Huge win for Richmond and they play the other two teams in the bottom back to back.....Rmd 3 Nvn 0
Huge win for Richmond and they play the other two teams in the bottom back to back.....Rmd 3 Nvn 0
Went along to watch Campo v Inter. Definitely a far more organised Campo side that what I saw earlier in season. Soccer Coach has done well there, and some well known old faces back too. Defence looks better, although they did give up 5 going on 10. Biggest problem is they have nothing up front to take the pressure off their backline. New GK (I think). He was good.
Here's all the goals and some other highlights
Match between CCB and Inter was called off when one of the linos didn't turn up! Shocking!
This almost sounds like an intro Halloween intro........West Vancouver 2 - Campo Atletico 0
Or The Resurrection of a Club With Humble Beginnings
Or The Forgotten Benefits of The CAT System
Or The parallels of the legend of Pegasus and Campo Players.
Bellerophon, a Greek hero, wanted to fly up to Mount Olympus to meet the great Gods that reside there and take his rightful place. Zeus took notice of Bellerophon's attempts to reach Mt. Olympus, and sent a demon to bite Pegasus and hinder Bellerophon from reaching the heavens. Even after Pegasus was bit, and Bellerophon fell back down to the earth, Pegasus continued the mighty journey to the heavens, and in doing so was rewarded by becoming the helper of the Gods.
Darkness slowly starts to fall on Ambleside, and engulfs us second by second.
Cold air chokes our lungs and freezes our bodies. The anticipation of another crushing defeat is felt in our bones.
West Vancouver players emerge from their locker room. They are tall and proud. They seem to be sure of their task in hand, namely, another bludgeoning of the moribund Campo Atletico.
The historic 17-1 is in our minds and their minds too. You can see the hunger in their eyes.
As we walk towards the field, we see their logo. We see in the large banner their Lion, Crown, and the year 1920. All of them remind us of their noble heritage. A club that represents the British Properties and surrounding areas and all that it entitles.
For us it is the opposite. Our club was founded only a few years ago. The inspiration of two teenager friends with a devotion for football. The humble origins of the club started in a basement.
The replandescent Quetzal from the Mesoamericans is in our logo. The bird who has been silent since the arrival of the monarchical powers. The elders say that the Quetzal has promised not to sing again until the lands in this continent are truly free and equal.
As we walk to the bench, a player reminds us: “This is where all started”. Indeed, his memory is correct. Five players and a coach on the field today used to train and play on the exact same field for the now defunct CAT team. It has been a true Odyssey the journey from CAT to Premier. Perhaps this a posthumous testament for the merits of the CAT system.
The hesitation in the ranks is palpable. We have an unusual combination of veterans and young lads who have not seen the intensity and brutal demand that a Premier team can inflict.
The traumatic loss is lurking in the shadows that surround the field. Just waiting to once more devour our team and perhaps finish the club once and for all. This is our last hope to avoid the destruction of the club. Another crushing defeat in this game and the team withdraws from Premier. It is now or never again.
The whistle blows, and the balls rolls with excitement. As planned, we retreat to our end.
A clear foul on the second minute of the game. Miroslavic raises the yellow card. There is no argument over the decision. The overwhelming pressure has taken a toll in some of our younger players. The free kick is well taken and the ball over the crossbar. We can normally breath with relief.
West Vancouver can not find direct entry entry into the area. They switch to long balls. The very first one confuses our defender and midfielder. A player is free. He controls the ball with ease and passes it back to the incoming player who shoots well from the top of the box. A deflection and our keeper is only able to make minimal contact with the ball. The first goal has come in the six minute of the game. It seems that another miserable game is on the horizon.
But strength and anger come from this goal and their confident celebration. West Van can not generate another clear opportunity. If anything, we have a couple of good chances. The first one is denied by the assistant referee who called an inexistent offside. The second one a free kick just outside of the penalty box. The ball is traveling towards the net but a brave West Van players jumps and the ball hits his face. The game stops for his recovery.
The 30th minute of the game saw their second goal. A corner kick followed by a superb volley.
Once again a bit of an error on the marking, but this does not take away the supreme technique. A fine example of the quality of players in West Van.
West Vaan tries to assert its superiority but it is all in vain. Half time comes and the veterans motivate the young ones. Sometimes harshly, sometimes with more tact. Experience matters in a soccer field. The deed is done.
The second half was an entertaining and exciting match with no goals in both sides. The way it should have been in the first half as the errors are corrected.
Miroslavic signals the end of the game. He did very well. No issues with him. Perhaps just the offside call is the only thing to reproach to the linesman as this would have changed the outcome, but as we know, it is part of the game.
Campo Atletico has come back from its deathbed. The surviving players embrace despite the loss as they know that the club was just a few minutes from folding. The captain has saved the team on and off the field, and he lies exhausted on the field of battle. Victorious.
As sometimes surviving and existing is a victory in itself.
As for the moral of the story. Follow your dreams and ambitions. Do not despair on the setbacks. Have hope even in the darkest hour. Any humble team can go from Division 3 to Premier (without paying players). You can play Bronze and Silver, but you can end playing in Premier. It is possible as long as you love the game, as our Campo players have proven one more time that the unthinkable is possible.
Will you and your team be the next Pegasus? Any team can face the most wealthy and established teams with their noble lineage.
There will only ever be one Pegasus