Week of November 4 (Game 1) – In the season’s “put up or shut up” moment for Fool’s Gold to justify their three game winning streak and designated Over-30’s hottest team in the league title, they left no doubt for both well-earned comments as they defeated Blues Brothers in a convincing 3 – 1 win. In the process they completely shut down the lethal first line of the Portuguese trio, keeping them off the score board.
In the first period, with Fool’s Gold carrying the play, halfway through the period, George Medeiros made a heads up individual hustle play as he went straight ahead splitting the defense and with the defense all over him somehow managed to get off a shot that beat the goalie, giving his team the early lead.
Two minutes into the second period, some down low cycling motion by Blues Brothers Tony Medeiros and Mike Luise paid off as Todd Bryson was in perfect position out front, using some hand-eye coordination to bat the rebound out of the air and into the net. Both teams traded scoring chances but couldn’t put anything past goalies Sean Roach or Alby Luise, keeping this a tied game.
In the third period, it was Fool’s Gold who broke this game open taking advantage of their scoring chances. A minute into the period saw Sergio Costa (or is it Manny Nunes the diver?) being set up out front by Mike Caso, as Sergio buried his scoring chance. Five Minutes later, Sergio emerged from the penalty box to put the dagger through the hearts of Blues Brothers in scoring his second goal of the game. Fool’s Gold not only won the game but made a huge statement that they are for real, moving into a tie for first place in the standings, making this a three team race for first place.
Week of November 4 (Game 2) – Following the lead of Fool’s Gold in the earlier game, Team Cherry also made a statement and in the process perhaps saved their season for a chance at the playoffs, stepping up to defeat Maybe One by shutting them out 4 – 0. The win was the second in the last three games for Team Cherry as they look like they are ready to build some momentum.
In the first period, Team Cherry came out hungry as they outran and played aggressive in giving Maybe One no breathing room to generate any offense. It also helped that Maybe One was missing a big part of their offense with their captain not playing in this game. Five minutes into the period, Ron Aquino was perfectly positioned at the left post to bang home a rebound, scoring an unassisted goal. Two minutes later saw Team Cherry up the lead to two goals as Paul Correia jumped on a rebound out front, set up by Brian Kehoe and Jason Carrien. With just over a minute to play in the period, Team Cherry left no doubt they would be in control of this game, keeping momentum on their side, as Jason Carrien scored, giving his team a commanding lead. For Jason, it was his fourth goal scored in his last three games.
After a scoreless second period with Team Cherry still in control and limiting the scoring chances for Maybe One, halfway through the third period saw Brian Kehoe finish off a rush by Paul Correia, as he scored his second goal in his last three games. All that was left was seeing if goalie Jake Deehan would earn the shutout, which he did. For Jake, who’s steady consistent play has been happening under the radar, it was his second shutout of the season, as he moved into second place in the leading goalie standings.
After struggling in their first four games this season without a win, Team Cherry has turned around their season and playoff chances, winning two of their last three games. This victory goes a long way as it evens the all-important head-to-head record between Team Cherry and Maybe One in determining that final playoff spot.
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