Upsets from Game One to Four on Sunday

It was a week of upsets in all four games, where the lower ranking team beat the higher.

League leaders FCH fell to third place CBB. And fourth place BP handed a loss to second place Scousers. The tables have accordingly shifted at the top; but all top four teams going into Sunday's games remain in the standings' upper half, and all still have a shot at the league title with just one game remaining.

Results from the bottom four caused more significant shifts in the standings. Most notably, The Wild Turkeys now find themselves sitting at fifth place, after having occupied the eighth spot for the balance of the season.

Hawks (2) vs. Badgers FC (4)

Badgers did what they did best on Sunday. They took it to the other team from the opening whistle. For a full 60-minutes, it was a reeling and relentless offensive display.

Bolstered by a full squad, the Badgers' depth of talent was no match for the depleted Hawks, who were missing three of their four most dangerous players. Fortunately, their fourth in that mix (Brett G.) was on form, slotting in two of his characteristic goals. (We're not going to describe how he does it because it may give unfair advantage to defenders.)

We'd like to say more about this match but are still waiting on goal scoring data.

AC Kermans (1) vs. Wild Turkeys (2)

As predicted, both teams threw themselves out the saloon doors with all guns drawn.

The first half was an end-to-end affair, which resembled more an ice hockey than a football match. ACK had more possession and more chances, which translated into the first half's only tally. There would have been more for ACK had it not been for the keen, concentrated eye and the steady, sturdy hand of WT net-minder, Tim C. On defense, Scott M. also made some fine pinches to prevent several 2 on 1 chances from materializing for ACK.

Early on in the second half, WT looked convincing. Confidence and determination eventually led to the tying goal from Trevor M.

Late in the half, WT keeper's eye for opportunity with ball in hand created a quick chance for Drew D., who made no mistake, rifling the ball into the top of the net for the game winner.

Player of the match: Tim C. (WT).

FC Headers (0) vs. Chico's Bails Bonds (1)

When these two teams meet, it often resembles a cross between an American football match and chess. A war of attrition. Move and counter-move. Few offensive openings present themselves. When one does and a score results, it's often game over: defense then wins the match. That's again what happened on Sunday night.

Luckily for CBB, one of the league's top scorers from last season (Ben T. aka "The Welsh Bomber") had his international departure delayed by yet another week. In the first half, he pounced on a clever pass to the corner from Jimmy H. The Welsh striker kept the ball close to foot and in three touches found himself with just enough room to plaster a far-post shot, which found its way past the diving FCH keeper.

After the goal and midway into the first half, Chenco C. took to the pitch for the first time, posing not only an offensive threat but helping CBB to gain the balance of possession. Accordingly, FCH's chances at net were unusually scarce.

In the second half, however, FCH's chances came. They were created largely by the fluid passes and nifty side-steps of their three formidable attackers (Mike R., Fernando C., and Chris P.). CBB captain and stand-in keeper Eric A. came up big on some tricky shots from far out. FCH, however, didn't manage to test him how they prefer to school keepers: in close quarters.

CBB's defensive approach to football is winning them matches. They've conceded just five goals in six games. And they've scored just 11. It's going to take a Bobby Fischer-like forceful and adaptable mixture of positional attacking play, supported by defensive tactics, to beat them.

Player of the match: Ben T. (CBB)

Scousers (1) vs. Berry Park (3)

This was Spain at Holland on steroids.

Berry Park immediately threw a wrench at the Scousers' fluid attack and patient possession - much like the Netherlands did to Spain in the World Cup Final. That is, they came at the Scousers with arguably unchecked (though more legal than the Netherlands') aggression.

BP closed down space quickly and weren't afraid to give a little nudge, or to worry about any accidental studs coming down on opposition boots or ankles. Accordingly, BP forced a good number of turnovers.

But unlike the Netherlands during the WC Final, BP had some ball control and offensive punch on the night. Control came from all quarters but the punch mostly from speedy captain Mike G., who had the league's first hat trick on Sunday. He was supported well by Nick A., who is one of the league's most threatening looking players with ball at foot. If he doesn't create a chance for himself, he often allows supporting players open passing channels. And that's what he provided to his captain on Sunday.

And unlike Spain, the Scousers didn't flail about calling foul. They stood their ground. And it wasn't luck that got them on the scoreboard. Late in the game, Scousers pressed hard and forced a foul. Yohay B.'s tricky free kick found the back of the net. But it was too late to scratch back a tie with just five minutes remaining. BP then hunkered down in their half, allowing little space for the Scousers to penetrate close to goal.

Much more exciting but no less rough than the WC Final, we'd like to see a rematch of this one during the cup championship.

Player of the match: Mike G. (BP)