O'Fallon Flames Archives

12.4.05 : Flames Win 2 of 3 And Reach Season Mid-Point

Saturday the O'Fallon Flames took their show on the road and traveled with the Fenton Wanderers and the South County Cosmos to Crystal City for a "jamboree" day of matches against the newest members of the St. Louis Subbuteo League, the Crystal City Palace Eagles and the South City Saints.

The Flames started the day against the Eagles and manager Brad DeMunbrun. After getting things worked out in the midfield the Flames attacked the Crystal City defense. A flurry of shots midway through the first half resulted in goals at the 6th, 8th and 9th minutes. With a second half of solid defense, the Flames had their first road victory of the season with a 3-0 result.

Later in the day, the Flames took on the other new member of the SLSL in the South City Saints and manager Bob Hagel. Terrific defensive possitioning by the Saints had O'Fallon bottled up in the midfield most of the first half. Finally the Flames broke in behind the Saints and found the back of the net in the 11th minute. "The Saints played great defense today, especially for this being their first match of the year." Drake said. "We had to play a patient second half." Their patience would pay off in a big way with 4 quick second half tallies in the 16th, 17th, 18th and 20th minutes. When it was all said and done the Flames had themselves a 5-0 victory.

"We needed to get back on track with solid play and some victories today." said Drake. "We have a huge test tomorrow back home against the Central West End."

So on Sunday, John Sarra and his Central West End Wildcats made their visit to the Crematorium. The Wildcats are one of the top clubs in the SLSL and the Flames had their work cut out for them. The Flames again played solid defense, made some key saves by the goalkeeper and managed two good scoring chances of their own but the first half ended scoreless. The second half was a much different story. Three minutes into the second half the Wildcats broke through and made it 1-0 with an incredible shot to the far post from the left wing. The Flames kept their composure and kept the match interesting with 2 chances from the right wing, but great saves by the Wildcats' keeper kept the Flames off the scoring sheet. With 5 minutes remaining the Central West End sealed the match with their second goal and the match ended with the Flames on the short end of a 2-0 result. "We played well again today, but you need to play pretty much mistake-free and make the most of your chances against a side like the Central West End." Drake said after the match.

With the completion of the match against the Central West End, the Flames have reached the 10-match mid-point of the 2005-2006 season. The Flames find themselves tied for second in the SLSL standings with 10 points. After the match, manager Jeff Drake was asked his thoughts on being second in the league at the midway point. "Hell, I've played twice as many matches as just about everyone else! What kind of a stupid question is that!" Drake then stormed out of the press room and was no longer available for comment.