Warriors Show True Fighting Spirit in Wisconsin Despite Draw and Loss

9/8/2010 10:52:35 AM

Friday 3rd September – Chicago, IL:
After an early start, the Warriors spent the majority of their Friday in Chicago. Not only did they travel up the Sears Tower, but had a delightful evening meal at the Cheesecake Factory.
Saturday 4th September – Milwaukee, WI:
It was back to business on the Saturday, when the Warriors found themselves up against the Wolves of Cardinal Stritch University; the university where Coach Cockburn graduated.
The Wolves didn't back down from the Warriors as they pressed hard in the early stages of the game. Tolga Turhan gave away a free kick in the 4th minute of play, allowing Ben Allen to strike the ball at goal. While Everton Coates pulled off a marvelous save to deny Allen, Mark Frankland managed to pick up the rebound and put the Wolves ahead.
Stritch continued to up the tempo, with Michael Cook scoring the second goal of the game in the 25th minute. Cook picked up the loose ball at the edge of the Warrior's box, and cleverly chipped it into the back of the net.
It was just seven minutes later when the Wolves found their third. Shay Douglas headed Ian Martin's cross into the far right corner.
The Warriors got their first glimpse of hope ahead of the half time when Andres Acosta was brought down in the Wolves' box. Miguel Otero stepped up to take the penalty kick and confidently placed the ball into the bottom left corner.
Webber came out stronger in the second half and got their second through the unlikeliest of goal scorers. Javier De La Cruz had his header saved from Christian Hall's free kick, only for central defender Andy Scott to capitalize on the rebound.
The Warriors knew they could take something from this game and continued to battle. Montelongo Esgar crossed the ball in from the left wing, finding Javier De La Cruz in between the Wolves' defense. Cruz kept his focus and carefully knocked the ball over Harry Shatwell, leveling the score in the process.
While the clock was ticking on the Warriors, it was in the 83rd minute when Christian Hall found himself with another free kick on the right wing. Hall whipped the ball in once again, this time allowing Tolga Turhan to place the ball in at the near post. 
Webber were determined to hang on for the remaining seven minutes of play, however Cardinal Stritch managed to make it 4-4 in the 83rd minute, when Konrad Radclawski scored his first goal of the season.
Although both teams battled on into double overtime, nothing came between them, therefore the match ended as a draw.
Sunday 5th September – Milwaukee, WI:
In their final game of the Four Corners Tournament, the Warriors needed to defeat Siena Heights by a two-goal margin in order to be crowned Four Corners champions. Siena Heights is the school where assistant Coach Broom graduated from.
Siena Heights managed to gain an early lead in the 6th minute through Shane Patterson.
The game bounced back and forth for the majority of the first half, before Siena Heights managed to pick up their second goal of the game. This time it was Derek Brady who answered Darrell Gudenau's cross in the 44th minute.
Patrick Fleming struck back early in the second half, making the score 2-1. Although Fleming's initial shot was blocked, he kept his confidence and placed the ball into the empty net soon after.
Siena Heights furthered their lead in the 56th minute when Joe Deneweth scored from Josh Pascarella's cross. Josh Pascarella managed to add a goal of his own to the game just eight minutes later, putting the Saints 4-1 ahead.
The Warriors had limited time to get back into the game, although Javier De La Cruz got a consolation off Antonio Best's assist in the 75th minute.
Coach Cockburn said, “Overall the trip was a success. The boys showed tremendous determination against Cardinal Stritch. I never would have expected us to come back from being three goals behind. The game against Siena Heights was fairly disappointing, but we are still putting the pieces of the jigsaw together. We now need to focus on our regular conference, with our next game away to Ave Maria.”
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