OGFC Green Spring Match #3 - vs. Rogues

DATE OF MATCH: April 9, 2016

OPPONENT: Rogues

LOCATION: Jefferson High School

FINAL SCORE: Rogues 4, OGFC Green 0

SCORING SUMMARY: None

MISCONDUCT: None

SHORTS: Always looking good

Green: Eric Berg, Jamey Billig, Stephen Chen, Paul Cornell, Tim Dibble, Jeff Ekdahl, Rex Forkner, Ryan Harris, Kip Kesgard, Eric Kilgore, Steve Kuenzi, Lance Lile, Rob Lusardi, Chris Owcarz, Rich Sheals, Rich Ybarra

Managers: Eric Berg, Jamey Billig

Gold players as guest players for Green: James Merrill, Lee Hung Nguyen.

Silver players as guest players for Green: Dale Montgomery

Injured players in attendance: None

It’s been a while since we chatted about Old Growth FC Green, but that’s what you get when the media team misses a match and the home opener was over three weeks again. After absorbing a tough 7 to 0 loss back to Imperial O/40 back on March 12 where the side only had 13 available players, OGFC took another 7 to 0 loss to FC Strangers United on April 2. Since I have no official word on what happened, I can only surmise it was similar to the Imperial match – good play but struggles due to numbers late as Imperial put up several late goals simply because OGFC Green was so tired due to a thin bench. We always look good in shorts, however, and that was the theme of match 3 of the Spring 2016.

In a rare triple header – the Gold OGFC side started at 8 AM on April 9 to be followed by Green versus Rogues, capped off by the Silver side in the finale. Gold lost a tough match with Rose City Revolution 6 to 1, but several Gold members hung out to cheer on the Green side to start, and Coach Eric Berg was very pleased at one development – numbers. Having 19 available players really helped the strategy as he was able to provide full backup for most positions on the pitch, and the freshness showed up later as the temperatures picked up once the sun finally broke through the crowd. Initially, however, it was good defense as OGFC took the opening kick and tried to pressure, but Rogues kept up the pressure with several waves to challenge goalkeeper Rex Forkner. When the goalkeeper wasn’t able to make the save, the run was stopped by a defensive deflection, missed pass, or the offside flag. It seemed like a great start until an odd chip shot hit the inside of the woodwork and went straight down into Forkner’s arms for what appeared to be a simple save. As Rex went to distribute, the center official blew his whistle for a goal despite several OGFC protests and Rogue players indicating they didn’t think it was a goal. However, the guy with the whistle and cards said it was a goal, so it gave Rogues a 1 to 0 lead about 20 minutes in.

The first half continued with great organization by the OGFC defense – including a broken play where defender Kip Kesgard hip checked a ball clear that was followed by another cross that fooled Forkner off his line, but defender Stephen Chen headed away from the right post clear – but Rogues were able to add two goals through adept passing and movement. To their credit, the Green side benefited from the arrival of Lee Nguyen – not the New England Revolution player, but Lee Hung Nguyen from the Gold side – and his pace was causing problem for the Rogues defense. As the half wore on with Rich Sheals and Rich Ybarra providing cover and space, the offense was actually able to threaten the goal with several good crosses and passes. The second half started with sustained pressure and a couple of corners as the teams switched sides, but Rogues were able to hold the score at zero despite some great offensive work. The defense, meanwhile, was continuing their good play in front of Forkner, and he only conceded one additional goal mid half on a well-placed shot and deflection.

Green was able to get some late pressure with Tim Dibble on the wings, and there was a couple of chances that Chris Owcarz and Steve Kuenzi weren’t able to turn upon, but in the end, it was a well-played match that ended up 4 to 0. Credit is due to the duo of Rich’s that held up the midfield well with good defense and passing, plus a few timely elbows and checks, plus the cunning strategy of Berg and Billig to keep the sub patterns and offensive plan simple to execute. Having big numbers did help, but I think it was also good to see many of the core Green players play well and very relaxed in good conditions. It’s always more fun when the match itself is competitive and fun, and the aid from the Gold and Silver sides did give us more ammunition to give the Rogues some headaches. Green returns to the pitch on April 17 when they play Blue Birds at Delta Park 5 at 7:00 PM under the lights.

Submitted by Kip Kesgard, OGFC Green defender/midfielder and OGFC Media Team