WEEK 8 - Journey to the Average Eight
Yes. Yes we are.
So it begins -- the journey to a Spring 2019 champion is coming to a close on June 2nd but first we needed to whittle the 16 team league to two tidy sets of final fours. And there were some doozies. An undermanned Misfits team battled hard against Oozlekicks, White Joggers gave Ronaldo a first half scare, and PKs and IPAs/Hot and Messi ended up in our first playoff penalties. But we'll get to the results in a minute.
*DISCLAIMER: The next few sentences will be discussing feelings. If you are anti-feeling, please skip to the Housekeeping section*
After watching 8 games on Sunday without incident, I'm reminded why we started this league. I know I say this every season, but the goal was always to have a fun, relaxed environment that can allow experienced players to mix in with newbies without everyone thinking it's the World Cup. So we're coming up on three seasons under our belt and each week I appreciate everything each of you do to keep things calm, knock the ball around, and enjoy yourself like when you were kids playing soccer with juice boxes and Zebra cakes. So I wanted to give two shoutouts before we start talking about competition -- the first would be to the original 8 who have come back for all three seasons. Thanks to Mickey Amaro (Hangover 86 FC), Jamie Gallagher (Look Ma, No Hands), Mike Dorsey (Moat Monsters), Ryan O'Donnell (Kick in a Box), David Chappell (Hot & Messi), Claudia Galantino (Netkicks and Chill), and Jay Coble (Oozlekicks) for putting your faith in us and keeping the teams together.
For those of you that were new teams this season - All Stars FC (Eddie Lopez), PKs and IPAs (Erik Halverson), Retired Athletes (Hector Ramos), and Defenders of the Bridge (Carl Hanson), thank you for acclimating to the rules quickly and taking the league to a whole new level.
HOUSEKEEPING
1. Semifinals and Finals will be played on Sunday, June 2nd from 12 PM to 3 PM. I know there were some teams that were eliminated this week, but I hope some of you will still come out to watch the semis and finals, be there for the trophy ceremony, and grab a beer and food at Oozlefinch. We'll be doing the individual trophy presentations between the 12 PM and 1 PM games and would love to have a crowd to congratulate the winners.
2. We have a Total Season Shout-Out Thread on Facebook that I'd encourage players to participate in. It's your chance to recognize teammates or leaguemates for their contributions throughout the season. Whether it's best player, best sportsmanship, or most improved -- players deserve recognition so take some time to give them a shout out.
3. Already thinking ahead to Fall? Good! Because sign-ups are already open and here's why you should sign-up early. You save $10 if you sign up before June 1st (price goes up from $59 to $69 so take advantage of the early bird special). If your team gets signed up quickly, your Captain could win the Sign-Up Simon award for the Fall. And most importantly, the league will most likely sell out for Fall, so you want to reserve your spot now. Remember that 6 guys, 4 girls will lock in your team slot. https://www.clubwaka.com/hampton-roads/soccer/sunday/5662
4. Craving more soccer this summer? VIP United has an adult league you can sign up for and a bunch of CLUBWAKA players play in it. Details are located here. If you're not looking for something that formal, we'll be having periodic pick-up soccer throughout the summer so stay tuned to the CLUBWAKA Peninsula Soccer FB page where we'll try and coordinate it. We had 28 come out yesterday and played full field for a couple hours. Once the Women's World Cup and Gold Cup start in June, we may also have some watch parties so stay tuned for those too.
2. We have a Total Season Shout-Out Thread on Facebook that I'd encourage players to participate in. It's your chance to recognize teammates or leaguemates for their contributions throughout the season. Whether it's best player, best sportsmanship, or most improved -- players deserve recognition so take some time to give them a shout out.
3. Already thinking ahead to Fall? Good! Because sign-ups are already open and here's why you should sign-up early. You save $10 if you sign up before June 1st (price goes up from $59 to $69 so take advantage of the early bird special). If your team gets signed up quickly, your Captain could win the Sign-Up Simon award for the Fall. And most importantly, the league will most likely sell out for Fall, so you want to reserve your spot now. Remember that 6 guys, 4 girls will lock in your team slot. https://www.clubwaka.com/hampton-roads/soccer/sunday/5662
4. Craving more soccer this summer? VIP United has an adult league you can sign up for and a bunch of CLUBWAKA players play in it. Details are located here. If you're not looking for something that formal, we'll be having periodic pick-up soccer throughout the summer so stay tuned to the CLUBWAKA Peninsula Soccer FB page where we'll try and coordinate it. We had 28 come out yesterday and played full field for a couple hours. Once the Women's World Cup and Gold Cup start in June, we may also have some watch parties so stay tuned for those too.
QUARTERFINAL RESULTS AND STANDINGS
All Stars (4) vs. Moat Monsters (5) - 'Jared Martin's late volley secures a Moat victory.'
After a missed PK by the normally reliable Matt Burleson, a header over the crossbar by Jared Martin, and a goalkeeping error that led to a All Stars goal, things didn't look to be in the cards for Moat. But as we've seen every season, they're one of the most talented teams in the league and you can't count them out. With a few minutes left in the game, Jared Martin put one in the upper right corner to put an end to what was one of the best seasons for a new team we've seen since the inception of the MLS. All Stars FC is certain to be back in the Fall competing at the top.
Final - Moat Monsters 3 - 2 All Stars FC
Hangover 86 FC (4) vs. Defenders of the Bridge (5) - 'Keeper takes the field and collapses the Bridge'
Ryan Roehler was a shot stopper for Hangover most of the season, but with the late season recruitment of Sterling Hopkins, it gave him an opportunity to take the field. Hangover has been looking for offense in Blake Thompson's absence over the last few weeks and Ryan provided the spark as he bagged a brace for Hangover. And while DOTB's season ended, I look forward to seeing how they shape up in the Fall as I've heard they may have enough for 2 teams. Carl is a master recruiter and if he does it quickly, could have a leg up on the competition for the Sign-Up Simon.
Final - Hangover 86 FC 4 - 0 Defenders of the Bridge
Netkicks and Chill (2) vs. Look Ma, No Hands (7) - 'Look Ma cancels Netkicks subscription'
A rematch from earlier in the season, Look Ma was looking for revenge and a first half volley from Calli Sherrill set the stage for an upset. With Daryl Kuligowski having to play keeper for part of the first half due to Markis Augustus car trouble, Netkicks was without their dynamic duo. With Look Ma's stout defense and the keeping skills of Joe Ingraham, Look Ma was able to shutout Brendan Fajotina who had been on a hot streak the past few games. When I asked captain Claudia Galantino what she was doing this summer now that Netkicks has gone fishin', I got the obvious answer 'Chillin'. We'll see you for another run at the cup in the Fall.
Final - Look Ma, No Hands 2 - 0 Netkicks and Chill
Retired Athletes (2) vs. All Bark No Bite (7) - 'Retired Athletes neuters All Bark No Bite for 2nd week in a row'
Retired Athletes can make some noise when their players show up and they seem to be hitting their attendance stride right in time for the playoffs (amazing how that happens, right?). And you could tell they were taking it seriously because captain Hector Ramos showed up wearing war paint. All Bark No Bite took some serious strides this season, but with Patrick Downing out with an injury, it was a tough to kickstart the offense the past couple of weeks. Will All Bark No Bite keep their name in the Fall or will they be a team that changes their name each season? We'll see soon as sign ups have started!
Final - Retired Athletes 7 - 0 All Bark No Bite
Ronaldo McDonaldo (1) vs. White Joggers (8) - 'McDonaldo's 2nd half was a McFlurry of goals.'
When asked at halftime how the first half went, Brad Kirby could only describe it as 'sphincter-clenching'. White Joggers came out to show they belonged in the top 8 and a header by Adam Stavola off of a throw-in kept the game close at 2-1. Early in the second half, two golazos by the HamKirblar led to Ronaldo distancing themselves, but White Joggers put up a hell of a fight. WJ goes into the offseason feeling great about their season as the artist formerly known as Ibra Kadibra took a huge jump up the table in their second season.
Final - Ronaldo McDonaldo 6 - 1 White Joggers
Kick in a Box (1) vs. Biercelona (8) - 'KiaB advances despite losing?'
As we've covered in previous blogs, Biercelona could not advance due to a rules violation earlier in the season. With the offer to still play an 8th game on the table, Biercelona showed up. And showed up ready to play. Led by Edgardo Martinez whose two goals had him finish tied for 4th in the golden boot standings, Biercelona knocked off the #9 seed. Kick in a Box will be searching for offense as it looks to regroup before their semifinal matchup against Hangover 86 FC.
Final - Biercelona 3 - 2 Kick in a Box
Oozlekicks (3) vs. Misfits (6) - 'Oozlekicks brew up a win and look ahead to rematch with Look Ma'
After hearing Trey, Gary, Lee, and other key players weren't going to be present for Misfits and seeing them with low numbers to start the game, I thought -- man, this game was going to be one of the best games of the week... But that's what I get for thinking that Misfits doesn't have heart. Davin Field was a terror all over the field and bagged a brace. Oozlekicks started strong, but Misfits crept back in the game in the second half. In the end, Misfits came up a little short and OK's Tom Weniger came away with two wins (foreshadowing alert).
Final - Oozlekicks 5 - 4 Misfits
PKs and IPAs (3) vs. Hot and Messi (6) - 'Mediocredamus strikes again as PKs prevails in PKs'
Last week's game preview by yours truly... 'This one could be a squeaker. Or even better... go to PKs!' Well, how about that... a 3-3 tie and our first set of playoff PKs. As we've said all season, Hot and Messi has some talent on their team - it just depends on who shows up and they had a good turnout this week. After a lot of battling and a couple of goals by Chris Sharrett and Carlos Grimaldo the game gridlocked. Once they were into penalties, they couldn't be decided with the first 5, so current PKs and IPAs captain/keeper, Erik Halvorsen, and future Hot and Messi captain, Joe Connors, faced off as the 6 kickers. Erik saved Joe's PK and then went out to take his own and buried it. See for yourself.
Final - PKs and IPAs 3 - 3 Hot and Messi (PKs advance on PKs 4-3)
THE SEMIS ARE SET!
12 PM (Division 2 Playoff Semifinals)
Kick in a Box (1) vs. Hangover 86 FC (4) - Field A
Retired Athletes (2) vs. PKs and IPAs (3) - Field B
I just realized that these two games are rematches from earlier in the season and both games ended in a tie. Will we see another set of PKs for PKs? Will Kick in a Box be able to overcome the absence of captain Ryan O'Donnell? Will the return of Blake Thompson be enough for Hangover to overcome not having either of their keepers? We'll find out June 2nd.
**REMINDER THAT BETWEEN GAMES WE'LL HAVE THE INDIVIDUAL TROPHY PRESENTATIONS**
1 PM (MLS Cup Playoff Semifinals)
Ronaldo McDonaldo (1) vs. Moat Monsters (5) - Field A
Oozlekicks (3) vs. Look Ma, No Hands (7) - Field B
Another set of rematches from early in the season. Ronaldo beat Moat to begin the season and Oozlekicks fell to Look Ma 2-0. All 4 teams know each other well, so should be hard-fought games. The key to the finals may be numbers if it ends up being a hot one.
TEAM OF THE WEEK - QUARTERFINALS
Davin Field - Ever heard that term "put the team on his back"? Davin showed tons of heart against Oozlekicks.
Jayme Johnson - Goals in three consecutive weeks, plays aggressive defense. Key part of Oozlekicks's success.
Edgardo Martinez - Edgardo had a hell of a season for Biercelona and opposing defenses are relieved to not have to face him in the semis.
Ryan Roehler - Unfortunately Ryan is leaving us, but what a way to go out on top. Taking to the field and scoring a brace to help your team advance to the semis.
Calli Sherrill - Volley from outside of the box caught on camera to get things started for Look Ma. Always a threat.
Adam Stavola - Great flick off a throw in that looped over Ronaldo's keeper to keep things close for White Joggers in the first half.
Erik Halverson - Player of the week. Making saves in PKs and then putting the team on your back to take the 6th PK and burying it? I'd say that earns you a spot in TOTW.
COMMISSIONER AWARDS:
THE GOLDEN BOOT
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you... YOUR GOLDEN BOOT WINNER....
- In our first season, Tom tied with Chad Martin of Look Ma No Hands and Dara Emami of Ronaldo McDonaldo at 14 goals a piece, but he won the golden boot based on the tie breaker of games attended.
- In Fall 2018, Tom finished second to Mike Machie with 16 goals.
- And this season, Tom ended with 18 goals.
So over three seasons, Tom has finished in either first or second place in goals scored with 48 goals scored. I'd say that was pretty damn deserving of the prestigious MLS Golden Boot, wouldn't you say?
Before we move onto our next aware winner, I wanted to provide you some additional goal scoring analysis...
- Here's the top of the CLUBWAKA MLS Goal Scorers table so you can see where everyone landed.
Top All Time CLUBWAKA MLS Goal Scorers:
Males
Tom Weniger - Oozlekicks (48)
Michael Machie - Ronaldo McDonaldo (43)
Dara Emami - Ronaldo McDonaldo (34)
Brad Kirby - Ronaldo McDonaldo (28)
Chad Martin - Look Ma, No Hands (24)
Matthew Burleson - Moat Monsters (23)
Females
Sarah Watson - Moat Monsters (12)
Calli Sherrill - Look Ma, No Hands (11)
THE GOLDEN GAL
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you... YOUR GOLDEN GAL WINNER....
The highest goalscoring female in MLS History, Sarah Watson has been a mainstay for Moat Monsters. A former player at Longwood, she has held down their midfield and has ability to thread a pass or score a goal when Moat needs it most. I'm especially impressed with her consistently calm demeanor and her consistent attendance. Moat has always had very talented females on the roster, but Sarah is one that shows up to play every. single. game. Congratulations, Sarah!
THE HANDS OF GOD
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you... YOUR HANDS OF GOD WINNER....
Joe has been in the running for the Hands of God all three seasons in the league. Joe is a huge presence in the goal for Look Ma and is a major part of why they always have one of the lowest goals against averages in the league. When Look Ma played Ronaldo, he made tons of saves keeping the game close and despite some fiery personalities on Look Ma, Joe is calm, cool, and collected in the back. Congratulations, Joe!
THE SIGN-UP SIMON
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you... YOUR SIGN-UP SIMON WINNER....
While recruiting doesn't really play into this award at all, I would say that Adam did an amazing job recruiting for an already talented Misfits team. But this is really all about that early bird sign-up period, where Adam had 19 players sign up with a quickness. David Chappell (last season's winner) gave him a run for his money to try and keep the award for the second consecutive season, but in the end -- Misfits prevailed. Adam, thanks for being such an ambassador for the league and being the de facto blog proofreader. You da real MVP.
COME SEE THESE AMAZING PLAYERS AND HUMAN BEINGS RECEIVE THEIR AWARDS AT 1 PM ON SUNDAY THE 2ND BETWEEN THE TWO SEMIFINAL GAMES!!
PHOTOS OF THE WEEK
Retired Athletes enjoying some shade post-game. I LOVE when players stay and watch the other games.
Calli Sherrill hits a burner to open the scoring for Look Ma, No Hands.
Matthew Burleson misses a PK wide in the game against All Stars FC.
A hot sunny day is the perfect time to tan those abs and thighs.
Jesse Evans crushes a goal kick for Moat.
Sarah Watson serves up a corner for Moat Monsters.
Sugar Shane Hewitt clears the ball for Defenders of the Bridge in their game against Hangover.
COME CELEBRATE THE CHAMPIONS AT OOZLEFINCH
Too early to know which food truck will be there, but I'm expecting to see some serious CLUBWAKA representation post-games. Just because you're not playing doesn't mean that gives you a pass on showing up and supporting the sponsor. See you all there to celebrate our two sets of champions!
OK. I'm out.
Time to hit the grocery store
Time to hit the grocery store
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