DEA Bedford Over 30

Hollis United dropped DEA to 0-3 on the season this morning, as DEA couldn't hang on to a 1-0 halftime lead. The Hollis pitch was in excellent shape, the grass appeared to have been recently shaved it was so short. Both squads were ready for this much anticipated matchup, and came ready to play. Hollis took control from the start, sending Sean Wisby through numerous times in leading the rush. The DEA central defending combo of Chris Florek and Dan Martin locked down any direct looks, and kept a tight clamp on Hollis striker Jerrold White. After ten minutes, DEA built a strong charge from the right. Barry Fitzgerald sprung Chris Laberge, who drew two defenders before finding Gary DuPlessis. DuPlessis saw Hollis keeper Brock Bair out, and lofted a squirley chip that just settled over the bar. This swaray into the Hollis third seemed to get DEA going a bit. They worked the ball a bit more, noticing how nice it was to play with the ball instead of chase after it. They finally worked a corner, and took their first lead of the year. Fitzgerald's restart was driven just inside the six-yard box, where Rob Cissel slipped clear and his glancing header was perfectly placed. A sweet goal that brought cheers from the packed stadium. Play evened out, with Hollis becoming more and more dangerous. Martin, Peter Cline, and the newly arrived Dale Dubois (who stopped at the Flea Market on the way in), kept any shots from making it through. The halftime whistle sounded, and as expected this was a tightly contested battle. Second half brough more pressure from Hollis, and more DEA hanging on. Hollis sent 4-5 crosses into the box, none that found luck or were cleared easily. In the 71st minute, Hollis strung together five minutes that put the match away. Hollis midfielder Ryan Carvalho would be instrumental in both. The Leaping Salmon swims on. First, Wisby skated across the penalty area, and touched to Don MacMillan. MacMillen calibrated and ripped a low screamer that DEA keeper Chris Cloutier dove to his left and came up empty. Luckily for DEA, it clanged off the post. Unluckily, the ensuing rebound found a spawning Carvalho, tucked inside an eddy and waiting for a gift. He swam to the bait and popped home into the vacated net to level. Next, Wisby again started from the left. This time, his short pass was to Carvalho, who scaled one to MacMillan. Again he calibrated, loaded and beat Cloutier, this time to his right side. Proving, he can't go left OR right. Gggrrrr. DEA had played with the lead for over a half-hour, now they had to play catchup. They did have their chances. In the 80th minute, Laberge ran onto DuPlessis' through ball. Laberge looked to be in clear, but Jeff West got back and cleared before any shot was taken. Four minutes from time, DEA thought they levelled only to see Dan Martin's header cleared off the line. That ended what was a truly frustrating match for DEA. A good effort in a well played match on both sides. DEA deserved a point from this one, but instead are at the bottom of the standings. Look for DEA to get off the schnide next week, making their 2006 Home Opener at Sportsman's Field. If you haven't already purchased our tickets, don't bother. The match is already sold out, but standing room only seating will be available at game time.