CML playoffs are here!

The Charleston Masters League Spring 9 v 9 quarters were played last Thursday night. We had fine weather, good reffing, and the lights stayed on the whole time!

Before we get to the very exciting results of the quarters (yawn), we would like to acknowledge the major contributions our keepers have provided over this past season. We all know we have been terribly short on the guys who wear the oven mitts, which has created weekly challenges for those who (attempt to) organize them.

It showed the true spirit of our league, the way guys stepped up, and stepped in (the net). I honestly feel that no game suffered because of the keeper's level. You all were outstanding, and we really appreciate your dedication to the league. High fives all around.

Now to the Quarters:

In the early show, Bradford’s last-place Owls matched up with Bubba’s #3 Ospreys/Ostriches. The first half was tight, with the two teams trading scores. At the half it was even at 2 - 2.

The second half saw the Owls snatch a quick one, which seemed to take the wind out of the Ospreys' sails. The Owls kept the pressure on and pulled away with a 6 - 2 win to move to the semis.

In the late game, we had Russ’ #5 Falcons who went up 1- quickly, but Sachin's #4 Vultures came back, matched them, and put another away to be 2-1. Falcons snapped to, and led 3-2 at the half. Lots of action end to end, and Vultures tied it 3 - 3, and then used that momentum to snag a late goal for the 4 - 3 win.

In the M50 games, we started off with Scott “Tiny” Fanelli’s # 3 Tiggers taking on Neal’s #6 Lions at the 7:00 mark. This was another tight game that went back and forth: 1-0, 1-1, 2-1, 2-2, until the Tigers finally jumped out 4 - 2 to ease the pressure a bit. Lions didn’t give up and came back to score another, but time ran out, and Lions fell to the Tigers 4 -3.

Dave “El Jefe” Murrell’s #5 No Joke Jag-u-ars v Mike Liddle’s #4 Lynx were the final game of the evening. Again, the first half was very close with no goals from either side - but some outstanding goalkeeping at both ends of the field. At the break, it was 0 - 0.

The second half was another story: John “MLS” Andrews scored 2 and should have had at least 6, while his teammate, Ruben Leija also had a brace. Final 4 - 1 Jags and only one yellow card on the evening.

So - for the semis this Thursday, we will see:

7:00 Games:

#1 Doms/Hawks v #6 Owls
#1 Cougars v #5 Jaguars

8:00 Games:

#2 (B)eagles v #4 Vultures
#2 Panthers/Seahorses v #3 Tigers

We hope to see you on the pitch this Thursday night for more playoff action!