WiP FC defend their goal. The stout defence held onto a one goal lead for a 2-1 victory. (photos by: Jake Graffe)

Match Report

SEATTLE (Feb. 7th) - In week five of the Winter Season, the boys in green faced division four foe, Sea-Town United.  After the first four weeks of play both teams had acquired a 2-2 record, setting the stage for a hard-fought clash between the two squads.

Work in Progress FC shifted its line-up due to leading scorer Michael Pleas’ absence, pushing defensive-mid Jay Davidson to the wing and WiP’s reserve player, Derek Long, to the front line.  The Progress took the kickoff and quickly got things underway.  In the first few minutes of play, WiP demonstrated great improvement from its early weeks as a team.  The ball was protected, passes were controlled and communication on the pitch was at its peak.

After just five minutes of play, WiP would be the first to find the net.  The Progress moved the ball up the right side of the field and into the corner, where Davidson took control.  With just a few touches, Davidson created an opening and blasted the ball towards the goal.  As forward Scott Percival made his way towards the ball, it was deflected off a Sea-Town United defender and snuck between the posts.  The fortunate goal energized Work in Progress, who relentlessly prodded for another successful strike.

WiP Striker Derek Long chases down a loose ball. Long bagged the game winner for the boys in Green.

Five more minutes passed, as the Progress-men continued to do work.  Again, WiP approached from the right, testing the waters with its shifted front-line.  Jay Davidson led the attack deep into Sea-Town United’s territory before passing it off to striker Derek Long, who received the beautifully placed cross about six yards out, and finished the job with an incredible left footed volley.  Long reported, “In my first few appearances with the WiP, I really suffered from the Drew Triplett syndrome, thus there was a lot of build up and I was ready for a spectacular finish.”  Davidson was credited with his first assist for the Progress.

Running with the early two goal lead, Work in Progress FC continued to put pressure on the keeper, with countless shots from the offensive unit.  Forward Scott Percival had a strong showing, adding to the onslaught of shots, with one off the inside edge of crossbar and another through the legs of the keeper that was called back due to a questionable “off-sides” ruling.

The ceaseless efforts of the WiP offense were matched by those of the unfaltering defenders, led by the stopper-sweeper combination of Kevin Sigley, who loves asparagus, and Chris Lambert.  These two held down the center of the field and severely limited Sea-Town United’s attack.  Due to the backline efforts and several key stops by keeper Max Berry, Sea-Town’s offense was rendered useless. 

Late in the first half, STU would rely on their most stellar defender to put them on the board.  The lanky Brit advanced the ball down the left side of the field, weaving his way though a group of lackadaisical defenders before firing off a blast from well-beyond the 18.  Berry, who was shading the inside post, raced towards the well-placed ball, but he was too late.  At the end of the first half, WiP lead by a score of 2-1.

In the second half, the Progress incorporated a lot of fresh legs using its surplus of substitutions from the sidelines.  Despite this solid group of well rested players, WiP had to fight to maintain its one goal lead.  On numerous occasions the Progress brought the ball down field, only to have it taken away as a result of careless footwork or showy play.  Several other opportunities were hampered by iffy offsides calls from the official.  Despite these setbacks, WiP controlled the ball and continued to shut down Sea-Town’s counter attacks.

Defender Alex Englund wins a brutal header. Englund helped anchor a backline that only gave up one goal on the day.

With less than ten minutes to play, Sea-Town United picked up the pace, aggressively attacking the Progress backline.  Defensive error around the perimeter of the box allowed the adversary to set up several fine opportunities that were fortunately shut down by middle defenders Patrick Cahill and Kevin Sigley.  While the two squads continued to fight back and forth, the time slowly ticked away, down to the closing whistle.

“Really big win for the Progress,” commented defender Eric Englund, “It’s good to come out with the W after a close one.”  Midfielder Riley Lovejoy chirped in, “We’re slowly climbing the charts!”  With Sunday’s victory, Work in Progress FC has moved into 5th place with a 3-2 record.  This week, the Progress faces the 3-2 Toureg FC back home at Magnuson Field.  Kickoff is at 9 AM Sunday.

Notes:
GK/Striker Drew “He-man” Triplett was unable to play in Sunday’s match due to a conflicting appointment with Dr. Haggerty.

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