The time that elapses between the referee’s first and last whistle is 90 minutes; and that is exactly how long you have to play the game at a high level to be successful in this league. Comebacks are common in this league and are bound to happen if you let up your intensity, even if only for 5 minutes. Unfortunately, the Rinos had to learn this the hard way for the first time this season against PCOV.
This game had been hyped up by many Rino players as it was the debut for 3 new players that Haydn had signed from the Langara Falcons squad, Brody, Anpayo and Arved. The first half lived up to this hype as the Rinos were determined to dominate PCOV on our home field. We hadn’t lost at home all year and we didn’t plan on making any changes to that tonight.
PCOV and us were well matched. The first half almost seemed like a tennis match, both teams were exchanging rallies (shots) without either team hitting a winner. It was a dangerous back and forth, but our defense (probably top 3 in the league) shut them out with Arved, Geoff, John C. and Dhiren playing lights out.
The second half was where we learned that soccer matches aren’t won after 75 minutes. About 25 minutes into the 2nd half the Rinos were rewarded for their constant hustle and concentration. Etienne chased down a ball that was just about to cross the paint on the touch line and crossed a beauty back over the 6 yard box. The ball met James, who was at a full sprint, at the opposite corner of the 6 and james made no mistake crushing the ball with this head into the net! The Rinos erupted with cheers and everyone seemed to forget that we still had 15 minutes left to play…..
With 10 minutes to go the Rino team that had just scored had completely disappeared. Their was only one team left playing at a high level and that was PCOV. Naturally, one of their players sensed this lack of concentration and effort on our part and exploited it. He went coast to coast with the ball, dangling everyone in his way, and set up another one of his teammates for a tap in goal. It was the worst feeling in the game to give a victory so close to the end, but it was a feeling that was necessary for this team to feel so that it will never happen again!
The game ended at 1-1 and both teams walked away with a point, but the only team that left hurting were the Rinos.