LC-M 2 Vidor 1 Final

[KFDM COOP]

Final

[soccermom]

Once again - a very physical, intense, exciting game.  Well played by both teams.  The center ref was inconsistent but I don't think it made a difference.  Even though the Pirates lost - it was a good game.

[RonBurgundy68]

Both LCM goals were great goals, that came off of questionable play by Vidor's defense... Very good game to watch though... Vidor had a goal that wasn't called when the keeper caught the ball over the goal line (which we did go back and look at it on video and it appeared to be across the line) but oh well... Luck just isn't on Vidor's side right now I guess...

And somebody from LCM's side still owes me food! Not mentioning any names but cough "Newcastle" cough...  ;D

[Islander]

Sophomore Vance Foster’s two assists and strong overall game led the Little Cypress-Mauriceville Bears soccer team to a 2-1 victory over the Vidor Pirates at Battlin’ Bears Stadium on Friday night.  Sophomore Garhett Bonneaux scored the game-winning goal and Captain Seth Arteaga converted a header for a Bears’ score.  Alec Johnson was credited for the Pirates’ goal.

In spite of the cold weather, fans for both sides were treated to a highly competitive soccer contest.  Bears Coach Matt Wedel stated that “it was a good game.  We respect each other and both teams played hard.†

Pirates Coach Rui Correia was also happy with the night’s play.  “Both teams played well.  The action was toe-to-toe.  It just went LC-M’s way.† Correia noted that “sometimes, soccer is just like that.†

The Bears started off “like storm troopersâ€, according to Wedel, by scoring in the game’s first minute.  Foster dribbled the ball deep into the Pirates’ right corner of the field.  Then, Foster placed a solid crossing shot five yards in front of the Pirates’ goal.  Seth Arteaga perfectly timed his header that resulted in the Bears’ first goal and a 1-0 lead.

The Pirates took only eight minutes to respond with a goal of their own.  Johnson booted a free kick from near midfield.  The ball traveled approximately thirty yards and bounced off the back of a defender and into the Bears’ goal for a 1-1 tie.

The Bears’ strong teamwork was critical in scoring the game’s winning goal late in the first half.  Senior Darrell Lawrence eluded a couple of Pirate defenders while dribbling down the sideline and then passed the ball to Foster.  Foster earned his second assist when he passed the ball to Bonneaux in the center of the field.  Bonneaux punched the ball from twenty-five yards out for a 2-1 Bears’ lead.  “Garhett had nice placement on his shot.  He picked his target and there it was,†said Wedel.

The second half was a defensive struggle.  Both teams fiercely attacked the opposition’s goal, but were unable to score.  Correia was particularly impressed with Bears’ goalie, Max Perkins.  “He was the man and the Bears’ defense looked good,†remarked Correia.     

Clearly, the Bears’ best performance was turned in by Foster.  “Vance played at another level tonight.  He was the star of the gameâ€, said Wedel.  Throughout the entire game, Foster dribbled around several Pirate defenders, played hard on defense, and made smart passes.  Wedel stated that “it was the best all around game that I have ever seen him play.â€

  Correia was happy with the performances of several Pirate players.  Travis Greenway, Victor Ortega and freshmen Tyler Reynolds and Brandon Clayton had strong games for the Pirates.

The enjoyment of the game was enhanced by the newly-formed Bear Bucket Brigade.  The Bear Bucket Brigade consists of several young fans using drumsticks to beat on plastic buckets and drums during the entire game. What the young drum line lacks in rhythm is made up by the youngsters’ enthusiasm.  The sounds from the Brigade “put a good soccer environment on the gameâ€, said Wedel.

The Bears’ next game is on Tuesday when the team travels to Lumberton to face a strong Raider team.

[Islander]

The center ref???  Man, I am not allowed to comment freely.  But geez, somebody could have gotten hurt.

[mcWIK7]

Pretty decent game to watch. I noticed both teams didn't have a solid defense or offense but both had a great midfield. I was impressed by Victor's ball skills in the middle when he didn't have anyone to help alot of the time. LCM's thirty second goal was pretty tight too!