First game of the season, at 10pm, in Pontiac and on turf. It spelled disaster for Celtic from the word go. Celtic had 12 players at kickoff and that number would be reduced to 11 following an injury to grandpa Dean Krutty. Both Humphrey Ormesher and Diego Ferro were forced into extensive action against their will. It's amazing how a team with 25 players on the roster could only muster 12 players to begin with.
The Royals jumped out to a 2-0 lead as the confused Celtic defense looked and played like they hadn't seen action in a long time. Both goals were direct results of the Celtic defense thinking each other were going to the ball and then nobody did. Senter was left without a prayer in the net.
Celtic stormed back with two goals to tie the score and grab the momentum. Ryan Okerstrom took a free kick from the 19 yard line and whipped it over the six person wall, and away from the Royals keeper to make it 2-1. Mike Sheppard, MD placed a brilliant shot off of a defender (it was going in anyway) to make it 2-2. Celtic knew they had the game in hand at that point.
But wait! The UK Royals had other plans for the second half. The Royals scored three to make it 5-2 before Okerstrom would net his second off of a nice pass by Brian Clifton. The final would be 5-3 and the Bhoys headed upstairs to drink away their sorrows.
Match MVP was Sheppard.
Honroable mention to Okerstrom.
