The first annual Raleigh Derby was played last Wednesday (12/31) on the hellish-yet-decent upper field at Dorothea Dix. The wind was on our side, but at 35 mph it didn't seem like it wanted to be, and RRRs Hamza and Mosca were nowhere around. It was 14 on 14, and a couple of the Rockers' players thought it was OK to tackle people and run really hard, but we did tie them according to an official score keeper (who got it wrong**).
Along with the Rotten Squirrel Classic and The Rotterbowl, this game represents nearly 1/2 of a TASL season, thus saving us a pile of money and the aggravation of dealing with such a group of clowns each year. EAT OUR SHORTS, TASL!
The Rotter defense and goalie allowed 3 or 4* goals in the first half, all well deserved, Ed banged the hell out of the opposing crossbar early, and Zubi scored a goal that was so garbage he didn't even want to talk about it later. Kate played very well in the mid, and Eric blocked a good shot by #8 Chris Clemmons.
We completely dominated the second half with Aly in goal, but because we were playing a 4 striker line-up, only scored once. Final score 3 to 3. No penalty kick shootouts, overtime, nothing. We tied the Raleigh Rockers last Wednesday.
So, we are still the champs! Now what we need is a drinking song and a coach. Somebody talk to Koatx about coming back - maybe we are ready for his radical O-formation at long last.
