The July 13 soccer rematch between XanGo and PMI was one for the ages.
Both teams came out strong, neither wanting to give up that first goal. XanGo scored twice before PMI’s Brett Walters countered, making the score 2-1 at halftime.
After a rousing speech from the PMI coach and adjusting the game plan, the teams took the field again, ready to play. XanGo opened the second-half scoring once again, but PMI quickly retaliated – with another goal from Walters – bringing the score to 3-2.
Later in the second half, XanGo (accidentally) played with 12 men for a few minutes before players on the PMI sidelines noticed the error. With that lapse fixed, the PMI team pushed nearly all their players forward, searching for the equalizer.
This pressure spurred an onslaught, with several strong strikes from the PMI forwards and midfielders, and at least two times the ball struck the goal frame – just inches from the equalizer. The XanGo keeper played incredibly all evening, but made some especially spectacular save in those waning minutes.
The aggressive play from PMI meant vulnerability defensively, which ultimately resulted in XanGo scoring a final tally near the very end of the match.
When the final whistle blew, both teams exchanged handshakes and congratulated each other on a well-played game.
The next day, XanGo sent an e-mail which mentioned, “It was definitely a good match yesterday. We were lucky to have the luxury of playing with a lead.”
Perhaps the next game, they won’t be so fortunate.
