Tricks and Treats and Cosmic Justice

The tail end of the season sees some rematches from the first part of the season, and Xtreme took to the pitch on Halloween for a rematch of the season opener with division powerhouse SYC Stampede. Stampede got the upper hand the last time they met with a 4-0 win, including two unearned goals. Stampede has gone on to dominate the division and is in a tie for first place, but Xtreme was confident they could run with this juggernaut. And they did, providing an exciting game that was fun to watch.

Xtreme, with a crowded bench thanks to visiting White players Anna, Mariana, and Mel who had a bye this week, tested the Stampede keeper early. The teams traded quality scoring chances in the first half, with Red displaying their trademark passing creativity that would compliment strong individual skills. However, Stampede did a better job of picking up loose balls, aggressive tackling, and keeping their defense in position to stymie the Red offense.

The first half would end in a scoreless draw, but not for lack of trying from both teams. Mel, in the Red goal, would turn away six quality shots, while the Xtreme offense sent twice as many at the Stampede keeper, including a thrilling and perfectly timed corner that Anna sent into the box to a waiting Aidan G, who pounded the ball on target.

The second half began with both teams again trying to crack the code of the other's defense, but without much success. Less shots were taken in the second half by both teams - though again Red outshot their opponent. Sharky, in goal for Red, only had to turn away one shot in the first 15 minutes of the second half. But then, at 51 minutes, a fast-rising rocket from a bizarre angle on her left beat her to the far upper corner.

But as fans and opponent know by now, playing from behind is a Red specialty. Red poured on the offense, controlling the ball and staying on offense for most of the remainder of the game. And in a moment that can only be described as cosmic justice, in the 69^th minute, as the Stampede fans were starting to pack up and looked ahead to another three points in the standings and trick-or-treating, First Aid would pounce on a misplayed punt from the Stampede keeper, and lob a shot high in the air and over the keeper's head. The ball bounced behind her and up to the top of the goal for the tie.

Stampede and their fans were deflated – something that had happened earlier to an odd Xtreme fan pictured above. Xtreme pushed for a go-ahead goal from the stunned Stampede, but full time expired just after the kick-off and the game ended in a draw – Xtreme's second in as many games.

Xtreme keepers made seven saves and allowed one goal; Stampede keepers made 23 saves and allowed one goal. Xtreme's 31 total shots were spread amongst 12 players, with Taxman and First Aid each putting four on target. In addition to outshooting their opponent, Xtreme was also awarded more corner kicks – six to two, and was whistled for more fouls, four to one.

"SYC is a good team," said Coach Lance. "I hope the Xtreme girls realize they can play toe-to-toe with any team in this league. This was a great game to watch, and I'm looking forward to next week's game against McLean and playing with our regular roster and normal rotations."