wolFPack Second Half Effort Fall Short

SUMMIT NJ – The 9U Florham Park wolFPack fell short on their opening game this Sunday against Summit Real Madrid 4-3.

The contest between the 2 was a difficult task being away for the first time and being on a very small turf field.

wolFPack started off slow and went down early after about 2 minutes from whistle.   The first half jitters seemed to get the best of The Pack as they let up another goal to end the first half down 2 – nil.  The game could have easily slipped away when Summit were awarded a penalty.  However, the athletic Mark Perillo saved the penalty keeping the wolFPack’s hope alive.

There was a lot being asked from the wolFPack defense.  Unable to get anything forward, the first half was played in the negative side of the field.  Nick Cicarelli, Mathew Toto and Ryan Medich were preventing shots and fast breaks longer and more than the coaching staff wants to see.

Coach Garing commented after the game “Its a difficult environment and a lot was being asked. The first half was a ‘welcome to travel’ message to the boys.  Our backs were playing more than our forwards and that is not what we want”

Second half of the game was being played more on the positive side of the pitch.   Danny Ewing broke free and opened up his account and goes down as the first player to score in wolFPack history.  His tireless hard work paid off to make the game 2-1.  Summit were able to answer back with another goal, but Pete Garing netted 2 in the onion bag keeping the game a close contest.

wolFPack went from defending most of the game to shifting into the positive end when Medich moved into an attacking role.  His constant pressure and battling for balls made a huge difference in the games outcome

Second half defense was led by Dylan Sugg fighting and clearing out balls from the back line with Daniel Rafael, Dylan Brown, Johnny Keogh and Perillo removing the threats from the flanks.

Cicarelli minded the nets in the second half, having a positive impact to the game.

“The second half was a totally different game.  With a minor adjustment, the boys seemed to get confidence.  The outcome is different if we play entire game like the last 20 minutes” remarked Coach Garing in a post game interview.

It was an excellent game for the wolFPack considering being on the road and on turf.  Next week they host Pequannock Strikers in home opener 1:15 PM