"ENGLISH FAIL TO DEFEND LEAD" - May 03, 2008

The first game of the season in the WOSL's Second Division saw London English FC taking on Hispanos in North London on what was initially a cool and rainy afternoon. Click Here To View Gallery

 

 

In the early going the English midfielders kept many Hispanos drives at bay with some notably strong headers, repeatedly sending their opponents offensive efforts back into their own end - and ultimately resulting in the season's first goal for LEFC.  Shortly thereafter English scored again on a shot taken just outside the 18 yd. box that sailed nicely into the top corner.  The weather did not seem to be bothering the team in white during the first quarter of the game.  Regardless Hispanos did show some good speed during this period yet their playmakers perhaps needed some time to gel in order to create some serious scoring opportunities of their own.  In fact the next two goals were by Hispanos, the tying goal coming as a result of a direct kick just outside the box.  After about the 30 minute mark the play of the game began to flow a little more and English kept on pressuring, resulting in another goal for white and making it 3-2 just before the half.

 

 

 

As the second half began the sky began to clear and about 10 minutes later it was sunny and drier.  Hispanos looked to regroup, making some noticeable changes to their defence.  London English kept on pressuring however, with most of the play remaining in the Hispanos defensive zone.  Regardless, the Hispanos defense appeared to strengthen.  During a quick if not brief Hispanos offensive thrust however, a quick pass by #19 set up a nicely executed tying goal that re-energized the team in blue.  Shortly thereafter however English struck back to regain the lead with another nicely placed goal kicked along the ground.  Hispanos defence continued to put in the effort though and the English offence began to perhaps complain a little about the rough treatment they were receiving subsequent to some solid forward movement originating again from their able mid-field squad.  On the other end of the field the LEFC netminder then made a spectacular top corner save on a fairly hard shot by Hispanos, this time denying them the tying goal. 

 

 

The Hispanos offence was finally starting to effectively work together (perhaps aided by the sunnier conditions) and was supported by some hard forwarding passes and goal kicks by their defencemen, notably #4 blue.  Their pressuring efforts paid off shortly thereafter though as they again capitalized on a free kick opportunity tying the game with some 15 minutes remaining.  The remainder of the game featured no more scoring from either side, however both goaltenders were kept busy as Hispanos' perhaps greater individual talent, and English's possibly more cooperative approach were both demonstrated.  Some excellent back and forth play ensued, with the final whistle blowing in a 4-4 tie.  The final handshakes were made while all present enjoyed some gentle May sunshine on this first day of the WOSL season.