DEA Bedford Over 30

Stoneham showed why they are consistantly one of the top teams in Division 1 by pulling away from DEA late and winning 4-1. DEA had schedule this makeup game from Easter for 6:00pm. Stoneham's Manager, Dino Buttafucco, complained that his players couldn't make that game time, and instead was kind enough to offer his field and have the match be played on a Saturday, "When it's more convenient for them". Since 6:00 was too early, DEA rescheduled for 7:00. That was still too early, so DEA rescheduled for 8:00. This time was agreed upon. The match was held at the Hampshire Dome, an impressive new facility that allowed for full field indoor play. As 8:00 rolled around, there was DEA with near a full squad but no sign of Stoneham. At 8:15, when DEA had every right to take the forfeit win with still no word from Stoneham, they patiently waited. At 8:30, Stoneham looked to be a no-show and DEA began to split up for an intra-squad scrimmage. Finally, at 8:35, Stoneham rolled into the parking lot. By 8:45, the ref was ready for the coin toss and Dino asked instead to have the start held for another 45 minutes to wait for the player with the rest of the uniforms and cleats to show up. OK, I have a question: Who doesn't bring their own uniform to a game? This is ridiculous. DEA demanded Stoneham get out there to play or we were walking. "Let's go" said the ref. Enough of the editor's commentary, let's get to the actual match... The Field Turf played fast, which played into the quicker Stoneham's hands. Sending ball after ball over the top, Stoneham made DEA a bit harried in the back. Manual Santos would take a pass just outside the 18, and had a clear untouched look at the goal. He scorched a low drive the whistled by a slow-reacting DEA keeper Chris Cloutier to get the scoring started. Minutes later, Santos had a similar look and fired another scorcher, but this time Cloutier smothered it. Dan Martin was playing a marking sweeper, and doing a fine job of holding Santos striker Rogerio DaSilva in check into the halftime. Offensively, DEA didn't create much. However, as disorganized as DEA seemed at times they did clamp down when needed and rode the 1-0 deficit into the half. Second half saw DEA being industrious on their counters, while Stoneham held more of the possession. By bringing in late runners, they pressured the DEA back four with 6-7 players at a time. Martin, with some solid help from Chris Laberge, Dale Dubois, and Chris Florek held strong. Offensively, Gary Duplessis and Jeff Bailey were beginning to break free and made the Stoneham midfielders work hard in their own half. With about 20 minutes left, a controversial call allowed for a Stoneham PK. They easily converted, and DEA looked to be in a big hole. Not 5 minutes later, however, Marco Koolman's quickly-taken restart found netting and DEA was back into it. Stoneham errupted like little children. Repeatedly kicking the ball all over the place and verbally thrashing the ref. After another five minutes of more DEA pressure, Elvis Zukovic sprang Duplessis on the left side. He beat his man, and sent a cross to a leaping Laberge. His header slipped over the bar, just missing a chance to level. Stoneham took advantage, sending Rogerio streaking down the right side. His pace with the ball at his feet outdistanced himself from three defenders. Cloutier was slow to come out, and Rogerio deposited the insurance tally and back breaker. When Laberge turned a crossing header into an own-goal on a tough break, the nail was officially in the coffin and DEA dropped to 1-7. DEA now has two games left. A Sunday rematch with Hollis, again at the Hampster Dome. They close out the season with Pepperell that is looking like it will be a battle to avoid relegation. Great effort in a tough loss. A special thanks must be extended to Dale, for taking the lads out to Shorty's after the match for a few too many brews.