DEA Bedford Over 30

Second-place Windham upset top-level DEA today with a 2-0 victory at the Joppa Hill Fields Complex. DEA outshut Windham nearly 25-5, but couldn't come away with a goal in dropping their record to 3-1. They still are the overall leader, however, with Windham in second by a single point with a 2-0-2 record. The field was newly lined, and it was huge. How huge was it? Well, it was so huge the sidelines were worked by Air Traffic Controllers! Ba-doomp-cha. The big pitch was slick with the morning dew, but the grass was in great shape and provided some of the truest hops one can imagine. DEA looked to take full advantage from the start. With Willie Davis and Gary DuPlessis manning the front lines, havoc started right off the bat. Windham's keeper was up to the task, however. First, he punched aside a hard volley from DuPlessis. Next, he got down and parried a Jerrold White low screamer. Kudos to Jerrold from making it back from his honeymoon in Vegas, caught a quick nap, and played a stellar game. OK, back to the action.... Barry Fitzgerald had yards to roam on the right side, and sent cross after cross into the box. Each found their target, but nothing was finished off. Marco Koolman's header was wide, as was Scott Sharby's side volley. DEA was all over the place, but was patient in their attack. Back at the other end of the runway, er, field, the defensive quartet of John Demerrit, Peter Cline, Chris Laberge, and Chris Florek clamped down the Windham front line. Any chances that did come through were soft shots that keeper Chris Cloutier had no problem with. Surely, it was only a matter of time before DEA broke the ice. Unfortunately, just the opposite happened. Windham forward Corlton Simmonds took on three defenders on the left side. Somehow, he got a clear look and popped a little chip into the box. It found an unmarked forward who headed home. DEA was dominating, but losing. More of the same followed. Overall possession was equal, but Windham couldn't get anything going inside 25 yards while DEA took chance upon chance at goal. The halftime whistle blew with DEA confident, but still losing. Second half was a virtual mirror of the first, except DEA clearly held more of the possession. 75% of the action was in the Windham third, located just off Runway 8. Willie Mungere just missed a header. Jerrold elevated only to push his header wide. Marco Koolman's clear look was saved. Barry's drive went wide. Mungere's in clear attempt was saved. One could go on and on. With 15 minutes left, Corlton found himself clear. As he approached Flo, the wet grass got the better of Flo and he slipped to the pitch. He surely deserved better for his fine efforts today, but that's the game we play. Corlton corkscrewed Cloutier into the pitch before popping it into the vacated net. Cliney almost got back to clear it off the line, but on this day DEA was not getting any breaks. More DEA chances ensued, and all were missed. Dissention in the ranks followed. How could we possibly be upset out there? Looking back, other than finishing better it is hard to say what DEA could have done differently on this day. Credit must go to the Windham keeper, who was just pulling some serious saves out of his rear. So, that's the final. DEA played a great game against a solid team, and got shut out. Tough to take. Look for DEA to get back on the winning track next week in Melrose. This field uses Field Turf, so gear yourselves accordingly. Also, look for some directions to follow as this field is a tough one to get to.