2-0 loss to Fusion

November 13th--This game was played at the Morgan Hill Outdoor Center Turf Football field, and it is a big, 120 yard by 60+ yard field. Add to this a consistent 20-30 mph wind blowing from north to south down the length of the field and this game turned into a half field game with whichever team had the wind at their back on the attack. It was very difficult for either team to clear the ball against the wind. Fusion had the wind advantage in the first half, and managed to get two scores, both by taking long shots. The first was a 30 yarder from in front of the penalty area on the left side. The ball popped away from the Sporting defense and one of the stronger Fusion legs drove it into the top of the goal over Kristen's outstretched arms. The second goal started with a shot of similar length, but this time Kristen was able to jump up and bat it away. Unfortunately, a Fusion forward was there to tap in the rebound. Fusion was also able to get a couple more good runs on the goal in the first half, but shots were errant. Sporting did manage to put some pressure on in the first half, penetrating and attacking the Fusion goal, but never with a clear shot.

In the second half, Sporting kept the ball and stayed on the attack for most of the half. The Fusion defense held, though, and Sporting kept playing the ball through the field with the wind and fast turf. Fusion, like Sporting had trouble moving the ball past midfield but did get a couple of near break aways that were stopped by Marina F. All in all the Fusion were a very different team than the one that we faced earlier in the year.