Match report GSOS2-EXILES1

Manni in goal at the bottom of the diamond, Alp left, Dimi right and Urs as forward was the formation throughout both games.
Exiles came through with an early goal after an unimpressive chance from just outside the box. For the first 6-7 minutes we wasted enormous chances either by lack of finishing or by great saves by their goalie. Manni broke the lock halfway through and and then again for 2 crackers from the distance with Dimi and Alp contributing two more before they managed to slip one more through.
The first game was an example of discipline and clarity on the ball, with a good dozen chances created. The tight defensive formation worked superbly and we forced the Exiles into 15+ long balls, all wasted.
Offensively, Urs was brilliantly holding and distributing the balls to Alp and Dimi, who were able to get dangerous time and again in front of goal.

The second game was an entirely different story, though. They scored with a quick intercept when Alp did not make an effort to shut down the runner but then came 5 minutes of brilliance that turned the game from 0-1 to 4-1. Urs intercepted and put a cool long range ball through, then Dimi did what he does best with a long range lob over the goalie from the right back position and then again a cool finish for his second in the game and three overall.
The Coup de Grace was a superb combination of a long ball to Urs who lifted it to Dimi, who directed the ball to Alp who then volleyed a literal and figurative screamer into the net. The yelling during the shot may have contributed to some confusion on the goalies part and in true sportsmanship, they applauded the brilliant teamplay by us Old Stars.
And that is where the story should have ended. But it did not. They were determined to come back and our complacency with a lacklustre show in defense brought them back into the game with an easily given goal, 4-2. They then fast-broke twice with us going along without intervention and allowing to finish while watching and what was a closed affair at 4-1 turned into a disappointing, but deserved 4-4.
Football is played in a balance of attack and defense, and they were better in the second game after falling back 4-1, good comeback allowed by a tardy defense on our end.
4 points in the bag that should have been 6 but that is football. It is not done until it is done.
Exiles can play and had a good team, so watch out next week, team 1.