Well that season started off with a bang! Last night, my new team, Team 5, began our season in my school’s intramural competitive indoor soccer league. I touched on it briefly in a previous post, but essentially, it’s like Futsal with only one out line. This means that walls are fair game, and you can play the ball behind the net. It is very reminiscent of the love child of soccer and hockey. Further rules indicate that a 2 or 5 minute penalty is assessed for a yellow card, in which the prosecuted’s team must suffer to play a man down. It’s really interesting and I love it. It’s fast paced, it’s rough, lots of shots, and all in all an exciting game.
We started our season off against a seasoned team. I recognized them from last semester’s season. I never played against them as I was a recreation league player, but members of my team had, and explained they were a good team. I went through most of the day with the butterflies in my stomach, slightly terrified to make my debut. Yet, as much as I hated it and contemplated calling the captain to say I didn’t feel well, I knew the nerves were not only a good sign, but also a welcome feeling.
The game got off to a slow start as the ref cleared the court of all non-players. He blew the whistle and the opposing team started off with a backwards pass. They worked the ball all the way up the court and it wasn’t long before I faced my first shot. Luckily for me, it was right into my hands. Team 5 played well, owning the space in the defensive end and using a pass dominated game in the opposing territory. Within 10 minutes, Team 5 was up by one goal.
Frustration mounted for the opposing team as I was able to get my hands on most of their shots. Luck was also on my side as a shot taken at point blank sailed wide, far passed the net. After the missed shot, two players fought for the ball behind the net, with the opposing team challenging a little too strongly. The ref booked him for a yellow card and 2 minute penalty. The player did not go off quietly. At first he insisted he would not leave the court, and it wasn’t until his own team dragged him off that he left.
Team 5 capitalized on the penalty, soon going up 2-0 before the end of the first half. Yet, little to the knowledge of both teams, we wouldn’t make it to a second half. After the 2nd goal, the opposing team turned up the pressure. I faced multiple shots and was able to send them away from the net, including a few diving saves. I had initially thought that playing on a gym floor would be rough, especially with the diving, however, I found I could dive virtually pain free every time. My initial worry of losing my best skill was put to rest after my first dive.
After a few more shots, the ball found its way into the opposing end, where our forward challenged a defender for the ball. In accidental fashion, our forward came across the legs of the defender, sending him flying into the bleachers and injuring him. He was assessed a 2 minute penalty and yellow card. Apparently, this was not enough for the opposing team, who were calling for a red card. Things got heated and the previously booked player from the opposing team received his red card. Along with this, the team had to face a 5 minute penalty. The red carded player hesitantly left, making a scene the whole time.
The game continued 3 on 3 for several minutes. Team 5 was able to net a third goal, however, action was again momentarily stopped as the ejected player was found back on his team’s bench. The ref once again told him to leave the court. A verbal altercation ensued, resulting in the ref picking up equipment and leaving the court, calling the game finished. We were all astonished. Can the ref do that? It is the first time I’ve ever witnessed the ref leaving. The convener’s assistants came to discuss the issue with both teams and concluded that while they cannot award us our win, the ref would discuss with the league convener what happened, and a decision would be made. What a start to the season. We still wait to hear from the convener as to the result of the game. But on the brighter side, we did win the game 3-0 for what was played. I stopped several shots and am happy with my performance. What more could I ask for. I joined this league honoured that I was recruited to be Team 5’s goalkeeper, yet I also did it for game experience. I have a feeling I am going to be getting the full competitive experience, perfect!!
Up next is a quick turnaround as I have been asked to step in for DC United in an adult 35+ league on Friday night. I lucked out as they remove the age limit for goalkeepers. It should be a good game. The convener of that league had emailed me just prior to me writing this to let me know that DC United plays their next two games against the top 2 ranked teams in the league. That means a busy night for me! Stay tuned and come back for those game updates the day following the match!
NOTE: Image taken from google, and from https://www.google.ca/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiynpG44srKAhUHu4MKHZtIAT0QjB0IBg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.africatopsports.com%2F2014%2F04%2F09%2Fuefa-champions-league-the-last-two-semi-finalists-to-be-known-today%2F&psig=AFQjCNF7f2FuLJg6rFcWHmKDi50kbhL3fQ&ust=1454010765630876
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