Wallaceburg Sting Drop Hard Fought Rematch Against AEK
On Friday, July 22nd, the Wallaceburg Sting hosted the Premier division’s top team, AEK. The Sting, who meet each opponent twice a season, once at home and once on the road, lost their previous outing vs. AEK 7-0. This would be the second and final meeting between the two clubs this season, the previous played on AEK’s home field in London. Despite all but 6 of the AEK players for this match being unfamiliar faces, having not dressed in the previous outing, the Sting knew they musn’t take them lightly as the depth of such a highly successful club is top notch.
The Sting began the game more poised than their previous outing vs. AEK and played every bit at the level of their more skilled opponent. Unfortunately, late in the first half, AEK got not one, but two goals off harmless looking plays. The first came when poor field conditions resulted in a ball bouncing unexpectedly past the foot of a Wallaceburg defender’s clearing attempt inside his own 6-yard box and right to an AEK attacker. Despite the Sting’s keeper getting his hands on the ball, he was unable to get a grip and the ball got by him for a 1-0 AEK lead. The second, came after a Wallaceburg defensive coverage miscommunication led to an AEK break down the right wing ling. The ball was then sent into the 6-yard box atop the front post that players from both teams raced to reach first. As the keeper came out, the ball ricocheted off either/or both the attacking AEK forward and Sting defender and overtop the sliding keeper, having just enough spin to cross the line before a Sting member could clear.
The Sting were the more determined team in the 2nd half, controlling play and generating several quality scoring opportunities but couldn’t find the back of the net. The Sting’s best chance came when Matt Feddes, on the left wing line, layed a nice pass, high in the slot for Roberto Attardi. With the keeper out position, Attardi sent a strike at the goal, only to see it cleared by the head one of the AEK defender’s near the goal line, Late in the game, while the Sting were pushing extra men forward to try and score, AEK countered on a quick break. An AEK attacker nicely positioned himself inside the 18-yard box, and headed home a crossed ball from the right wing, off the far post and in, leaving the Sting keeper no chance to make a play on it. Shortly thereafter, the final whistle blew with the score reading 3-0, in favour of AEK.
Despite the loss, noticeable mention should be given to the Wallaceburg Sting’s midfield for their strong play. It was perhaps their best game of the season in terms of patience, and in their ability to control possession and distribute quality balls to teammates. The Sting’s central midfielders, Mark Foster, for consistently winning head balls and protecting possession of the ball, and Colin McArthur, for his vision and ability to dribble and maintain ball possession, drew exceptional praise their effort’s.
The Sting next play Wednesday, July 27th vs. the London Portuguese (a re-scheduled game from earlier in the season) and again Friday, July 29th vs. London Benfica. Both games are 7pm at Kinsmen Park