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This game constituted the first of the season for Portuguese and the second of the season for St. Thomas (who lost 1-nil to Woodstock a week earlier).  Fritz Klaus, Chairperson of Senior Competitive Soccer Teams for St. Thomas stated his intention that his Premier Division team finish at least as well in the standings this year as they did the last.  With only one new player on the team versus their "08 squad, expectations were naturally running high - and the team in red was clearly not satisfied with being shut out in their season opener.  On the other end of the field it was George Teves, Assistant Coach for Portuguese stating that it was his aim to have his team finish at least in the top three after a full season of play.  Last year they finished 6 points out of third place, and with five new players on the team he felt that this goal was indeed within his reach.  Both teams would have a full 90 minutes of play put their words into action.
At the opening whistle it was apparent that St. Thomas had an advantage in size, and perhaps experience, however in the early going it was Portuguese (in white) that moved the ball more effectively up field and worked hard to penetrate the St. Thomas defense.  Both teams exhibited good ball control and passing abilities and appeared equally matched in terms of overall speed.  Portuguese got away a decent shot at the 16 minute mark which deflected off the left post - and it was a ball that appeared to have the keeper beaten.  At the other end at 18 minutes it was the Portuguese keeper that made an excellent save.  This was one of the few times during the first half that he would be seriously challenged, as most of the play took place in a back and forth manner through the midfield areas, with relatively few whistles.  Most of the scoring chances in the first half were made by Portuguese as they slowly worked their way through the St. Thomas defenders.
With the opening of the second half it was St. Thomas that came out with renewed determination for a better performance.  They used their size and strength as well as more assertive ball control to march the ball up the field through the Portuguese lines.  And indeed it was the Portuguese net minder that would be tested over and over again through the second 45 minutes of the game.  On one occasion he effectively ran out and covered up the ball as two St. Thomas strikers broke in all alone in what was probably the signature play of this scoreless game.  As time wore on play got rougher, more infractions were whistled down and St. Thomas continued their drive in an attempt to score.  Portuguese broke through only on occasion and never seriously tested the St. Thomas keeper in the second half.  Indeed most of the action occurred through the midfield areas and in the Portuguese end.  St. Thomas kept on pressuring until the bitter end, however the Portuguese keeper was up to the task on each and every occasion.  With the closing whistle both sides would have to be satisfied with the tie.  JHS

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