Pelicans FC Black

(East Point, GA – Rob Schmidt) After coming off a series of losses only slightly less painful than watching this video
(http://tv.gawker.com/5687709/the-high-school-hurdle-girls-slowed-down-and-with-more-radiohead), Pelicans FC Black overcame a huge hurdle to claim their first victory.

Pelicans FC Black held strong in the first 20 minutes of the inter-club Derby, dominating the run of play as PFC White tried to figure out what was going on. Newly anointed striker, David Dumbauld, caused fits early for the PFC White back line. The hard work paid off as he was able to make a great run down the sideline beating the once heralded St. Pius soccer star, Michael Clark, sending in a perfectly placed cross where Jack Flicker made the PFC White defense pay. He deftly placed the ball from 6 yards out into the far netting past the PFC White keeper, Jem McAbee. McAbee was called in to action while typically starting PFC White keeper, Cantonis, was relegated to the bench, some argue it was because of an injury, others are saying it was for fear of being scored on by PFC Black.

Pelicans FC Black buckled down on defense and managed to contain the Pelicans FC White attack as much of the run of play in the second half was on the PFC Black defensive half. The final score ended 1-0, giving Pelicans FC Black 3 much needed points in the standings and sending PFC White back to the drawing board.

PFC Black will look to continue the streak next weekend against FC Silverbacks. Game time is 12:45pm at Atlanta Christian College.

Narration by Nick Willett: Pelicans Black had a tough start to our match against EP Rovers on Sunday 10/24 due to a change of location that resulted in many players getting lost. When the game kicked off we were only able to field 9 players. We defended early trying to hold off the Rovers but just before more players arrived they scored on a stike from 25 yards out. Shortly after that, two more players arrived putting us to a full side by about 10-15 min into the game. Our slow start continued to get worse with a tough penalty call just outside the eighteen yard box. The Rovers hit a low shot that slid through our wall putting them up 2-0. As we tried to right the ship we were able to regain momentum as Bryan Bell hit a service on a free kick from about 40 yards out that sailed over the goalie and into the net. With renewed momentum we started to press the Rovers, however, just before half, the Rovers put in a third goal with another strike from outside the eighteen.

With a tough first half behind us, we made some adjustments moving Dan up to striker and Cesar back to central midfield. We came out of half with strong pressure on the Rovers goal and and quickly scored as Jesse redirected a cross from Cesar into the back of the net. Down 3-2 we continued to pressure the Rovers but got caught up field; the Rovers were able to put in another goal off a fast break with a cross into the box behind our defensive line. Down 4-2 and with time starting to get short Spiros took the game into his own hands and placed two shots past the keeper to tie the game at 4-4. It was a hard fought game and we came away with confidence in our ability to score.

In PFC Blacks first game of the season (10/3 vs D United) Man of the Match honors went to both Karl Donaldson and Jesse Goss. Teammate Nick Willett speaking about his vote for Jesse Goss, “goal in the first half and a shutout as keeper in the second half, great playing.” Karl earned the same number of votes for his hard work up top and as captain Brian Kirchdoerfer put it, “a clutch goal in the last few minutes to tie the match.” Congrats to both Karl and Jesse!

In the second match of the season (10/10 vs Ole Boys) Man of the Match honors were once again split between two players, Rob Schmid and Spiros Blackburn. Defender Ryan Mellick said, “100% Spiros. He was responsible for almost all offensive movement and locked down the center of the field on defense.” And Jesse Goss had this to say about Rob’s play, “from first minute to last minute played a very solid game.” Well done Spiros and Rob.

The third match of the season saw only 4 players vote so no Man of the Match honors were given out.

The fourth match verse EP Rovers saw the PFC Black squad pull it back to 4-4 behind the strong Man of the Match performance by Spiros Blackburn, earning his second honors on the season. Spiros scored twice in the match to help earn the point. Great job!

For the third game of the season PFC Black played the Southern Wolves at Southern Poly, right next to the Atlanta Air Show. The game kicked off at 11 am with dew on the grass accounting for the slick play early on and the first goal of the game by the Wolves on bouncing shot from just inside the box. PFC Black quickly gained their composure and started to control the ball and countering the Wolves’ attack. Several runs up the field brought the ball close to the doorstep, finally culminating on a tap in goal inside the box by Jesse from a cross from center midfielder Dan. At this moment jet engines could be heard from afar- clearly celebrating the goal by PFC Black. The rest of the half was a back and forth of possessions, unfortunately with the Wolves scoring from a quick counter attack on the left side, I don’t think they appreciated the jet engines. Down 2-1 at the half, things were shaping up.

Playing with only one sub for the game proved to test the legs of PFC Black in the second half. David played solid on the left wing, coming back from a wrist injury. Spiros and Dan controlled the middle for us offering support to both offense and defense. The defense held their ground with Adam, Brandon, Josh, and Brian making solid stops to a constant barrage of offense from the Wolves, anchored by our keep David. Sadly, the roar of the jet engines reared their ugly head again. Immediately after two planes could be seen from afar making a heart from the smoke streams, the Wolves capitalized and put up three goals in succession. Sadly the game ended 5-1, with a number of offensive threats by left wing sub Ryan, and Cesar up top snuffed out by wind gusts of The Blue Angels and questionable calls. PFC Black looks to rebound at our upcoming games and right a stern letter to the air force base regarding the unfair advantage they provided.

Welcome to the Pelicans FC Black Website! Here is where you can post and find your team schedules, news, scores, photos, documents, and message boards.

It should make it easier to know what’s going on with the team.

So check it out and give it a try.