENUE: North Springs High School
ATTENDANCE: Too many to count
WEATHER: Cold and Dark

ATLANTA, GA (February 21, 2010)Dominating effort from P’Cheen ends in a heartbreaking tie.

Returning to the ADASL regular season, P’cheen came out ready to play against Atlanta FC, a team struggling to climb out of basement of the D3. Both teams came out hungry for a win, and it showed. The game stood at a stalwart as P’Cheen could not capitalize on numerous chances. The momentum would swing heavily to P’cheen in the 33rd minute, as P’Cheen player Tim Warner valiantly took a violent high kick from an Atlanta FC defender, thus garnering a deserved red card. Up one man for the remainder of the game, P’cheen looked to capitalize – and they did, shortly after the foul. Tim Warner, bouncing back from the brutal foul would find Jack Flicker on a cross from the right side. Flicker, blanketed by 2 defenders, kept his poise and with exemplary finesse, headed the ball past the helpless Atlanta FC goalkeeper. P’Cheen would go into halftime up 1 nil, and looking to score more. However, due to a 2nd half full of fouls and a vengeful performance by Atlanta FC, the score would finish tied 1 – 1. Atlanta FC managed to take P’cheen away from their game (with a little help from the pitch conditions) and came away with an amazing effort. P’cheen will look to take out some serious frustration this Sunday when they face Ole Boys, a team that won the first match agains P’Cheen 3 – nil.

- Pelicans FC Match Report Details -

MATCH: P’cheen Pelicans FC vs. Inter Atlanta FC
DATE: February 21, 2010
TIME: 1pm ET
COMPETITION: League Match

VENUE: Brown Middle School Rock Pit and Dust Bowl
ATTENDANCE: Lots
WEATHER: Sunny

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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…

It was a frisky day on Sunday January 10, 2010 and P’Cheen’s first game of the new year after a long few weeks without being on the pitch. The field at Atlanta Christian College looked as rigid and icy as ever before. A blanket of white covered half of the field and the sidelines and box were unseen under the bright snow. Thanks to P’Cheen management and some of the players, we were able to prep and repaint the field.

The game against Bafana Dos started a little after 1 and both teams were tied up on subs. P’Cheen started with a 4-5-1 and quickly took possession of the game. The field, to everyone’s surprise, was as slick as we’ve ever seen. Bafana Dos had trouble keeping control of the ball as P’Cheen’s midfield and strikers applied fierce pressure. Attacking from the sides, P’Cheen took 4 or 5 shots before Bafana Dos could even get one off. The first goal came around the 10th minute from a midfield attack in which central attacking midfielder Bob Poynter crossed a low strike to left midfielder Ryan Costigan right outside the 18, who then flicked a backheel pass to striker Alex Cameron who 1-touched a low driven shot in the left corner of the goal. The momentum only grew from there.

As P’Cheen grew hungrier, it didn’t take long for the next goal to take place. In the 18th minute, Jack Flicker made the perfect through ball to the right corner in which Alex Cameron came off with a low cross through the 6. Ryan Costigan got a one-touch pass perfectly placed to mid-fielder Sean Coxen who ripped a shot in the far post, putting P’Cheen up 2-nil. With an early lead, Bafana Dos had to change their game plan. They began to focus more on possession and slowing the ball down. They came back to score their first goal in the 24th minute by squeaking a shot closely past keeper Kendall White. With only a one goal lead, P’Cheen quickly reacted with a goal from the outside 18 by Jack Flicker, who was being charged by their keeper.

Soon after a 3-1 lead, Bafana Dos lost a man to injury. With only 10 men, they came back with a goal and soon after another goal from Richard Henry, a previous Screaming Pelicans player. He struck the ball from 30 yards out and it was just out of Kendall White’s vertical reach, tying up the score just before half. Just before the end of the half Adam Ganz was injured while clearing the ball from the outside line. With Adam out, P’Cheen had no more subs and was without a well-playing defender.

During half-time, P’Cheen regrouped and strategized. All tied up at 3-3, P’Cheen’s coach, Chuck Williford, gave advice and strategy. With the better side of the field to our advantage, we came out strong and physical. The half started out with some rough tackles and frustrations by Bafana Dos (with the calls) were detrimental to their focus. P’Cheen sparked the lead when Ryan Costigan again made a leading pass from outside the half mark to Alex Cameron. He was off to the goal with one man trailing right behind him. He stopped the ball at the 18 and cut in to take a low shot in the right far post (55th minute). The lead pumped up P’Cheen and deflated Bafana Dos. Soon after, P’Cheen controlled the ball and goals were unleashed. Trash talk grew louder between the two teams and threats could be heard from all areas of the field. Yellow cards were awarded to Bafana Dos players left and right, but P’Cheen kept focus. P’Cheen cut through their players like butta as we worked their defense.

James Holder moved positions from sweeper to attacking midfield and plays by both him and Bob Poynter were instrumental to P’Cheen’s second half blow-out. A small scuffle ensued as Bob Poynter went head to head with the Bafana Dos goalie. With any more instigation, fists would have been thrown. Bafana Dos continued to become more frustrated while P’Cheen kept their cool. It turned into total domination, as P’Cheen scored at will. Bob Poynter scored from a deflection off the keeper after Jack Flicker broke into the box to rip a shot. Bob’s cannon shot sliced between two helpless defenders. James Holder also had a great goal as the ball was laid in for an easy assist and tap in., text book play. Other marks of the day go to Ryan Costigan with his first goal of the season as he placed a finesse shot to the far post from the 18. His celebration dance was classic and memorable, almost Dempsey like!

All in all, after the game, the players left their aggression on the field and morale was high as P’Cheen got a big (8-3) W on the board. Offense worked well with possession while our defense was controlled by James Holder and Sean Coxen. Kendall White had a strong day with multiple great saves on rough conditions. All P’Cheen players were well focused and hustled hard for 90 minutes. A celebration soon followed at P’Cheen with beers and laughs. Til next week…

Goal Scorers: Alex Cameron (3), Sean Coxen, Jack Flicker, Bob Poynter, James Holder, Ryan Costigan

Assists: Jack Flicker (3), Ryan Costigan (3)