Passing Grade

Bosses satisfied with mid-table result on first season in new league

Santa Monica, CA – Malibu United end their inaugural season in the Manchester Division of the Santa Monica Adult Soccer League on Sunday with a 2-0 win over Dinosaurs of Reggae.

On the previous weekend, the boys had logged a solid performance despite a 2-1 loss against the league leaders, Hollywood Allstars FC, and they were looking for a decisive victory in this match to finish off their campaign on a high note.

United began the pressure early when newcomer Justin “JJ” Saul broke free at the top on four minutes, but the resulting shot overtook the wrong side of the goal post.

They wouldn’t have to wait long for a repeat chance, however, when only one minute later Midfielder Henry Meller worked a nifty give-and-go with forward Dave Keffer near the top of the Dinosaur’s penalty area. Keffer’s return pass split the legs of the final defender as Meller ran through and calmly touched the ball past the keeper with the outside of his right boot to finally open his scoring account for the team.

On fifteen minutes, Meller would get another chance when the official awarded United with a free kick in a dangerous spot twenty-five yards from goal. JJ Saul stepped up to take it, and struck a bullet that beat the goalkeeper but was denied by the crossbar. Then, Meller jumped in to pounce on the rebound, but his header sailed over the bar to keep the score at 1-0.

United would convert again, though, at thirty-one minutes after Xadier Gonzalez chased a ball into the right corner. Gonzalez delivered a high, looping cross toward the back post that striker Gabe Bonetti nicked of the back of one of the Dinosaur defenders before powering it past the goalkeeper and into the twine.

In the second half, United continued to pressure. Goalkeeper Ted Spilseth handed the gloves over to Ryan Silverman in order to take a run up top, and the change almost paid dividends on seventy minutes when Spilseth found himself with a heartbeat of space in the Dinosaur penalty area. His shot rolled wide of the mark, though, leaving his season tally at one goal and four clean sheets.

The Dinosaurs were able to pull one back before the end of the match on a nice flick from the right side that was re-directed past Silverman, but that would be all they could muster, and the game ended at 2-1.

The final season stats give the Golden Boot to striker Byron Paidoussi with ten goals in all competitions and seven in league play. Prodigal striker Ben Corrodi ties the league match tally with seven of his own, followed by newcomer Valentine Crisan with four, and veteran Dave Keffer with three. Keffer also leads the assists tally with seven total, followed by Paidoussi and team captain Ignacio Rodriguez with five assists each.

The days result leaves United sixth in a table of twelve teams, a position with which manager David Simpson seemed satisfied, “This league is a definite step up in quality from our previous league, and I think we represented well for the most part. We even gave the top four a run for their money on occasion.”

Looking toward next season, co-manager James Whalen added, “It’s a great position to build on. We’ll take a few tournaments and friendlies in the off-season, and we’ll be back stronger than ever next year.”


story by kef
photos by heidi

Gump Holds Strong

Bubba Gump delivers a solid performance to best United in weekend romp

Santa Monica, CA – After holding fourth place Old Boys to a nil-nil tie last weekend, Malibu United were excited about their chances on Sunday against Bubba Gump. United had beaten the lower ranked team twice previously this season, and their recent form had been improving.

Unfortunately, Bubba didn’t get the memo. The opponents started the scoring after only three minutes when defender Robert Silverman got turned around in the penalty area. The Gump striker was able to get a shot off that beat goalkeeper Ted Spilseth in the upper left corner.

United would draw level a short time later when striker Byron Paidoussi created some space down the left sideline. He drove into the corner and delivered a cross into the six-yard box that caromed off a defender and into the path of Dave Keffer. Keffer sidestepped his mark with a quick touch and then pounded the ball between the post and the keeper.

Bubba Gump again pulled ahead on twenty-seven minutes when a high cross was pinched out of the grasp of Spilseth by the head of one of the Gump strikers. The 2-1 score would carry into the half time break.

After the restart, Bubba Gump would nick another on a quick counter attack that ended in a pile up on the goal line and the ball in the back of the net.

United kept pressing forward, and almost pulled one back when winger Johan Galvan received a nice through-ball from midfielder Robert “Tubbs” Pike, who is back in the starting eleven after a recent knee injury. Galvan struck the ball well and would have been celebrating if not for a dramatic fingertip-save from the Gump goalkeeper.

A few minutes later, however, the goalkeeper wouldn’t be so lucky when veteran United midfielder Matt Kawczynski received a pass from Pike just inside the Gump half of the field. Kawczynski took a few steps forward and then drove a scorching thirty-five yard shot toward goal. The ball dipped just under the crossbar to give United some hope with only ten minutes remaining.

Manager David Simpson threw everything forward as United tried to level the scoreline. Unfortunately, in the final minute of play Bubba Gump broke free on the counter-attack, and with few United players covering the back, made quick and easy work of the forth and final goal.

The result leaves United solidly at the middle of the table as they prepare to face third place Sports Harbour next weekend.


story by kef
photos by heidi

MaliBru United!

Striker Byron “Bru” Paidoussi returns from suspension to lead United to their third victory in as many weeks

Santa Monica, CA – Spirits were high at the start of Sunday’s midday match. Most of the squad had seen or heard the results of the first half of the Confederations Cup Final where the US Men’s National Team were leading Brazil by two goals. Luckily, today’s kickoff was scheduled to occur before any further news could come out of South Africa.

United had their full roster available as they faced VCA Rebels, newcomers to the Manchester League. The Rebels would begin the match down a player and never quite recover from that deficit.

United dominated from the start. Keeping with their recent form, the passing was crisp, and their ability to maintain possession was apparent from the onset.

Young strikers Ben Corrodi and Valentin Crisan create some early chances for themselves, but it was veteran midfielder Lord Micheal Ridley, playing in his penultimate match for the club, who would start the scoring early in the first half, after the Rebels failed to clear a United attack into the right corner. Midfielder Ignacio Rodriguez was able to get a toe on the clearance and redirect the ball into the path of Ridley at the top of the penalty area. Ridley volleyed past the keeper with his usual aplomb causing the netting to billow and the supporters to erupt in cheers.

The next goal would come only a short time later when Rodriguez again delivered the ball through the middle, this time to striker Byron Paidoussi who was in traffic within the Rebel’s penalty area. Paidoussi had just enough time to pivot and touch the ball with his left foot past the rushing goalkeeper. The ball gently rolled into the far corner to give United the two goal advantage and lift Paidoussi out of his recent scoring slump.

Only ten minutes on, Paidoussi would strike again, and the assist would again come from Rodriguez out of the middle, this time toward the left side of the penalty area. Paidoussi collected, and chipped the goalkeeper with a right footed strike into the top of the onion bag. The half would end with United in a comfortable 3-0 lead.

After the break, United began to loosen up a bit. Spirits were still high, and there was a good deal of laughing and ribbing coming from the sideline. The pinnacle of which came when forward Ryan Silverman was part of a play that earned United a penalty kick. One of the Rebel defenders knocked the ball down with an outstretched hand, and the official had no choice but to point to the spot. Young Romanian striker Valentin Crisan confidently stepped up to claim the kick, but when cheers of “Ryan! Ryan!” came from the sideline, Crisan graciously stepped aside to give young Silverman his chance to shine. Unfortunately, Silverman’s strike was blocked by the keeper's trailing legs, and when he rushed in to pounce on the rebound, he toe-poked the ball wide of the gaping goal that loomed in his path. Applause still sounded from the stands, however, because in the eyes of the United faithful, Silverman can do no wrong.

The Rebels would get one back in the midway point of the second half after goalkeeper Ted Spilseth covered a dangerous back pass from midfielder Henry Meller. Despite some confusion about the letter of the law, the official called for an indirect free kick inside the United penalty area. After a brief huddle to discuss their strategy, the Rebels came out with a dizzying cavalcade of step-overs that froze the United back line before their last man passed the ball toward the far post. A few bobbling touches later, and the ball found its way between the legs of the last United defender and into the net. The Rebels cheered at their creativity, as did many of the United players, some of whom were still spinning from the display.

The game then began to disintegrate a bit, as United started to lose a little bit of focus, but all it took was a stunning cross from defender Matt Kawczynski that curled with tempo into the six yard box to turn the momentum back their way. Kawczynski’s ball looked at first to be a dangerous shot, but the outward spin instead turned it directly onto the head of striker Byron Paidoussi who was waiting at the far post. Paidoussi redirected it cleanly into the net to secure the natural, three-appendage hat trick, and to put the match out of reach for the Rebels.

After the full time whistle, the United boys congratulated each other for another game well played. Team confidence is high going into next week’s Holiday break, but the boys will be needing everything they can muster when they return in two weeks to face second place Sunset FC.




story by kef

English Lessons

United build on last week’s success with a dominant 2-0 performance against Frogs Soccer

Santa Monica, CA – The mid-afternoon match on Sunday would provide an important three points for Malibu United as they faced off against the French Internationals of Frogs Soccer. The boys started strong and hardly wavered for the full ninety minutes in what many supporters are calling their best performance to date.

The scoring was initiated once again by young Valentin Crisan when defender Vince Williamson took a long throw from the left sideline. The ball found the diagonal run of forward Dave Keffer who was entering the box from the right. Keffer controlled it into the path of Crisan who pushed the ball to the end line, drawing the goalkeeper toward him. At the last second, Crisan toe-poked past the keeper at an impossibly acute angle, and the shot rolled right along the goal line and just inside the far post to give United the early lead.

Malibu maintained the lions share of possession for the remainder of the first half with a display of controlled passing that had most of the supporters on their feet. The boys were working the ball left to right in the back, and with midfielders Michael Ridley and Henry Meller commanding the center of the field, United rarely turned the ball over to their opponents.

After the half-time break, it was more of the same, and United would soon extend their lead. In the fifty-fifth minute, midfielder Ignacio Rodriguez was awarded a free kick only twenty-five yards from the Frogs goal. After a few hand signals to his team mates, Rodriguez stepped up and delivered a curling cross that dropped right into the path of forward Dave Keffer. Keffer put his head to the ball and redirected it into the back of the twine to give United the two goal lead.

That lead would stand for the remainder of the match as United maintained their dominance for the duration.

The result puts them back into the upper half of the table, and with next week’s match scheduled against another lower level side, United will be expected to continue their good form and build on their recent success.



story by kef
photos by heidi

Valentin's Day

Romanian import finally makes good on his over-inflated transfer fee with hat trick in 7-1 rout on Sunday

Santa Monica, CA – After several weeks of disappointing results, Malibu United took the opportunity to put on a scoring clinic in the late match on Sunday against the most recent addition to the league, Dinosaurs of Reggae.

The Dinosaurs were added to the league to replace the disbanded Pacman FC who were forced to surrender their campaign after losing their main sponsor.

Despite their record, United’s recent form on the pitch had been consistently improving, and against this freshman side, their dominance was immediately evident. After only five minutes, striker Ben Corrodi, returning from a recent back injury, received a pass from newcomer Devon Myers and worked some of his dribbling mojo to create space for a well placed shot at the top of the eighteen. The Dinosaur’s goalkeeper had no chance as the ball found the lower-left corner to start the scoring.

Then in the eleventh, midfielder Johan Galvan outran his defender and slotted a perfect through-ball into the path of rookie striker Valentin Crisan. The Romanian wonderkind kept his cool and placed the ball into the lower right side of the net to mark his first goal for United after his much-lauded transfer from the Steaua Bucharest youth development program.

Ten minutes later, United had another great chance when midfielder Henry Meller headed the ball over the last defender toward Ben Corrodi who had only the goalkeeper to beat. Corrodi sidestepped the keepers challenge, but his shot was dramatically deflected off the line by the head of one of the Dinosaur’s defenders to keep the score at 2-0.

The drama continued in the Dinosaur’s penalty box when Corrodi got called for a studs-up challenge. The collision caused the defender to walk angrily off the field and straight into the bar across the street to order himself a pint and a bag of ice.

In the thirtieth, it was United who reaped the benefits of a foul called at about twenty-five yards out. Young Valentin Crisan stepped up with confidence to claim the free kick and delivered a precision strike that curled over the wall and into the upper left corner of the net. The Dinosaur goalkeeper made a valiant effort to block the shot, but had no chance as Crisan extended United's lead.

The Malibu boys would claim one more before halftime when midfielder Henry Meller found veteran forward Dave Keffer at the top of the Dinosaur’s penalty area. Keffer tapped the ball through to Ben Corrodi who was approaching on the outside. Corrodi struck the ball well, but the keeper parried it away. Keffer pounced on the rebound, however, and half-volleyed into the far side of the onion bag to carry United into the break at 4-0.

With the comfortable lead, manager David Simpson shuffled some players around. Goalkeeper Ted Spilseth gave the gloves to defender Chris De La Riva and joined Gerry Smith up top to get some offensive minutes.

De La Riva was forced to make a dramatic “save” in the first minute of the second half when he slid in to collect a free ball in the area. With no attackers in sight, though, most of the supporters familiar with Riva’s style simply chuckled at the dynamic photo-op.

Spilseth nearly had a quick effect up top when he sent midfielder Devon Myers free on goal with a nice pass. Myers finished the try with ease, but the goal was called back when the linesman signaled for offside.

Gerry Smith then had a golden opportunity on fifty-two minutes when he settled a ball in the Dinosaur penalty area. His first try put the goalkeeper on the ground as the ball came back to his feet. Then his second try was stopped again, but somehow Smith was given a third bite of the apple. Unfortunately, though, the Dinosaur’s keeper was was able to control the final attempt and shut down the sizable striker.

United continued to press forward, and in the sixty-third minute, forward Dave Keffer received a ball just inside the Dinosaur’s half. He turned around his defender, and pushed a pass into the run of midfielder Devon Myers. Myers did well to collect the ball in traffic, sidestepped the last defender, and chipped the goalkeeper like a seasoned professional. This time the goal would stand, and Myers did a little dance to celebrate his first for the club.

Only three minutes later, things got a little heated when Byron Paidoussi was taken down just outside the box. Paidoussi, whose fiery temper has gotten him in trouble before, simmered in response. He was able to calm himself, though, for the resulting free kick, and he delivered a seething worm-burner into the pack where United goalkeeper Ted Spilseth, now playing in the front line, put one foot on the shot to redirect it into the lower right corner.

United were up 6-0, but the skies would darken a bit a few minutes later when Paidoussi finally came to a boil and retaliated against a knock he took in the Dinosaur penalty area. The referee instantly pulled out the yellow card, but that wasn’t enough for Paidoussi who continued to verbally challenge the defender. The official reached into his other pocket and sent Paidoussi packing.

Spilseth then had another chance to effect the scoreline when he found himself with time at the top of the eighteen. His strike was headed for the lower right corner, but the Dinosaur goalkeeper made a dramatic save to deny his counterpart.

Then in the seventy-fifth minute, it was again Valentin Crisan’s time to shine. After a well placed ball from forward Dave Keffer put him free on goal, Crisan powered a low, left-footed shot past the goalkeeper to make the score 7-0 and secure the hat-trick and the Man-of-the-Match award, and to provide a decent argument for making June 14th Valentin's day.

The Dinosaurs were able to pull one back a few minutes later to regain some dignity, and United would get a few more chances before the full time whistle, but with the 7-1 final score, United were happy to take three points on the day.


story by kef
photos by heidi

Weekend Friendly

Bubba Gump forfeit gives United a chance to check out some new faces

Santa Monica, CA – With only seven men arriving on time, Bubba Gump was forced to forfeit Sunday’s match, giving United a 3-0 victory and allowing the lads to enjoy a low pressure friendly.

Striker Byron Paidoussi took the opportunity to break his recent scoring slump with three goals in the first half. Midfielder Lamine Sagna had three close chances, on of which was a diving header that nearly was redirected into the goal.

United backup goalkeeper Ryan Silverman joined the opposition for the ninety minutes, leading to several fun moments in the Bubba Gump penalty box.

Overall, it was an entertaining afternoon which gave the boys a much needed three points on the day.


story by kef
photos by heidi

Struggling

After three dismal showings, United fight to maintain their mid-table position

Santa Monica, CA – Malibu United served up a 3-0 Mother’s Day loss on the weekend against Sports Harbour to make a total of three league losses in a row.

Despite some runs of good possession and several good chances to crack open the Harbour defense, United couldn’t seem to deposit the ball into the net.

This comes on the heels of another disappointing performance against the third place team, Old Boys, in which frustration dictated the pace and the mood. The only bright spot in that 6-1 loss was a stellar header that midfielder Lamine Sagna powered into the back of the twine off a deep cross from Gerry Smith.

The results leave United fourth from bottom of the Manchester league with only fifteen points on the season thus far.

The positive news is that next week United will face off against Bubba Gump who sit third from the bottom with ten. Hopefully United can break their losing streak and regain some confidence against the lessor side.

Kickoff is at 4:10pm.


story by kef
photos by heidi

Right Through Their Fingers

United suffer disappointing 2-1 loss to a diminished Sunset FC.

Santa Monica, CA – Malibu United faced off against the second place Sunset FC in the early match on Sunday, and it looked as though they may have caught a break when Sunset’s roster topped off at only nine men.

United took the initial lead on twenty-two minutes when they were awarded a free kick in the Sunset half of the field. Midfielder Lamine Sagna delivered a curling ball toward the far side of the six-yard box where striker Ben Corrodi put his freshly-shorn head on it, redirecting it toward the inside of the left post.

For the remainder of the first half, United held their own. Backup goalkeeper Ryan Silverman did well to keep the ball out of the United goal, and the boys in blue looked confident with the two man advantage.

Unfortunately, that would change after the half-time break when Sunset were able to draw level and then, in the sixty-third, take the lead after a penetrating run down the left side left one of their midfield players free at the top of the box. The low shot was driven hard past Silverman into the far corner of the net, and almost out of nowhere, the score was 2-1.

United’s attitude began to crumble as well when several calls from the official seemed to be going against them. Striker Byron Paidoussi, never one to back out of a challenge, was cautioned for a dramatic foul while attacking a loose ball that a sunset defender was attempting to shepherd over the end line. And then, defender Robbie Silverman was cautioned in the seventieth for dissent when an offside call was missed by the linesman on the United end.

Things only got worse as United struggled to pull on back. In the seventy-fifth minute, there was a glimmer of hope when Paidoussi had again penetrated into the Sunset end. He drove the ball all the way to the touch line where he was able to cross in to Ben Corrodi in front of the goal. Corrodi calmly pushed the ball past the keeper, but the center referee had whistled the play dead from twenty-five yards out when he believed the ball went over the end line. The linesman, who was in a much better position to judge, seemed to disagreed and even called the center over to discuss. But in the end, the scoreline stay at 2-1.

United hung their heads low at the final whistle, knowing that they had just let a golden opportunity to collect three points slip away.




story by kef
photos by heidi

Turn Up the Heat

United confidently collect three points from GT United

Santa Monica, CA – On one of the hottest days of the year to date, Malibu United got set to take on GT United in what many spectators were calling the “United Derby.”

Malibu were fielding a slightly diminished side, so managers Whalen and Simpson called up a few players from the reserves to fill in the gaps.

Strong from the onset, Malibu were the first to threaten when forward Ryan Silverman got ahold of corner kick that had been flicked on toward the back post. Silverman pivoted and struck the ball firmly on the volley with his right foot, but was denied when the attempt clanged off the woodwork.

In the thirteenth, winger Dave Keffer found himself with space on the left side, but after sidestepping his defender to put himself one on one with the GT goalkeeper, he shanked the shot to keep the game level.

Striker Byron Paidoussi, freshly back from a one match ban, also had some early chances, but it was wonder-kind striker Ben Corrodi who would put the first point on the board in the twenty-seventh minute when team captain Ignacio Rodriguez closed down a loose ball in the midfield. The Spanish skipper eyeballed Corrodi’s run and delivered a perfectly weighted pass right through the GT defense. As the goalkeeper collapsed in on the play, Corrodi pulled one of his classic side-step maneuvers and essentially walked the ball across the open goal line.

The Malibu defense was giving a strong display as well. Central defender Chris “Wolverine” De La Riva was on form as usual, doing his best to create dynamic photo-ops for posterity, and goalkeeper Ted Spilseth had several nail biting saves to keep United ahead until the half time break.

At half time, co-manager James Whalen took an opportunity to describe the previous evening’s adventures in West Hollywood, forcing midfielder Henry Meller to douse his cap in cold water to ensure he would stay focused on the task at hand.

After the break, it was more of the same, with both Paidoussi and Corrodi getting several good looks at the GT goal.

It looked as though the game might even out in the fifty-second when Chris De La Riva was called for questionable foul in the Malibu half. Riva had words with the official, but his mind was already made up and he awarded the free kick. One of the GT midfielders then delivered a cracking ball that bent its way around the wall toward the far corner of the net, and United would have found themselves level again if not for the acrobatic stylings of Ted “Teddy Bear” Spilseth, who took the opportunity to stretch his right paw skyward.

Only five minutes later, striker Byron Paidoussi was delivered a running ball down the right side of the pitch. He chased it down into the corner and was able to launch an off-balance cross that curled back into the far side of the GT penalty box and directly onto the waiting head of Ben Corrodi. Corrodi powered a header past the goalkeeper to make the score 2-0.

Malibu held on for the remainder, and even threatened to add a third. Solid displays from midfielders Jason Grima and Henry Meller created some offensive spark, and Paidoussi had several more chances to claim a goal of his own, but wasn’t able to convert any of them. The game ended at 2-0.

The result gives Spilseth his second clean sheet of the season and leaves United in sixth place on the league table.




story by kef
photos by heidi

Help Me Obi Wan

Striker Ben Corrodi returns to United front line and leads the squad to 4-1 victory over Frogs Soccer

Santa Monica, CA – United manager James Whalen convinced prodigal striker Ben “Obi Wan” Corrodi to suspend his early retirement and join the side on Sunday as they sought retribution against Frogs Soccer.

Corrodi’s speed paid early dividends as United were able to penetrate immediately into the Frogs end, but it was the Frogs who struck first when in the tenth minute United failed to clear the ball after a melee in the penalty box. Frogs pounced on the loose ball and converted the try to give themselves the early lead.

About thirteen minutes later, however, United leveled when newcomer Patrick Morrison was able to feed Corrodi near the top of the Frogs penalty area. Corrodi did a little sidestep before burying the ball into the twine.

Then on thirty-two minutes, midfielder Henry Meller won a fifty-fifty ball in the United end and sent Xadier “zod” Gonzalez sailing down the right side of the field. Zod turned on the back-burners and drove the distance toward the Frogs goal, smoothly passing the lone defender with a quick toe poke. The goalkeeper did his best to cut off the angle, but Zod’s right-footed strike found the far side of the net to give United the lead.

After the break, United came out strong. Skipper Ignacio “Roach” Rodriguez and Henry Meller cut through the Frogs midfield before Meller crossed toward forward Dave Keffer at the top of the box. Keffer turned and shot, but failed to connect cleanly. When the ball came off a defender to the feet of Ben Corrodi, though, he had only to tuck it past the keeper for his second of the day.

Then, at around fifty-five minutes, Corrodi again found himself with space, this time on the left side. His defender gave chase as Corrodi pushed into the penalty area, but was unable to catch him. Corrodi's shot was blocked by the goalkeeper, but when the rebound came back out, he buried his second attempt to secure the hat trick ... and the ice cream sandwich.

The 4-1 score would hold until the final whistle giving United their fourth win of the season.



story by kef
photos by heidi

Dance Dance Disillusion

Fancy footwork aside, United fall to Pacmen in the final minutes.

Santa Monica, CA – Malibu United had a strong showing on Sunday against third-from-the-top Pacmen, and almost walked away with a point for their effort.

Backup goalkeeper Ryan Silverman delivered a stellar performance with several highlight-worthy saves, and the United back four did well to help keep the scoreline clean for most of the game.

Toward the end of the first half, United suffered a setback when striker Byron Paidoussi was ejected after displaying his affection for the opposing goalkeeper. Paidoussi first received a caution, but was given a second yellow when he couldn’t find it in his heart ignore the Pacmen goalkeeper’s advances. To balance things out, the referee showed the same courtesy to the Pacmen and ejected their goalkeeper as well.

Unfortunately, United weren’t able to take advantage of the change, and the game stayed knotted at zeroes until the eighty-seventh minute when one of the Pacmen strikers was able to find some space on the left side and slot the ball past Silverman.




story by kef
photos by heidi

Shots Fired!

United contribute to their own 4-0 drubbing by the undefeated league leaders

Santa Monica, CA – The ominous clouds and steady rain Sunday morning might have given some indication of the events to come. United faced off against the undefeated Hollywood Allstars FC in the early morning match, and began the day at a deficit. With several players injured or missing, and Hollywood fielding their usually full roster, it seemed only a matter of time and pressure.

Despite the odds and the weather, however, the sun soon poked through, and United seemed ready to stand up to the Hollywood onslaught. For the first several minutes of the match, United’s defense repelled the Hollywood attack, and the strike team had a few quick counter attacks that seemed to show that there might be a chance for an upset.

Unfortunately, that would change in the tenth minute when United let in a cheap goal after a Hollywood corner kick bobbled free in front of the net. United tried to close, but the shot rolled through the pack and into the lower-left corner of the net to give Hollywood the early lead.

It was a physical game, and United were doing what they could to keep pace. In the twenty-third, Adam McLean delivered a cross from the right side that the Hollywood goalkeeper mishandled after attacking pressure from midfielder John Visher. The ball fell free in front of Gerry Smith, who had pressed forward from the back, but Smith’s attempt to tuck it in the goal went wide.

Then on thirty-three minutes, Hollywood struck again with a well placed cross that was flicked on to the far side of the goal and into the path of their striker who buried it into the twine with a solid header to put his team up 2-0.

United weren’t about to give up, though. About a minute later, some nice combination play between midfielders Ignacio Rodriguez, Dave Keffer, and Robert Pike, left Keffer free in the penalty area. His left-footed attempt, however, glanced off the leg of a Hollywood defender and sailed wide of the target.

After the half-time break, United began to see a little more of the ball, and were winning many of the balls in the air at the midfield. Defenders Gerry Smith and Chris De La Riva were doing well to clean up the back, and the midfielders were beginning to find some holes in the Hollywood back line. New player Xadier Gonzalez, returning to the lineup after a brief injury, had several good runs of possession and distribution. Unfortunately, though, United couldn’t seem to convert any of their chances.

In the sixtieth, striker Byron Paidoussi was sent behind the Hollywood defense with a well weighted through-ball. The resulting shot, though, was parried by the Hollwood goalkeeper's lap, and when the rebound fell at the feet of midfielder Adam McLean, his shot sailed wide.

Five minutes later, Paidoussi again created some space for himself, this time down the right side. He cut in toward the goal, and slotted the ball past the keeper. Unfortunately, a Hollywood defender was able to pull the ball off the line just as United were beginning to celebrate, and the scoreline remained unchanged. It was beginning to feel as though the Malibu boys wouldn’t find the goal no matter how hard they tried.

That feeling was then confirmed in the sixty-seventh, when striker Byron Paidoussi, United’s leading goal-scorer of the season, found himself alone in the six yard box as the ball bounced through to him from the far side. He had only to tuck the ball into the back of the net, but as the day was going, no one was surprised when his close-range shot sailed high over the bar.

After that, it was pretty much downhill for United. Paidoussi was booked in the seventy-second minute for arguing with another player, who also received a caution. Hollywood scored a third goal, and then a fourth in quick succession, and United’s day came to a decidedly disappointing end.

The loss leaves United with the same nine points they had last week. Luckily, with the other results in the league, they will remain at the head of a three-team tie in the middle of the table against GT United and FC Kickers, both of whom fell against United in head-to-head competition earlier in the season.

Next Sunday pits United against the third place team, Pacmen FC. Kickoff is at 4:10pm at Santa Monica Airport Park.



story by kef
photos by heidi

United Kick Kickers

Malibu hold onto a narrow lead in dramatic 1-0 victory

Santa Monica, CA – The boys suited up for a battle on Sunday against FC Kickers, another team near the middle of the Manchester Division.

Malibu was once again hampered by injuries and illnesses and went in to the game only suiting up 14 players on the team sheet. Luckily, their opposition was in the same predicament.

United did welcome back Chris Harvey a wide player with plenty of energy and pace and they knew that if he got enough of the ball he could make an impact on the days game.

The team was coming off a poor performance from the previous weekend, so managers David Simpson and James Whalen decided to clog up the middle with five midfielders in hopes of maintaining a little more possession. The strategy was effective immediately, with Malibu building up an attack and spreading the ball around.

With this strategy, lone striker Byron Paidoussi was forced to make a lot of lateral runs and hold the ball up when he received it in the attacking third. This suited Paidoussi’s style and he made the best out of every opportunity. Kickers were only able to get to the middle third while building up their own offence, and Malibu stood solid in the back anchored by Vince Williamson and co-captain Chris “Wolverine” De La Riva.

The first half was mostly played in the middle of the park with neither team wanting to give up an early goal. Iñigo Rodriguez and Dave Keffer made several good runs but nothing found the back of the Kickers net. The team looked solid down the middle of the field, with Robert “Tubbs” Pike holding down the midfield, and the wide players getting up and down the field.

Kickers did create one good chance from inside the Malibu box but goalkeeper Ted Spilseth reacted quickly and was able to palm the shot over the crossbar.

The teams went in the halftime break knotted at zeros.

Malibu stayed with their formation to start the second half but was also aware that their opponents would start to tire out forcing the game to really open up. Both teams produced looks at goal but nothing too concerning for United.

United needed a victory so they moved Rodriguez up top to play with Paidoussi. With just under 20 minutes left in the games some of the veteran United players were getting tired legs. This was most apparent when David Simpson was back pedaling to trap a ball and ended up on his back side. Without hesitation, though, he was able to improvise and do some freestyle juggling, collect his own pass and dribble away.

The mishap ended up turning into good fortune when shortly thereafter, this season's leading scorer Byron Paidoussi collected a through-ball played in off the foot of De La Riva and was able to slot it under the onrushing Kickers goalkeeper and into the back of the net.

The team once again dropped Rodriguez back into the midfield looking to hold on to the lead and secure the win.

Much to the dislike of the United players and fans the referee awarded Kickers a number of dubious free kicks just outside of the Malibu box but nothing became of them.

Malibu goalkeeper Ted Spilseth did a fantastic job in the remaining minutes collecting all of the Kickers shots, and he was almost able to created a few scoring opportunities by releasing winger Chris Harvey on the counter attack.

United rode out the remainder of the game and was able to put another win in the win column, marking the first clean sheet of the season for Spilseth.

With this result, Malibu currently sit in the middle of the league table, adjacent to four other teams all with the same win percentage.

United face the toughest battle of the season next Sunday as they are set to play the team at the top of the table, Hollywood All-Stars. The boys are looking forward to this encounter because not only does Hollywood bring their pompous name and their porn-star cheering section, but the team is also coached by former English Premier League player and current actor, Vinnie Jones.

Kickoff is at 9:30am. Arrive early for premium seating!


story by d. simpson
photos by heidi

Daylight Savings

United take another hit in weekend dust up

Santa Monica, CA – In an effort to string together two wins in a row, Malibu United faced off against Sports Harbour on Sunday. Unfortunately, with several players unavailable due to scheduling conflicts, the result was much the opposite.

Sports Harbour managed a good deal of possession from the onset, but United were able to create a counterattack that threatened the Harbour goal on more than one occasion.

In fact, the first goal came only ten minutes in when United captain Ignacio “Roach” Rodriguez burst behind the Harbour defense with a sprint toward the right side of the penalty area. When the defense tried to close him down, he dropped the ball to Byron Paidoussi at the top of the box. Paidoussi drew two defenders toward him before laying off a nifty back pass into the path of an onrushing Adam McLean who had collapsed in from the midfield. McLean took one step and buried the ball back across the goal and into the net.

This sweet display of passing gave United a boost in confidence that lasted until the twenty-third minute when Sport Harbour were able to level the scoreline.

United struggled against the grain to pull ahead again, and they looked as though they may when defender Chris De La Riva made a run from the back and was delivered a clever through-ball by Michael Ridley playing on the right midfield. De La Riva beat the offside trap and was one on one with the Harbour goalkeeper, but his final touch let him down, and United entered the break at 1-1.

Unfortunately, the second half would prove too much for the diminished United roster. With only two substitutes, the Harbour passing game would wear them down.

Despite some stellar defensive play, Sport Harbour netted three more before the end of the match, making the final score 4-1.

United’s upcoming schedule will prove to be difficult. The next three matches are against the top three teams in the league.

story by kef
photos by heidi

Life Is Like A Box Of Chocolates

United break out the trawl nets and catch themselves some shrimp

Santa Monica, CA – Going into Sunday’s match, Malibu United was coming off one of their worst losses in club history, losing 7-2 to the Old Boys. But, the team was determined to get another win under their belt while they prepared to face Bubba Gump.

Malibu fielded a strong starting 11, welcoming back Robert “Tubbs” Pike and Michael Ridley, the team also called on back-up goalkeeper Ryan Silverman to don the mitts.

United took control for most of the first ten minutes while limiting their opponents to very few touches of the ball. The United team kept pressing into the attacking third of the field and won a corner kick at the 13th minute mark. Team captain Ignacio Rodriguez delivered a well-measured cross with pace to the top of the box near an awaiting Lamine Sagna. Sagna rotated his body and attempted what would have been the Manchester League goal of the year only to see the Gump goalkeeper stand strong and punch it away.

Luckily for United the ball fell to the feet of their top goal scorer Byron Paidoussi and this time he gave the goalkeeper no chance by smashing it in off the inside of the post.

Malibu was ahead, but unfortunately this woke up the Bubba Gump players, and they started to climb back into the game. The opponents midfield was able to sneak a ball in behind the United back four and their striker was in with only Silverman to beat. The Petr Cech-like Silverman made himself big and came out at the striker to cut off his shooting angle. The back-up shot stopper came out on top and preserved Malibu’s lead.

Malibu once again settled down their play and spread the ball around the field taking several shots of their own. It looked like Malibu was going into the half up 1-0 when yet again Gump got in behind the defense. Center back Vince Williamson chased down the striker and was forced to bring him down just outside of the penalty box, earning himself a yellow card in the process. His effort more then likely also preserved Malibu’s lead because nothing became of the free kick and the referee blew the whistle for the half.

United started the second half like they started the game, maintaining most of the possession. Unfortunately, against the run of play, Gump earned a free kick 30 yards out and were able to capitalize on it. They delivered a great aerial ball that took a couple of deflections and landed at the feet of one of their players. He easily slotted the ball under Silverman from seven yards out and the game was tied.

Building on their momentum, Gump kept pressing forward and creating several good chances. Silverman and his back four came up huge on a few Gump opportunities and the game remained deadlocked.

With their opponents looking for the go ahead goal, United created a few good chances of their own. Skipper Rodriguez created great space for himself at the top of the Gump penalty area and let loose a thunderous shot only for the keeper to paw away. Then, with one of his trademark looping shots from distance, Michael Ridley beat the goalkeeper but not the crossbar.

The field really began to open with both teams not afraid to send players forward in an attempt to separate themselves from the middle of the table. This worked to United's advantage when Gump were exposed at the back. Veteran striker Dave Keffer pulled a lone defender just inside the box and nicely turned him, forcing the defender to take Keffer's legs out from underneath. The referee immediately pointed to the spot, and United PK taker Ignacio Rodriguez stepped up with four minutes left on the clock and buried home a powerful shot into the top left corner. It was behind the goalkeeper before he even moved.

United killed off the remaining time on the clock and took home another victory. They looked more organized this week then their previous effort and are now starting to build some confidence.

With the help of many blocked shots by his field players, Silverman allowed only one goal in his first Manchester League appearance. With his unorthodox, but effective shot blocking, Silverman wins the Man of the Match award.


story by d. simpson
photos by heidi

Bruised and Battered

United struggle against a strong Sunset FC side in weekend loss

Santa Monica, CA - Malibu United faced a tough test on Sunday against the team at the top of the Manchester division table.

Several key players were nursing injuries. United captain Ignacio Rodriguez was sporting a striking new head-bandage after a training accident on the treadmill left him with several stitches on his forehead. Veteran striker, Dave Keffer, was still sidelined due to a separated shoulder, but showed up to support his club. Defender Gerry Smith was also absent due to a bruised ego.

New defender Vince Williamson, still reeling from the previous evening’s escapades, showed his mettle by shaking off the cobwebs and stumbling onto the pitch. And, backup goalkeeper Michael Ridley was given the start as manager Simpson bemoaned the late arrival of their number one, Ted Spilseth.

The match began relatively slowly, with both teams having equal possession of the ball. Sunset would soon tip the balance, however, with several runs of good controlled passing.

When Spliseth finally arrived, he was substituted in for Ridley, but on the tenth minute, was forced to weather a bit of a bump when he lost his footing and had to smother a dangerous back pass. Sunset FC was given an indirect free kick within the United penalty area. Luckily, the United wall was able to deflect the attempt, and play continued at zeros.

Then in the twentieth minute, Sunset was awarded a penalty kick when United defender Robbie Silverman, back from his extended vacation in Switzerland, waved off the league’s slide-tackle policy to gave the supporters a demonstration of his defensive abilities. He was immediately cautioned for the offensive and sent to the sideline to contemplate his error. Fortunately for Silverman, United were able to narrowly avoid being a goal down when Spilseth was able to cover the resulting shot.

Sunset kept pressing forward, though, and were finally able to convert in the thirty-fourth minute after United defender Chris De La Riva gave up a foul just outside of the United penalty area. This time, the Sunset free kick was curled in beautifully over the wall, and Spilseth had no chance to stop it.

The 1-0 score line would hold until half time, but it was all downhill after the break.

Only a few minutes into the second half, a defensive miscue left one of the Sunset strikers wide open in front of the United goal. Spilseth did what he could to close it down, but the Sunset striker kept his composure and chipped the ball into the net.

Then, ten minutes later, Sunset again found space in United’s third. This time from the left side. Spilseth, who had made several solid stops at the back, again tried to cut off the angle, but the shot was well placed and put Sunset ahead by three.

At seventy-three minutes, things took a sour turn when United’s flamboyant winger Michael “Lord Ridley” Ridley was clipped while demonstrating the diversionary capabilities of his fancy striped socks. Ridley went down in a heap and suffered a severe ankle injury that had team physios predicting several weeks of recovery.

Sunset added one more to the score sheet in the eighty-fifth minute to make the final score Sunset FC 4, United 0.

The only positive outcome on the day was the long-awaited delivery of the championship trophy for the 2008 Summer League that United secured last August. However, that did little to lift the spirits as United must now go back to work in order to regroup for their next match against Old Boys at 2:30pm next Sunday.


story by kef
photos by heidi

Clobbering Time

United skipper leads new squad to 3-1 victory in second match of the season

Santa Monica, CA – Despite a 2-0 loss in their first match, Malibu United’s new roster looked strong, and on Sunday the team pulled together to create a convincing win against GT United.

Several new players were given a chance to demonstrate their abilities, but it was longtime team captain Ignacio “Roach” Rodriguez, recently returning from a back injury, who began the scoring. A defensive miscue led the GT United goalkeeper to smother a backpass from his defender, and Malibu were quickly awarded a free kick within the GT penalty area. Manager David Simpson gave a few instructions before tapping the ball toward an onrushing Rodriguez, who delivered a bullet into the top right corner of the net to give Malibu the lead.

The only other dramatic incident before the break occurred when Michael “don’t call me ridley” Ridley took a knock on the ankle and turned it into a scene from Ace Ventura Pet Detective. Unfortunately, the referee hadn’t seen the movie, and wasn’t buying into the reenactment. Ridley’s colorful reaction left many supporters questioning his judgement.

Seven minutes into the second half, Malibu would strike again -- this time from a pair of newcomers. Puerto Rican import, Xadier Gonzalez carved himself out some space down the left side of the penalty area by powering past his defender. Gonzalez then unselfishly looped a pass over the head of the last defender toward Byron Paidoussi who was approaching the back post. Paidoussi calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to give United a comfortable 2-0 lead.

Defensively, United were showing their mettle as well. New goalkeeper Ted Spilseth made several dynamic saves trying to keep the score sheet clean. Chris De La Riva and Gerry Smith were strong as ever in the back. Even superstar defender Josh Langdon, on temporary loan from his English League side, was free to have a few runs up top with the offense.

It was midfielder Robert “Tubbs” Pike, however, whose creativity and patience created the opportunity for the third goal. Pike slalomed through several players and drove into the GT penalty area, but he pulled up when the goalkeeper cut off the angle. He dropped the ball back to Michael Ridley at the top of the area, and when the return pass came he threaded a pass between two defenders and onto the left foot of James Whalen. Whalen hit the ball on the fly, redirecting it past a diving GT goalkeeper and into the far side of the net to make the score 3-0.

Malibu were in a comfortable position and on their way to a 3-0 victory until the linesman made a questionable call against goalkeeper Ted Spilseth when he handled a ball that was sitting on the penalty box line. The referee showed Spilseth the yellow card, and Gerry Smith donned the gloves for the remaining three minutes of the match. Unfortunately, that was all the time GT United needed, as they were able to nick a goal in extra time.

The win puts United in fifth place on the league table looking toward an early morning match next Sunday against Sunset FC.



story by kef
photos by heidi

Bienvenue!!

Despite loss, United launch 2009 campaign in good form

Santa Monica, CA - After a long break, and some dramatic reorganizing, Malibu United Soccer Club began their 2009 campaign Sunday with their first official match in the Manchester division of the Santa Monica Adult Soccer League.

The decision to transfer the club’s participation to a new league was a difficult one, according to co-manager James Whalen, but after a successful experience with the Santa Monica organization this past summer, both he and co-manager David Simpson decided to make the transfer official for league play in 2009.

With the new season also come some adjustments on the managerial side for the club. Simpson will now be taking more of a lead role on match days and in the day to day organization of the club, while, with the addition of Ryan Silverman as the club’s new financial officer, longtime boss Whalen will be turning his attention more toward developing the club’s community and business interests.

Said Whalen, “I’m tired of collecting and counting the pennies. From now on, I’d like to do more of the spending.”

All the clubs officers will continue their participation as players as well, joining several new faces on the roster for the start of the new season.

Sunday’s match pitted United against Frogs Soccer, a team mostly made up of French internationals. The game began with Malibu maintaining good possession of the ball. New signings, Robert “Tubbs” Pike and Adam McLean, added a good amount of stability to the midfield, and Vince Williamson, also new to the squad, gave supporters several examples of his confidence in securing the back line.

Up top, newcomer Byron Paidoussi created some early opportunities for himself and seemed to work well with United veterans Dave Keffer, in the other striker position, and Michael Ridley, on the wing.

Early in the first half, Ridley delivered a long cross from the wing that led Paidoussi past his defender. Unfortunately his shot sailed wide after a cleverly disguised tug to the arm brought him down in front of the Frogs goalkeeper. The referee wasn’t interested, though, and play continued.

The next chance came about two minutes later, when Robert “Tubbs” Pike found Dave Keffer just outside of the penalty box with a looping delivery from midfield. Keffer volleyed the ball on the bounce, but his shot was also off the mark.

The Frogs were patient and were able to test United’s defensive line a few times, but veterans Gerry Smith and Chris De La Riva were usually there to mop up. When the ball did find its way behind the back four, new goalkeeper Ted Spilseth was hardly bothered by what he had to deal with.

In the thirtieth minute, winger Michael Ridley took a hard hit at the top of the penalty area resulting in a free kick. Striker Dave Keffer stepped up to deliver a curling shot with the outside of his right foot that found its way around the wall, but not past the Frogs goalkeeper.

Six minutes later, Ridley had been shifted into the striker role, and had a chance at goal when Paidoussi chested the ball down and into his path. Unfortunately, Ridley was closed down by the defense and wasn’t able to get the connection he was looking for. The shot sailed high and wide.

Paidoussi had yet another chance minutes later when he drilled a worm-burner toward the lower left corner. The Frogs goalkeeper made a diving save, though, to keep the score-line at zeros for the half-time break.

After the restart, things heated up quickly when defender Chris De La Riva found himself racing down the right sideline only to be blocked off by a Frogs player. Even though his opponent took the brunt of the hit, De La Riva was awarded a free kick.

Gerry Smith stepped up to take the kick and delivered a curling cross toward the top of the box that found the head of striker Dave Keffer. Keffer flicked the ball past the defensive line and into the path of De La Riva who had circled around to the far side of the goal. Riva put his head to the ball and looped it over the Frogs goalkeeper and into the upper left corner of the net as the park erupted in cheers.

De La Riva’s goal celebration would be short lived, however, as the linesman signaled for offside. The score remained tied at zero.

United continued to press forward, and only a few minutes later, had another solid chance at goal when Gerry Smith rose above the pack to catch a corner kick with his head and redirect it toward goal. Only some decent acrobatics from the Frogs goalkeeper kept the ball from the twine.

Unfortunately, Smith set a different sort of example five minutes later, when tempers began to flare and he was cautioned for dissent.

In the sixtieth minute, it looked as if the Frogs’ patience was going to pay off when one of their strikers was able to chip a shot past Spilseth. Luckily, veteran player, and club co-manager, James Whalen had his wits about him when he dramatically cleared the ball off the goal line.

Unfortunately, that luck wouldn’t hold. Just four minutes later, the Frogs were awarded a free kick at the top of United’s penalty area. Goalkeeper Ted Spilseth was able to parry the first shot away, but when the rebound fell into the path of the Frogs striker, there was little more he could do, and the Frogs went up 1-0.

United continued to press forward to try and find an equalizer. Senegalese midfielder Lamine Sagna created several opportunities, and Michael Ridley used his ball skills to weave through the middle, but the Frogs defensive line held strong.

In the seventy-fifth minute, new midfielder Adam McLean made a penetrating run down the left side of the field and beat his defender. He was able to get to the end line and deliver a low, screaming ball across the mouth of the goal, but unfortunately United had no one on the other end to finish the job.

Eight minutes later, the Frogs would put the game out of reach when one of their forwards found space on the left wing. He dribbled into the penalty box, and slotted a perfectly placed ball past Spilseth toward the far side of the goal. The ball barely caught the inside of the upright and bounced into the net to make the score 2-0 Frogs.

That tally would hold until the final whistle. But, to add injury to insult, in the ninetieth minute, veteran striker Dave Keffer was going up for a header in the Frogs penalty area when lumbering buffoon, Gerry Smith, decided to throw his ample weight around. Smith slammed Keffer between himself and the Frogs goalkeeper, and Keffer suffered a torn AC joint in his left shoulder. The team physician is predicting at least three to four weeks in recovery.

Overall, despite the loss, United look fairly solid, especially considering all the new faces on the roster. The new league is noticeably more competitive than the last, however most of the new signings seem to play a passing style of game that fits in well with Simpson and Whalen’s plan for the team.

With the roster being finalized, and the registration window closing rapidly, United look to be in good shape for the 2009 campaign.


story by kef
photos by heidi

LEAGUE CHAMPIONS!!!

United snatch league title in final match of the season

Thousand Oaks, CA – By the time Malibu United were set to take the pitch Sunday afternoon to face off against the league leaders, most of the story had already been written. A strong start to their 2007-2008 campaign gave way to a dire mid-season slump and a low point total, which brought their table position all the way down to sixth place in a league of eight. Roster changes and weather cancellations plagued the beach town club.

However, strong managerial decisions and a staunch determination proved enough to turn their fortunes around and set them on a rebound course that would carry them here, to the final game of the season, with their destiny in their own hands.

Malibu United had been chasing CSC76 United for the better part of six months. The Conejo club had led the league with sixteen wins and only four losses, but it wasn’t until last weekend’s double-header victories over the two Ventura clubs that Malibu were able to close the point gap sufficiently and set the trophy clearly in their sights. At 47 points, Malibu had scrambled back to just one point behind CSC United’s 48, and it was clear that they would need a victory in this match in order to capture the title.

A solid turnout of both players and supporters was on hand during the pre-game briefing, each of which knew what was at stake on the day, and the managerial staff took the opportunity to say thank you to a player whom some have called the “heart and soul” of the Malibu squad. Forward Ryan Silverman was honored with a life-sized Wallbanger to solidify his position in the club’s history. Silverman’s abundant reaction made it all too clear where his loyalty lay.

The noontime kickoff gave way to an aggressive start to the match with both teams willing to dig in and fight. Malibu built a few early chances on the speed of striker Ben Corrodi, but were unable to convert. CSC attempted a few shots from long distance and had one or two dangerous scrambles in front of the Malibu net, but with the return of starting goalkeeper Sam Mancilla, finally back from a debilitating hand injury, Malibu wasn’t about to concede so easily.

The contentious fouls that had been the hallmark of previous clashes between these two clubs were back again with a vengeance, and several Malibu players were cautioned in the first half of play. Neither side, however, was able to put a point in the scoreboard, and the first half ended in a nil-nil deadlock.

During the break, manager David Simpson reminded the Malibu boys that “nothing less than a victory would do,” and he urged them to “leave it all on the field today!”

After the restart it was more of the same. Corrodi had another brief look on goal in the forty-seventh, but the shot sailed just wide, and the pushing and pulling from both sides made it clear that no one was willing to give up easily.

Then in the fiftieth minute, things took a turn for the worse. A long, bouncing through-ball sent one of the CSC strikers into the penalty area where he collided with Mancilla. The dramatic tumble and blood-curdling scream gave the official no choice but to give the Malibu goalkeeper a yellow card and point to the penalty spot. The “injured” player then hopped to his feet to convert the try and put CSC ahead 1-0.

Malibu apparently needed that jolt to bring itself to life, because only two minutes later, defender Lawrence Whalen delivered a cross into the CSC penalty area that skipper Ignacio Rodriguez struck with such a vengeance that it seemed certain to go in. When the shot rattled the crossbar and rebounded, however, the Malibu supporters shrieked in disappointment. That is, until the rebound fell at the feet of scoring leader and Brazilian wunderkind, Gabe Bonetti. Keeping his head, Bonetti pushed the ball gently to his right to make some space, and then drove it into the lower left side of the goal for the equalizer.

The CSC players turned up the heat, and the dramatics, but by this time the official seemed to have had enough as he urged them to get up and play the game. Malibu began to have a more solid control in the middle with centers Lamine Sagna and Damon Manak doing their best to settle down the action and distribute the ball. Defenders Chris De La Riva and Corey Stamp weren’t letting much get past as the CSC side began to resort to long balls in an effort to change the direction of the match. Ironically, it would be a similar long ball from the opposite end that would have the greatest effect.

In the seventy-fifth minute of play, goalkeeper Sam Mancilla smothered a loose ball in front of the Malibu goal. He then stood up and punted the ball all the way down the field toward a rushing Gabe Bonetti. The ball bounced up over the head of the defender as Bonetti closed the gap, and just before the CSC goalkeeper could get his gloves on it, Bonetti touched it past with his head. The ball bounced toward the CSC goal with Bonetti chasing, and then … as if to suggest that he could do this kind of thing all day long … or maybe in an effort to savor this special moment for one extra breath … Bonetti stopped the ball directly on top of the CSC goal line before gently rolling it across and into the net.

The park erupted in cheers.

From there, Malibu just held their positions. CSC tried to create some chances, but Stamp and De La Riva, with the help of Kevin Currie and Sam Harris, formed a solid defensive line that was nearly impenetrable. In the center, Manak and Rodriguez continued to apply pressure toward the CSC goal as the clock wore down. Corrodi toyed with the CSC defenders deep in their corner, and Lawrence Whalen was moved up front to cycle in some fresh legs for the remainder of the match.

When the final whistle blew, the Malibu players and supporters exploded into cheers. Midfielder Lucas Bonetti threw his arms in the air and made a beeline for his younger brother, Gabe, the undisputed man-of-the-match, and the rest of the team congratulated each other on a season well played.

Tri-Counties League president, Bryan Card, presented the league trophy to captain Ignacio “Roach” Rodriguez and Ryan Silverman, and when Silverman clamped both hands on it and raised it up into the air, the entire Malibu United Soccer Club collapsed into a jumping, singing mob of revelers thrilled that their hard work and determination had finally paid off.

story by kef
photos by heidi

The Taste of Victory

United face off against both Ventura squads in back-to-back league matches.

Thousand Oaks, CA – The North Ranch double-header was described as a must-win situation by team manager David Simpson on Sunday as Malibu United got set to continued their campaign for the league title.

June 1, 10:00 AM

The first match was against the Ventura Misfits who currently sit at the very bottom of the league table, and the final score would prove commensurate with the relative position of the two teams.

Simpson had urged the boys to take their time and conserve energy for the long haul, so the match began rather slowly with both sides having only brief looks on goal.

It wasn’t until the 23rd minute that the scoring would begin when United striker Ben “Obi Wan” Corrodi used “the force” to deliver a sublime, short-angle chip shot from deep in the right corner of the field. The shot arched over the Ventura goalkeeper and into the far side of the net to put United up 1-0. The ever-modest Corrodi claimed to be attempting a cross, but supporters were awed just the same.

Ventura was able to get an equalizer, but then late in the first half, striker Gabe Bonetti was delivered a nicely weighted pass from midfielder Damon Manak. Bonetti was able to collect the ball in defensive traffic and then sidestep the goalkeeper and deposit the ball into the net.

The half wasn’t over, however, and in the second minute of stoppage time United claimed another goal from yet another Manak delivery. This time it was Ben Corrodi on the receiving end. Corrodi calmly pushed past two defenders to slot the ball into the lower left corner of the net. The half would end with United in a comfortable 3-1 lead.

After the break, things began to open up quite a bit. Corrodi almost immediately secured the hat trick with an unassisted goal in the 48th minute, and United were calm and confident in their possession.

In the 61st, United had penetrated into the right side of the Venture penalty area. Lawrence Whalen delivered a pass to forward Dave Keffer who was being closed down by two defenders. With a couple of quick cuts, Keffer stepped into some space and fired a left-footed shot past the goalkeeper and into the upper netting to make the score 5-1.

Not long afterward, Keffer switched into the provider role after receiving a pass in the area from midfielder Chris Harvey. Harvey continued his run through the center of the box and Keffer found him with one of his trademark back heel passes. Harvey stretched out his right foot to meet the ball, and tucked it over the sliding goalkeeper to rustle the netting.

United were free flowing now, and in the 66th minute of play the proverbial roof caught fire when forward Ryan Silverman was pushed into space by a clever back heel from striker Gabe Bonetti. Silverman raced with his defender to make contact first, and when he did it was a right-footed, twenty-yard laser beam aimed precisely at the lower right corner of the net. The Ventura goalkeeper could do nothing to stop it, and the United bench erupted in support of the previously goalless Silverman. The stunning goal drew comparisons to Chelsea’s Didier Drogba, and the celebration most certainly rivaled anything seen in the top tier.

United weren’t quite finished, however, as more chances would materialize before the final whistle. Midfielder Damon Manak had several good attempts at goal, and midfielder John Visher created a breakaway opportunity that was nearly converted. It was striker Gabe Bonetti who delivered the final blow in the 88th minute, though, when he sidestepped a frustrated Ventura defender to put himself one on one with the goalkeeper. Bonetti buried the shot into the upper netting with authority to put a cap on the scoring and close the book on the match at 8-1.

June 1, 12:00 PM

Game two of the double header would prove a little more of a challenge for United. Their opponents, Ventura Soccer Club, were only able to field eight players due to injuries and scheduling conflicts, but those eight would provide the weary United players with a difficult test for a good portion of the match.

In fact, it was VSC who would open the scoring in the twentieth minute when a defensive miscue left one of their strikers one-on-one with United goalkeeper Corey Stamp. The veteran VSC player was easily able to push the ball past Stamp, and with that, United were down 1-0.

It took just ten minutes for United to equalize, however when brazilian midfielder Luke Bonetti broke free at the top of the VSC penalty area. He fired a low right-footed shot that would have found the net if not for a diving touch from the VSC goalkeeper. The ball caromed off of the upright and back toward the goalmouth where Lawrence Whalen, who had been floored in the melee, jumped off the ground to side-volley the ball back into the onion bag.

Even with their player deficit, the VSC side was able to maintain possession for several good runs, and stifle most of United's offensive attempts. United hit the woodwork at least three times in the first half, but weren’t able to convert, and the match would remain equal at 1-1 until the halftime whistle.

During the break, manager David Simpson urged the players on, reiterating the need for the win. The talk seemed to have an effect, because not two minutes into the second half, striker Gabe Bonetti challenged the VSC goalkeeper for a loose ball and caused it to bounce out toward the right side of the penalty area where his brother, Luke was rushing in. The elder Bonetti struck a low, hard ball that billowed the netting and gave United its first lead of the match.

From there, more United chances started to materialize as the eight man VSC side began to tire. United showed longer runs of possession, and it seemed only a matter of time before they scored again.

In the sixty-third minute, defender Chris De La Riva found himself deep in the right corner of the field. With a shallow angle on goal, most everyone thought he would drop the ball back into the center, but De La Riva instead softly delivered a cheeky little chip pass behind the back of the VSC keeper and into the net. The hookwinked goalkeeper was noticeably disappointed as United went up 3-1.

Follow up goals from both Ben Corrodi and Gabe Bonetti, and a late-game effort from the opposition made the final score United 5, VSC 2.

Along with the now traditional ice cream sandwich celebration, manager Simpson congratulated the players on two well-finished matches, and instructed them to get a good night of sleep before next week’s fixture against the current league leaders, CSC United. A victory in this final match of the season would close up the league table with Malibu tied on points against the Conejo squad. However, Malibu’s unbeatable goal differential means the Malibu United Soccer Club has a better than average chance of taking home the 2008 Tri-Counties Soccer League championship trophy.

story by kef
photos by heidi

Brazilian Beatdown

With goals from each of the Bonetti brothers, United bag Gibos and continue the hunt for the league title

Thousand Oaks, CA – An overcast Memorial Day weekend brought Malibu United Soccer Club back to Wildflower Playfield to take on CSC76 Gibos. The pitch was a big improvement over the dirt patch of the last few weeks, and the United boys looked poised to push on in their quest for the league title. Currently sitting six points behind CSC76 United with a game in hand, United have only to win out their remaining four matches, the last of which will be against the leaders, and their superior goal differential should put them in first place as the season concludes.

United began the match strong, keeping most of the play in their opponent’s half of the field. Gibos, however, came out with their usual energy, and slowly began closing down the loose balls and controlling the middle.

United fielded a solid back line with Chris De La Riva anchoring Gerry Smith, Sam Harris, and Lawrence Whalen. Not much was getting past this group, and that allowed United some room to breathe while building their attack.

The first break would come in the thirty-sixth minute of play when Brazilian striker Gabe Bonetti was delivered a ball down the left flank. Running on to it, he quickly controlled it and turned to see his older brother Luke rushing down the opposite side. With a low pass across the top of the penalty area, the younger Bonetti set his brother up for a right-footed worm-burner that found the far left side of the net to put United up 1-0.

After the halftime break, United had several chances to score, and did so again in dramatic fashion. In the sixtieth minute, Gabe Bonetti received the ball deep in the Gibos end off a knee pass from Lawrence Whalen who had penetrated up from his defensive position. Bonetti collected the ball, then turned and struck a twenty-five foot looping volley that searched its way past the diving goalkeeper to billow the twine.

That 2-0 scoreline would hold until late in the second half when manager David Simpson, playing in a defensive position, found himself stripped of the ball deep in the United end of the field. Simpson tried to clear as his attacker rounded him near the endline, but Simpson caught his legs and the Gibos player flopped to the ground like an empty potato sack. The referee was forced to call a penalty kick, which Gibos converted, making the score 2-1 and ending backup goalkeeper Corey Stamp’s chance for yet another clean sheet.

United held strong for the remainder of the match, and even added a third goal late in the game when Dave Keffer played a through-ball down the right side of the field to Ignacio “Roach” Rodriguez. Rodriguez strode past his defender, and delivered a low, hard pass across the face of the goal into the path of an on-rushing Lawrence Whalen. Whalen stretched his leg to make contact as a defender collapsed onto his back, but that was all he needed. The ball found its way to the inside of the left goalpost, ricocheting into the back of the net to give Whalen his first goal of the season and to put the game out of reach for the Gibos.

The 3-1 score increases United’s goal differential to 32, and brings their point tally to 39. With league leaders CSC76 Gibos at 45 points and a differential of 28, it will be a tight race for the final stretch of the season as United get set for a double-header day against the two Ventura clubs next Sunday.

story by kef
photos by heidi

Defensive Dust Up

Controversy sullies a solid defensive showing against league rivals the Parsians

Thousand Oaks, CA – Malibu United and the Parsians fought to a nil-nil stalemate on Sunday in a match that could end up determining this season's league title.

Both sides had many chances to turn the tide, but neither could convert. The officials kept a tight lid on the action with several cautions being delivered.

However, it was the keen eye of Ignacio "Roach" Rodriguez, who had been sidelined according to league rules after accumulating five cautions in previous games, that spotted what seemed to be a malicious attempt by the Parsians to effect the outcome of the match.

After the halftime break, a player join the Parsians side that Rodriguez had seen during several matches against another league club, CSC76 United. CSC76 United currently sit at the top of the league, and a win by the Parsians would virtually ensure the Conejo club the title.

After the match was finished, it was discovered that the player was indeed the same player who had played for the CSC team, and that he had joined the Parsians side by using the name and player card of a different player entirely.

Photographs of the player in CSC76 United matches against Malibu United on April 6th and April 27, along with photos from Sunday's match against the Parsians were forwarded to league president, Bryan Card, and an investigation is underway. According to league bylaws, in the event a team fields an illegally registered player during a match, that team forfeits that particular match.

Until the conclusion of the investigation, however, the result will stand, and Parsians and Malibu United will split the points for the match, making it imperative that United win out the rest of their games this season.

When asked how he felt about this development, manager James Whalen said, "It's just ridiculous! I'm disgusted! I don't even care about the points! We come out here to have fun and play a competitive match, and they're acting like it's the bloody World Cup!" The frustrated manager added, "The Parsians are already a good side as is. They don't need to resort to this type of behavior!"

League president, Bryan Card, could not be reached for comment, but if the evidence is any indication, Malibu United have a fairly good case toward claiming an additional two points on the day.

story by kef
photos by heidi

A Casual Encounter

Malibu United reap the benefits of more imprecise officiating during a weekend double header against a frustrated Casuals side

Thousand Oaks, CA - It’s become an oft-repeated complaint this season, but this time it was the Crown & Anchor Casuals who cried foul at the accuracy of the refereeing during the first of two matches against the Malibu United Soccer Club on the weekend.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

The 10:00 am Saturday fixture found United traveling again to the dry, patchy field at North Ranch Park in Thousand Oaks to replay a match that had originally been credited as a forfeit by Crown & Anchor. The long-standing relationship between the two clubs, however, made it an easy decision by managers Whalen and Simpson when asked to reschedule the match for a true result instead.

United were missing several key players due to scheduling conflicts. Corey Stamp would log another match as backup goalkeeper, while the rest of the backline would suffer from the absence of Chris De La Riva and Matt Kwaczynski. The center of the field, however, would be bolstered by Damon Manak and the help of Senegalese midfielder, Lamine Sagna.

Apart from a slight wardrobe malfunction, United began the match with a good run of possession early on. The passing was crisp and quick, and the only threat to the Malibu goal came from a few counter attacks by the Casuals that were handled or cleared without much concern.

In the twenty-sixth minute, defender Sam Harris, who had been putting in bulldog like duty on the left side after struggling with a calf injury, took a hard knock to the head in a collision at the top of the penalty area. Harris was sidelined, and the Casuals were soon able to take advantage of the loss. Only three minutes later, one of their forwards was delivered a ball that split the United backline, and before they could regroup, he pushed a well placed shot past Stamp and into the lower right corner to give the Casuals the lead.

It wouldn’t last long, however. In the thirtieth, United midfielder Chris Harvey received the ball midway inside the Casuals half of the field. With his trademark “stutter-step” move, he pushed past his defender on the outside and drove into the right side of the penalty area. The defender gave chase, and while attempting a clearance, missed the ball and caught Harvey’s legs bringing him to the ground. The referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot.

United captain and fan favorite, Ignacio “Roach” Rodriguez, easily converted the try with a solid shot directly down the center of the goal, making him three for three in recent penalty kick attempts.

With the equalizing goal, the match began to get a bit more aggressive, and both teams were getting stuck in fairly well. In the thirty-fifth minute, midfielder Lucas Bonetti took the brunt of a hard tackle against his right shin and had to be substituted out for the remainder of the match. The half ended in a 1-1 tie.

After the restart it was more of the same, with neither team willing to give the other much space. Everything would change in the fifty-third minute, however, when manager James Whalen, playing in the midfield, delivered a well-weighted ball through the Casuals defense to an on-rushing Gabe Bonetti. The defensive line tried to step up for the offside trap, but as Bonetti glanced to his right, the referee’s assistant clearly indicated his belief that the forward was onside. With a low, right-footed strike, Bonetti pushed the ball between the legs of the approaching goalkeeper and into the back of the net to put United into a 2-1 lead.

As Bonetti celebrated his goal, several of the Casuals players had words with the referee’s assistant. Their disapproval of the call was evident, but the official credited the goal, and the game continued.

United had several runs of possession, and began to string more passes together. But as the collisions and hard tackles began to become more frequent, both teams questioned several of the official’s calls, and the Casuals vocal manager, Andy Gillespie, even threatened to pull his team off the pitch in protest.

The match continued, though, and United again received the benefit of a debatable decision from the linesman when Gabe Bonetti sidestepped his defender and took a shot on goal from the top of the penalty area. The ball was parried by the goalkeeper, but only as far as forward Dave Keffer who calmly struck it on the volley and into the back of the net. The Casuals defenders were calling out for an offside call claiming that Keffer was behind the defense on the initial shot from Bonetti, but the official again let the goal stand, and United were in a comfortable 3-1 lead.

With frustrations mounting, and questions raised on nearly every call, a warning for dissent was inevitable, and in the eightieth minute, when a second Casuals player was ejected for vocalizing his frustration, manager Gillespie had had enough. He pulled his players from the pitch and the match was called.

As tempers cooled, United congratulated each other for their patience and composure, and wondered if the Casuals would be able to field a team for the second match on Sunday morning. With only ten men to start this match, and two ejections now in the books, it was looking as though Gillespie might come up short.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Fortunately that wasn’t the case. Several of the Casuals players returned from scheduling conflicts on Saturday to field a full team for the Sunday morning fixture.

United also saw the return on Sunday of many of its key players. Gerry Smith logged his first match back in the lineup after back surgery, and the defensive pair of Chris De La Riva and Matt Kwaczynski returned to fill out the United backline. Lucas Bonetti was still recovering from his knock on the previous day, and would miss the second match, but speedy winger Keya Verruno was back in the starting lineup.

The morning of May 11th being the final day of the Barclays English Premier League season, many of the players arrived wearing the colors of their favorite team. Forward Dave Keffer celebrated the Manchester United win in a bright red Ryan Giggs sweater, much to the dismay of Ryan Silverman, a die-hard Chelsea supporter. Club loyalties would have to be set aside, however, as Malibu United took the pitch for the second game of the Crown & Anchor Casuals weekend double-header.

United started the game pressed deep into their own half of the field. Several early chances for the Casuals threatened to tip the scoreline early on. But, the game would remain level for nearly thirty minutes.

In the middle of the first half, however, midfielder James Whalen was delivered a ball deep into the left corner of the field. He chased it down and had time to set up a long cross to the far post and a waiting John Visher. Visher took a step backward to plant his head cleanly onto the ball and redirect it back toward the center of the goal where skipper Ignacio Rodriguez was able to gently guide the ball across the line with a piece of his anatomy that in polite company can only be referred to as his “lap.”

The official was keeping a pretty tight ship this time and didn’t seem likely to take any guff from either side. An early yellow card was given to a Casuals player for poking the ball away after a stoppage, and unfortunately when United’s Rodriguez did a similar thing a short time later, the official had no choice but to add his name to the book as well.

United’s lead would last into the halftime break where manager Whalen urged his players not to get caught up in the bickering. The talk seemed to be effective, as the players were again able to keep their composure for most of the remainder of the match.

At the restart, Chris De La Riva was moved up into a forward position, which almost immediately paid dividends. In about the forty-eighth minute, De La Riva and forward Dave Keffer found themselves near the top of the Casuals penalty area. The ball had just come up out of a small melee and struck Keffer in the arm, so the Casuals players were calling for a hand ball, but the referee wasn’t interested. De La Riva collected the ball as Keffer ran around the outside calling for a touch. De La Riva turned away from him, and then, with an over-abundance of cheekiness, tapped a neat backheel pass between two defenders and into Keffer’s path. Keffer collected and then slotted the ball past the keeper and into the far side of the goal. United were up 2-0, and the Casuals were again beginning to become frustrated by their bad luck.

Play opened up a bit as both sides were beginning to fatigue. The Casuals had several chances during the second half, but couldn’t seem to find the target with most of their shots going high or wide. United conceded two free kicks in dangerous territory near the top of their penalty area, but the Casuals had no luck converting.

During one such attack, the ball again struck the arm of a United player with no foul called. One of the Casuals forwards turned directly to the official and colorfully described his opinion of the lack of call. The official responded by ejecting him from the match, leaving the Casuals with only ten men for the remainder.

Later in the second half, the Casuals had penetrated into United’s side, and the ball came to the feet of Chris De La Riva who had been moved back into a defensive position. De La Riva launched a long clearance down the right side of the field that again found the foot of Dave Keffer. Keffer popped the ball up and over the head of the approaching defender as he turned in toward the top of the Casuals penalty area. The ball bounced once, and Keffer struck it on the side volley and arched it into the right side of the goal past the outstretched arms of the diving Casuals goalkeeper.

At 3-0, United were in a comfortable position as the Casuals mounted a final push. They began to penetrate a little deeper into the United half, but always seemed to get stifled by a Malibu defender who was in the way to clear or at least disrupt the flow. As much as they tried, the Casuals couldn’t find the goal.

United, on the other hand, were free-flowing now. Their passes were connecting and they were switching the point of attack with ease. Near the end of the second half, they were able to put the game completely out of reach when the ball was delivered from the left side of the pitch all the way across to Keffer on the right. Keffer had acres of space in which to move, and Ryan Silverman was racing toward the center of the goal mouth. Keffer pushed toward goal and then drove a low, curling ball around his defender and across the front of the goal. Silverman reached to poke it in, but missed the attempt. The ball continued through and found Gerry Smith at the far post who touched it back toward Silverman. The excitable forward quickly returned the favor by pushing the ball again to the outside, and with a pivot, Smith volleyed it solidly into the back of the twine.

That 4-0 score would hold until the final whistle when both teams congratulated each other on a game well played, and many of the Casuals players wished United luck in the race for the league title.

With five games remaining, Malibu United find themselves in second place with two games in hand on the leaders, CSC76 United. Next week they’ll again face the Parsians in what will most certainly be another exciting match.

story by kef
photos by heidi

Climbing Back to the Top

A determined United assert dominance over the tempestuous Parsians

Ventura, CA - Malibu United headed north on Sunday to Ventura to take on bitter league rivals Parsians. The re-shuffling of the league schedule gave neither team home field advantage, but United knew they were going to be in for another eventful game, since the last time they faced these opponents the game ended in handbags.

That previous game resulted in a five-match ban for United midfielder Corey Stamp and an ejection from the league for the Parsians instigator.

Managers Simpson and Whalen told the boys to play hard but to make sure to keep their composure as the other team would most certainly try to resort to shenanigans in order to achieve the win. They also gave the usual reminder that the Parsians have a great history of imploding quickly when things don’t go right for them.

Malibu was focused and in good spirits before the game, even though they were without starting goalkeeper Sam Mancilla, forcing Corey Stamp to once again don the gloves.

The team were able field a very strong line-up with the inclusion of Lawrence Whalen, Damon Manak and Ben Corrodi. Manak made an immediate impact in the middle of the field with his soft touch and exquisite distribution. Lawrence, the son of player/manager James Whalen, had a solid showing at right back.

Malibu were the better team in the opening half, stringing together nice short passes with numerous attempts on goal. Parsians could not build anything up in order to attack Malibu so they had to resort to playing long balls. Fortunately, that never put United under any kind of pressure with Chris De La Riva chasing down every lose ball that came into their end of the field.

The opponents disintegrated into yelping every time there was any kind of contact in Malibu’s third of the field, but the veteran referee didn’t but into any of it. The United defenders seemed amused at their antics, but also disgusted at the attempts.

Malibu had the majority of possession and tested the Parsians keeper several times early on. Corrodi had the best chance with a run across the top of the box and a thunderous shot that had to be tipped just over the crossbar.

Team captain Ignacio Rodriquez also served in four great corner kicks, but to no avail. The half ended knotted at 0’s but Malibu’s heads were high because they had full control over the game.

The second half started with both teams having opportunities at goal. Malibu stood strong and protected their area on a few Parsians corner kicks. This caused great frustration for Parsians and as predicted, they began to implode. Several Parsians players were booked for their dangerous play and their abusive language towards the referees and the Malibu United players.

The Parsians also resorted to clipping and body checking when the speedier United players were beating them down the flanks.

Malibu United packed their box on another Parsians corner kick and the ball was cleared out but unfortunately to a Parsians player. The midfielder settled the ball and was forced to take a 30-yard strike that somehow made its way through all of the players and ended up in the back of the net. The Parsians were ecstatic that one of their few shots on goal ending up in the back of the net, and they celebrated by yelping and hollering like a pack of rabid hyenas’. They even took a few moments to talk trash to the United players.

Malibu wasn’t discouraged by the goal because they knew this was their game to win, and only minutes later, Rodriquez collected a through-ball inside the Parsians goal box where their ageing sweeper once again resorted to body checking Rodriguez to the ground. The referee immediately pointed to the spot, and the Parsians all surrounded him to protest the call, much to the amusement of the Malibu United players and fans.

Rodriguez, United’s star penalty-kick taker, once again converted his shot, leaving the Parsians keeper without a touch of the ball. The equalizing goal caused the Parsians to implode even further by yelling and swearing at their own teammates, consequentially causing one player to storm off the field and another to pick up a yellow card for cussing.

Malibu were not done yet and kept pressing forward, pinning their opponents in their own half. United won a throw-in deep in the Parsians third and Chris “Wolverine” De La Riva trotted up the field to take it. The throw acted like a corner kick and landed inside the 18-yard box, pin-balling around before dropping at the feet of Ben Corrodi. Bewildered that he had so much time on the ball he cheekily let it trickle off the outside of his right boot and into the net to put United in the lead.

Staying true to their colors, the Parsians displayed more bad behavior when after the goal, Rodriquez received a foot stomp from same player that had previously body-checked him. However, unlike their first meeting earlier in the season, United wasn’t going to buy into their unsporting behavior.

United dropped a midfielder into a second stopper position in an attempt to kill off the remaining 15 minutes. Parsians threatened by pushing men forward but to no fortune, and were in fact almost hit on the counter attack with only minutes left when Chris “Wolverine” De La Riva collected the ball just inside the Parsians half and went in toward goal. Unfortunately, after the valiant center back marauded a full 80 yards and even rounded the Parsians keeper, he just didn’t have enough in the tank to put the finishing touch in the net.

Just before the final whistle, the referee had a chuckle about the Parsians sportsmanship, and United had once again witnessed their opponent’s collapse. The boys left the field feeling great about their win and did their best to ignore the other team as they insulted them and the referee.

Elated with the 2-1 win, team motivator, striker, and talk-o-holic Ryan Silverman rewarded the team with ice cream bars from a local vendor.

The win leaves United in second place with two games in hard on the leaders, CSC76 United. Next week they face Crown & Anchor Casuals at North Ranch field as they continue their climb back to the top of the Tri-Counties league.

story by d. simpson
photos by l. whalen

Stamp of Approval

After a clumsy Saturday draw against CSC76 Celtic, United prove their mettle against the current league leaders

Newbury Park, CA - It was another double-header weekend for the Malibu United boys, and the scalding hot weather did nothing to lower the difficulty of the tasks at hand.

Saturday morning had United traveling to North Ranch Playfields in Thousand Oaks to face off yet again against CSC76 Celtics. The pitch was a dry patch of dirt, and United was missing several key players due to injuries and scheduling conflicts, but an early penalty decision against Celtic player / manager Tim O’Donovan gave captain Ignacio “Roach” Rodriguez a chance to put United into an early lead. A chance he converted with authority.

The 1-0 score would hold until the middle of the second half, when midfielder Lucas Bonetti delivered a ball to the feet of forward Chris Harvey near the center line. With a deft touch, Harvey turned the ball past the final defender, and traveled 25 yards unabated before calmly slotting a cross-goal shot past the keeper and into the left side of the net.

It seemed as though United had put the game out of reach for Celtic, and their resulting drop in intensity was exploited in the last ten minutes of the match. In a final push, Celtic was able to put one and then a second goal into the United goal before the final whistle.

The 2-2 draw felt like a loss to United Manager James Whalen as he reprimanded the squad after the game.

Fortunately, the second match of the weekend was less of a disaster when United faced CSC76 United, their main competition for the league title. Starting goalkeeper Sam Mancilla was sidelined due to an ankle injury in the previous fixture, but backup goalie Corey Stamp proved ready for the assignment.

The noon kickoff was delayed nearly half an hour as the officiating staff languished under a tree trying to escape the summer-like heat, and that lack of professionalism seemed to continue throughout the match as both sides complained vigorously about call after call.

Malibu delivered the only point to the scorecard at about 22 minutes when striker Gabe Bonetti found the ball dropping to his foot after a corner kick melee in front of the CSC goal. With little thought, Bonetti toe-poked the ball through several defenders to billow the twine. So excited about the goal was Bonetti, that he underlined the moment by pointing directly to his toe during the goal celebration.

Several chances were created by both teams during the remainder of the first half, and in the first few minutes of the second half it looked as though the CSC side had caught a break when the referee whistled for a foul in the Malibu penalty area. A penalty kick was awarded, and goalkeeper Corey Stamp set himself to keep his Malibu side in the lead. The following shot, however, was delivered wide of the mark, and as Stamp was quick to point out in his post-game interview, even if it had been on target, he clearly had that corner of the goal covered. United had narrowly avoided another disappointment.

The game continued to get more and more frustrating as the referee lost control. Passive defender John Visher was given a yellow card for an invisible offense, and midfielder was sent off for something that both teams’ managers agreed was not worthy of such a verdict. The drama came to a head when fan favorite Ignacio Rodriguez was literally clobbered on the back while jumping in the air to clear a dangerous ball over the sideline. His anger was evident to all in attendance as well as most of the surrounding community, and in possibly the only correct decision during the entire match, the offending CSC player was sent off by the officials. Rodriguez received a yellow card for his reaction, but after calming down, was brought back to finish off the match.

Several late pushes to equalize by the aggressive CSC side were turned away by an equally determined Malibu team. Player / manager David Simpson, who had dropped into a defensive position to help fill in for some of the missing players, cleared a chance off the line when his reflex-driven stretch redirected a goal-bound ball over the top of the bar.

Solid showings from newcomer Keyu Verruno, Ben “Obi Wan” Corrodi, and "high "flying" Kevin Currie, as well as a late header attempt from Gabe Bonetti to rattle the upper woodwork, kept the Malibu pressure on high until the final whistle. A collective sigh of relief came from the Malibu supporters as managers Whalen and Simpson congratulated the boys on holding their lead through to the end.

The four points on the weekend lands United seven points back in third place on the league table, nudging CSC76 Celtic by goal differential and with two games in hand on the leaders CSC76 United. Next week’s fixture against rivals The Parsians will hopefully shake up the order of the top three yet again as United ready themselves for a strong finish to the season.

story by kef
photos by heidi

Misfit Mashing

Both Bonettis log braces as United puts on passing clinic

Ventura, CA - Malibu United traveled up to Ventura to take on bottom dwellers Ventura Misfits on Sunday. United took control of the game right from the opening kickoff. They were able to stick to their game plan and maintain possession, allowing the Misfits nary a touch on the ball. The inevitable first goal was scored six minutes into the match when rookie Keya Verunno was played in with an enchanting through ball from midfielder Lucas Bonetti before converting a 30 yard break away. This would prove to be the first of Bonetti’s three assists on the day.

Just two minutes later United increased their lead when player/manager David Simpson dropped a nifty flying back heel directly into the path of Lucas Bonetti. Bonetti settled the ball with his first touch and then released a thumping shot beyond the outstretched arms of the Misfits goal keeper.

The Misfits knew they were in for a long day, first having to climb back into their game against United, and then immediately dive into a second game against cross town rival VSC.

Luke Bonetti scored again shortly afterwards off a pass from his brother Gabe. Luke then unselfishly returned the favor allowing his brother get into the act with a goal of his own, and the half ended with United in a comfortable 4-0 lead.

After the break, back-up goalie Cory Stamp put on a jersey and came out to play on the field while James Whalen stepped in at keeper. United’s collars were up and Simpson had the boys swap positions around with the top goal scorers playing defense and the defenders playing up top. This switch still proved too much for Ventura as sweeper extraordinaire Chris De La Riva, now playing striker, scored only four minutes into the half. Ignacio Rodriguez played in Chris and the ball trickled in after the big man scuffed his shot.

The tireless work of Rodriguez earned him a goal as well, while Verunno picked up the assist.

Player/manager Whalen gave up the keeper’s jersey to De La Riva midway through the second half. Shortly after the change, though, Misfits forward Ophir Atar threw himself to the ground in the United box. This was the second time in close succession that Atar was fishing for a penalty call. Much to the bewilderment of the players and supporters, the referee pointed to the spot, and Atar was able to put the ball past De La Riva to collect a goal and a modicum of redemption.

Ready to get the game going again, United got the ball to young talent Ben Corrodi. Corrodi went on one of his trademark, mazy runs before passing in toward the center of the box where James Whalen scored United’s seventh goal.

The game was winding down and the temperatures were reaching 94F, proving almost unbearable for a visiting Malibu United UK Supporters member. However, before the game could come to an end, the ever goal hungry Gabe Bonetti went bolting out of his newly assigned stopper position to put one more into the back of the net to make the final score Malibu United 8, Ventura Misfits 1.

story by d. simpson
photos by heidi

Double Disaster!

Back to back fixtures result in disheartening blow to United title hopes

Thousand Oaks, CA - In the first of several double-header weekends designed to enable replays of canceled matches, United failed to collect some much needed points and felt their previously strong title hopes take a hit.

The midday match on Sunday placed Malibu United squarely against the current league leaders, CSC76 United. This was the first time these teams faced each other all season as both of the previously scheduled matches were canceled due to weather.

The CSC side put a point on the board quickly after defender Chris De La Riva conceded a free-kick twenty-five yards out in the fifth minute of play. The well-taken shot first caromed off the far stick then off of backup goalkeeper Corey Stamp’s leg before settling into the goal.

After the clumsy start, Malibu regained their composure and began to knock the ball around a bit. Goalkeeper Sam Mancilla entered the game, and in the twentieth minute, United were able to equalize when fan-favorite Ignacio “Roach” Rodriguez got his head onto a cross and redirected it toward goal. The CSC keeper was able to parry the shot away, but only as far as encroaching striker Gabe Bonetti who quickly slotted the ball into the far side of the net.

That 1-1 score would hold through the halftime break and until the fifty-third when midfielder Chris Harvey took advantage of some space down the right side of the field. He connected on a centering pass with Gabe Bonetti who then delivered the ball through toward the feet of forward Damon Manak, newly signed to the club this week. Manak immediately proved his worth by calmly pushing the ball past the CSC goalkeeper, billowing the net in the process.

Malibu’s chances looked fairly decent at this point, as their play was controlled and confident. The Conejo side was given a boost in the sixty-third, however, when one of their midfielders caught hold of a thirty-yard strike that sailed perfectly into the upper corner and past the outstretched arms of Sam Mancilla.

Then, if that wasn’t disheartening enough for the Malibu supporters, CSC caught another break on a second searching shot from distance. By the seventy-second minute of the match they were able to recapture the lead.

Malibu weren’t finished, though, and in a last bid to scavenge a point from the fixture. Damon Manak again made his presence felt when he chipped a perfectly-weighted ball over the last line of the CSC defenders and onto the chest of forward Dave Keffer who settled it and struck it low on the half-volley past a scrambling CSC goalkeeper.

It looked as though the game would finish in a 3-3 draw until five minutes before full time when a long cross from the CSC midfield found its way over the Malibu defense an onto the head of one of the CSC strikers. He was able to knock it down onto the goal line beneath goalkeeper Sam Mancilla’s reach and win the game.

The Malibu boys were obviously dejected after the loss, but their day wasn’t finished. The second match in the day’s double-header was against CSC76 Celtics, whom United had recently bested 3-1 in the opposite fixture.

Unfortunately, however, this version would prove much more difficult as United were noticeably spent after the back and forth play in the previous game, and the Celtics virtually had their way for the majority of the match.

The only memorable moment for United supporters came in the eighteenth minute when midfielder Luke Bonetti drove the ball toward forward Ryan Silverman. With a deft little dummy / flick combination, Silverman continued the ball through to a rushing Keya Verruno, another new signing this week. Verruno collected and then buried the ball into the far side of the net.

Unfortunately it would be nary enough to put a dent in the productivity of the Celtics, and the match finished in a 5-1 defeat for the Malibu side.

story by kef
photos by heidi

Bonetti Brings The Magic

United regain their form in a 3-0 victory over CSC76 Celtics at home

Malibu, CA - After a brief field lining fiasco, Malibu United put their true talents on display Sunday as they set out to recapture the title of league leaders.

With the loss of Gerry Smith due to back surgery, the United defensive line would be anchored by a newly re-signed Chris De La Riva, returning to the club after a two year absence. And with goalkeeper Sam Mancilla still nursing a thumb injury, veteran Corey Stamp donned the padded jersey to fill the gap.

Led by a spirited start from striker Gabe Bonetti, United came out strong from the opening whistle. Within five minutes they were already on the scoreboard when Bonetti put pressure on the Celtic back line and nicked an errant pass from the goalkeeper. He quickly turned around and tucked it into the right side of the net putting United up 1-0.

Celtics were on the back foot for the remainder of the first half and United were passing the ball around them as if they were practice cones. Several chances were created, and Malibu entered the halftime break with confidence.

Despite some spotty officiating, United continued to dominate the possession in the second half. In the 73rd minute, midfielder Matt Kawczynski drove a corner kick deep across the penalty area onto the foot of Gabe Bonetti. Bonetti settled the ball and struck it low and hard past the goalkeeper. The ball deflected off of the inside of the far goalpost and into the net to make the score 2-0.

Not long after, United again found themselves pressing into the Celtics half. Midfielder David Simpson delivered a nicely weighted ball through the defense and into the path of a breaking Chris Harvey. With nobody to beat except the goalkeeper, Harvey calmly slotted the ball into the right side of the goal to end his recent scoring drought and put the game out of reach for the Celtics.

The 3-0 score held until the end of the ninety minutes. Backup goalkeeper Corey Stamp logged a clean sheet, and managers Whalen and Simpson congratulated the boys on a game well played.

The result puts United at third place in the league, just five points off of the leaders, with three games in hand. The club face Parsians next in the League Cup replay, and then have to prepare for a tough schedule of double-headers and two-day weekends in an effort to replay as many of the canceled matches as possible before the end of the season in June.

story by kef
photos by heidi

Sour Showing

A lackluster performance in a 3-2 loss against Ventura Soccer Club sullies United's unbeaten record

Ventura, CA - After a 6-0 result in the opposite fixture, United looked as though they believed the match on Sunday would be a cakewalk. The Ventura Soccer Club, however, came out seeking revenge against the league leaders, and that passion continued for ninety minutes.

United seemed to be sleepwalking as VSC put two points on the board in the first half. The Ventura club closed down every free ball, and capitalized on United's laziness.

The second half saw only a slight improvement as the Malibu boys tried to climb back from the deficit. In the 77th minute, striker Gabe Bonetti, who had been virtually invisible during the first part of the match, managed to slot the ball past the VSC keeper. The momentum shift was quickly quelled, though, as VSC were able to answer with a goal of their own only a short time later.

The only shining moment for United came from an unlikely source. In the 82nd minute, defender John Visher received the ball from a throw in on the right side of the field. Noticing that he had some space, he turned toward the VSC goal, an let fly with a right-footed, thirty-yard missile that seemed laser guided as it curved its way into the upper left corner of the net.

When asked after the match, Visher claimed, "none of our forwards were doing anything, so I figured I would give it a shot."

In the end though, it wasn't enough, and VSC would claim the distinction of being the first team this season to defeat the Malibu club.

The loss, coupled with recent cancellations and other results in weekend play saw United drop to fourth place in the league table. Manager James Whalen had only two words, "I'm gutted!"

story by kef
photos by heidi

Redemption!

After struggling for nearly seventy-five minutes against a tenacious Gibos side, United hang on to reclaim lost points and lost pride in a 2-0 victory at Malibu High.

Malibu, CA - The aging team meteorologist gave a favorable report, and it was indeed a warm day in Malibu this Sunday as United prepared to face CSC76 Gibos, the only team in the league to have nicked a point from the leaders.

Midfielder Corey Stamp was finally back in uniform after a five game suspension that, with all the recent cancellations, had seemed to go on forever. Manager James Whalen had his full starting squad with the exception of goalkeeper Sam Mancilla, away due to sponsorship commitments, and defender Josh Langdon, sidelined indefinitely after reports recently surfaced regarding unsanctioned transfer talks with a foreign club. Replacement goalkeeper Paul Herold would receive his second official start, and fan-favorite Ignacio "Roach" Rodriguez was given the captain's armband for the sixth time this season.

Gibos got off to a quick start, immediately putting pressure on United by attacking every loose ball with authority. United had trouble finding their rhythm, and for the first thirty minutes looked as though they may again fall victim to the disciplined CSC squad.

Both sides saw several chances go wanting in the first half, with neither able to convert. The official seemed intent on interrupting the flow of play, and many solid opportunities were choked by the whistle. As the questionable calls mounted, so did the ire of captain Rodriguez, whose vocal dissent soon earned him a yellow card and a notation in the book.

In the thirtieth minute, Gibos pressed forward, and nearly put a point on the board when a high bouncing ball found its way over goalkeeper Herold's outstretched hands. The following shot was placed wide of the net, however, and United stayed in the game.

Late in the first half, striker Ben "Obi Wan" Corrodi worked his usual magic down the left side of the pitch. He cut in toward goal and, after sidestepping a defender, looked certain to score. However, the resulting shot was placed directly at the Gibos goalkeeper who was up to task of collecting it. The half would end at 0-0.

During the break, managers Whalen and Simpson bemoaned the usual ailments and begged the boys to maintain their shape and pass the ball around. Whalen whined about being "wide open" on the wing on several occasions, but was quick to admit that he would probably have blown the opportunity had the ball indeed rolled his way.

After the break, United began to look a bit more like their usual confident selves. the passing began to open up, and the full width of the field was being exploited. Midfielder Frantz Ethienne, back in the lineup after a brief respite, delivered several long crosses into the penalty area that threatened to open a crack in the Gibos defensive line. Striker Gabe Bonetti and midfielder Ignacio Rodriguez connected on several plays to penetrate deeper into the Gibos zone. And, the second half again saw Corrodi taking command of the left side of the pitch. On one of which runs he found the younger Bonetti at the top of the eighteen yard line, but Bonetti's shot sailed wide.

It wasn't until the seventy-fourth minute of play that the deadlock was broken. United had once again penetrated into Gibos territory. Forward Chris Harvey found himself pressured against the left touchline, so he dropped the ball back to an approaching Matt Kawczynski. The reliable midfielder had a moment to take a few looks around before delivering a perfectly shaped cross toward forward Dave Keffer who was sitting unfettered at the top of the penalty area. Keffer struck the ball cleanly with a left-footed volley that soared past the goalkeeper and under the bar. The supporters erupted with cheers, and the on-field celebration was enough to indicate United's relief.

The match then began to open up a bit more, and even the official's calls started leaning in United's direction. In the eightieth, midfielder Rodriguez found himself surrounded in the penalty area and stripped of the ball. But, not before the official spotted a Gibo player pulling on Rodriguez's shirt. His decision was immediate as he ran and pointed to the penalty spot with clinical precision. Gerry Smith converted the kick with no great fanfare, and United were up 2-0.

With less than ten minutes to play, United had only to hold on to their lead, which they did with confidence.

The 2-0 result leaves United one point clear of rivals, Parsians, at the top of the league table with a game in hand. Unfortunately, next weekend will bring another cancellation to interrupt the flow, as Andy Gillespie's Crown & Anchor side have indicated their fear of the leaders by raising the white flag an unprecedented seven days prior to match time. This schedule change will give Parsians a chance to sneak ahead of United on points, but it will most certainly be a temporary adjustment. United will be eager to add to their six match unbeaten streak when the missed games are rescheduled in the future.


story by kef
photos by heidi

Back In Action!

Goals from the entire offensive roster mark a decisive return to league play for United

Malibu, CA - Anticipation was in the air Sunday as Malibu United got set to make their long-awaited return to the pitch. The holiday break and several recent match cancellations had conspired to keep them away from competitive play, but the boys seemed anxious to get back to work.

The grounds at Malibu High were buzzing with early morning activity. The fifth annual Malibu High Athletic Boosters 5k Shark Run/Walk was in full swing, and several United fans were putting their own athleticism on display, supporting the cause, and crossing the finish line in style.

League newcomers, the Ventura Misfits, started the match with an intensity inconsistent with their position at the bottom of the table. They came out hard, and immediately pressed into United territory, but that was all that was necessary to wake the boys up.

In only the fifth minute of play, new midfielder Matt Kawczynski launched a looping ball deep into Misfits territory. Challenged by the attack of forward Chris Harvey, the Misfits goalkeeper misjudged the bounce, and the ball fell cleanly to the feet of forward Dave Keffer, who had only to gently guide it the remaining eighteen yards .

Then in the thirteenth, midfielder Luke Bonetti powered his way through to the top of the penalty area and let off a rocket of a shot toward the lower right corner of the Misfits goal. It would surely have been goal number two but for a spectacular full-stretch diving save by the goalkeeper that guided the chance just wide.

The resulting corner kick, however, was a different story. In a display that some supporters believe might challenge Luke Bonetti's thirty-yard strike against the Parsians for goal of the season, forwards Dave Keffer and Chris Harvey decided to put on a clinic in set-play delivery and finishing. From the right side corner spot, Harvey spied the early run of Keffer and drove the ball toward the near post. Keffer attacked the cross with a header of such authority that the Misfit defenders were left flat-footed as the ball found the back of the net. United were up 2-0, and Keffer's enjoyment of the moment was obvious.

The Misfits kept pushing forward, however, and it looked as though they might have climbed back into the game when a cross from the right side beat veteran United goalkeeper Paul Herrold and fell dangerously in front of an open goal. Thankfully, the resulting shot sailed over the crossbar, and United's two goal cushion was safe for the moment.

In the twenty-third minute, however, things took a turn for the worse when defender Kevin Curry conceded a questionable foul in the penalty box. Fans were up in arms when the official pointed to the spot, but the decision had already been made. Goalkeeper Herold did his best to psyche out his opponent, but in the end, the Misfit's number 12 deposited a well placed ball into the onion bag to make the score 2-1.

United weren't finished by a long stretch, though. Only two minutes later Luke Bonetti threaded a nicely weighted pass through to a rushing Ben Corrodi. The calm striker took a few strides with the ball before slotting it past the approaching goalkeeper in a cool display of confidence that would only be topped five minutes later.

Defender Lawrence Whalen, who had been recovering from a groin injury earlier in the week, had no trouble finding Corrodi again with a deft pass between two defenders. Corrodi did a quick turn that left the goalkeeper on the ground before pushing the ball between the sticks.

With the scoreline now 4-1, the United boys began having some fun. The passing was open and flowing, and their confidence was on display. Just before the fortieth minute, striker Gabe Bonetti decided it was his turn when he received the ball toward the center of the field. In a series of moves seemingly inspired by the Whalen family's recent trip to Switzerland, Bonetti slalomed around one, two, then three defenders before tucking the ball past a sliding goalkeeper and into the back of the net. The young Brazilian proudly took a camera check to make sure the event was documented properly for future generations. United would take their 5-1 lead into the halftime break.

After the restart, the scoring slowed down a bit, but the Misfits weren't giving up. Several close chances were repelled by the United defense and goalkeeper Paul Herrold, and the Ventura team was finally able to convert an opportunity in the fifty-second minute when a scramble in front of the United goal saw the ball bouncing out of Herrold's reach, and onto the head of one of the Misfit's strikers. While directing the ball into the netting, the energetic striker managed to pick his squad's dignity up off the ground and dust it off a bit.

The 5-2 scoreline would hold for nearly twenty minutes while both teams struggled to maintain their composure. Several aggressive fouls resulted in a yellow card for each side, including one for United defender Lawrence Whalen who seemed to be attracting a good share of attention with his acrobatic play in the back third.

But the tide again flowed United's way in the eightieth minute when Ben Corrodi sent Chris Harvey through with only the goalkeeper in his way. A quick side-step made the finishing touch easy, but no less enjoyable for Harvey who had finally marked his first official league goal after six goals in non-league play.

Five minutes later, midfielder Luke Bonetti would round out the scoring after receiving a cross from Corrodi in the left corner of the field. Bonetti slowly approached the goal, and when the goalkeeper stepped forward to cover the anticipated cross, Bonetti simply tucked the biscuit past the near post and into the sack.

The final scoreline of 7-2 brings United's goal differential up to 16, and with only five games played they still sit one point clear at the top of the league table. Next Sunday sees another break from league play as United get set to face Parsians in the second round of the League Cup.


story by kef
photos by heidi

Currie's Heat Ignites Gibos Comeback

Despite a lackluster performance, Malibu United manage to collect a point on their home opener, just enough to maintain position at the top of the table

Malibu, CA - United unveiled a shiny new home kit to a capacity crowd on Sunday at Malibu High School. The new uniforms, sporting the logo of the clubs newest sponsor, PC Ask Me, were a hit with players and fans alike. Unfortunately, after ninety minutes on a damp, muddy pitch, the blue and white colors weren't the only things left sullied. CSC76 Gibos were able to put a sloppy end to United's three game winning streak in a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down.

The match started well enough for United. Some early runs looked promising, and they seemed to be passing the ball around and dominating most of the play.

Midway through the first half, forward Dave Keffer threaded a leading pass between two defenders and into the path of striker Gabe Bonetti. Bonetti carried the ball into the right side of the penalty box, but before he could turn toward goal, he was taken down by the defender. The referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot, and Bonetti drove the ball solidly past the keeper to put United up 1-0.

A short time later, United again found themselves in the penalty area, but this time it was midfielder Chris Harvey who took the brunt of a hard tackle. The official didn't agree, however, and no foul was called.

At the thirtieth minute, midfielder David Simpson collected a pass midway into Gibos territory. Simpson pushed the ball through to an advancing Luke Bonetti who immediately found striker Ben Corrodi to the left of the goal with a perfectly weighted pass that sliced through the Gibos' back four. Corrodi took a few light touches before burying the ball into the upper netting. United would carry that 2-0 lead into the break.

At the start of the second half, it looked as though United would be gifted another goal when Gabe Bonetti again penetrated into the Gibos' half of the field. With a nifty touch, he beat his defender but was taken down just as he crossed into the area. The official wasn't swayed by calls for another penalty kick, and he placed the ball just outside the area for a free kick. Midfielder Chris Harvey bent the ball around the wall toward the back post and an advancing Gerry Smith, who had moved up from his defensive position. Unfortunately it proved just out of reach for the surly Smith, and United were unable to convert the chance.

Midway through the second half things started to crumble. United looked as though they were satisfied with two goals, and they were unable to make anything of several opportunities. Their play was becoming more and more lazy and disorganized, and as a result, Gibos were able to penetrate deeper into the United half of the field, and more and more balls were rolling their way.

In about the sixtieth minute, Gibos had pushed deep into United territory. And, while trying to clear the ball out of harms way, it instead bounced up and struck defender Gerry Smith in the arm. The official pointed to the penalty spot, and that effectively ended goalkeeper Sam Mancilla's hopes of a fourth straight clean sheet. Gibos would convert the shot and climb to just 2-1 down.

Despite sloppy play and trouble maintaining their shape, United looked as though they might be able to hold onto their remaining lead until the end of the match. However, in the 80th minute things took a dramatic turn for the worse. Chasing a loose ball near the midfield line, defender Kevin Currie went in for a slide tackle and collided with the Gibos midfielder Wicks, one of the few women players in the league. The resulting injury put an end to the game for Wicks but sparked a fever in her Gibos teammates which led to their second goal.

United struggled to answer for the remaining five minutes of play, but were unable to do so. The match finished a 2-2 tie, marking the end of United's winning streak.

Malibu were helped out on Sunday by another CSC team, however, as second place CSC76 Celtics dropped three points to fifth place CSC76 United. As a result, United sits tied with CSC76 Gibos at the top of the table, just barely inching them out with a higher goal differential.

story by kef
photos by heidi

Sam-tastic!!

United strike early and hold tough to claim victory in their first League Cup match

Thousand Oaks, CA - Manager James Whalen fielded a slightly handicapped side on Sunday vs. the Crown & Anchor Lions for their first match in the Tri-Counties League Cup. Midfielders David Simpson and Matt Kawczynski, and defender Gerry Smith were all away on international duty. Defender Corey Stamp was still serving out a five-game suspension. And, Ryan Silverman hadn’t been seen since the tabloids announced earlier in the week that he had run off with Lindsey Lohan’s personal assistant.

On the positive side, new signing Lawrence Whalen was given his first official start after his much-anticipated transfer from NorCal in what would prove to be a long, exhausting afternoon in which United’s unbeaten start to the season would be put to a stern test against a team who currently sit second on the Tri-Counties premier division table. It was a thrilling match for all in attendance at Wildflower.

From the start, United’s front line had difficulty gaining any kind of foothold, but the wingers and centerbacks held their own well enough to create some early chances. Chris Harvey and Luke Bonetti were able to work a few balls out of the midfield and up to strikers Gabe Bonetti and Ben Corrodi, but for the first twenty minutes of play, most of the finishing fell flat.

The Lions were the first to strike when a hard, low shot gave United goalkeeper Sam Mancilla his first real test of the season. With a short dive he parried away the first attempt, but was forced to immediately make himself big again to cover a second shot. Thankfully, he collected the resulting corner kick without incident, but this series would be a sign of things to come.

It wasn’t until the twenty-first minute when United would get their break. After fan-favorite Ignacio “Roach” Rodriguez earned a free kick in front of the Lion’s bench, midfielder Michael Ridley served up a beautiful, arching through-ball that found the path of winger Chris Harvey who had carved his way up the left side of the pitch. Harvey’s first touch solidly redirected the ball into the lower right side of the net to put United up 1-0.

United collapsed into a defensive posture for the remainder of the half, doing whatever they could to hold on to their lead. The Lions threatened again when they were awarded a free kick in a dangerous position just outside the penalty area, but again, goalkeeper Mancilla was equal to the task.

Josh Langdon delivered a solid performance anchoring the back four, and Lawrence Whalen and Dave Keffer, who had been shifted back to a stopper position to help bolster a shallow defensive roster, did everything they could to ride out the first period. The only offensive chance United would see before the end of the half was a searching shot from thirty yards by striker Gabe Bonetti that was easily covered by the Lions’ goalkeeper.

United’s task was then made all the more difficult after the halftime break when they were reduced to ten men. Midfielder Ignacio Rodriguez was shown his second yellow card after a hard challenge near the midfield line. The two incidents barely warranted a fatherly talking to, and Rodriguez was furious as he was relegated to watching the remainder of the match shirtless from across the end line.

With one less player on the field, manager Whalen made some adjustments to thicken the defense. Ben Corrodi was moved toward the back leaving Gabe and Luke Bonetti rotating in and out of the loan striker position.

The remainder of the match was an onslaught of biblical proportions with few offensive chances for United and an endless flurry of defensive tests. Mancilla had dozens of jaw-dropping saves as the Lions threw everything they could toward the United goal. Veteran defender Kevin Curry had a goal line header to save a threatening ball, midfielder Michael Ridley had the same, and defender Josh Langdon was nearly unbeatable. Every shot was collected, punched away, or guided safely over the goal by Mancilla, and although each clearance was again won in the midfield by the Lions, their collective frustration was palpable, and the challenges were getting more and more physical as the half marched slowly on.

United held tough, however, and it looked as though they might be gifted another goal when late in the second half, some midfield confusion by the Lions resulted in a breakaway for midfielder Michael Ridley. Ridley pushed past the top of the area as the Lions’ goalkeeper came out to cut off the angle. He deftly touched the ball to his left to avoid the challenge, but the goalkeeper’s hands clipped Ridley’s feet sending him crashing to the ground. United cried out for a penalty kick, but rather than point to the spot as expected, the official blew the whistle three times to signal the end of the match.

United proved their mettle against an impressive Lions side to get the result and continue their unbeaten streak. And, Sam Mancilla would log yet another clean sheet with a dynamic performance in the first truly challenging match of the season.

A collective sigh of relief could be felt all through Wildflower Park as fans watched both teams congratulate each other on a hard fought competition that no one would argue was well worth the price of admission.

story by kef
photos by heidi

United Solidify Position At Top Of Table

Lack of sunshine not a problem as Malibu take command in 6-0 rout

Ventura, CA - A light drizzle did little to dampen the spirits of the United boys as they took the field at beautiful Ventura Community Park on Sunday. The wide, flat pitch was a welcome change from the cabbage patch of last week's match in Oak Park, and after the warm-up it was obvious they were eager to test out the grounds.

United began strong against opponent Ventura Soccer Club, playing much of the first fifteen minutes in the home side's half of the field. Although unable to convert any of their first chances, they controlled the run of play, and through individual efforts, kept pressing forward.

The first break came midway through the first half when midfielder Luke Bonetti connected with the head of his brother, striker Gabe Bonetti. The younger Bonetti was able to redirect a near-side cross into the far side of the net to put United up 1-0.

Ten minutes later during one of the few spells in which Ventura had found their way into the United half of the field, the ball was cleared out of the United penalty area toward the head of forward Dave Keffer. With a deft touch, Keffer skipped the ball over a Ventura player and out toward midfielder Chris Harvey who was streaking up the right wing. Harvey covered nearly thirty yards before finding striker Ben Corrodi toward the top of the penalty box. Corrodi had only to take a few magic steps to lose his defender before slotting the ball past the diving goalkeeper.

The United back four did well to keep the ball in the Ventura half. Gerry Smith covered the sweeper position in the absence of Josh Langdon who was away on international duty, and newcomer Frantz Ethienne delivered a confident performance on the right side. This created many more chances during the remainder of the half, one of which resulted in Luke Bonetti again freeing up his brother, Gabe inside the penalty area. After his first shot was blocked by the keeper, his second shot deflected off two Ventura defenders before setting up nicely at the top of the six yard box for forward Dave Keffer. Keffer calmly volleyed the ball into the far side of the onion bag to put United at a comfortable 3-0.

Manager James Whalen, who was sidelined due to a groin injury he picked up during midweek training, praised the scoreline at the halftime break, but pleaded with the boys to work more as a team. "The individual effort and the show of skills is fine," he said, "but if we can't pass the ball around, we're going to have a hell of a time against some of the stronger teams in this league."

The pep talk had its effect, however, because after the restart, United's passing ability began to reveal itself. It started early with several moments of one-touch creativity and continued to improve all the way up to the end of the match when they were moving the ball around like a well-oiled pinball machine.

All of this resulted in several more clear chances for United before the final whistle as shots seemed to come from all directions toward the Ventura goal. Midfielder Chris Harvey nearly weaved his way through the defense on several occasions, and forward Dave Keffer rattled the woodwork with a bullet of a shot from the top of the penalty area.

The scoreline wouldn't change, though, until midway through the second half when a shot from the left side of the pitch was directed over the end line by the Ventura keeper. On the resulting corner kick, forward Dave Keffer found Ignacio Rodriguez just outside the penalty area. With a skilled chest-trap, Rodriguez set himself up for a 25 yard rocket volley that the Ventura goalkeeper could only watch adoringly as it passed him at eye level.

More United attack would follow. Defender Gerry Smith, who had pushed forward into a midfield position, was the recipient of a dangerous cross from Keffer which was nearly redirected into the goal by an acrobatic display from the robust defender. Rodriguez and the Bonetti brothers were denied several times by goal line saves. Even defender Frantz Ethienne let lose with a try from nearly forty yards out.

United wouldn't quit however. At around the 70th minute, midfielder David Simpson found himself crossing the center of the field toward the left side touch line. He dumped the ball toward the corner and into the path of a diagonal run from forward Dave Keffer whose quick, back-heel pass found striker Gabe Bonetti crossing the top of the penalty area. Bonetti continued past his defender directly into an unsuccessful challenge from the Ventura goalkeeper. Bonetti was able to maintain control of the ball and virtually walk it across the goal line to put United at an enjoyable 5-0.

Then, several minutes later, the Bonetti brothers again connected at the top of the box. Gabe Bonetti received the ball just as he was about to be sandwiched by two Ventura defenders. With a light touch, though, he flicked the ball between them and was able to turn toward goal with nothing but a wide eyed goalkeeper and twenty feet of netting in his path.

The resulting goal made for a 6-0 final scoreline, a hat-trick for Bonetti, and a second clean sheet in as many games for United goalkeeper Sam Mancilla. And, with two league wins, a +10 goal differential, and next week's cup match to look forward to, United find themselves securely at the top of the table as they head into the Thanksgiving break.

story by kef