Williamsburg International FC vs. FC Japan

** Cosmopolitan Soccer League 2019/2020 **

#221

In a game that saw many yellow cards both sides were lucky to stay at full strength for the entire game. Williamsburg international FC got the scoring started midway through the 1st half off a corner. Gerald (Gerrit) van den Berg expertly flicked the ball in with his foot, directly the ball through the box to Ian Goodall waiting at the back post to put it in easily.

FC Japan responded well playing their wingers and forwards on balls through to the corners where they coudl run onto them. A Japan player got by the WIFC back line and slotted a shot low and into the far corner.

Before the half closed out, WIFC caught a break off some fancy footwork from Kevin Ruppel that found him tangled up by the Japan defense in the box. A penalty was awarded and Oliver Harrison tucked it into the side netting for a 2-1 lead that would be taken into the end of the half.

The 2nd half started with opportunities for both team but neither being able to capitalize. Eventually, John Kaddo kept applying pressure and was able to will himself by Japan's back line and stirke one firmly past the keeper for a 3-1 lead.

Both sides continued to work the ball and look for their opportunities, but it wasn't until the last minute that Japan found their best of the 2nd half. A well played through ball found a Japan forward behind the WIFC defense at the top of the box. He cut the ball quickly inside, right in front of the WIFC right back, drawing the foul and penalty. The tie seemed all but assured at that point, that is until WIFC's Steve Flinchbaugh read the penalty correcly and got all the way to the corner to deflect the shot wide. The ref blew the whistle immediately after and WIFC skated by with all 3 points. 

Irregular hot day for a fall match in Brooklyn. After conceding a goal from a corner kick, Hide provided a good through ball to Haruo who cut in from the left to score a grounder into the corner. After letting up 2 goals, Haruo again provided a nice finish to bring the game 2-3. The opponent goalie made a big save to deny a last minute penalty which could have led to a tie.