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September 23, 2007 [Championship Game]
STORMHAWKS SCORE TWO IN THE 2ND HALF
TO WIN FIRST EVER SLL TROPHY
The date for the first ever SLL championship game finally arrived. It
was set to be played at a “neutral site” at Colmar Manor
Ball Park,
where the NSL games usually takes place on Sundays. Since both teams ended up
with an identical 3-3-1 record for the regular season, this championship game
was not going to disappoint the fans.
The first half
featured both teams still trying to adjust to the much-larger Colmar-Manor ball
field than what the SLL are used to play in. No real scoring threat was made by
either team in this half.
When the 2nd
half rolled around, and after making crucial defensive stops in the 1st
half for the Stormhawks, China Ndolo forged ahead to help out on offense. He received the ball at midfield by Amaka
Ajene, lost two Rockets FC defenders at the left wing and scored the 1st
goal of the SLL championship in the 33rd minute. That’s when things began to heat up and the
two teams eventually realized they had a trophy to play for. After much
unfruitful labor from the Rockets offense, Obi Mbanefo of the Stormhawks FC
finally broke free of his defenders in the 39th minute and unleashed
a fury for the 2nd goal of the game.
As time was running
out, the Rockets were forced to watch the Stormhawks celebrate and take laps
around the field with the SLL trophy. The Rockets have now one more year to
practice and come back to claim what they believe was rightfully their’s.
August 11 2007
CRITICAL GAME 7
ENDS UP IN A 2-2 DRAW
The fact that Rockets goal keeper – Ikenna Ogba conceded two
goals in this last game of a seven-game series does not do him any justice.
With his spectacular goal-saving abilities, he single-handedly saved the game
for the Rockets FC. With the two teams coming in tied at 3 games a piece, this
game was to determine who would end up winning the series.
The game would feature Ikenna diving left for a save or
diving right for another save; sometimes jumping out of his box to battle for a
loose ball, occasionally rolling on the turf when necessary. His biggest saves
of the game would come against Stormhawks Obi Mbanefo who usually cracked his
way through the Rockets defense for one-on-one chances with the goalie – which usually
ended up in misses. It was in the 15th minute that Obi finally broke
free from the defense to score the first goal of the game after a long drought.
2 minutes later, Kalu Ume retaliated with a perfect shot from the left side
which had the goalie searching for the ball.
The Rockets opened up the 2nd half matching up
Che-Che on Obi which helped slow him down from being a scoring threat. But it
opened up opportunities for other players like Amaka Ajene who got the ball
from the right side on a cross from KC.Obi and hammered home a nice shot in the
30th minute of the game. After putting the Stormhawks up 2-1, the
Rockets wasted no time to equalize in the 34th minute when Kamso
Onwumechili muscled his way through two defenders to score.
The two star-studded teams now have one more game to
determine the first ever winner of the SLL championship on September 23.
WEEK 8 [July 28]
ALL HANDS ON DECK AS STORMHAWKS STEAMROLL ROCKETS 5-3
Facing elimination with 2 straight losses coming into this game, the Stormhawks were determined to win this game with all their might and show who’s in charge – taking back control of the series in the process. With Coach Joe Smith at the helms for the Stormhawks on this sunny day, the ball was distributed evenly among their players, resulting in four different goal scorers. Chiamaka Onwumechili led the parade with two goals as the Stormhawks walloped the Rockets 5-3. But it was KC Charles-Obi who opened up the scoring fiesta for the Stormhawks as he took a corner –kick in the second minute of the game and curved it straight into the post as the Rockets defense muffled the ball as it entered the post. Chiamaka would take the ball from her midfield in the 17th minute and dribble her way to the post for the 2nd goal.
The start of the 2nd half showed little urgency from the Rockets as a handball from the defense cost them the 3rd goal in the 26th minute – scored by Chikwado Nsoedo. Down 3-0 early in the 2nd half seemed to wake up the Rockets, as Chibuzor Nsoedo scored two spectacular back to back goals. The first goal he scored as he muscled the ball away from the defense as they were busy passing the ball in front of the goal post. The 2nd goal he scored three minutes later as he ran down the right side with one defender trailing and hammered straight to the left side of the net. It seemed the Rockets were now fully awake as they had fans up on their feet and cheering them on. Chibuzor, still smarting from his two goals went immediately for a third one, but this time the goal keeper was ready for the save. Chiamaka decided to put this game away as she broke free from two defenders and tucked the ball neatly in the net. But the Rockets were not done as they brought the ball to midfield to pass after the goal; Kamso got the ball and struck it straight into the post with one fierce shot. Stormhawks responded again three minutes later as Amaka Ajene surprised her team by cracking her way through the defense for the fifth goal. The Rockets would have no more energy left to conquer this victory as they stood silently and watched the Stormhawks celebrate. The Rockets must now kick themselves for not showing up this day to wrap up the series. Both teams now have an extra week of practice for the “winner-take-all” game 7 show down.
WEEK 6 [July 14]
SAME OLD STORY FOR THE STORMHAWKS AS THEY GO DOWN 2-1
…And the journey continues for our beloved Stormhawks for this 2007 season. “No Obi in the lineup results in another loss” With a 2-2 record coming into this game, ALL losses has been without their co-captain playing. Fans are still waiting for the Stormhawks to at least tweak their strategy to showcase the skills of their other talented players – But Coach Tunde is bent on using the same formation and strategy on every game – and so the losses pileup. The coach tried hard to hustle and successfully imported another “Obi” as in KC. Charles-Obi – straight from Nigeria five days ago, who quickly signed on to play for the Stormhawks. Though a skillful player, but not in the same mold and not as physically imposing as Obi #1.
Down by one goal, KC would make his presence felt in the 18th minute to equalize the game. After a scramble for the ball in front of the Rockets goalpost, goalie Chinonso and the defense could not hold onto the ball, so KC would collect it and score. The Rockets, also playing without their co-captain, Kamso, would need their main two strikers – Kalu Ume and Emeka Onyeiwu to step up in this big game. Each would answer the call, scoring a goal a piece. The first would come from Kalu in the 15th minute after Emeka beat his overlapping defender and found Kalu on a cross. He would place the ball in the right side of the net.
The 2nd half would feature Chinonso Onyeiwu moving up to the midfield and finding Emeka on a couple of runs. First, Emeka would get the ball and volley wide left for a miss after the Stormhawks goalie would run out to challenge. Two minutes later, Chinonso would find Emeka again on a throw-in; he would shake off two defenders on the right side and shoot with his left foot for the goal. With the Rockets up 2-1, the Stormhawks would be on the ropes again, fighting for their lives and identity. But here comes KC again with the ball running untouched from midfield with no one in sight but daylight; but out of the blue will come Chinonso to bring KC down and save the easy goal. This would be the final straw and ended all hopes for the Stormhawks to equalize in this game.
WEEK 5 [July 7]
ROCKETS TAKE ADVANTAGE FOR A 2-1 VICTORY
Can somebody please wake me up when the Stormhawks are capable of buying a win without Obi Mbanefo in their starting lineup? This team is still searching for their identification without their co-captain appearing in two of four games; their offense being totally non-existent in these games. Nobody from the Stormhawks is willing to step up and take charge when he is MIA… and so, the journey continues.
The Rockets intended to come in this game today and even up the season series at two-a-piece and it seems they accomplished their task. Even the ninety-degree weather which caused the players to run around in sweaty-soaked jerseys and drenched-funky stockings, the Rockets still came away with a 2-1 victory in this ball game. Kamso Onwumechili of the Rockets was determined to put the game away in the first half with quick-nifty passes to his main strikers – Kalu Ume and Emeka Onyeiwu. Initially, both players responded with arrays of wide-open misses; defensive shutdowns by China Ndolo also played a factor. Stormhawks goalkeeper, Chikwado Nsoedo made a couple of fantastic saves on one-on-one possessions by Emeka and Kalu. Coach EK saw Kamso’s frustration brewing and kindly advised him to keep his head up. It all happened in the 15th minute when Kamso received the ball from the right side, ran down the field and found Kalu again in the box. He shook off his defender before converting for the first goal.
To be down by only one goal by halftime, the Stormhawks had to be happy the game did not get out of hand; thanks to additional defensive abilities by Chiamaka. But in the 2nd half, Tobi Yusuf decided to show up on offense and made a spectacular shot on goal in the 28th minute, after being set up nicely by Chinemekam Onyeiwu – Rockets goalkeeper, Chinonso stepped up to save the goal. The Rockets then took over, and started to press like they started off in the first half – “Kamso to Kalu, he volleys wide left for a miss” – “Kamso to Emeka, he rams the ball to the post, and Goalie Juwan Avans saves”
Who would have guessed a controversial goal will put the Rockets up by two in the 34th minute when it seems like Emeka collected the ball from out of bounds and scored. Referee Okeosisi had a second to think about it and concluded it was a clean goal and non-debatable – but also said Coach Tunde was free to keep on rambling. The controversy infused much needed anger in the Stormhawks FC because a minute later, Chinemekam muscled the ball out of Chibuzor Nsoedo in front of the Rockets goalpost and placed the ball in the left side of the net. Goal keeper Chinonso would dive right, falling for the fake. It seemed the Stormhawks were alive and kicking, but immediately after the goal, they went back into their shells on offense and watched the time dwindle away.
Coach Tunde must now arrange for a limousine to pick up his co-captain for next Saturdays game, or else we will be singing the same old tunes…
WEEK 4 [June 30]
STORMHAWKS TAKE A BITE OUT OF ROCKETS FC. 2-1
With the series tied at one a piece, this game was billed up to be tough and tumble to see which team was going to take the lead on this intense seven-game series. The two teams did not disappoint. Stormhawks FC surely did not disappoint as they took this game with a commanding 2-1 victory. Both spectacular goals coming from their ace – Obi Mbanefo, who after discovering thirty minutes before the game, his coach Tunde was in hibernation, decided to organize his squad for an emotional pep talk and three lapses around the field. This act showed he was the leader of this team and wanted to carry them on his back. It also showed which direction he wanted this team to head. Whether the Stormhawks followed the directions of substitute coach Carlos Ndolo or not was not the question, but he brought his winning ways from the NSL to the SLL for this game. For the first half of the game, plays regularly designed for his Vasco team was brought into action for this young Stormhawks team; and it paid dividends. However, the Stormhawks victory did not come easily, because all the hustling and jostling were done by the Rockets, but they could not capitalize on their numerous chances. Coach Chuka of the Rockets designed multiple plays for his midfield to get the ball to strikers – Emeka Onyeiwu and Kalu Ume. The combination of these two players wrecked havoc and caused confusion to the opposing defense with sick passes and crossover dribbles the whole game, but could not finish off. In the 18th minute, while Obi was making a run, he had only one defender to beat in Kamso for an easy goal, but was emphatically brought down. The ensuing free kick by Obi only pierced the net for his first goal. No immediate adjustments were made by Coach Chuka because two minutes later, the same player – Obi collected the ball from his midfield, dusted off two defenders and ran untouched one half of the field for his second goal. Some minor adjustments were made by the Rockets in the second half. In the 27th minute of the game, the MVP of game two, Kamso Onwumechili rounded up the ball infront of the Stormhawks goalpost, lost one defender and placed the ball in the left side of the net. Goalkeeper Justin Maduka, who was spectacular the whole game, would only miss the opportunity to save this goal. Suddenly, it would seem the Rockets started to see the light. Another opportunity came for the one-two combo of Emeka and Kalu who found themselves alone with the Stormhawks goalie, but Emeka would shoot wide right for the miss in the waning minutes of the game. Miss after miss by different players proved costly for the Rockets. They would now look forward to next Saturday for the opportunity to even up the series.
WEEK 2 [June 16] ROCKETS THUMP STORMHAWKS 4-2
Kamso Onwumechili and his Rocket teammates were observed pandering Referee Okeosisi twice with
the question - "when is the game going to start Ref? / when is the game going to start Ref???? It was like
humming a song from a nursery rhyme. Maybe they had homeworks to do after the game or projects to
turn in and needed the game to start immediately. Some parents and fans were saying their "Rocket"
kids had all week to ponder the 3-0 beatdown received from Stormhawks FC last week..OR maybe
as one NSL player from Youngblood put it - they want the game started now before Stormhawks
aceman Obi Mbanefo shows up. It was only 10am on the clock.
As soon as 11.05am rolled around and the 1st half kicked off, it was evident Obi was left off Coach
Tunde's depth chart as he was MIA. Rockets FC started licking their chops - It started off with bigman
Kalu Ume, who in the 1st minute of the game, collected the ball at midfield, forged ahead and fired off
a fierce shot, only to be saved by defender, Chinemekam Onyeiwu. Stormhawks FC goalkeeper,
Chiderah Uzoukwu who miskicked the ball in the 2nd minute, was picked off by Kamso who could not
convert the goal. In the 7th minute, Kalu again dribbled off the left side, ran down the field untouched
only to be stopped by defensive guru - China Ndolo. That persistense to score by the Rockets finally
paid off in the 9th minute when Kamso grabbed a pass from Chibuzor Nsoedo at the penalty box of
Stormhawks and fired off a rocket into the net for the 1st goal.
The party was just getting started as evident in the 11th minute when Kamso found Kalu alone in the box,
who in turn converted the 2nd goal.
Stormhawks Chiamaka Onwumechili, forced to strike by Coach Tunde in this 2nd game of a 7 game series
because of the absence of Obi, was not going to sit quietly watching this slaughter in person. She collected
a quick pass from her goalie, forged ahead untouched through the midfield only to be stopped by Kamso,
who kept shuttling back and forth between offense and defense. The exact same sequence occurred immediately
after as Chiamaka again ran with the ball down the field, and once again Kamso was there to defend.
The same could not be said for the Stormhawks defense in this first half action-packed game as China was
trying to clear the ball from entering his net after a shot from Emeka Onyeiwu in the 17th minute, but lo and behold
-guess who was there to put the ball back in the net - Kamso. Down 3-0, Stormhawks FC Chikwado Nsoedo bullied
his way through two defenders and aimed for the net, but was calmly saved by newly signed goalie, Austin.
After a tongue-lashing from Coach Tunde of Stormhawks at half time and a back-lash from his players, the second
half was going to be a different story. Justin Taiwo[the MVP of the first game], after getting a crisp pass from Tobi
Yussuf, kicked a shot that was saved by goalie Austin. But Rockets were not done yet as in the 24th minute, Kamso
rounded the ball infront of the Stormhawks goalpost, hit a cannon which only struck the right bar. This shot shook
the nets; it also sent shivers down the Stormhawks spines, because Emeka still fretting after a wide open miss minutes
ago would only score the 4th goal with a ferrocious strike from midfield. Goalkeeper Chinonye Uzoukwu would only
beg for mercy. The stern look from Coach Tunde said it all - because in the 35th minute, Tobi and Justin would find themselves alone infront of goalie Austin, only to misfire. In the next minute, Tobi again squared off infront of the Rockets post, only to be surrounded and hacked down by three defenders. Chiamaka would rise to convert the penalty kick.
Chinemekam Onyeiwu would later add another goal in the 37th minute after goalie Austin mishandled a kickoff.
Time would soon run out for the Stormhawks. Their attempted comeback would only fall short of time. They would be left for the next two weeks pondering what would have happened if their players were complete.
Week 1 (June 9) Week 1 (June 9) STORMHAWKS FC CLAMP DOWN ON ROCKETS 3-0
Coach Tunde of the Stormhawks FC had been flipping his starting lineup all week with no
clue as to who to start. When the clock struck 11am on saturday morning, help came in the form
of Obi Mbanefo. NSL players who had gathered around the pitch to watch the 1st of a
7 game series between the Stormhawks FC and the ROCKETS FC. had been going back
and forth whether Obi was 9 or 10 years old.... maybe 11. His real age was yet to be
determined....
As soon as Obi got the ball infront of the eighteen of the Rockets in the 2nd minute
of the game, he made a curvasious pass to Chiamaka Onwumechili who hammered a
ferrocious shot to the post for a miss. Parents and fans who had been sitting all this while,
eating cookies and doughnut, quickly stood up and gathered around the pitch to get a glimpse
of this intense action.
To say that Coach EK of the Rockets FC forgot his playbook at home would be a total
abberation - because thats what he did. For most of the 1st half of the game, his strikers were
no where to be found except picking up grass and chasing after players from Stormhawks, time
and time again. By the time the likes of Chibuzor Nsoedo, Kamso Onwumechili, and CheChe
of the Rockets FC were trying to wake up from their slumber party, Obi Mbanefo dribbled his
way through that porous defense and struck a lightining shot through the wide hands of Goalkeeper
Kalu Umeh in the 10th minute for the 1st goal of the game.
Emeka Onyeiwu was the only hope on offense for the Rockets FC, but time and time
again, he was being run down and shut down by henchman China Ndolo, who manned his spot
the entire game and never let a soul cross him.
While Coach EK could be praised for shutting down the likes of Obi in the 2nd half by
double teaming him with defenders Nene Onyeiwu and Kamso Onwumechili, that single act
left open Justin Taiwo who collected a throw-in from his half of the field, ran the other half
of the field untouched for a goal. Justin was just getting warmed up because he realized his time
to shine has finally come. A couple of minutes later, after a defensive breakdown right infront
of the Rockets goalpost occured, Justin again calmly collected the ball and placed it in the net for
a 3-0 lead to end the game.
Since the Rockets FC did not know what descended upon them the whole game, they
surely have a lot of work to do in getting ready for the 2nd game of this 7 game series next
saturday...--
--
 
|
2007 LEAGUE SEASON (7-GAME SERIES) |
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DATE
|
TIME |
TEAMS |
RESULT |
CUM. SCORE |
|
1: June 9 |
10am – 11am |
Game 1: Stormhawks v Rockets |
3-0 |
1-0 |
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2: June 16 |
10am – 11am |
Game 2: Stormhawks v Rockets |
2-4 |
1-1 |
|
3: June 23 |
10am – 12pm |
CLINIC |
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4: June 30 |
10am – 11am |
Game 3: Rockets v Stormhawks |
1-2
|
1-2
|
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5: July 7 |
10am – 11am |
Game 4: Rockets v Stormhawks |
2-1
|
2-2
|
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5: July 14 |
10am – 11am |
Game 5: Stormhawks v Rockets |
1-2
|
2-3
|
|
6: July 21 |
10am – 12pm |
CLINIC |
|
|
|
7: July 28 |
10am – 11am |
Game 6: Stormhawks v Rockets |
5-3
|
3-3
|
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8: August 4 |
10am – 12pm |
CLINIC |
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9: August 11 |
10am – 11am |
Game 7: Rockets v Stormhawks |
2-2
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3-3
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10: August 18 |
n/a |
NO GAMES |
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11: August 25 |
10am- 11am |
Award Ceremony and End of Season Banquet: SLL v SLL Moms |
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12: September 1 |
n/a |
NO GAMES |
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13: September 8 |
n/a |
NO GAMES |
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14: September 15 |
n/a |
NO GAMES |
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15: September 23 (Sunday)** |
3pm – 4pm |
Exhibition: Rockets v Stormhawks (NSL Championship Game Exhibition) |
0-2
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3-4
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SLL SCORERS |
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NAME |
TEAM |
GOALS |
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Justin Taiwo
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Stormhawks
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2
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Kamso Onwumechili
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Rockets
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5
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Obi Mbanefo
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Stormhawks
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5
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Kalu Ume
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Rockets
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4
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Emeka Onyeiwu
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Rockets
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3
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Chiamaka Onwumechili
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Stormhawks
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3
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Chinemekam Onyeiwu
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Stormhawks
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2
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KC. Charles-Obi
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Stormhawks
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2
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Chibuzor Nsoedo
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Rockets
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2
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Amaka Ajene
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Stormhawks
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2
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Chikwado Nsoedo
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Stormhawks
|
1
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China Ndolo
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Stormhawks
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1
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