On a scorching hot Sunday at Santa Monica college, it was a case of same old for the Doxa Italia team. After a convincing 5-2 win last weekend, confidence was high going into this weekends game, but for the second time in 3 weeks, the game was lost on Penalties. Three weeks ago, Doxa fell to the same team, LA Blues, on PK’s in the Iran cup final. On a positive note, Doxa were pretty dominant through the game, and should have been 2 or 3-0 up before the Blues got their penalty. Nate Reeves will atone to the fact that the challenge for the Blues PK happened outside the area, but the referee was stuck on the half way line trying to get rid of a cramp at the time! Doxa’s goal also came from a penalty. Anthony Hamilton picked up the ball outside the area, and after dribbling at the defender, drove in a cross only for the ball to ricochet off the defenders hand. The referee immediately pointed to the spot, and Raul Palomares stepped up to bury the PK to the keepers right. After 80 minutes were played, the game went straight to PK’s and the Blues sticking away 3 of their 4 penalties compared to Doxa’s 1 out of 4. Brandon Avery again came up big for Doxa with a save on the second PK. That makes it 3 penalty saves from 9 for Avery. So, the Santa Monica league finished in disappointment. Thanks to all those that showed up for the two playoff games. On a serious note, the biggest disappointing was the fact that we only had 13 players show up for a game against our arch rivals when we have a squad of 22! It played a big role in the games outcome, and those guys that did or did not have an excuses for showing up, should note that. It takes a team!
It was great to see Fernando Mastrocinque at the game, Fernando is the God Father of the Doxa Italia name. I spoke to Fernando after the game and he mentioned it would make sense for us to start practicing penalties after training!
In other news, it is reported the referee is going to be sponsored by Dole Bananas for the rest of the season, hopefully that will stop the cramping!! I have never seen a referee cramp in a game before!
Bryan Byrne is officially racist towards white people! (don’t ask!!)
Doxa before Penalties
Starting Line Up:
1.Brandon Avery
2.Nate Reeves
3.Eric Kaufman
4.Eric Meister
5.Manny Guzman
6.Raul Palomares
7.Chad Evans
8.Bryan Byrne
9.Andrew Villalobos
10.Brian Burdue
11.Anthony Hamilton
12. Craig Reynolds
13.Sam Allen
