Olympics Run Rings Around Pioneers

Richmond Pioneers 1 Richmond Utd Olympics 4

On the virtually unplayable surface at McMath, the Richmond Pioneers entertained Richmond Olympics, a team they narrowly beat 1-0 earlier in the season. This time, the Olympics came out winners, with a convincing 4-1 victory in this eagerly anticipated local derby.

As the Pioneers continue their relentless march to mediocrity, the Olympics just seem to get stronger and stronger, as players move up (or is it down?) from their successful over 40 farm team. The Pioneers don't have the luxury of a 'farm' team, they are more of a 'pasture' team, which is where more and more of the squad look ready to be put out to.

As the game got underway, the Pioneers dominated most of the early possession, but the Olympics scored first when a beautifully struck shot from outside the 18 yard area sailed into the top corner of the net.

The Pioneers then dug themselves a big hole by gifting two goals to the Olympics. Pioneer keeper Dave Valitis could only parry a shot, and it took him and his defensive cohorts an eternity to scramble through the sand dune of a goalmouth to get to the loose ball. Unfortunately, an Olympics player got there in .9 of an eternity to give them a 2-0 lead. Soon afterward, a botched clearance by Valitis left him stranded and a chipped shot found the back of the net. 3-0 Olympics.

The second half saw the Pioneers dominate possession, with the Olympics content to protect their three goal lead. Ken Johnston had a great chance to reduce the deficit when a corner from Denis Harvington fell right to him on the back post, but his header went just wide of the post.

Around the 60 minute mark, the Pioneers finally got on the scoresheet with a goal not unlike the Olympics third, with Denis Harvington first timing a shot from 30 yards after a botched clearance from the Olympics keeper.

Sporting his flashy new red boots, Harvington was having a great game working tirelessly in the Pioneer midfield, the 'Imelda Marcos' of soccer obviously comfortable with the latest aquisition in his vast collection of soccer boots.

On a rare foray into the Pioneer half, the Olympics restored their three goal cushion, with the Pioneer defence meekly conceding a fourth goal.

Ken Johnston had another great chance when an Evgeni Kushnir cross from the left wing found him alone in front of goal, but again the sand pit in front of the net denied him the chance to get the contact he intended, his header going over the bar.

The Olympics efficiently ran the clock down for a 4-1 victory, and the Pioneers slump continues, having have won only one of their last 8 games.

This Sunday: No game. We have a bye. Next game is February 26 at home against Britannia.

		contact the webmaster