November 7, 2011

Today was a very good day to be a part of this team, and not just because we won. Perhaps it's a bit of Hans' home-brewed mead talking, but I couldn't be happier to be with the great group of friends (including the extended Compass family of wives and friends) that you all are. Sitting around the Chongde Rd. 7-11--which I've now officially designated the "Compass 7-11"--this evening after the match, I had a wonderful time hanging out and chatting with you all for a couple hours over some beers and, of course, Hans' tasty home-brewed mead. I mean, how many teams can boast such multi-talented players, capable of things like running their own successful high-tech company, neutralizing Tubbie forwards AND brewing the legendy elixir of the Norsemen?

At the start today, there seemed to be a strong confidence emanating from the Tubbies side, maybe from a sense that Compass was now a shadow of its formal self--an image that we've perhaps cultivated with our recent turn-out at tournaments, I might add. :)

However, Compass turned up in force with 21 guys, ready to do battle. We quickly established dominance, with our first goal coming at 7:35 minutes with Gaetan helping set up a nice goal by Rob. This was followed by another one at 10:35 by Ben. Things started to unravel further for our opponents around 16:30 when Tubbies' Steve put in a brutal two-footed tackle that took Eugene off the pitch and resulted in an immediate red card for Steve. Compass then regained momentum around the 37th minute when Cathal finished off a shot that Cesar fired off from close-in. Perhaps deciding that things were getting too lopsided, Seth then finished the half off with an unlucky own goal that left things 3-1 at the half.

Seeking to move away from the boot-and-run game that dominated the first half, Compass dictated the pace in the second half with its well-tested ground-passing game that resembled a game of keep-away at times. This bore fruit around 6:25 into the second half when Eric Chang (playing right midfield) fired a beautiful long-range low shot from distance and into the net. Despite rapidly-receding hopes of victory, the Tubbies never gave up and occasionally challenged Compass with some breaks down the wings and several indirect and corner kicks around our goal. About midway through the half, an awkward back pass resulted in an own goal by our keeper Garett, yet again denying Tubbies the chance to score any goals. Despite some absolute rockets fired at the Tubbies right bottom net by Thomas and other opportunities, the scored ended 4-2, with ALL goals scored by Compass!

All 21 Compass guys contributed to this latest victory. It wasn't perfect or always pretty, but it is the latest sign that we're getting our mojo back, thanks to a much-needed influx of new players and continued commitment by our veterans. Not that it's our main motivation, but I believe this also puts us back on top of the Southern League standings.

The post-game 7-11 gathering was both a celebration and a farewell for Eric, who will be soon departing for the States. Eric's been a big part of our team and we wish him well as he heads back, and look forward to seeing him out here again--perhaps with a Mrs. Katzung on his arm. Remember that you're still a part of Compass, Eric!

I'm working to get a final confirmation on a home match with Jhubei F.C. next Sunday and will keep you posted. The Kaohsiung Pacers CLAIM they're interested in Taichung match in 2 weeks, but I'll believe it when I see it. Stay fit and stay sharp, guys, because I'm looking forward to seeing this team in action in the weeks and months ahead!

Go Compass!

Doug