On a sunny day with low pollution, it was a perfect day for football. After a convincing win the week before, 3United were in good spirits even though they were facing off with reigning champions, the Lions. They knew that after handing them their only defeat in league play in 3+ years, the Lions were raring for some revenge.

The first half started on full throttle seeing battles between the two teams fought all across the field. Attacks and possession were shared for the first 20 minutes without any dangerous chances for either side. It was the Lions who got the upper-hand when then a crossed ball into the 3U box was cleared and deflected back into the box and the Lions striker was able to muscle past the 3U defender at the edge of the keeper’s box to carry the ball over the line for the first goal of the game. 3U kept their heads up and kept the pressure on and within ten minutes were able to even the scoreline. Oraz Arslanow received a pass in the midfield and dribbled past two defenders to get the top of the box, only to the find the Lion’s keeper waiting. He took a touch to put the ball past him but was fouled by the keeper on his way to take the shot awarding 3United a penalty. Nick Law coolly took the penalty, and whipped the ball into the bottom left hand corner past the diving keeper. The half ended with a tied score at 1-1.

3U fought hard the second half but faltered, giving up two penalties to the Lions. The first saw the 3U keeper deal with a loose ball in the box but in the process clipped the Lions striker, who was chasing down the through ball. Jonny Sumner, 3U keeper, redeemed himself by making a perfect save on the proceeding penalty which was then cleared out of the box. Not ten minutes later, a very arguable foul was called in the box against the 3U midfield awarding the Lions a second penalty. Deserved or not, this penalty was converted perfectly and put the Lions up by one. 3United panicked by the situation, was not able to launch any dangerous counter attacks against the Lions defense for the remainder of the half. Having played a mostly great match, there was a slight bitter taste left in the mouth having not been able to get at least a point out of the game but the Lions definitely earned their win. The final score was 1-2, 3U-Lions.

Man of the match honors: Nick Law

Special thanks to David Conrad and Sascha Hoeltke for floating to 3U for this match.