Walk A Thin Line

It's hard for me to recap Monday night's soccer match- Crestwood hosted Holy Redeemer, and the Comets more than held serve on their home field, crushing the Royals by a 5-0 score.  At this point, I have ties to both teams, so I am finding that I can be neither happy nor sad over the result.  These entries usually have a decided bias to them, in this case, I have nowhere to tilt.  I'll try to walk a thin line and struggle through this.

It's a little early in the year to be resting the season on any one game, but considering last year's battles, including the one-game elimination match for a playoff spot, this game seemed to matter.  In another week, the season will be half over.  In this league, the second half is made up of matches against the same teams as the first half, but on different fields.  Redeemer needed a win to show that they can play with the top half of the division, Crestwood could use the win to lay an early claim to the #3 spot, and start to lock in their playoff hopes.  An important game for this time of year.

In simple terms, Crestwood was up for the challenge, Redeemer was not.  It is interesting to see how these teams have evolved from the pre-season- Redeemer looked strong at the Patriot Cup, Crestwood less so.  Monday night left no questions as to the stronger team.  From here, Crestwood will eye the #2 position, and their games will all be important, but the rematch with Valley West and the Dallas matches will be critical to that end.  The Royals have their backs against a wall now, and can only hope to have a better second half than the first.  Post season for HR will be a struggle, but anything is possible.

Some thoughts-

Crestwood's fans are setting the bar for enthusiasm this season.  Here's a dream match-up-  St Gregories v Crestwood in the playoffs.  It would be hard to watch the action on the field. (I know-  It can't happen.  Don't spoil it for me.)  Wishing aside- If you are ever stuck for something to do, St Gregories is worth watching just for the fans.

Speaking of fans-  Olivia Z is finding her way onto the camera at every HR event.  We'll see if she makes the Coughlin match on Thursday.

Quite a few of Gary V. warming up before the game.  I'm not playing favorites, it's just hard to get good goalie shots during a game, so I took the opportunity.  If you want your special player to get the same treatment, have them do something impressive in good lighting.

Not Redeemer's finest moment.

To be even-handed, I tried to find a picture where HR was getting the better of Crestwood to balance that last one.  It proved to be harder than it seemed.  Here's the best I could do.  This game was one-sided.

Enough from me.  I am going to enjoy a few hours of being caught up before the HR/Coughlin match on Thursday.  See you there.

Game

Site

Enjoy.