Minnesota Axmen Soccer Team Falls 5-2 in MRSL Opener

The MN Axmen stepped out on to the field for the first time on Sunday evening. A band of brothers coming together who had not played together and knowing little about our opposition.  

The Axmen started brightly with some great possession soccer, one which Barcelona would be proud of. This possession resulted in the first ever goal in Axmen history. Roger Derham received the ball in his own half and rolled back the years by providing an inch perfect 50 yard pass to the foot of Francisco Durruty who rounded the keeper with ease to slide the ball home. 1-0 to the Axmen.  

This euphoria was soon to end as the Maccabi team opted to pump the ball over our defense. Not being blessed with speed at the back exploited a weakness on the Axmen. A quick three goals soon followed. It was frustrating, as it was obvious to the Axmen that this group of young Maccabi gazelles didn't seem to be playing in the correct division. They also seemed to multiply as the game went on, as their 10 subs verses the Axmen's  3, took its toll.  

Not to be deterred, the Axmen re-shuffled the team shape to get more pressure on their defenders and structure in midfield. This tactical change resulted in an immediate goal. After receiving a free kick 40 yards from goal, Nicholas Nikolov lofted in a delightful pass into Dustin Fuchs who smashed the ball home leaving the goalkeeper helpless. As the half time whistle blew the Axmen went into the break 3-2 down.  

Going into the second half with a renewed game plan and optimism, the Axmen went at Maccabi with vigour and enthusiasm. This however, was not to last as the young and long legs of Maccabi were too much for the Axmen. Tired legs also made the slick Axmen passing style difficult and basic errors became frequent. A dubious goal and a fortuitous deflection added to the goal tally for Maccabi. If it wasn't for some confident goalkeeping from Ivan Woyno the score could have been worse.  

For the Axmen's first ever game, it was a great introduction and the team learned a lot about each other. We have to mention Jeff Covert who participated in his first ever competitive soccer game and who also was nominated for best hair.  

Next week the Axmen travel to Blaine to play Fury F.C. Kick off @ 6:30pm. For full schedule please visit www.MNAxmen.com