FC Green Bay

On a nice Memorial Day weekend, the U17 Boys Orange did not advance to the semi's, despite 2 wins, 1 tie, 12 goals scored and 1 against. Also a great showing by first time participants U17 Boys Blue and U14 Boys Orange, proving that the FC Green Bay club is on the right track to compete with the best in the state. The U17 teams played all their games in Racine, the U14's were closer to home in Appleton. Below are scores and highlights:

FCGB U17 Boys Orange - FCGB U17 Boys Blue 2-0 (5/24)
MYSC Blue - FCGB U17 Boys Orange 0-0 (5/25)
FCGB U17 Boys Orange - MYSC White 10-1 (5/26)
The "luck" of the draw had paired two teams of two clubs in this group of 4 to see who would advance to the WI State Cup semi-finals on May 31, 2008.
The first game was a match up between the two FCGB teams, a very good game to watch with a better Orange team in the first half and a Blue team that came out "guns blazing" in the 2nd half. Both teams definitely played within the rules of the game, but if anyone thought that they would take it easy on eachother on this day, they were mistaken. Strong tackles and challenges, battles for 50-50 balls,  were all part of this game! The Orange team ended up winning by 2 goals. The first one scored by Anthony Santaga, assist Taylor Heintz, the second one, which without question will be the goal of the tournament, was scored by Tyler Harris. A collection with a thought, followed by an absolute "laser beam" from 35-40 yards out. GK'er Nick VanPay made some great saves for the Blue team, and GK'ers Tony and Eric combined for the shutout for the Orange team. Hunter Yewman and Josh VandenBush (as well as others) showed an unbelievable work rate throughout the game for the boys in blue.
Sunday, game 2, everyone knows this one is the big one. A match up between the Midwest Regional Premier League MYSC Blue (Madison) and MRL 1st division team FCGB Orange. The game was one of those 0-0 games that had everything a great soccer game should have. Emotion, something on the line, a good size crowd, a high tempo, balls rescued from the line, great combination soccer at times, individual display of skills etc.
The match started with some occassional stabs from both teams, most battles where fought in the midfield area in the beginning stages of this game. MYSC was threatening with deep throw-ins into the FCGB penalty box and FCGB got in behind the MYSC back three, without really creating any great chances. Andrew Ribiero and his midfield partner Hosing Lo were starting to take control of the center of the "park". A run from center back Paul Giesler, all the way into the opposing teams box, almost resulted in the opening goal. Paul slid in on the backpost after a cross from the right flank, unfortunately for him and the team, his big toe was just a fraction to short to get the ball inside the frame.
The second half started much like the first, some half chances, and still a very competitive game. The biggest chance of the 2nd half was for MYSC, a well struck half volley was cleared off the line by FCGB player Andrew Stone. The FCGB back four with Gerhartz (worked his tail off), Paul Giesler (solid like a rock), Adam Wied (relentless as always) and Andrew Stone (a very strong performance and a game saving clearance) with help of the excellent goalkeeping of Tony Klingert, kept the clean sheet.
Monday, the Orange team made a promise to eachother before the game to leave it all out on the field, and then see where the chips would fall. In their biggest offensive output of the year they crushed the MYSC White team 10-1. With so many goals it was impossible for the writer of this story to keep track. I believe Ribiero scored 2, Taylor had 2 or 3, Peter 1, Justin K. 2, Peltonen 1, Santaga 1, I notice that I am at least short a goal. In the end it all did not matter, MYSC Blue got through to the semis, because they beat the FCGB Blue team 6-1. A tough pill to swallow, but we will be back next year and give it another shot.

FCGB U17 Boys Orange - FCGB U17 Boys Blue 2-0 (5/24)
MYSC White - FCGB U17 Boys Blue 1-1 (5/25)
FCGB Blue - MYSC Blue 1-6 (5/26)
See story above for the 1st game. The 2nd game should have been a win for the blue team, too many chances were not converted according to coach Ross. None the less a good showing against a State Premier League team, showing that the State 1st division leaders FCGB Blue, will be ready for the next step. No details, at this time, on who scored the goal. In the 3rd game of the weekend, the Blue team opened the score and should have had a 2nd on a non-call after a foul by an MYSC defender in the box. As often in the game of soccer, within a minute the MYSC team marched down the field to score a, according to insiders, controversial goal. Reason for FCGB coach Ross, to let the center referee know that he was not going to be on his list for Christmas presents this upcoming December. The half-time score was 1-2. Only 30 seconds into the 2nd half the MYSC team out a third in the net. That's when the wheels fell off the wagon for the boys from Green Bay, they continued to battle but where unable to make a fist against the very strong MYSC team. Another great game though for the Blue guys from Green Bay (playing in Orange uni's) against one of the top teams in the Midwest.

FCGB U14 Boys Orange - MYSC Blue 2-2 (5/24)
KRSA DSC - FCGB U14 Boys Orange 2-0 (5/25)
FC Milwaukee Blue - FCGB U14 Boys Orange 4-1 (5/26)
A very meaningful weekend for our U14 guys, two games with two top Premier League teams (MYSC and FC Milwaukee).
MYSC and FCGB had a lot of dates this weekend, the U14's also had to play against a team from this club. A more then respectable 2-2 was on the score board at the end of this game. Coaches Poitras and Thompson (just returned from college), were able to guide the team to this result. It initially appeared as if the FCGB team was going to be "overrun" in this game, as the MYSC team had the better of the play and scored the first two goals. After settling in and getting used to the speed of play, the Green Bay was able to battle back to a 2-2 tie, Blake scored both goals, one from the penalty spot.
In their second game, which based on the scores of the previous day should have been an easier game the U14's learned that being the better of the two teams does not always automatically result in a win if you do not put your chances away. A great lesson to remember, but a game to forget.
The third day brought a matchup with arguably the best youth soccer club in Wisconsin, FC Milwaukee. Again the Orange guys brought a great dose of gamesmanship on this day. The FC from Milwaukee had some very talented players and was able to, for the most part, outplay the FC guys from Green Bay, but 4-1 is a very respectable score against one of the main contenders for this age-groups title. A great weekend which showed the FCGB guys that they definitely have made some strides already this year, but also a weekend which should give them motivation to continue to work hard in practice and games to come back next year, trying to close the gap between them and the top teams in Wisconsin.