Inter Boston FC: 3 BCS XI: 3 [August 27, 2011]

First game back from the Summer break, and BCS XI resumed league play in a similar way to how it ended the Spring, a draw that feels like a loss.

Missing about half of the squad, and playing with 3 brand new faces the outlook seemed bleak on the eve of Hurricane Irene. However, the new signings are strong, and despite a few lingering injuries the XI were able to be an imposing force on the field. There were definitely moments of brilliance, with passes pinging around the pitch, and some excellent possession. But the moments that weren't so good, ended up looking really bad.

Team captain Darren Johnson got the first goal with a nice long range effort that sailed over the keeper for a great goal. This got the team going and despite some slip ups here and there most of the possession and chances belonged to the visiting XI.

BCS XI went into the break 1-0 up and feeling pretty good. Early in the second half, Josh Gagnon swiveled at the top of the box to lob the ball over the keeper yet again, netting a 2nd goal for BCS XI, and Josh's second for the season. IBFC pulled back level through some sloppy defending and some rotten luck, but IBFC were rewarded for their efforts and direct play. Despite spurning his easiest chance of the match DJ snagged his second goal of the game with a similar shot as his first; this one a right footed blast from just outside the box with about 10 minutes remaining in the match. This also puts him into a three-way tie at the top of the Golden Boot race.

Inter Boston never gave up, and their persistent direct play got them a heart-breaking equalizer 3 minutes from full time. BCS pushed for the winner, but the thin squad and humid heat took its toll and both teams were forced to settle for a point, leaving the league table unchanged.

In two weeks, after the Labor Day holiday, BCS XI will be back at their Fall home ground of Conway Park in Somerville for a 9am kick off against their old foes Ballers FC, which will surely not be lacking in entertainment.

Independiente FC: 0 BCS XI: 3 [May 14, 2011]

BCS XI kept up their winning ways with a 3-0 victory over Independiente in this week's BSSL action. The match, played under the lights in Charlestown, marked the visitors' third consecutive triumph by three goals and moved them into fifth position in the table.

BCS got off to a dream start just a few minutes into the game. Receiving a ball from the defense, Joe turned well and, despite being off-balance, released Marco with a through-ball. The winger's speed took him beyond the defense and a cool finish beat the keeper to make the score 1-0. Independiente's confidence, however, did not appear shaken, and their talent and composure on the ball was evident throughout the match. They knocked the ball well around the back and through the midfield, but were unable to create much in the attacking third. BCS pressed and defended well, winning the ball back often but failing to maintain any serious possession.

Despite a lack of consistent possession, BCS was again on the score sheet before halftime, and again through Marco. This time, Andy Hoot launched a ball deep into the corner, with the Independiente keeper racing out to head clear. Unfortunately for him, he knocked the ball straight to Marco, who gleefully stroked home a left-footed finish to make the score 2-0.

In the second half, as Independiente tired, BCS had numerous counter-attack opportunities. The home teams' lone center-back found himself isolated time and time again, as Adam, Marco, and Stu consistently raced forward. After strong defending meant numerous half-chances went begging, Stu broke through on a 60-yard run before his finish from a tight angle glanced in off the keeper and into the net to finish the scoring.

New signing Janny, playing his first game for the club and putting in a strong performance, almost grabbed his first goal for the club as Steve Houdlette raced forward and delivered a perfect cross into the box. But, with the rain now falling, Janny couldn't quite connect with his half-volley, and the scoreline finished 3-0.

It's always nice to play a game against our classy cross-town rivals. This was a great result for BCS and should provide some much-needed momentum as they prepare for their 2nd-round cup match against 2nd-division Mass United (formerly Carico) on Saturday, May 21st.

A special mention is owed first to Matt Schiller, who played his last game for the club on Saturday. His speed, tenacity, experience, and positive attitude will be greatly missed, and we wish him the best as he pursues his education at Stanford starting in the fall. The club would also like to extend its best wishes to keeper Dave Doucette, who is currently recovering from an injury suffered late last week. Get well soon, Dave, and we'll look forward to seeing you back out on the field!

Kendall Wanderers C: 1 BCS XI: 4 [May 7, 2011]

This week’s league fixture was a rematch of the previous week’s cup encounter against Kendall Wanderers C. The game was played on a warm, sunny day at Ceylon Park in Dorchester. Despite the change in venue, the result was similar, with BCS ending up 4-1 winners.

The away team got off to a strong start, opening the scoring within five minutes. Darren started things with a through-ball to Marco, who did well to wait for support and slide the ball across the box to Adam, who fired home from close range. As the half continued, the weather began to take its toll, with both teams looking tired and the level of play somewhat deteriorating. BCS created several more half-chances, but nothing clear-cut, and the half ended 1-0.

In the second half, BCS XI’s strength in numbers seemed to pay off as their substitutes helped keep legs fresh. Stu took control of the midfield, and helped create the game’s second goal. He fought for enough space to release Marco with a through ball, whose touch and speed helped him separate from the Kendall centerbacks before coolly slotting past the keeper. It was a critical goal to help settle the tie, and well worth the yellow card he received for excessive celebration.

Stu was involved again soon after, heading in the third goal off a long throw from Andy Hoot, who himself did well to win a penalty but then blazed it over the crossbar. Then, to round out the scoring, Adam scored his first brace for the club, exceeding his goal production for the entirety of last season. Despite the 4-0 hole, Kendall kept their heads up and pulled a goal back, finishing from a tight angle at the far post to make the final score 4-1.

BCS XI next take the field in league action against Independiente on May 14th. The game will be played under the lights at Charlestown High School.