11/7/99: PRN overpowered by Aero

PRN-Aero 1-3 (Eichi, 45')

(From our correspondent Michel de la Vallée-noire) Caltech, Pasadena. Phys. Rev. Netters lost yesterday to Aero in a lively and entertaining game, whose outcome was unfortunately never much in question. In the first half, Aero's prevalence was especially obvious in the midfield; if PRN defenders were initially effective in fighting off Aero's simple but fast offensive manouvres, they were eventually overcome by the steady and abundant supply of playable balls that came to Aero's forwards from their halfbacks. Eichi and Peter engineered a few clever plays that took them in sight of the opponents' goal, but never inside it. At the end of the period, Netters were down by three goals.

The second half of the game saw PRN revitalized by the stamina of Cap'n Bill, who moved from the goalposts to the midfield. Netters were now keeping an almost constant possession of the ball, and this new assertiveness was rewarded by one of Eichi's trademark goals, a laser-like head-ball on a corner kick. Alas, at this point there was not much time left for further initiatives; Aero tightened their defensive play, so that the game ended on the score of 1-3.

As it is, the final result probably reflected the relative values displayed by the teams. Netters were missing a few key players (play-maker Yuri, halfback Alexa, fullback Mike), and above all they were handicapped by Bill staying in the goal for half of that game (yes, it made such a difference). His unselfishness in playing that often thankless role for the first few games of the season should really be repaid by the other Netters teaming up to find a substitute.


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