Schooners barred from A-league playoffs - Jul. 27, 2010
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Vern Faulkner/Courier
Paul Robertson was a continual force Sunday.
By Vern Faulkner
editor@stcroixcourier.ca
St. Andrews - Improved, yes, but not yet good enough. And with that summary, the Charlotte County Schooners soccer squad closed out its first foray into elite soccer with a disappointing Sunday outing that showed signs of what may be in the future – and painfully brought to light what must improve if the team is to achieve its goal of competing with the best of the best.
The team entered Sunday’s clash against Saint John needing a win on home turf to secure any hopes of post-season play, but the Schooners failed, dropping a 4-2 decision to a stronger and more cohesive Saint John squad.
Coach Cuilean Hendra said that the Schooner's defensive gaps were understandable, given that the team had pulled a defender forward to assist in the attack.
“We had to go for the win,” he underscored. “We got a little big unlucky a bit at the end.
“I thought our boys played really well, at times. Our goal was to play a high-tempo game and tire them out, and to ensure the last 20 minutes were ours.
In that, the Schooners succeeded. Yet there were still obvious signs the team must grow, the most notable of which might be the disparity in ball control: Saint John had a distinct edge in possession for most of the contest.
Paul Robertson was a day-long dynamo, and on several occasions continued relentlessly to press chances and contest loose balls with unabated passion.
“It was a tough game, a very fun game to play,” he said after the contest, a grin flashing from his otherwise exhausted features.
As the season progressed, the team and its individuals grew better at making decisions at the faster pace necessary at the higher pace of play.
For full story, see Tuesday's St. Croix Courier.
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