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Green Hope 5 vs. Athens Drive 1
Green Hope played their 13th fixture of the year at home against conference
foe Athens Drive.
Four minutes into the game, Athens was in the Green Hope part of the field
and a ball came to the top of the 18 where a Green Hope player misplayed it
to the feet of an Athens player 5 yards from goal and Athens put it past GK
Alex Long who was left helpless.
Following the early goal by Athens, several players displayed their leadership
and calmed the Falcons down and the team started to play with purpose. For the
last 30 minutes of the half, Green Hope had Athens on their heels in the Athens
half of the field. Green Hope capitalized on a long throw-in by John Hindman
that got to the back post where Kyle Bandy played it in the mixer where the
super Scot, Martin Murphy poked it in to tie the score 1-1. Then later in the
half, Green Hope served a corner kick in the box. Murphy again redirected
the ball toward goal where Thomas Lindsey pounced on the opportunity to score,
and score he did! 2-1 Green Hope at the half.
In the second half, Green Hope started out a little sluggish, but soon they
picked up the intensity and won a free-kick at the top of the box. Taylor
Estrada, noticing that Athens was slow in getting organized, took a quick strike
and bent the ball over the wall hitting the lower part of the crossbar and into
the net for the 3-1 lead. Later, Estrada moved to left back and received a drop
from Justin "California" Taylor, which Estrada served deep to the back post where
Kyle Bandy headed it home for the 4-1 lead. Kyle we could hear ... your Dad was
proud! Finally, Nick Butterly found Martin Murphy at the top of the box where
he turned on a dime and struck a wonderful left-footed shot to the back post for
the 5-1 lead.
The Falcons were pleased to have the services of JP Lebiecz and Justin Smith,
returning from a broken ankle and sprained ankle, respectively. However,
unfortunately, during the first half Jared Dapkevich, the super stud sophomore
left back, injured his knee and left the game for good. We are awaiting the
diagnosis; but regardless of the outcome, the team wishes you a speedy
recovery and will miss you. Come back soon.
Green Hope has to turn it on again 24 hours later and face Middle Creek at home.
The team will try to avenge their only conference loss. The team has an overall
record of 9-3-1 and 5-1-1 in the Tri-8 conference. Go Falcons!
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