Showing the resolve of true champions, PMI players squared off against their familiar foe yesterday on the Real Salt Lake Field. XanGo boasts an experienced team and has definitely owned this series of late. With their aggressive offense and rock-solid defense, the XanGo players are used to winning on their home field. But on Thursday, September 16, 2010, PMI rose to the challenge and gave XanGo a true whooping.
Early in the match, PMI struggled to clear the ball, resulting in multiple XanGo goals. The PMI defense, anchored by goalie Jeremy Bell, dug deep and helped to bring balance to the match. The PMI squad notched their first goal on a penalty kick, but XanGo answered that goal with one of their own almost immediately afterward. It seemed that this game would follow the path of so many before it.
Both teams scored again before the half, making the score 4-3 in favor of the defending champions from XanGo. Once the second half began, however, it was clear that this game was different from any other PMI - XanGo Challenge. Perhaps it was the fact that the PMI players had lost so many close games to their XanGo foes. Perhaps it was because the field crew accidently turned the sprinklers on, soaking players from both teams with reckless abandon. Whatever the reason, a switch seemed to flip and the PMI offense came alive like never before, racking up six straight scores! Goals seemed to be coming from every angle and the XanGo defense looked lost as they struggled to come up with an answer for the attack.
Ultimately, XanGo scored a goal in the closing minutes to make the final score 9-6. Both teams congratulated one another and talked of a future rematch. The next game hasn’t been scheduled yet, but it promises to be a barnburner. The XanGo team doesn’t like to lose on their home field, and after surrendering nine goals, they will come back feistier than ever!
