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PLAY OF THE GAME
This is that one exciting and exceptional magic moment that stands out in the game heads above all other plays.
2009 Outdoor OSL Provincial Season
FINAL 2009 POTG
Matchday 14 @ Vaughan Shooters, Sun Aug 09 09, Loss, 3-7
(It truly was a magic moment for the ages)
An U-17 call-up Jon Waddington scores a magnificent goal for his curtain call this past Sunday in Vaughan.
If, before the season even started, or at any time for that matter, someone would have said to me a call-up will score a goal I would have asked then to stop drinking. If someone would have said to me that same player would figure in on the POTG I would have asked them what they were smoking. If someone would have said to me that same player would be a 17-year-old I would have asked them to take a blood test. Shall I make you an appointment at the clinic to get your blood taken? Don't look now but the unthinkable did indeed happen and it would be considered the final POTG of the year as Darlington U-17 sensation Jon Waddington would electrify the gallery and bring the stadium down. It was a game well in the hands of the home Vaughan side but never out of the grip of 17--year-old "Jonny-On-The-Spot" Waddington who was thrown up top for a brief moment but obviously not brief enough. It was the 0:83rd minute and it would go down as the FINAL 2009 Darlington FC goal of the season. Midfield General Joey Azzarello saw the crafty call-up Waddington patrolling up the right flank totally unmarked. The bulky under-ager made a nice run up the touchline and took an attractive pass from Captain Azza and away Waddington went streaking up the line. A Vaughan defender took on Waddington and just seconds before the defender attempted a tackle, Jon noticed the Vaughan Keeps just a tad off his line so he chipped the wandering netminder. It was a cheeky chip and the nervous netminder made his way back into his net but the precise and luxurious lob was struck and curled as good as anything from a younger Beckham. The Keeper made every attempt to keep the football out of the net but the perfect placed ball had "top left corner under the bar" written all over it. Before the football made contact with the mesh a jubilant and rejoicing 17-year-old Waddington pranced and paraded his way back to the semi-circle celebrating like he just walked the Valedictorian and Soccer MVP in his graduating year at Holy Trinity. It truly was a magic moment for the ages and this is what the game is all about. This cocky little kid waltzes in here and says, "Look at me everyone. I'm gonna reach for the U-21 tonight and put a bulge in the back of the onion bag!" Indeed he did score but cocky he is not.....but "POTG" it was.
Matchday 13 @ Vaughan Azzurri, Sun Aug 02 09, Draw, 0-0
(psycho Sukovski made contact with the ball sending it out of harm's way)
It was quite an uneventful game from the stand point of outstanding plays and magic moments. Now don't get me wrong, it was a cracker of a game and possibly will rival many of the great ones from the season, but it just did not have many show-stoppers. It was a real grind for 90 plus minutes. Now, with that said, there was a tense moment in the early goings. As a matter of fact, and early goal from the Azzurri could have and most likely would have changed the entire face of the game. This was indeed a key moment in the game and a sudden slip up or delayed decision from our beloved Keeps would have resulted in tragedy. Instead, the great judgement call ended up paying huge dividends and when the game was all said and done, this play helped Mikey maintain his League leading Clean Sheet Title and even gave him more of a cushion giving him a clear 2-game lead over the nearest Keeper. It was the 0:12 minute mark of the opening frame and once again Sukovski had to make a decision whether to stay back in his box and wait it out or get on his bike and dart off his line, making it a foot race with the fleeing Vaughan striker. Mikey accelerated out heading straight for the football and had a raging gazelle coming straight at him and just seconds before the Azzurri lad reached the ball, psycho Sukovski made contact with the ball sending it out of harm's way. Mikey won yet another foot race and kept the score at zeroes and this nail-biting bit of footy was this game's, "POTG."
Matchday 12 vs Hearts Azzurri @ The Hydros, Tues July 28 09, Loss, 2-5
(it's as easy as 1-2-3)
When the game of football is played properly it's as easy as 1-2-3. Three touches of the football beginning with the opening touch coming from your own side of the pitch to a perfect and delicate 2nd touch and a 3rd touch finishing up in the back of the opposition's net. It's as easy as 1-2-3 when it's executed the right way. A Daniel Frankel swooping switch from our side of the half up the right flank to Jordan Sutherland started it all off. Jord collected the pass from Frank and then headed up the flank to the corner flag. Sutherland then sent the ball back across the front of the goal mouth into the top of the box where Brian Santos has been seen for 5 out of the last 7 goals for our FC. Santos made no mistakes using clinic finish pounding home a winner. Again, when this game is played the way it should be played, it's as easy as 1-2-3 and on this night Frankel-Sutherland-Santos spelled out, "POTG."
Matchday 11 @ Scarborough Strikers, Fri July 24 09, Win, 3-0
(Fezz recovered the ball and possession and made a nifty shift)
It was the 0:87th minute when our lads went up 2-0 via a bit of Fezz to Hammmer. Brandon Weigel was stripped of the football and then went right back at the Scarborough player and won the football back with some exceptional second effort. Fezz recovered the ball and possession and made a nifty shift turning the play back up the pitch into Scarborough territory. Fezz swooped in a luxurious lob that found its way onto Brent Hammond's foot. Hammer was perched on the doorstep and made no mistakes scoring a massive insurance marker but unfortunately popped his ankle again sidelining him immediately after the goal. The lads went down to a very familiar 10 men but on a more positive note, went up another goal on the scoreboard. It was this odd but pulsating play that would be this game's, "POTG."
Matchday 10 vs Armour Heights @ The Hydros, Tues July 14 09, Loss, 0-3
(I can tell tales of many of his heroics on this night)
My notes actually scribbled down a nifty turn and run up the flank from Sutherland over to call-up Tozer then off to Dudar for a confrontation with a hurried Armour Keeps but somehow it was pencilled to Mikey's penned in saves that just did not stop until the 90 minute whistle. I can tell tales of many of his heroics on this night but I feel the the first save on the night was the biggest. At the 0:17 minute mark into the game Mikey was asked to make a game-saver from a streaking striker who goes by the name Perry Akenten other wise known as "Golden Boot." The Armour Heights leading goal scorer took a long range shot at Sukovski and it had top shelf under the framework written all over it. Mikey leaped from his line and one-fisted the football over the bar. It was a spectacular save and one of many that would follow over the duration of the match. It was this magnificent Mikey magic that would be this game's, "POTG."
Matchday 9 @ North Toronto, Sun July 05 09, Loss, 2-3
(he came in at mach speed from an angle sliding his body sideways across the grass)
It was just 0:03 minutes into the match when our Back Four backbone orchestrated a clever slide tackle and got "all-ball" completing the very risky maneuver. A slide tackle has to be precise and exact for it to work without the referee administering a caution of sorts. It is almost a last ditch effort at the best of times. Very few confident Backs will attempt this as officials blow the play down almost every time it is administered. Aldo Maiorano has been showcasing his sideways slide since joining the team and again on this night he demonstrated another in vintage fashion. A North Toronto lad was flying down the left touchline with the ball and Barber cut him down removing the football and collecting it himself all in one smooth move. He came in at mach speed from an angle sliding his body sideways across the grass getting in underneath the player and repossessing the football. Barber then sent the football up through a gaping hole finding Brian Santos. It was a textbook example and definitely this game's, "POTG."
Matchday 8 @ Sora Sun Devils, Fri July 03 09, Loss, 0-6
(Austin's ominous shadow was present)
It's like going from a Townhouse to a Mansion or another analogy would be a Chevette to a Cadillac. It's toddler steps to a full grown stride. On this night he went from Keeper to a starting spot on the pitch at the OSL Provincial level. This was unprecedented to say the least. This was an extraordinary leap and no doubt he would figure in on the highlight of the night as well. Jonathon Austin, at the time, was playing in the back corner as he was implemented all over on this night with the absence of bodies both unhealthy and unaccounted for. Big Jon Austin was playing in the back left fullback spot when he sat back and studied the play unfolding like all great keepers do on a regular basis. He stood his ground waiting, waiting, waiting, and then right out of nowhere just as the Sora Striker came in to an open space chasing down the ball, Austin's ominous shadow was present. He read the play like a seasoned fullback. Jon ran into the open space, picked up the football (well, didn't use his hands like one would have thought) and kicked it back up the pitch out of danger. It was an incredible decisive moment and a very quick response from our hero on the night. It was this remarkable bit of football from Austin that would be this game's "POTG."
Matchday 7 vs Vaughan Shooters @ Clarington Fields, Tues June 23 09, Win, 3-0
(his vitality and energy willed the football into the back of the net)
It was 0:22 minutes into the opening half when this highlight would electrify the crowd and the fact that it resulted in a goal made it that much sweeter. Azza just randomly showed himself over on the left flank stripping the Azzurri midfielder of the ball. Azza came right out of nowhere stealing the ball then making an equally impressive turn, galloping up the left touchline turning the game completely around. Vaughan was attacking and now our lads had the Azzurri back end in deep trouble as the "W" did it's work. "Acting Armband Azza" delivered a precise pass over to Dustin, who in turn collected the football and sent it on its way over to a fleeing Francis. Colin was now in full stride and was full of vim and vigor on this night and his vitality and energy willed the football into the back of the net. Colin fired home the opener which gave our lads a 1-0 lead and something to read about in the "POTG."
Matchday 6 vs Vaughan Azzurri @ The Hydros, Tues June 16 09, Draw, 0-0
(Sukovski clenched his fists tight together snug, smashing the football)
He's been doing it all season long and I have now realized after 4 games in the cage that it could be his signature save. Mikey continues making double fist saves via punching them over the bar or back up the pitch or sometimes even out of trouble into the paths of team mates. He did it again tonight and this time immediately after making a hockey-type goalie save from point blank. The Azzurri came right back at Mikey only this time with a powerrful strike but again Mikey turned them away with his fists. Sukovski clenched his fists tight together snug, smashing the football back up the pitch out of danger. We've been seeing this double-fisted save quite often of late and maybe that has something to do with 3 clean sheets in 4 starts and a downright nasty GAA that reads something like 0.25. Once again we turned to our beloved Keeps in the cage for this nights, POTG."
Matchday 5 vs Sora Sun Devils @ The Hydros, Tues June 09 09, Win, 2-1
(the head banker in the cage closed the vault door)
I could have taken one of many scintillating Sukovski saves and sent them into the TSN Spotsdesk and I chose 0:04 minutes into the second chapter for this page-turner. Just 0:06 minutes into the first half Sora scored a quick one and with the score deadlocked at ones at the starting of the second another Sora goal could spell catastrophe. Thanks to Mikey it would remain 1-1 as Sora came in fast again with the same intentions as the first but this time Keeper Sukovski sent a message saying that one goal against after three games is all she wrote. The second half just barely kicked off and Sora faced our FC and Sukovski with a close free kick. The Sun Devil FK taker adjusted the football to his liking and rearranged it a few more times before releasing. It was an audacious strike and possibly one of the best FK pieces we have seen this year (well, with bias exception to the Saint Francis crack). This strike was hit with velocity and pace and had slight movement with under the bar written all over it. Our reliable back-stopper got off his line and projected himself at the perfect time leaping and punching the football over the bar. This save was the best bit of goal keeping prowess Mike Sukovski has shown us thus far. And believe me.....this game had monumental moments from the cage all night long. It was a free kick that had expenses written all over it but the head banker in the cage closed the vault door which was why it was this game's, "POTG."
Matchday 4 @ Hearts Azzurri, Sun June 07 09, Loss, 1-2
(it was a Saint Francis strike of biblical proportions)
It was 0:07 minutes into the second half when the highlight of the night turned heads and raised eyebrows. There would be no disputing it was 38 yards out as the pitch was outlined and painted with yard mark-offs up both touchlines. It was exactly 38 yards out. Colin (can he ever strike a ball) Francis adjusted his footings and made sure he situated the football on the most explosive left boot on the pitch. Francis let go a powerful strike with pace and placement. The Azzurri Keeps dove off his line and flung through the air punching the football over the top of the left framework. The Keeper that went in after the opening 45 minutes was phenomenal and the reason why the Azzurri stayed in the game with saves like this one. This thunderous strike was bending and curling itself and had "tucked in just under the left shelf" written all over it but it would be an equally stellar save that would keep this ball out of the net. It was the loudest applause for a miss I have heard in quite a while. It was not a goal but it was a Saint Francis strike of biblical proportions that would be this Sunday night's, "POTG."
Matchday 3 vs Scarborough Strikers @ The Hydros, Tues June 02 09, Win, 2-0
(and then he turned on his after-burners)
The lads were clinging to a 1-0 lead and any type of pressure may potentially end in disaster. Nothing was safe; nothing etched in stone. Nine minutes remained in the match and just when it seemed to be a sure win our lads were caught pushing forward which resulted in being flat-footed in the back line. A ball came in over the top and a racing and raring to go Boro bruiser was on a clear breakaway. Within seconds that lone striker had back-ups and now it was 4 on 2 facing Mike Sukovski. The Boro bandit brought the football down with ease and was well on his way and then right out of nowhere.....and I mean nowhere, appeared Fezz at full tilt like there was no tomorrow. Weigel was miles and miles and miles behind the football and then he turned on his after-burners and not only caught up to the Boro track star but stripped him of the football. Fezz turned a possible equalizer 360 degrees keeping the 1-0 edge in tact until our FC added an insurance marker in the dying moments. It was a brilliant bit of second effort as Fezz caught up with the culprits, stripped them of the football and prevailed as the king of foot races. It was this exhilarating and accelerated act of recovery that would be this game's, "POTG."
Matchday 2 @ Armour Heights, Sun May 31 09, Win, 2-1
(Aldo Maiorano showed up claiming all rights and responsibilities over the turf and the touch)
It was just 0:14 minutes into the opening frame when the game's shout-out would fetch a fancy for me. A loose ball came in over the top and came down outside the 18 and just as the football made contact with the ground, Aldo Maiorano showed up claiming all rights and responsibilities over the turf and the touch. The ball was rolling into the far back corner by the flagpole and as the football rolled Aldo shielded the ball from the incoming attacker who had nothing but sniping on the back of his mind. Maiorano protected the football while keeping his back to the attacker looking every bit like he was going to let the ball run out of touch. Just as the Armour Heights lad gave him an inch of Real Estate "The Barber" cut to the left, head faked, and played the ball off the attacker. Barber collected the ball off the Heights player and proceeded to carry the ball up the field knocking it back into play out of harm's way. It was a brilliant bit of football from our steady back four technician. Maiorano turned a serious threat into a transition game yielding to no one. It was a classic bit of back four defending that would earn this bulky Barber his first Darlington FC nod in a solo effort as this road tilt's, "POTG."
Matchday 1 vs North Toronto @ The Hydros, Tues May 26 09, Win, 6-0
(Williams celebrated as if he just won a free bucket of Popeyes chicken and biscuits)
It was well in hand and as a matter of fact it was all over but the crying or if you like, the long quiet trek back across the top of the 401 into North T-Dot. It was 5-0 and surely one more goal would turn a shocker into a laugher and there were real laughs after this highlight of the night turned heads. Newcomer Dustin Dinis caught hold of a lovely through ball and broke away crossing through the half circle and on to his bike he went. Dusty dashed up the pitch into enemy territory with the football attached to his feet. He reached a midfielder and turned him inside out and then approached a second middy and head-faked him right out of his shorts. Dinis was away on a majestic run and at this point the entire bench was standing and applauding.....but dazzling and dandy Dusty was not done yet. He then undressed a defender and then took on yet another and made him look silly dangling him as well. It was just a keeper and the back of the net for a dramatic and courageous climax to a slaughter and just when all was over but the crying Dinis spilled the football over and went to his knees. The football came loose and in came Adrian Williams right out of nowhere minding his own business firing home the Dinis trophy for a final and punishing 6-0 FC finale. Williams threw his arms in the air and hailed victory as he went flying by Dinis who remained on the turf while Williams celebrated as if he just won a free bucket of Popeyes chicken and biscuits. It really was a spectacular bit of football from our rookie Dinis and the finish from Williams just punctuated a typical goal on this night. This was the real story on the night as the majority of the finesse and fancy came via the helpers and the build up complimenting almost the entire squad on a night of nights. It was this Dustin helper and Adrian answer that would be this season's first, "POTG."
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2008 Outdoor OSL Provincial Season
Regular Season Match 13 @ Armour Heights, Sun Aug 17 08, Loss, 2-4
(it was the shovel pass from Witzi's foot over to Swanny)
It was a brilliant bit of footy from three of our FC lads and it would come at the 0:25 minute mark of the opening half. The Armour Heights were pressing on our backs and we took over the ball and went into our transition game immediately. Del picked up the football and sent a magnificent pass up the pitch right onto Witzi's foot. Without missing a beat, Witzi received the perfect pass and one timed it over to a flanking Swanny. It was the shovel pass from Witzi's foot over to Swanny , all one-timed that was spectacular. Witzi didn't wait for the Del pass to come to a stop and sent in right into Swanny's run up the flank. Swanny saw Witzi was over-lapping into open space and at the right moment he found the open Meyerowitz and one-twoed it back over to Witzi. Zach took a tremendous strike at the Armour keeper who spilled it over onto a defender's foot who then cleared it. It was an outstanding bit of football from our three lads that would be this game's, "POTG."
Regular Season Match 12 vs Scarborough Strikers, Thurs Aug 14 08, Draw, 1-1
(with cat-like reflexes Phillips threw out his leg)
It was nineteen minutes into the second half when Spidey made a point blank stupendous save look rather regular. It was just a stroll in the park for our netminder as he went hockey on us making a leg save turning the Boro attacker away. A shot came in with bottom corner written all over it and with cat-like reflexes (which we have all seem countless times) Phillips threw out his leg knocking the ball away making a spellbinding save for the "POTG."
Regular Season Match 11 @ Glen Shields Sun Devils, Thurs Aug 07 08, Win, 2-1
(which makes it that extra little bit that comes off the back of brilliance)
It was just 3 minutes into the opening frame and the match had barely kicked off when the highlight of the game would come. It was a solid bit of football from 3 of our lads. It all started in the back line as Antoine Paul engineered the whole thing. Twon took a brief glimpse at the grid and noticed exactly where he wanted to place the ball. It was a free kick from the back end as Antoine switched it into the Shields 18. David Dudar was patrolling the outside of the 18 and noticed Twon's switch coming in. Dudar beat all others to the ball and caught hold of it with his head. Dudar headed the ball over to Swanny and placed the ball right onto Swan's foot via his noggin. It was the perfect pass and even that more beautiful as it came directly from David's noggin. Swanny one-timed the pass and just missed the target. It was Twon's switch to Dudar's head to Swanny's foot which makes it that extra little bit that comes off the back of brilliance. The lads came up short on the scoreboard but big enough in this category as it would be this game's, "POTG."
Regular Season Match 10 vs Toronto Supra, Thurs July 31 08, Win, 3-0
(David chipped the hurried keeps with a cheeky bit of football)
A couple of Spidey saves, some attractive Azza dances or even an unprecedented Del Vecchio goal (well, who's kidding who now), but seriously, any of these could have been shout-outs in this category but it would be either one of dandy Dudar's strikes that would capture the hearts on this night. I thought David's second goal reflected more of a true striker he really is but his first goal reminded me of a more cheeky and sneaky Dudar so I am focussing on that finish for the nod on the night. David just barely got on the pitch when he raced up his favourite flank but not before his trusty keeper Spidey drop kicked the football right into his path. Spidey collected his second helper on the year as David collected the football and without missing a beat, perfectly timed his footing and follow-through and just as the Supra keeps came off his line, David chipped the hurried keeps with a cheeky bit of football lobbing him for a 2-0 FC lead. It was a classic bit of finish at a high level of play that brought the bleachers to their feet. These supporters were ever so close to a first-ever FC home win and David Dudar was the very reason why, earning him the "POTG."
Regular Season Match 9 vs Vaughan Azzurri, Thurs July 24 08, Draw, 2-2
(Spiderman made himself big and made a larger than life save)
The equalizer would eventually come in the 2nd half injury time but that's a whole story on its own but first Spidey would shut down the Azzurri time and time again clinging his mates to a 2-1 lead for the entire 45 plus minutes. And this one save in particular kept the score at 2-1 thanks to another typical stroll in the park for Spidey. It was just nine minutes into the second stanza when the all-time Darlington FC killer (Evy Kalogerakos) who averages two goals per game against us, came in on Spidey trying to collect his 2nd of the game. It was a point blank attack and we all know there is no one better in the game at those confrontations. Spidey was already down on his knees as Evy took a powerful shot at him but somehow, like all great keepers do, Spiderman made himself big and made a larger than life save pulling the football into his super-sized barrel chest ending all attacks from the Azzurri side. It was this majestic and brave Spidey save that would be this game's, "POTG."
Regular Season Match 8 vs Hearts Azzurri, Thurs July 17 08, Loss, 1-5
(act of accelerated speed and second efforts)
It was the 14th minute mark into the 2nd stanza when the highlight of the night caught my eye. A galloping gazelle in the shape and form of a Hearts Azzurri midfielder came prancing down the left touchline leaving no less than 4 of our lads in his dust. He was about to come off the line and cut into the open space and take a shot when right out of nowhere appeared an even faster and game David Dudar. David caught up to the fleeing bandit and ran him down clearing the ball away from him and ending all possible danger which clearly would have lead to another strike on our net. It was an incredible deed of determination from Dudar that impressed his team mates and turned the Hearts' heads as well. It was a spectacular individual act of accelerated speed and second efforts from our lanky flank man that would jump out as this game's, "POTG."
Regular Season Match 7 vs Vaughan Shooters, Thurs July 10 08, Loss, 2-3
(extraordinary three-way display of brilliance)
Both of our goals tonight were classic passing plays that one would more likely see with Team Canada at The Air Canada Building on the ice surface. Both goals on our part were vintage touches that were crisp, precise and bang on with clinic finish. It was the 2nd goal that looked the most impressive as Newell, Swan and Rose made Gretzky, Anderson and Kurri look like amateurs. Newell picked up the football from the midfield and turned a Vaughan defender inside-out. He then went into a half-stride gallop and switched the perfect pass over to Swanny. Tye picked up the Newell invitation and sent over a sensational cross into the top of the box where Rose hangs out on a regular basis. Bradley jumped up into the air and pounded home a ferocious header finishing off the extraordinary three-way display of brilliance. This magical bit of teamwork was this game's, "POTG."
2nd Round Cup Game vs Sudbury Panhellenic, Fri June 27 08, Loss, 1-5
(Swanny rushed in and banged home the equalizer)
Lately these two have been making habits combining their skills and attributes figuring in on the magic moments. Tonight was no exception as Azza and Swan teamed up once again but not before big Chrissy Newell would get a slight touch in first. Azza sent the ball up front through a forest of legs and it made its way into the edge of the Sudbury box. Newell took a misfire poke at it and before the Sudbury backs could clear the pending danger, Swanny rushed in and banged home the equalizer. This would turn out to be the "POTG."
Regular Season Match 6 vs Glen Shields Sun Devils, Thurs June 26 08, Draw, 4-4
(the two Northumberland cronies paired off)
The one/two or if you like, give-n-go, is one of the exciting plays in all of sports especially if there's a goal at the end of it. The thrill on the night did not disappoint and a very exciting goal would finish off this bit of fancy footy but not before some electrifying Swanny and Azza. The second half just barely kicked off when the two Northumberland cronies paired off once again with some magical moves. Joey carried the ball up the line then noticed Swanny edging into some open space. Azza shifted the ball over to Swanny then went for a bit of a run into more open space the two created by simply letting the football do the work opening up the pitch. Swanny returned the favour just as Azza was moving into dangerous sniping territory. Azza received the football via some excellent one/two football and made no mistakes beating the Shields keeps giving our FC a commanding 3-1 lead. It was this generous give-n-go that would be this night's "POTG."
Regular Season Match 5 @ Scarborough Strikers, Fri June 20 08, Win, 2-1
(Twon decided it was time for another one of these vintage gallops)
Every so often Antoine Paul signs out of his office at the back and goes for a little run up the pitch taking on opponents and leaving them in his dust. Tonight Twon decided it was time for another one of these vintage gallops up the pitch and tonight he chose the precise time to venture up front beating no less than three opponents. Double "D" kicked off the "POTG" festivities as they passed the ball between each other before sending the powerful prancing Paul up the pitch. Almeida turned to his left and saw Frank in some open space. David slipped a nice pass over to Daniel who shifted to his right and saw Antoine running up the middle in full stride looking every bit like he was ready to unleash hell on the Scarborough defenders. He turned three Boro middies inside out before sending a perfect pass along the carpet over to Swanny. Tye made no mistakes finishing off this brilliant bit of footy with a goal for 1-0 visitors. It was a flashy piece of football from our back four leader for this game's, "POTG."
Regular Season Match 4 @ Vaughan Shooters, Sun June 08 08, Draw, 2-2
(Spidey dove to the bottom right corner)
It was 0-1 at the beginning of the 2nd half and thanks to Spidey it remained that way. It could have easily been 0-2 and for a brief moment it was but an "Off-The-Line" keeper rule made the referee direct the Vaughan taker to go again as Spidey toe-poked the line. The ball went in the first time but it would not happen again as the retake gave Spidey a 1/1 PK stat. Spidey dove to the bottom right corner punching the ball out of bounds and out of harm's way for this game's, "POTG."
Regular Season Match 3 @ Vaughan Azzurri, Sun June 01 08, Win 5-2
(domination via the two Davids and Daniel)
It was "Double D" and then some in this show piece of outstanding football. Captain Frank collected the ball at midfield and he was surrounded by white Azzurri shirts so he decided to take them on. He turned to his left and made that man go away. He turned back into trouble and took on two more men standing directly in front of him. He head-faked the first lad then old-schooled the other one right out of his shorts. Danny proceeded up the pitch and saw a flanking Dudar hovering the white line. Danny passed the ball over to Dudar as he side-stepped a defender and now Frank was back in the play waiting at the edge of the 18 yard line. Dudar returned the pass back to Frank who then flicked up a lovely lob over to the other half of "Double D" and David made no mistakes after receiving the ball. Almeida jumped up in the air and came thrashing down on the football pounding home yet another bit of brilliance from Almeida's heavy heading artillery. The keeper had no chance as the nasty Almeida noggin strike gave the FC lads a convincing 4-1 lead. This brilliant piece of domination via the two Davids and Daniel would be this game's, "POTG."
Regular Season Match 2 @ Hearts Azzurri, Sun May 25 08, Win, 3-0
(the ball picked up speed and broke into a bend)
I could have easily mentioned any one of sixty Spidey saves. I could go on and on about some of the defensive dandy's that Twon and Robbie made. There were memorable moments throughout the full complement but I would be extremely disappointed if I did not put a cracker of a free kick at the top of that list. It's not everyday a 32 yard sizzler sails in under the bar complete with Beckham bend and diving keeper. At the 0:27 minute mark of the second half the referee's whistle signalled an FC free kick from way out. It was on the 32 yard line when Swanny set the ball to his liking. The referee walked off the vintage ten yards while FC captains Swan and Frankel turned away from the others exchanging quiet words with each other. Who knows what was being said but maybe my next sentence or two will come close to those soft spoken instructions? Swanny gently brushed the football to a Frank that was set just inches off to the side and just as the ball went into a slight roll Frank made contact with the ball sending it up and over with pace. The ball picked up speed and broke into a bend just as the keeper left his line making every attempt for a save. The keeper dove and went into some spectacular hops but it would not be enough as the Frankel delivery curled away from him and tucked itself under the framework for a convincing 2-0 Darlington FC lead. It was this big league free kick that would bring the grandstand up on their feet and deservedly earn this game's, "POTG."
2008 Home & Season Opener
Regular Season Match 1 vs Armour Heights, Thurs May 22 08, Draw, 2-2
(Rose became a thorn in the Armour Heights sides)
This is the first regular season game and already I am debating over the head-turners after the first contest. There were no less than 3 outstanding shout-outs in this one including A Spidey jump from behind punch away game saver, a dazzling defensive slide tackle as Robbie saved the day as last man standing but it would be newcomer and sniper sensation Bradley Rose that would earn this game's TSN Highlight Of The Night. It was 0:19 minutes into the opening frame when Rose became a thorn in the Armour Heights sides as he turned on the football and made a dramatic turn that made all spectators in behind my bench rant and rave about it even minutes later. Bradley shielded the ball and turned on a dime then proceeded to turn an Armour Heights defender inside-out. Rose then pivoted and shovelled the perfect pass along the carpet to Swanny who made no mistakes giving our FC and early 2-0 lead. This dynamic bit of brilliance from our swift and sly Rose, is the regular season's first, "POTG."
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Pre-Season/Friendly/Exhibition Play
Friendly vs Darlington U-18, Thurs May 15 08, Win, 2-1
(Spide left his feet and dove to the right)
It was just 6 minutes into the opening stanza when Spidey showed he came to play tonight and appears to be on track for a typical "Phillip's season. Here we are just barely into the team's second game (and Friendly at that) and webs are already being spun at the back from the FC stopper. The U-18 younger, impressive Martin magicians took an early one nil lead and another goal would certainly put our lads behind the eight ball. This would not happen as Spidey turned them away making a breath-taking save giving his FC cronies their second wind. An U-18 attacker came in at full speed and let go of a ferocious crack that forced Spidey to get onto his bike. Spide left his feet and dove to the right scooping up the football and cradling it from any U-18 interested snipers. It was cat-like reflexes and once again, classic calm and steady Spidey hands that squeezed the ball and held on tight earning him his first-ever FC "POTG."
Friendly vs Men's Rep Maple Grove, Tues May 13 08, Win, 7-3
(pounded a hard header that just missed the target)
One could easily jump to conclusions and assume any one of the Darlington FC Provincial's sensational seven goals would be one or more of the highlights on the night. And perhaps they could have been but one particular close call that resulted in a near miss was certainly heads above all other stand-out plays. It was the 0:22 minute mark into the opening stanza as our FC lads clung onto a one-nil edge when newcomer and slender sensation Chris Newell made one of his gorgeous gallops up the flank crossing a spectacular switch across the top of the box finding Bradley Rose hanging out in what appears to be his new office. Rose caught hold of the football and pounded a hard header that just missed the target. It was this brilliant bit of one/two Newell/Rose that would be this Friendly's, and this year's first "POTG."
"Be safe & come back to me in one piece."
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2007 Season
League Game #13 @ Vaughan Azzurri, Sun Aug 12 07, Win, 6-1
(cradled it back against his chiselled chest)
It's the second consecutive game where our lads have scored 6 goals and one would think the highlight of the night would come from one of the 6 markers but it would be Lee Wesselius that would make save after save earning him the nod. At one point at the starting of the second frame over an 8 minute span, Lee was called upon to make save after save and it would be his free kick save that would stand out the most. A Vaughan taker fired a hard drive at Lee and the shot was so terrific it pounded against Lee's chest but in classic textbook manner, Lee collected up the football and cradled it back against his chiselled chest. He went down onto his knees and ended up collecting the ball into his chest as he hit the ground. It had spill written all over it but a solid bit of net minding found our beloved keeps protecting the ball and gathering it up away from all sniping attackers. It was a big league bit of goal keeping that would be this game's, "POTG."
League Game #12 @ Toronto Supra, Thurs Aug 09 07, Win, 6-1
(mesmerizing Mittag magic feeding Farrow)
I've often said there's nothing better than getting a player back after a short stint away from the pitch as they come back refreshed and renewed. Sometimes even sitting a player for a few minutes on the bench can light a fire under them and get them reenergized. I have always found when a player comes back from sitting a game out due to a card, especially when that player has been perfectly healthy in the first place, then they almost always come back fired up, roaring and ready to go. Dan Mittag was a classic example of that scenario tonight as he came back on fire assisting on two and figuring in on several highlight reel plays including this special shout-out as magic moment on the night. It was Dan's second helper on the night that would actually stand out more than the goal itself. Danny shifted his weight from his left to his right and went into one of his vintage gallops up the midfield only this time he head-faked one and side-stepped another beating back to back Supra midfielders then sending off a magnificent feed across the well-groomed surface over to Jason Farrow. Ja made no mistakes finishing bottom left corner for a punishing 5-1 FC lead. It was this mesmerizing Mittag magic feeding Farrow for some finish for this game's, "POTG."
League Game #11 vs Hearts Azzurri, Tues Aug 07 07, Draw, 4-4
(an exhilarating, athletic grace of agility)
I had to wipe the astonishment out of my eyes and take an immediate poll from the bench and onlookers crowded in behind our bench making sure I just saw what I thought I saw. Good God! Was that a flying Korey Brown coming our way diving across the pitch and heading the ball up the line? And this is the same kid that just missed a game due to a neck strain from mangling himself on a trampoline over the holiday weekend. Now I know this kid's not all there. He came flying across the pitch at mach speed and totally levelled out his frame stretching his body out making the diving header while flying through the air. His entire body was three feet off the ground as he crashed the ball up the line and out of bounds and harm's way. Not only was it an incredible human feat of exceptional athletic ability but the ball was coming into our end and possibly could have filtered its way through our backs. It was Korey's inquisitive insight, vision and reading of the play that catapulted him into the line of fire heading the ball out of trouble. This well read play followed up by an exhilarating, athletic grace of agility was this game's, "POTG."
League Game #10 @ Ajax, Sun Aug 05 07, Loss, 0-2
(a dazzling display of dribbling and dangling)
He's been smokin' hot lately so why not light it up on the play of the night as well. Antoine made a classic run up the flank at the beginning of the second half that made the bench and touchline stand and applaud. Twon picked up the ball just outside Lee's box and began his march up the right flank beating no less than 3 Ajax players and then after leaving the beaten and dangled wounded in his wake, he took on a fourth man. And just at that split second Daniel Frankel over-lapped Paul and darted up the touchline which is when Twon spotted Franky so he took on the fourth Ajax man and slipped the football through a tiny gap between his legs finding Frankel on the other end. It was an incredible bit of footwork and sprinting with the perfect pass after a dazzling display of dribbling and dangling up the line. This athletic and energetic bit of footy was this game's, "POTG."
Round Of 16 Cup Game @ Barrie, Sun July 29 07, Loss, 1-2
(Lee was stand-up again turning away the second drive)
Once again tonight like many nights this season Lee makes save after save and when it's all over his GA do not reflect what outstanding netminding he continually demonstrates for us. He gets hung out to dry time and time again with point blank and unmarked marksmen and tonight was that exact scenario again. However, when it was 1-1 late in the opening half Wesselius would be asked to make more game-savers and in classic Lee form.....he answered his call of duty. A point blank Barrie sniper rifled one at Lee and he made an incredible save spilling it over as it was too difficult to hold onto and immediately after the first save a rebound came in and Lee was stand-up again turning away the second drive. It was back to back saves with cat-like reflexes that we are starting to take for granted night after night but I want Lee to honestly believe that he is never taken for granted and everything he stops we hail. It was a typical stroll in the park save after save night for Lee which is the very reason why one of his spectacular saves were the, "POTG."
League Game #9 vs Vaughan Azzurri, Tues July 24 07, Loss, 0-5
(leaping Lee would spring into action)
He made a mesmerizing save to keep the score at zeroes. It was nine minutes into the opening half when they already started pounding the net on Lee. This Vaughan team does not know how to take average or regular shots on the target...they go in full tilt and pound ferocious strikes picking corners. Every goal Vaughan scores is on the highlight reel. This one particular strike at Lee would get turned away from our steady keeps as he made a sensational game-saver. A shot came in with wicked pace and had top corner written all over it but leaping Lee would spring into action and punch the ball straight up into the air where it came down getting pulled back into Lee's chest. Wesselius then wasted no time and drop-kicked the ball which went the complete distance of the pitch setting up Farrow and Swan for a chance. It was this brilliant bit of net-minding that featured a punch, catch and kick that would be this game's, "POTG."
League Game #8 vs Toronto Supra, Sun July 22 07, Draw, 1-1
(It was Danny's dazzling dribble on Darlington Day)
It was Darlington Day and this one particular individual put in 90 minutes and after a mind-boggling performance, he renamed it "Daniel Day." Danny put in a fine outing on this special day and even figured in on the outstanding shout-out as well. The match was just six minutes old when the one half of "Double D" decided to place his imprints all over the game. Frankel picked up the ball just over midfield and scurried his way to the left touchline. He took on a Supra middy and turned him inside out. He kept the football at his feet and dribbled past a second defender then shifted his weight over onto his left side and head-faked another defender right out of his shorts. By this time Frankel was making great headway thinking about taking on the keeper. Just as Dan attempted to take one final plunge towards the keeper, a previous beaten Supra lad took out both of Frank's feet pulling him to the ground inside the box. This incredible solo bit of football ended with a penalty from the spot for Darlington. The end result was another missed PK but the build up was something to witness as Daniel Frankel electrified the Hydros on his masterful run up the flank. It was Danny's dazzling dribble on Darlington Day that would be this game's, "POTG."
League Game #7 vs East York, Tues July 17 07, Loss, 2-3
(it was this lob, flick, tuck and touch)
I just love it when the lads string together more than 2-3 passes and move the football around the pitch with precision and poise. Tonight, late in the first half I witnessed some of that lovely movement from our lads and it involved no less than 4 FC players. It was at the 9:41 mark in the closing moments of the opening frame when four of our lads pieced together an attractive bit of footy. Dev collected the ball just outside Lee's box where he lobbed the perfect flick up over the top to Korey. Brown then gathered up the ball and sent it into Swanny who was patrolling on the flank. Tyler then tucked inside the East York backs and slid the ball over to Alonso Tello who sent the ball across the pitch into a forest of legs where it was then sent back up field. It does not sound like much but it was very easy on the eyes as the flow and pace was skilful movement at the highest of levels. It was this lob, flick, tuck and touch that would be this game's, "POTG."
League Game #6 @ Aurora Hearts, Thurs July 12 07, Win, 4-2
(exceptional concentration and poise)
I know my Popey is back and feeling right at home when I have to go out of my way to notice him as he keeps everything in and around his back-line safe and clear for Lee. He starts to double-fist opponents' backs shovelling them aside and strong-arming all those who dare enter the Pope vicinity. With that said it would be a bit brilliance featuring some lovely skill from our stay home defender on this night that would turn out to be the special feature in Aurora. With just 10 minutes remaining in the first half Popey would collect the football up the left touchline and make a run like I have never seen from him before. He was on the run as the ball came down and he cushioned the football onto his right foot then flipped it up onto his chest. He then gently brought the ball back down from his chest to his right knee, scurried up the line for 3-4 steps while juggling the ball before settling it back down onto his foot. He then went into a couple more strides before distributing the ball back up the flank. It was a superb piece of footwork and agility from our sturdy soldier that required exceptional concentration and poise earning Ryan Pope the, "POTG."
League Game #5 @ Hearts Azzurri, Sun July 08 07, Loss, 1-2
(threw his bulky frame in front of the shot)
It was the big man's second call-up game for our U-21 lads and it is also the second time Josh Wyman has figured in on the outstanding highlight of the night. Again, I could have chosen a few stellar saves but this special bit of football came at the 0:20 minute mark into the opening stanza. It was already 1-1 at the time and a key save from the big keeps would maintain the level score. A Hearts Azzurri sniper came in on Josh from point blank and let go of a thunderous cracker that surely had back of the net written all over it. Josh threw his bulky frame in front of the shot and shielded and saved the day. It was a brave and courageous bit of net-minding from the under-ager that would jump out on this night as the "POTG."
Cup Game #3 vs Erin Mills, Fri June 22 07, Win, 4-1
(Jeremy Brown saved the day)
The shout-out on the night for this category was a no-brainer tonight. It came in the second half and it featured one of the "Brown Boyz." Jeremy took one for the team in classic team fashion. What a hero? Jere came off the bench and put in an astonishing performance in the back line but not before standing out as a true team player. An Erin Mills crafty man beat two of our players and was en route heading straight towards Lee in the goalmouth. He had a clean path and was just about ready to let go of a strike when Jeremy came out from his blind-side and tied him up long enough to throw him off his shot, tangling his legs up pulling him down just outside the box. The Erin Mills lad had a clear crack at the goal until Jere ended the threat with a professional foul taking one for his FC lads. The free kick did not mount to anything and Jeremy Brown saved the day making this unselfish, physical bit of football, the "POTG."
League Game #4 vs Cruz Azul Shooters, Tues June 19 07, Loss, 2-4
(21 year-olds behind his broad shoulders)
Talk about getting thrown into the deep end? This under-aged, barely shaving 17-year old prodigy, who has literally played all over the world with the National Program, has been blessing the Hydros for some time now under the tutelage of Darlington Club Head Coach and U-17 Bench Boss Stuart Robertson. Last night under the lights Josh Wyman walked the famous single-file line out into the middle of Hydro #2 but this time with 21 year- olds behind his broad shoulders. Well, I mentioned getting thrown into the deep end and deep end it was indeed. He was thrown into the Atlantic Ocean with no diving gear or warning. He was in the cage for no less than 10 minutes when he would be called upon (and who ever could have imagined it would be one of many POTG nods). A Cruz Azul mid sent in a thrashing switch that came into the top of the box with pounding pace where it met a Cruz striker coming in a mach speed. The Cruz attacker caught hold of the football with his head and redirected a thunderous strike with top corner written all over it. Right out of nowhere the over-sized teenager Wyman, came darting across his line double-palming the football knocking it out of harm's way ending any threats of scoring. It was this brilliant bit of net-minding that would serve up the call-up's first-ever Darlington FC Provinical's "POTG."
League Game #3 vs Ajax Storm, Tues June 12 07, Loss, 0-1
(cleans up and straightens his office)
Wow, it was a bit of deja vu that would capture the highlight nod of the night. Last game Aaron Fattori cleared one of Lee's line and on this night our back-bone defender would do pretty much duplicate the deed. It was at the 10:17 mark of the match when a pass would find an Ajax straggler who belted one in towards the bottom of the corner as Lee was out of the net on the other post. Once again, like a bat out of hell, Fattori came right out of nowhere and slid the ball gingerly off the line out of trouble. The sweat on my brow shifted spots as a bench of FC applauders acknowledged the Fattori saving of the day. It was Fatty's heroic defensive plays that continually remind us all why he cleans up and straightens his office better than any other. Again, for the second match in a row, Fatty electrified a capacity crowd earning him, the "POTG."
League Game #2 @ East York, Sun June 03 07, Loss, 0-2
(Fattori stood alone minding the shop)
It was still deadlocked at zeroes as 8 men took on 15 and if not for an Aaron Fattori clearing, it should have been 1-0 for East York 15 minutes into the second half. Lee was beaten and clearly out of his net and only Fattori stood alone minding the shop. An East York sniper fired the football at the open net and Fattori came rushing across the line knocking the ball out of harm's way saving the day and Lee's back. It was a true athletic bit of heroics that clearly earned the highlight of the night presenting Fatty with the "POTG."
Cup Game #2 @ Vaughan Azzurri, Thurs May 31 07, Loss, 2-3
(it was a perfect five-hole passageway)
Just six minutes after goal one, goal two would follow featuring a bit of nifty football that would earn the nod as stand-out on the night. Swanny smothered the ball protecting it as he shifted back and forth shielding it from Azzurri defenders. He broke loose into a tiny bit of open space, which was at a premium on this night, and just as he opened up the middle lane he spotted an Azzurri figure jumping in. Tye shifted his weight onto his right side and slid the ball directly through the legs of the Vaughan player. The football rolled gently through the Vaughan player's legs and landed at the feet of David Almeida. It was a perfect five-hole passageway. David collected the ball and cracked home a beautiful strike from well out. David's strike had bottom right corner written all over it while the score sheet had 2-3 written all over it. It wasn't quite enough when all said and done but it was enough to make this game's, "POTG."
Cup Game #1 @ Guelph Royals, Fri May 25 07, Draw, 0-0
(two extended arms and two careful mitts)
Once again there were a few brilliant bits of football over the 90 minute duration but one play would stand out above all others and on this night and it would be our beloved keeps that would turn heads. I specifically remember this play because I was continually turning my head to the lads on the bench asking them when the referee was going to blow his whistle. We were two minutes into extra time when a streaking Guelph striker cracked a thunderous strike at Lee. It was probably the best hit ball I have seen since Farrow's fancy bit of footy at home. From my perspective sitting with the lads, the football came in on Lee and it had top left corner written all over it and then right out of nowhere two extended arms and two careful mitts collected the ball landing on the turf like Pat Jennings at White Hart Lane. It was an extraordinary bit of goal-keeping from Lee. He made possibly one of the greatest saves I have ever seen him make and to think that split second bit of brilliance kept us in the Cup hunt. It was this Lee life-saver that would be this Cup game's "POTG."
League Game #1 vs Aurora Hearts, Tues May 22 07, Draw, 2-2
(it was this stellar showcase of second and third efforts of determination)
The 2007 debut opener was not short of many outstanding plays including an electrifying volley from rookie sensation Farrow via a perfect cross from Gurr. A first half Wesselius double-palm push-away gained praise but it would be our veteran back four pit bull Pope, that would earn the nod on this night for his bit of brilliance It was 0:13 minutes into the opening frame when Popey stunned onlookers with a vintage run up the middle of the pitch taking on no less than four Aurora men. Ryan collected the ball from a scramble then proceeded up the pitch with the ball cemented to his feet as Aurora defenders began chopping and chipping at his footwork but all failed at winning over the football. Popey actually went down three times and got up and still managed to maintain possession. He then sent off a lovely pass along the turf. It was a splendid bit of football from our stay-home back which was a real treat on this occasion to see our defensive stud shift forward. It was this stellar showcase of second and third efforts of determination that would be the official first 2007 regular season "POTG."
Friendly vs The Dutchmen, Wed May 09 07, Win, 2-1
(It was cat-like reflexes)
Considering it was literally game one in the pre-season and played on a mine-field to say the least, there were a few early glimpses of stellar plays. One particular shout-out would catch my attention and rise above all others becoming the season's first outstanding bit of football. It was the 0:29 minute mark of the first 35 minute stanza when our captain and back-stopper would electrify onlookers. A Dutchmen striker came glancing in and saw a great opportunity to put a bulge in behind Lee. However, the lone marksmen forgot there was another Dutchmen in the Darlington FC net. Wesselius left his line and dove across the front of his box knocking the football out of harm's way. It was cat-like reflexes as the slender stopper redirected the ball away from the bottom left corner. It was this magnificent bit of goal-keeping that kept the FC in front with a 1-0 lead that would be this game's, "POTG."
