by Dave Nugent

On a chill December evening at Crocker Amazon, a combined U17-U18 Select SF Seals Squad hosted a visiting English team from Oundle, north of London. Oundle’s website boasted training under the Aston Villa Academy and Derby County FC, two historic pillars of English football.

The match settled into a tactical game of give and take. But it didn’t take long for Coach Shani Simpson’s Seals squad to assert themselves as the more dangerous team with quick & creative passing, on-the-ball skill and the more aggressive attack. With the many scoring opportunities the Seals created, it was a bit ironic that the one goal came from forward Will Slotterback’s quick flick of a loose ball to lift it into the box for a header or tap-in. Instead, the ball found its own way just under the crossbar, past the keeper’s outstretched hand.

The English Keeper’s solid and assertive play resulted in several critical saves to keep the game close. Yet, though the game remained a tight 1-0 through the remainder of the first and the full second half, the Seals never truly felt threatened. The Seals back line and midfield control of play did an excellent job of keeping the English lads to only 2-3 shots on goal the entire game. Seals Keeper Aldo Encizo finally had a chance to show his stuff towards the end of match, leaping high to deftly tip a blistering 20-yard volley – Oundle’s best shot of the day - inches over the crossbar.

There was smart execution & clean play displayed by both squads, with players & coaches mingling after the game to exchange congratulations for a game well played. 

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