City draws with Montgomery

September 30, 2007. by Larry RedKard Kurtz.

Another bright brisk morning at Ferris began with Montogmery's players showing up late, angering the ref and leaving their sidelines with few subs. The first 10 minutes saw Montgomery attack again and again, distributing the ball nicely, creating several corner kick opportunities, and some angst in city's back line, as Tim The Goalie was watching from the sidelines as the Gaffer donned the gloves in backup role. However, JCFC was able to withstand the offensive and eventually turned the play around. A solid effort of challenging 50/50's, fitness and superior numbers on the bench, helped JCFC win field position most of the game.

City's best chance in the first half fizzled when Shesh squeezed between two Montgomery defenders to create a one on one with the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper was up to the task as he not only stole the ball off Shesh's foot, but almost stole his foot.

The second half saw more field position being won by JCFC. Montgomery was playing on counter attacks and one almost squeezed in with a soft cross that Token McDermott was able to win and knock away from the offender. A golden opportunity arose when Eddie Viagra broke free from the left and had a one on one with the goalkeeper, but unfortunately, a final touch went a bit too far off the feet and right into the keepers hands. With under 5 minutes remaining, JCFC won a indirect free kick from under 16 yards out. George blasted a shot that ricochet off the keeper's hands, bouncing off the top post and onto Larry's head for the game-winner. Unfortunately, the ball touched the upper goal post which is out of bounds. Game ended 0 to 0.

For the first time, JCFC deployed a formation with five midfielders--a key to the match as city still created offensive opportunities and was able to flood the midfield and control the ball.

Man of the Match. A nomination for Juan, who with some key aggressive saves held Montgomery out of our net. Another nomination, for solid defending despite 3 hours of sleep goes to DOB.
BFM wrapped it all up nicely, giving Man of the Match to the back five--Juanhaldino, DOB, Mary Poppins, Token English and Mike (plus BFMs 8 minute sub stint.)

DOB is having triplets as we all learned at The Merchant.

Also, big thanks to Montgomery, as we have decided to lift the Munchkin label as several of their members joined JCFC for drinks and shots at The Merchant.

Next week's game is at home vs. Parma. Big game.

JCFC drops game vs. Essex

September 24, 2007 - 06:00 PM -- Not the most pleasurable article, by Larry YellowCard Kurtz

JCFC seemed confident to take it to Essex United on a humid Sunday morning in South Orange. JCFC and EUFC went back and forth, both creating chances early on. An opportune cross from Jess onto Sebastian's head rocketed over the post. As the half wore on, EUFC took it to JCFC, almost scoring twice. Tim was able to turn away both chances. Unfortunately, if you continue to give EUFC time, they'll capitalize, as they finally broke through for the first goal. Half 1-0. The second half opened up with EUFC moving the ball nicely, as JCFC found it difficult to control first touches and put enough pressure on EUFC offense. A funny and lucky bounce off DOB's chest oddly landed on an EUFC offensive players foot who one timed it past the diving Tim. JCFC was able to finally rebound and make a contest of it when George found Jess on the far right who banged it past the athletic keeper of EUFC with under 10 minutes remaining. Unfortunately, time ran out and the final score was 2 to 1.First touches need to improve. Short passes need to be made. Red Card received a yellow for some minor offenses. . JCFC still will be in 2nd place at the end of the day, so we got to get results to keep pace. EUFC improved to 1-1-1 (4 points)Man of the Match, Mike Burke in his second start in the defense did our side proud.Honorable Mention, Jesse Mallen-- playing with the flu, Jesse was all over the pitch, finally getting one goal back, albeit not quite enough

JCFC wins home opener at new pitch..wearing Yellow!

September 17, 2007 - 01:00 PM -- By Larry RedKard Kurtz.

Wearing yellow, debuting a new home pitch and missing a large chunk of the starting eleven, JCFC began their home stand at Ferris HS field on a brisk Sunday morning with a makeshift squad due to vacations, injury and unplugged alarm clocks.OS Portugas showed up earlier than most of the City squad, which proved important, as Portugas opened the scoring in the fourth minute mark as the winger got free of the defense and placed a well struck left footed strike from 25 yards out over the JCFC keepers fingertips. JCFC seemed to lose heart, not winning many 50/50 balls and letting the Portugas players continue to hold on to the ball. Several corner kick opportunities fell by the wayside with near misses as City strikers failed to capitalize. Missing BFM on the sidelins to direct the subbing, the gaffer got in the game on the right flank, and towards the 35 minute mark, Eddie Viagra yet again crossed a ball from the left flank with his right foot, this one skimmed over the defense onto an awaiting and open Juanhaldino, who patiently gathered the ball and right footed it inside the keeper's near post.Halftime 1 to 1.The 2nd half began with JCFC dominating all over the field. JCFC continually used its fitness level to win 50/50 challenges and maintain the momentum. Attack after attack ended in no shots until finally, a long throw from Jesse was headed to the back of the box by The Goregous one where Shesh half volleyed the baall past the keeper into the right side of the goal for the winning difference.Stats. JCFC has outscored the first 2 opponents 6 to 2. Tim made some key saves shutting down the Portugas crossing opportunities. Man of the Match: Shesh, delivering the winning goal to put JCFC at the top of the North B standings at 2 wins in as many games. First caps for Adrian, Roman, and Mike. Next match away vs Essex United, and the hopes of seeing the likes of Gustavo and another token gibson in the lineup.