Showstoppers unable to end Wolfpac groove...
 

Starfire Sports Facility, Sunday April 13^th, 5 PM
Match photos
 

Week two action within the SPSL has arrived. With teasing weather on Friday and Saturday, it was unfortunately  back to the familiar clouds and rain of a typical spring day in the Northwest when match time rolled around on Sunday at Starfire.

For the Second week and running Wolfpac appear dominate atop SPSL division 3. This match however wasn't exactly as it appeared on paper. Never did Wolfpac look completely comfortable with their lead and in turn they kept constant pressure on the showstoppers for the full 90 minutes.

Showstoppers were one of three winning teams within the division of eight. In week one they defeated Kimichi 4-1 and in the other match Three Lions bested the Eagles 4-2 while Seattle Sangam and Old Stars did not play.

Wolfpac was first on the score-sheet when a foul 26 yards out gave them their first free kick. Smith looped in a cross, right-to-left, into a cluster of players in the Showstopper box. With the Showstoppers goalkeeper coming off his line for the ball he was too far out when one of his defenders unintentionally headed the ball backwards resulting in an own-goal.

Eleven minutes later the Showstoppers had found their equalizer off their first corner kick. The ball was sent onto the far post as the wave of attackers and defenders flooded the area. A tall Showstopper midfielder was able to connect first, blasting in a header from eight yards out.

At the 35 minute mark Wolfpac got the go-ahead goal off their own corner. A nicely touched ball was sent to the far post where Smith headed it down towards the penalty spot. Waiting, corralling then shooting high, Wolfpac forward Kyle Lashbrook got his fourth of the early season.

Wolfpac added two more before halftime behind speedy Gonzales. His breakaway in the 42nd minute added Wolfpac's third of the match and then Gonzales was awarded a PK two minutes later after being tackled from behind in the Showstoppers penalty box. Merrifield stepped up and fired low, right, for Wolfpac's fourth.

Gonzales continued where he left off and put his hot boots to use on another Wolfpac set piece in the 52nd minute after Kyle Lashbrook was taken down just outside the penalty box left corner. The free kick cleared the Showstopper wall on its path into the upper near post V.

The Showstoppers threatened over the next ten minute period as Wolfpac failed to clear multiple balls out of their own end, into safety.

Although a tough performance by the Wolfpac defense (Boyett, Kevin Lashbrook, Reid, Stilley, Mills, Tyson Lashbrook and North) held strong enough. Wolfpac goalkeeper, Quemada, was also called on today thwarting multiple shots with punches wide or tips over the bar.

Wolfpac turned the momentum again after stringing passes out of it's defenses and linking up with Kyle Lashbrook. Lashbrook carried the ball 20 yards down the attacking left sideline before cutting in towards goal and curling in his second of the game into the back post netting. Kyle leads all Wolfpac goal scorers with five on the season.

Smith added Wolfpac's final goal of the match at the expense of a crushing hit on midfielder Matt North as he took his right-footed shot. The shot released before being hit by a Showstopper defender was low and quick; too much for the Showstopper's goalkeeper to hang onto. Smith followed up and poked the ball into the goal from 4 yards out as the Goalkeeper crawled to attempt a save. North picked himself up off the turf and was able to continued play.

A couple notes from the match: Jeff Mills joins Wolfpac this season and played his first game today - Welcome. Also, I figured I should mention the refereeing thus far. It has been surprisingly good, albeit only two games and perhaps a head-scratcher or two (which will always happen), but overall a fantastic job done. We've all seen things get out of hand because a referee fails to control the game and players; however, this is not the case here, yet. Thank you.