Woodberry defeats FUMA 4-2

We knew it would not be pretty, but it had to be done. FUMA has some new talent this year, and they are a real threat on the pitch. Their striker, number 13, leads the league in goals. His presence combined with some threatening players in midfield would create dangerous opportunities. FUMA would play with that threatening striker at central midfield to take away most of our options in the middle of the field. He did that well.

We also knew that we had to shake the habit of coming slowly out of the gates. If FUMA were to get on top first, they'd have the energy to sustain themselves. We needed to be first on the board.

A good defensive line kept FUMA offsides for much of the first half. Some FUMA set pieces showed just how dangerous their star player combination could be. Fortunately, they were not able to capitalize on any of those chance. Meanwhile we were trying to find our way through the packed middle of the field. We had many opportunities, but it was not until midway through the half that Connor stuck the first one in the back of the net. We remained at 1-0 at halftime. We would need a few more to solidify the lead.

FUMA stepped onto the field with their star player back up top. We'd have to watch him closely The whistle blew early in the second half for a penalty kick. It was a generous call, but we'd take it. Jason placed the ball well. 2-0 Tigers.

FUMA responded quickly off a throw in. Their player got a head on it. 2-1.

We countered quickly off a corner on the left side. Peter drove the ball high through the six, just over Jack's head. And while Jack took one for the team occupying the keeper, Shep got his head on it. 3-1.

We thought the FUMA player was offsides. But we didn't get the flag. He had to beat the keeper,which is pretty tough given the way Chris is playing these days. Chris couldn't stop it this time though. It was now 3-2.

With ten minutes left in the second half, the far AR's flag signaled a foul in the box. It was another penalty kick. After a few distracting minutes of card issuing, Jason struck another well placed shot. 4-2 Tigers.

It wasn't pretty. But it had to be done.