DEA Bedford Masters 2

DEA showed up for their first game of the new fall season moving up to D5 North, after completing 2 very successful prior seasons. Perhaps the team was a bit to confident, feeling that they had strengthened the roster with more depth and talent, but this did not show on the field this day. DEA had several key players missing for this 1st game, but this should be no excuse with the talent of this squad. The field was a very good size for a Ma. field, very suited to the DEA team, Arlington started with a quick goal in the first 5 minutes, and then with another 10 minutes later. It took most of the first half, but DEA started to gain a bit of possession and control the play, although the group remained scoreless going into the half. Knowing we are typically a second half team, we had plenty of confidence that this could be pulled back within reach in the second 45. The Pond Dogs again, got on the board with another goal, putting them up 3-0. Finally a bit of life for the DEA squad, opportunities started opening up, Jeff Guild had several shots on goal but none found the back of the net. George received a midfield pass in the penalty area only to get tripped up getting the PK. Jim McCall stepped up and knocked it high right corner past the big Pond Dog keeper (3 -1). The possession was gaining for DEA, when Jim McCall took the left side getting past a few defenders and within 5 yards of the keeper, cut a pass back into the waiting path of Stan, who 1st timed his shot beating the keeper (3-2). With this surge, the confidence was building, but that quickly changed with another Arlington goal getting some defensive communication issues stirred up with the DEA defenders and keeper Jim Goddard, allowing yet another goal to keep the pressure tightly gripping the DEA squad (4-2). Play continued with a nice pass down the left field line from Paul Cote to Jim McCall, who beat the last defender and took it to goal striking a curling far corner shot into the side netting past the keep (4-3). DEA feeling still in the game was quickly deflated when the final Arlington goal was put in, ending the game 5-3 in favor of the Pond Dogs. DEA will get it opportunity to get back at this group further in the season. On a positive note, Dave Crespo showed well in the mid-field and will help to strengthen that area, Mitch Green was back at sweeper and will need to solidify the hand full of new players that will surround him this season. We will consider this a valuable lesson and be fully prepared for the next game. This team knows what it takes to win in the long run. Until next time....... DEA is back in Bedford this weekend for their home opener against the North Shore Spartans at 10:30 AM following the DEA Over 30 game.