After a Rough Mid-Season, Degenkolb FC Rallies
After a Rough Mid-Season, Degenkolb FC Rallies
The Degenkolb soccer squad, after a dominating performance in its first match, faced a string of disappointing, though well fought, losses.
Degenkolb’s first daunting opponent was TBD (as with most of the teams we faced, the company they represent remains to be determined… pun intended). The team lost 2-6, with goals scored by Taka “Taká” Yokoyama on a penalty kick and team manager Adam Azofeifa, who decided to not show up for the game until halftime (something about having to work).
Next up were the Eggsecutioners (software?), Degenkolb’s most evenly matched opponent. Though Degenkolb struck first with a goal by Chris “That’s a Foul?” Davis, it seemed they could not fend off the attack of the Eggsecutioners, who had a goal to answer for every one of Degenkolb’s. In the end, Degenkolb fell 3-4, with Gordy Wray adding to the tally as well as Adam with an assist from Taka.
After having to forfeit to URS (lucky for them) in lieu of not having enough players, Degenkolb would next face Wells Fargo and DWT. The scores from those games aren’t important (seriously, don’t ask), but adding to their offensive stats with goals in those games were Gordy, Adam, Henry “Dance Moves” Burton, and John “Stick-em” Sticklen.
At 1-5-0, the season was looking bleak for Degenkolb FC. Fortunately, its next two opponents were at the bottom of the leader board. First up was Splunk (pause for a confused chuckle). The Degenkolb players were absolutely determined to not concede a loss to a team with such a ridiculous name. Arriving at the field in a torrential downpour, the players donned their shin guards and cleats under the protection of an overhang at the adjacent warehouse, then ran out onto the field like a bunch of little kids at recess. Both teams were merciless in their attacks in the first half, but Degenkolb was able to prevent any goals from getting by, mostly due to solid play by goal keeper Erik “I Remembered My Glasses!” Kneer. At the other end of the field, Gordy and Taka were busy putting on an offensive show, providing the first goal for Degenkolb as well as assisting on a goal by Melissa “The Kiwi” Vickery that would put Degenkolb up 2-0 before halftime. Coming out in the second half, the squad looked a bit sluggish, and Splunk was able to put away a goal on a mishandled rebound. But Degenkolb found its stride again, and John dished off a great pass to Melissa (who proved to be the MVP of the game) that she buried in the back of the net. Another goal after some fine maneuvering by Taka put Degenkolb up 4-1 before the final whistle.
Degenkolb’s next vict… er… opponent would be Riverbed (according to Google, they work with WAN… or something else abbreviated). Stepping in for an absent Erik Kneer in goal was a VERY enthusiastic Shane “Shortstop” Gross, who was named Chevrolet’s Player of the Game with at least 4 or 5 great saves. Degenkolb had an easy time moving the ball down the field, as Riverbed’s midfield was virtually nonexistent. Yet somehow the offense could only manage to put away two goals. The first came on a drive that started off on a steal by Adam at the back line. After thwarting a couple defenders, it was a 2 on 1 situation with Adam and Gordy versus a very off balance Riverbedder (?). Gordy fired a shot that the keeper couldn’t quite pull in, and it was an easy rebound for Adam to nudge into the goal. The second goal was just a matter of Taka showing off, as he meticulously dribbled around three of Riverbed”s players before lodging a shot in the back of the net. Degenkolb would have walked off the field at halftime up 2-0 if it weren’t for a rocket that Riverbed’s best player shot from 20+ yards out (hey, you can’t stop ‘em all). Though Degenkolb dominated the second half, it could not manage any more goals, unless you count the own goal by one of Riverbed’s players (which we won’t). Final score: Degenkolb 3, Riverbed 1.
So, after a slow start, Degenkolb looks to finish the season on a strong note, though its final two opponents will certainly pose quite a challenge as the season comes to a close.
