Celtic needed a win tonight and the situation looked great until they realized they didn't have a starting goalkeeper. Phil York and Jan Rigterink agreed to split the duties. The defense looked solid on paper, but would they hold in front of two field players standing in the nets?
Early on, Celtic earned a PK when Dean Old Man Krutty was fouled inside the box. In an unusual moment of generosity, Captain Okerstrom awarded Krutty the chance to put his own kick away. Krutty walked up to the spot and everyone knew he would deposit the ball in one of the two corners. Everyone was wrong. Old Man Krutty kicked it right down the middle where the UK Royals' keeper was waiting to make the easy save.The score remained 0-0 for a long time despite the dominant display of possession by Celtic.
Todd Saunders would change that with one outside of the right bending shot to the far post. it was a great goal by Saunders and the Bhoys felt a little relieved. The 1-0 score would stay true at halftime.
The injured cheering section of Senter, Komejan and Ormesher didn't have a whole lot to say at halftime despite chattering throghout the first half. Celtic talked about keeping the ball on the ground and making sure they clogged up the center of the pitch on defense. Rigterink replaced York in the goal.
The second half would prove that the Royals aging team was not in the same shape as the Celtic side. Celtic ran all over the visiting team for the second 45 minutes. Phil York had two brilliant assists on goals by Moh Sanni (is that still his real name?) and Okerstrom. Saunders put a rebound away and Okerstrom added a second tally in the half. Were it not for a really bad foul by Badiru that resulted in a PK - the tandem of York and Rigterink would have had a shutout.
The final score was 5-1.
MVP: Pete Shrake
Honorable Mention: Phil York
