Chicago and Evanston, IL
Monday, February 22, 2010
The Soccer Times
Joga Bonito's full squad was back!
Yes, we are very glad to announce that Joga Bonito's full squad was present yesterday! This is very rare! Some are still injured but were able to play and enjoy. We were very happy to see that Coach Carlos Quintero decided to include Captain Carlos Quintero back in the roster despite his rib injury. Carlos started on the bench but was able to enjoy some minutes playing. "I am feeling much better thanks," said an enthusiastic Captain Carlos who has not been able to play in 3 weeks, "I thought I was going to wait much longer, but the medical staff said I was ready to start playing a few minutes. I am so excited because I cannot live without playing soccer!"
Joga Bonito vs Buckeyballs
If you remember from previous seasons, Buckyballs has been one of the teams that gives good competition to Joga Bonito. I believe Buckyballs has defeated Joga Bonito twice in past seasons. Last season, was a different story. Joga Bonito dominated the game defeating them 5-1. With this history in mind, this was going to be a good game to watch. Joga Bonito struck first by the foot of Rolando assisted by Pablo. It seemed an easy game for them: 1-0. However, Buckyballs key player gave us a nice long shot that tied the game: 1-1. Just before half time, Pablo gave another nice pass to Rolando and he scores! 2-1. Coach Carlos Quintero was frustrated because he felt like we are working to hard and this was an easier game. Needed more accurate passing, more communication. Joga Bonito dominated most of the second half but could not find the net. Finally, Captain Carlos assisted Rolando again and he scores to make it 3-1. Shots from everyone were blocked by the keeper or went wide. Buckyballs had very few shots. Carlos made a nice pull and went around a defender and was able to find Rolando again. Rolando scores to make it 4-1. And the end Goalie Mauricio had a blooper that will surely end up on YouTube one of this days were he had an easy ball but then again he didnt: 4-2. We all made fun of our dear Mauricio and then gave him a pad on the back. No big deal. Game over. Joga Bonito wins 4-2!
Man of the match: Rolando
Rolando keeps impressing by scoring 4 more goals even with an injured knee. Captain Carlos & Pablo were able to make a couple of assists each. However, you could see both of them were very frustrated about not finding the net. We were very delighted to watch nice passing from the rest of the squad. Especially, we are very impressed by the ladies in the team. Emily Shand and Emily Lovejoy are the only two female players in the team. But dont be fool. On the field, they are mean outstanding soccer players!
Other results:
Rotary United 6 vs Team Lee 4
People's Republic 2 vs Chupacabra 3
Joga Bonito 4 vs Buckeyballs 2
Willard Warriors 2 vs Fish Keg United 1
Bye - YMCA
Next game: Sunday Feb 28 at 4pm against Rotary United!
Not quite sure what to make this opponent just yet. They got humiliated the first game by Chupacabras 11-3. However, they won yesterday 6-4 against Team Lee. So who knows? They might be a good opponent for Joga Bonito. By the way, I was able to see Chupacabras game against Peoples Republic 3-2. I wanted to see Chupacabras because after destroying Rotary United 11-3, I thought that they recruited better players since last tournament. Remember that Chupacabras was defeated by Joga Bonito 5-2 in the final last season. However, from what I saw, it is the same team as last season. I didnt see any new faces that can make a difference. To be quite honest, I have seen most of the other teams. I just dont see the talent that Joga Bonito has. If Joga Bonito is connected, very few teams can give them a good competition. Hopefully, I am mistaken. I want to see good competition for Joga Bonito!
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