Halaby with back pass to Thomas The Jaguars Soccer Team faced the Island Trees Sharks at Saint Pauls Field on a frigid Saturday afternoon last weekend. Ski caps and ear bands were the rule and not the exception on and off the field at this contest between two evenly matched teams.

The Jags almost scored in the opening minute of the game but were denied when Sharks net minder smothered the ball like Jaws. The Jaguars roared and kept the pressure on with Patrick Keogh putting the ball in the Shark’s net for a 1-0 lead. The Sharks went on the attack and despite incredible defensive efforts from Chris Thomas, Robert Sorge, and Marc Schwendemann, were able to penetrate Jaguar territory for a 2-1 lead.

Granville with ball, Halaby to left and Arning to right Down but not out, the Jaguars were determined to regain the lead. Thomas, Sorge and Schwendemann were predatory in defending the Jags end of the field and aggressively moved the ball up to Andrew Granville, Tim Halaby, Greg Arning and Thomas Bruno who were passing as well as they have all season long.

Schwendemann consistently blasted the ball with tremendous power. Sorge frustrated the offense by keeping the ball to the sideline and using his speed and dribbling skills to invade Shark territory. Thomas’ no fear physical but clean style of play sabotaged a number of Shark attacks. Granville, Halaby, Arning and Bruno were putting shots on goal like never before. Arning and Bruno dribbled rings around their opponents.

Schwendemann passes to Arning The offensive player of the day was clearly Keogh. In addition to consistent superior passing, he had a “Patrick Hat Trick” or “Keogh Trio” if you prefer, with a total of three goals for a personal best and team record. Tim Halaby had a very solid game. He moved very well with the ball and also put one in the Sharks net before the game was over.

Hat Trick Patrick Keogh Jaguar’s net keeper Tyler Biscone also had his best game of the season. While he relied greatly on his incredible defensive squad, the Sharks were determined to regain the lead and take a bite out of the Jaguars. Biscone stopped numerous powerful shots on goal. One heart stopper hit the side-post but was deflected away by the netkeeper for a dramatic save. Another perfectly placed ball that was destined for the upper right hand corner of the Jaguars net was rejected by Biscone who jumped up and one-handed it away robbing the Sharks of another point. A third Shark-blast deflected off a Jaguar defender towards the net only to be met with another spectacular save by Biscone.

Lonely Goal Keeper In the end, the Jaguars took a 5-2 bite out of the Sharks in an exciting, close and well played game. The boys showed that they have the ability to rebound and come from behind, that they may be down but are never out! Congratulations to Coach Bruno and the whole team on a great game.

In Position Defending the Corner Kick A Biscone Keeper