Matchday 10 - OGFC Green v OGFC Gold

DATE OF MATCH: November 15, 2015

OPPONENT: Old Growth Gold

LOCATION:Jefferson High School

FINAL SCORE: OGFC Gold 6, OGFC Green 2

SCORING SUMMARY: Green – Jeremy Biitner, Jon Johnson; Gold – Jesse Netherland, Andres Figliozzi (2), Brian Pincetich, Ted Occhailino (2)

MISCONDUCT: None

Green: Paul Atkinson, Eric Berg, Jeremy Biittner, Jamey Billg, Stephen Chen, Chris Davidson, Tim Dibble, Jeff Ekdahl, Sean Hutchison, Jon Johnson, Kip Kesgard, Rustam Kocher, Steve Kuenzi, Rob Lusardi, Dale Montgomery, Chris Owcarz, Mo Phillips, Rupert Prince, Rich Sheals, Rich Ybarra

Gold: Sean Pope, Jeremy Chase, Jeff Jordan, Thomas Augst, Brad Meyer, Patrick Boyle, Jesse Netherland, Steven Shea, Brian Pincetich, Andrew Schilling, David Pugh, Andres Figliozzi, Lane Scheideman, Todd Diskin, Fred Henning, Aaron Abrams, Erik Sather, Cody Goldberg, Jason Hall, Ted Occhailino

It’s always a little strange when OGFC battles OGFC, especially since the powers that be at the Greater Portland Soccer District have often kept the Green and Gold in separate divisions at their request. Times and the number of available players have definitely changed as OGFC has even added an over 50 side that started play this term, so it was with great fanfare and anticipation that the Green and the Gold would battle in the annual Piss Up Cup. For the Green, it was their 10th and final match of the Fall term that have seen them perform admirably on various occasions to be competitive, but in many instances, it was either a lack of numbers combined with too much talent on the other side that had kept them winless. Gold, on the other hand, still had two matches left after this one but they had secured a win and draw earlier to push them to the fringes of midpack in the table. Much like most matches in the year, the rain had been pounding all afternoon, but right before the kickoff, the elements settled down to keep the showers away although it was definitely the chilliest match of the season up to this point.

Gold Manager Todd Diskin, who was also one of the founders of Old Growth FC, wanted to have a moment before play started, so he asked the various members of Gold, Green and 50s to gather at midpitch for a moment of silence to reflect on the events that transpired in Paris, France days earlier, and the moment was followed by inspiring words and a collective cheer of Old Growth before the two sides split up for the festivities. Neither side was playing their first choice keepers, but Gold keeper Sean Pope did make a few good stabs in the first half to showcase great moves. Green keeper Jamey Billig wasn’t nearly as lucky, as the Gold side slotted through two goals within the first 15 minutes to push out to a lead. The Green side didn’t show any quit, however, and started to find room to move along the wings. While Gold stretched out their lead to five at the break, the Green side was able to add one just before the break off a broken play and some pressure from the left. Sometimes, crazy movement in a scrum works.

The second half saw the temperature drop more and the Gold side added a goal early in the half, but the Green side was breaking through with pressure from the wings. Whether it was waves of attack or the slickness of the conditions – the ball was flying in all sorts of directions with the wet turf – it seemed like the passes were starting to find their destination eventually. I’m not sure if it was just both teams getting tired, the precision winding down, or the conditions, but Green was able to add a goal late in the contest to settle up the score at 6 to 2. Green was celebrating like they had won the Super Bowl or something, but honestly, the effort collectively was one of the best of the season. Considering this was the season finale, it gives them hope to build upon for next term. The Gold, meanwhile, could celebrate their second win of the Fall. Members of both teams then huddled over to share greetings and well wishes before many of them converged on the Chapel Pub for post-match grub and libations.

Submitted by Kip Kesgard, OGFC Green/OGFC Media Team