They Make Excellent Movies, but Can't Beat the Plough at Soccer!

The Plough beat Pixar this Sunday and while I am out of town, Mark offers an in depth analysis of the game:

"After a slow start which saw Tunde miss a clear change, the game settled down to a dogged back and forth. We got to see a Tunde cartwheel as he opened scoring in the 30th minute with a fine finish across the goal. Defensive confusion led to Pixar's tying goal shortly before the half ended. Tactical changes at the half led to a stronger defensive midfield and the second half was much more assured. A quick corner taken by Mark to Julio led to a flashing near post headed goal by Aiden. Minutes later a blazing 25 yard shot swerved in and thumped off the crossbar. Ngong's first goal of the year will be remembered by all [except me :( ] as a fitting game winner in a tough derby. A late strike by Pixar didn't dampen the spirits."

Such a diverse combination of goals, good job Plough. And thanks for the writing Mark, but since you didn't provide me with any pictures, I'll just use some pictures from my vacation to suffice!


My sister graduated from Humboldt State, yay!

Water fight between the little sisters

There was still some athletic competition to be found

Surfing!

The vegetation of California's Mojave Desert

The Starry Plough Sends Dirty Fossil Fuels a Message

The Plough beats Chevron today at Bates Field 5 to 0, with Mark as keeper setting an excellent precedent of his first shut out of the season! Mark had an awesome save about halfway through the game, tapping out a  ball that went in the very recesses of the corner, he made it look so easy. Yes, I'm flattering him because he has promised to pay me for this blog. From the sideline chatter it seemed most players thought the Plough could have played a better game (playing the simple passes, playing to feet, not rushing) but they came out with the win with three goals by Julio, one goal from Nick (we're losing him to China, boo!) and another goal by James, all beautiful goals in their own ways. The defense was nearly impenetrable again, the offense attacked quickly and had many, many shots, and the midfield had some awesome through balls, passing, and won a great majority of the 50/50 balls. 


Excellent plays and teamwork from the defense!

Nano gets plenty of playing time this game, way more than ten minutes, maybe because he showed up on time.

Mark is so graceful. 

Mick, Mikey, Mike, the man of many names shows his great control here. 

And here.

Tunde's game face

Julio kicks an older man in the face.

Erik got his first yellow card of the season!

Nick is leaving for China :(

A foul that initially results in a goal has to be retaken because the ref hadn't blown his whistle...

Nano apologizes for getting all up in the keeper's grill, and no second goal is to be had. 

Will-sters.

Flying ninja kick!

Victor's quote of the day - "we don't give dimes out here, we give dollar bills!" 

Working it. 

So scared!

First Game of the Season is a Success!

The Starry Plough won their first game this weekend at Gabe fields 3-1 against long-standing rival Benicia. It was a great game for the Plough: their new uniforms looked sparkly and suave, the defense won almost every ball that came their way, the whole team demonstrated great control and kept the ball for nearly 90% of the game, and there were no yellow cards! In soccer I believe one of the most satisfying feelings is getting the other team to yell at each other, and the Plough accomplished this as well as some amazing shots, a lot of great, quick passing, and smart movement on and off the ball. 

Here are some shining moments from the game:

Here, Julio goes shin to ball to shin with Benicia's keeper, an exciting moment that resulted in a good attempt, but no goal. 

Here again superstar Julio takes one for the team, in the face:

Piggy-back ride, courtesy of Benicia's accommodating keeper:

Willy fights hard against one of Benicia's mid-fielders, resulting in a foul in favor of the Plough.

James is also working hard, showing just how much he wants the ball. 

Ricky gets sassy as keeper. He didn't get many balls back there, but the ones that did reach him were treated... oddly. 

Coming out of the box, Ricky makes a ....nice... ten foot punt and has to retreat quickly back to the goal to cover his ass. 

Victor takes a little time from the game to teach us some dance moves. 

Ngong aptly uses his body to push the unsuspecting Benicia defender off the ball. 

Alex was on fire on the wing, juking this Benician again and again. And again!