New talent and returning veterans proved a strong combination in the Dogs tight season opener against Body Shotz at River Park Field Wednesday night.  The match quickly became a defensive stand off for both teams as the back lines proved to be impregnable (but not for the lack of trying).  There was good hustle by the Dogs defense and field awareness was at an all time high as the Dogs were able to lull Jesse the Body Shotz into 5 offside calls, preventing several scoring opportunities for the Body electric including a one on one match up with the Dogs’ keeper, who was having trouble seeing the ball since he was playing with only one good eye.  Coming into the half the team seemed elated but a little worn down.  Orange wedges were distributed by Beth the Soccer Mom Krug and there was much rejoicing.  Center Half, Alex “Face” Therien rallied the team saying, “keep the pressure up, attack the ball and watch the passing lanes, we’re looking good out there, especially Mike (McAtee, Sweeper), has he lost some weight?”  The rally was short lived though as the Body by Jake’s left striker laced through the defense to score the first goal of the contest in the 22^nd minute.  With the shame of defeat breathing down their backs, the Dog’s offense came to life and a perfect cross from Left Forward, Mike Blasek to Jamie Willet on the go set up an offensive run that sparked the flame.  After winning the pass and withstanding the attack of a large defender that this reporter could have sworn was a man but later was told it was, in fact, a woman,  Jamie was able to drive one into the back of the net in the 24^th minute.  Both teams then returned to their defensive stances with the final highlight of the evening coming from Sweeper, Mike “beer countin” McAtee who made a graceful flying stab at a shot on goal to deflect the ball over the post and secure the tie.  The outcome of the game, 1-1, mirrors the first game of the Dog’s abysmal last season but there are high expectations (not high but relatively higher) on the pitch and in the stands,  that with repeat attendance, a few Dogball-ette subs and plenty of orange wedges, this season’s team could see a .500 record at the end of the regular season.  Left Back, Jimmy “the Brain” Maggio was quoted as saying, “…the way this team is playing, it’s very exciting.  I mean, I’m very aroused!”   Yes, Jimmy, I think we all are. 

Stats:  09.14.05 was Beth Krug’s real birthday, not her fake birthday which she is having next Friday at Toons on Southport – Happy Birthday, Beth!  Thanks for the oranges! (bring Capri-suns next time)

Dogs have a bye next week, 09.21, see you the 28th.