England 3 USA 2
After a weeks break for all teams, Both sides prepared for their second game of the season with valuable points on the line.
The USA had obviously recognized their defensive frailties from the opening match, and had brought in some strong reinforcements at the back, while England were without the striking duo who had torn Ireland to shreds in the opening game
Pic Captains
In typical fashion, it was the USA who started with the most intent. Also missing both regular full backs, England were struggling when being attacked on the wing, Matty Fahey and Ighor Martins, getting plenty of opportunities to get past their man, and deliver service in to the middle. Fortunately for England, it was still their first choice central defensive partnership, who dealt with pretty much everything that came their way.
15 minutes in the USA took the lead, a mix up at the back and the ball fell for Ryan Cleverdon, who slotted home coolly.
(Video Cleverdon goal Chapter 10 on gopro card)
The lead didn’t last long though within five minutes, Rob Peacock, up for the corner was first to react after the keeper could only parry the initial attempt
( Video, Peacock goal, on youtube channel)
(Picture- Halftime scoreboard)
The second half started with the same intensity, strong tackling in midfield exemplified by the controlled tenacity of Andy Mason, who was restored to the line up alongside his brother.
Itgtg was from nothing that the USA took the lead. Under no pressure, a mix up between the English central defence, saw an errant over-struck Vergini–style back pass from Paul Mallen beat his own keeper. .
(Video Mallen own goal USA 2 England 1)- On youtube channel,,,another grainy one
Lets have another look at that one shall we
(Video Vergini own goal)
The USA were absolutely in this game, new players quickly adding quality all over the field, but it was not long before they were pegged back again. Mark Whitehouse, another Braintree Celtic player, notching his first for the team, worthy of a goal in his stand in striker role for the day
(Picture, Whitehouse goal)
The best twenty minutes of the game was still to come though, as both teams felt the game was there for the taking.
Within ten minutes though, Mike Owens freekick took a downward rocket trajectory off Kurtis Millans arse at the end of the USA wall and bounced over the out stretsched keeper and in to the back of the net to give England the lead in the first half.
The siege that followed from the USA is what will define the rest of their season. Faced with losing their second game straight, and with only fifteen minutes to go, they bombarded the English penalty box with crosses from open play, and corner after corner
(Video Fahey Freekick)- Graeme Doran equal to Fahey freekick
In the end though the USA just ran out of time, They certainly deserved a point, but definitely bright things ahead for a team that need a win, and need one fast…Next up Germany on the 28th for the USA…England take the week off and will be back July 5th for a match against Scotland /Northern Ireland.