From Seattle Wolves FC:After a long Summer in which the Wolves competed in 3 leagues and 6 tournaments, the Fall SPSL Premier League arrived a few weeks too early. With many injuries to the Wolves' players that have only had two weeks off from training in the last seven months, the club's sides have not looked fresh in matches lately.
On Sunday, the Wolves opened their Fall SPSL Premier League season against rival Seattle Americans. High pressure put on by the Wolves in the first 10 minutes of the match created scoring opportunities, but once again a lack of finishing kept the Wolves off the scoreboard until later in the half, and would potentially haunt them later in the match.
In the 28th minute a well-served ball played up the field from near half-way by captain, Matt Hulen, met forward, Solomon Gold in the 18-yard box. Solly one-timed the pass to Walter Antoniuk, who netted the game's first goal at close range, leaving the Seattle Americans GK no chance at making the save.
Minutes later, winger, Emanuel Luvert created space in the Wolves' offensive corner and played a ball on the ground across the top of the 18-yard box. Willie Cardenas let the ball go through his legs to an on-rushing Matt Hulen, who curved it near post over the American's GK for the Wolves' second goal.
The Wolves fought back to draw the Americans 3-3 at Starfire.But, as with many football matches, this is a game of two periods, which can often be drastically different. Half-time substitutes would prove costly for the Wolves, as players did not link up well in the second half. From the start of the second half, the Americans controlled possession much like the Wolves had in the first half, and within 20 minutes had a 3-2 lead. Poor defensive shape and marking allowed probing runs and crosses across the goal mouth to be put away easily as the Americans came out with something to prove after having let the Wolves dictate play in the first half.
Shocked, but knowing that there was plenty of time, defenders Dave O'Neill and Brian Lubeck calmed their side and got back to business. Several crowded attempts in front of goal were thwarted by the Americans defense, but in the 80th minute one such attempt produced a bouncing clearance which was volleyed into the goal by Wolves' defender Daniel Scott from about 18 yards out, leveling the score at three each.
Minutes later an American's counter attack produced a 1-on-1 with defender Daniel Kwakye, Kwakye tackled in the box, seemingly getting ball, but was cautioned and the Americans received a penalty kick. With the back and forth nature of the match, this penalty would certainly seal the match for both sides. And when Wolves' GK, Peter Lechak parried the shot around the post to his right, the Wolves were happy to take away a point from their opening match with the always tough, Seattle Americans.
This Saturday at 7:00pm, on Starfire field 3, the Wolves will take on the Junior Professionals in the second match of the season.
The full Fall SPSL Premier League schedule is below.
Sunday 9/14 5:00pm v. Seattle Americans, T, 3-3
Saturday 9/20 7:00pm v. Junior Professionals, Starfire field 3
Saturday 9/27 3:00pm v. Lagers, Starfire field 2
Saturday 10/4 5:00pm v. Wanderers, Starfire field 3
Saturday 10/18 5:00pm v. University of Washington Club Team, Starfire Stadium
Saturday 10/25 9:00pm v. FC Sheriff, Starfire Stadium
Saturday 11/1 7:00pm v. Highline Premier FC U-19, Starfire Stadium
Sunday 11/2 5:00pm v. University of Washington Club Team, Starfire field 3
Saturday 11/15 5:00pm v. Team X, Starfire field 2
Saturday 11/22 7:00pm v. Junior Professionals, Valley Ridge field 1
Saturday 12/6 5:00pm SPSL Premier Cup Semi-Final 1, seed #1 v. seed #4, Valley Ridge field 1
Saturday 12/6 7:00pm SPSL Premier Cup Semi-Final 2, seed #2 v. seed #3, Valley Ridge field 1
Sunday 12/7 8:00pm SPSL Premier Cup Final, Starfire Stadium
Stay tuned to SeattleWolvesFC.com for all Wolves’ news, scores, and more.
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