Strikers Continue Their Winning Ways
Strikers FV hosted Chicago Fire Youth SC in the Game of the Week in the 17U Premiership II Blue division. Strikers Fox Valley remain undefeated, and it has not gone without suffering. Chicago Fire was always going to put up a fight as they led at half before Strikers were able to turn things around and finish in commanding fashion, as they took the three points at home, winning 4-1.
Game Recap
Strikers FV and Chicago Fire Youth knew that the three points were crucial, they both came out showing urgency early on. Within 10 minutes, Caleb Kelly from Strikers FV would receive a brilliant ball where he would find himself in a 1v1 situation against the Fire defender, would beat him and see his quick shot get saved by Tommy Howe. Tommy would be an absolute headache for the Strikers attack as he had over 10 saves just in the first half, he was a wall. Not two minutes later, Omar Quevedo from the Fire, would get space to run with the ball into where he would find Mukhammedali Chubakov wide, he would send it into the box and Osnle Yacab comfortably slotted it past the Strikers Keeper. It was Chicago Fire 1, Striker’s nil. Strikers did not seem affected by the goal; they did not lose concentration and get impatient. Caleb Kelly was brilliant up top, consistently pressing high and disrupting Chicago Fire’s build up. It could not be overstated more; however, how important Tommy Howe was for Chicago Fire. Tommy had safe hands and showed great resilience, with 10 saves he was the current man of the match.
Strikers FV came out in the second half hungry and were dangerous immediately. At the 51st minute, Strikers would be awarded a penalty. Alec Graham took it confidently and sent the goalkeeper to the wrong direction. With the goal so early in the second half, the momentum shifted heavily in the Strikers direction. Eight minutes later, Caleb Kelly would score his fourth goal of the season to put things 2-1. A much-deserved goal after fighting for it all game. A corner was taken where it would rebound around and land on his feet before putting it in the back of the net. Chicago Fire did well to respond, they had a few chances go wide and they showed the grit and desire but unfortunately, this can lead to a team opening up in the back. Caleb would be involved again, as he took the ball wide finding Ilan Ortiz in great position to put things 3-1. Ilan had just returned back into the game and not five minutes later, would get his goal. Strikers now were showing great control of the game on both sides. Harrison Mellon from Chicago Fire would show some individual skill to get past the midfield before Strikers would show great defending to stop the attack. Yet again Caleb Kelly would be involved in another goal. Two goals and an assist in this game and five goals in the season, Caleb would show great composure in a 1v1 situation with the Fire Keeper to cement the win and go 4-1.
Player Interview
Caleb took the time to talk to us about the result and what this means going forward. He was asked about what the message was at the half that they managed to turn the 1-0 deficit in the first half to a commanding 4-1 win. “We were rushing the ball a little too much, we were playing way too frantic, we could have tried to possess a little more. I think we did more of that in the second half and created better chances for us,” said Caleb. “It feels great, it is all on us now to finish it out,” emphasized Caleb, as he reflected on his team’s performance and how he was feeling about his now five goals. He took the attention off himself and pointed out that it is on the team to finish strong. “We need to play calm and play as a team. Sometimes we can be a bit too individual, and we need to stick together,” he concluded.
Coach’s Post-Game Interview
We also, spoke to Chad Ransom, coach from Strikers FV. Leading the standings after the result and understanding his message at half, we asked him what his message to the team was at the conclusion of the match. “It’s not over, at any given day a team can come out and get the result. We have to continue to stay consistent and work to get better every day. As long they continue to strive for that, they will come out in good shape. Hopefully we can see this way through all the way,” said Chad. He continued stating “what sets our boys apart is the comradery, but also the competitiveness that they have with each other. When they are at practice, they want to beat each other as much as they want to beat the team at the weekend, and I think that makes a big difference. It is all about the attitude.” Consistency and mentality are what the Strikers Coach feels will bring his side to the summit. He knows it is not over, but he knows what his team is made of.
What’s Next?
Strikers now sit atop the standings with a game in hand. They are undefeated with 12 points out of a possible 12 points. They will play their three remaining games visiting SC Miners, hosting FC Lakeshore and concluding their season away at FC United. Chicago Fire also, has three games left to play and winning them all can still see them climb the standings. Crucial games lie ahead but they are ready for the challenge. They host Chicago Rush North and Heart of the City before they visit FC Lakeshore. Stay tuned for an exhilarating end to the division.