In yet another major challenge, West United found themselves face to face with Aliens without their captain and spiritual leader Steve Grocott. It wasn’t enough that they had only beaten Aliens once in their history, now they had to do it with a reshaped back four, with defensive powerhouses, Shawn Clancy and Charlie Riley, holding down the center, and without the incessant screaming of their captain from his normal center-back position.
This was yet again another chance for the doubters of West United’s magical season to say “we told you so!”
The game began with some heavy pressure by West United that Aliens was able to survive. As the game settled in West United dominated both possession and chances. This was not the game the fans had gotten used to seeing year in and year out. Despite the lopsided play the score remained 0-0 until a little past half way in the first half when Adam Carl sent a cross through from the left hand side which landed on Nick Croglio’s feet on the right side. Croglio proceeded to send the ball right into the box to a waiting Jon Carter who powered the ball past the keeper to take a 1-0 lead. Huge statement goal and once again West United went out to an early lead against a major rival.
The rest of the half continued the same way. Constant pressure was streaming in especially from the left side where Jeremy Doak was pushing up from the left defense and wreaking havoc on that side of the field. The few times Aliens was able to counter attack the newly formed back four was able to easily relieve the pressure each time. The first half would end with a slim 1-0 lead for West United despite the rather tilted field.
To start the second half, Aliens did some personnel reshuffling and came out with a more offensive line up. The initial results proved to be positive. The next 10 minutes saw West United pinned in their zone for much of the time and showed a vulnerability that was not seen yet in this game. Aliens were dangerous and building confidence by the minute. Here was another point that in the past West United might succumb and acknowledge that they at least gave Aliens a good game.
However, as referenced repeatedly this year, this is not the same West United team! In the midst of the new found Aliens pressure midfielder Jason Kalls won a ball at midfield and found himself on a breakaway. Kalls was able to hold off a defender tracking back and calmly finish to net his 3rd goal of the season. Not a bad pay out for a midseason signing! 2-0 West United. The question reverberated throughout the whole crowd.. Could West United actually beat Aliens even without there omnipotent captain?
To their credit, Aliens continued to battle despite the backbreaking goal. The Aliens offensive push was never the same after the goal and possession and chances shifted back to West United.
Then with perhaps fifteen minutes to go Brad Clancy, the Fredonia stand out, played a perfect cross to the top of the box where once again Jon Carter was waiting. The accuracy of the pass allowed Carter to time his jump perfectly and send a header up and over the head of the keeper for his second goal of the night. It seemed as though the soccer gods may have even assisted as the ball seemed to dip right into the net after it cleared the keepers head. Perhaps this truly is a magical season for West United! 3-0! This proved to be the goal that sent Aliens packing as the rest of the game remained in West United control until the final whistle.
So once again for the second time this season West United defeated the team who had their number for years. A solid 3-0 defeat of last seasons undefeated champions! On this day, the back four, led by the stellar center defensive combination of Shawn Clancy and Charlie Riley, together with outside backs Brophy, Doak, Marsham and Riter, not only held up but excelled. The central midfield once again won the battle in the middle of the field (An unheard of thing to say regarding Aliens in the past). The outside defense and midfielders were dangerous going forward and calmly put down every counter attack that Aliens sent there way! The forwards held the ball masterfully and gave the defense difficulties all game. Brian Mariniello once again got the clean sheet but his most valuable asset on this day was his constant communication from the back where he helped fill the void left by Grocott. This truly was a team win and every player seemed to have their fingerprint on this victory!
This leaves West United at 7-1-1 and a guakfranteed spot in the Championship game! In an interview after the game Steve Grocott was quoted as saying “I’m just so proud of the guys!” as a tear dripped down his face.
Next week- West United battle Azzurri for the honor of regular season champions.
Man of the Match- Jon Carter for his midfield play and two timely goals including the game winner.
Honorable mention- Jeremy Doak who was a constant threat coming from the left back position.
