MATCH REPORT; Eagles 2 Madison 2

Match Report By Rugginho

It was a nice day with humidity about 50% and temperature about 75 degree, a little cloudy although occasionally the sun would come out. Thirteen players showed up relatively on time, except the usual latecomers. With only two subs the scheduling went on without problems and when the word “subs” was screamed from the bench it sounded like a great relieve for many Celtics.

In the first half, the Celtics looked composed and organized. However, it took a while to score the first goal of the match and it was the result of a play initiated in mid field by Halil and completed by Ihlan who shot the ball right against the body of an Albanian changing suddenly direction and catching by surprise their goal keeper. The Albanians tried to react but the good work of Halil, David and Fribeka in mid field and Talat, Safet, Kris and Bambi in defense (with some good safes from Hulk) nullified all their attempts. So, the half time ended with 0:1 for the Celtics.

In the second half both teams became more aggressive verbally and physically and this resulted in few yellow cards on both sides. Unfortunately, with time the Celtics lost some focus and composure and when an incursion of the Albanians was completely ignored by the Celtics they were able to tie the game. To add more frustration, some good runs from Tano and Paulo and few shots from David were inconclusive. The fatigue at this point was visible among the Celtics and Tano, who was resting on the bench, went in to play up front for Safet, who was playing in defense. In few minutes the Albanians took advantage of this defensive hole and unfortunately they scored the second goal. However, the Celtics promptly reacted by pressing the Albanians until, few seconds before the end of the game, a shot by David in area hit the hand of an incredulous Albanian resulting in the penalty kick. The pressure was high but Tano, having practiced the penalty kick before the game, kept cool and inflated the net with precision and power. It was a well deserved 2:2 tie.

MAN OF THE MATCH; A few of us had some beers as usual after the game and it was decided to have Ilhan as man of the match.