Ducks Fly High, Win 2-1

Midfielder Josh Andaloro chases down the ball for the game-winning goal

The Mighty Duck Men's team took the field Sunday, looking to rebound after their disappointing 3-2 loss a week ago. The Duck squad came out determined to right the ship and get in the victory column for the first time.

Keeper Dave Cobb says "I always know how a games gonna go based on the first shot I face. If the first shot that gets to me is easy to handle, then I have a good feeling, if it's from a dangerous area, then I get that 'uh-oh' feeling. Today, the first shot I had was one of the easiest I have ever seen..."

But would his vision come true? The first half went scoreless until the last second, when a 1 v 1 broke out, keeper Cobb charged out and made a dive at the ball, but it found it's way in. But the shooter on the follow through stepped on the ankle of Cobb, turning it and cutting it badly. "I had never felt more pain in my ankle than I did at that moment, I wasn't sure what happened. But I knew I had to play, the team needed me."

Cobb hobbled his way to the other side at the other half, clearly the ankle was going to hinder his play. Luckily, the Ducks rallied by the image of their keep out there, managed to keep most of the danger away from him. Everytime he punted the ball or ran at a ball, he came up hobbling, but he kept on pushing.

Inspired by their keep, the Ducks upped the attack. Early in the first half the found the equalizer when Erik Groduss sent a low cross over to Ryan Williams who buried the bunny of a shot. Later, Josh Andaloro netted the go-ahead goal from an off angle. "When I hit it, all I was saying was 'GET IN, GET IN' and when it snuck in, I new we had this," said the midfielder.

Cobb held strong in the back, keeping everything he faced in the second half out of the net. The Ducks held on to win 2-1 and on the sideline it was like they just won the championship. It was the squad's first non-forfiet win ever, and they were excited.

The Duck's Coed However tied 2-2. In short, they got screwed by a blatant blown call on an offsides that was not called in the first half. Dayna scored the, then Duncan scored the second. Cobb was solid in net, both goals were 1 v 1's and one should not have counted. They look to rebound next week and get the W.

Ducks Fall in Season Opener

Goalkeeper Dave Cobb mentally prepares as the season commences

The Mighty Ducks season began last Sunday with the first of four double headers. The Co-ed Ducks started off with a 3-0 forfeit win... "We'll take it. 1-0 is 1-0 to us. It's the first time we've been 1-0," said Captain/Manager/Keeper (yeah big title) Dave Cobb, "But I think we have a good chance at actually winning, not just getting forfeit wins." Mighty Ducks Co-ed play again this Sunday at 6:40, so come on out and support the Ducks.

The Mighty Duck Men's opponents did not fear the Ducks and showed up to the game. It was the first time for a handful of the Ducks playing under the lights, including the inexperienced keep. Things got messy to begin with when Cobb came out to get a ball and it took an interesting bounce to the side, right to the foot of the opposing strike. Dave desperately dove at the ball and made a leg save, but the shooter got the rebound... but his chip shot hit the far post and stayed out. "I just kinda flung myself at the ball and hoped for the best," commented Cobb, "seeing that ball hit the post was the biggest sense of relief I have ever felt, I knew it was going to be a good day after that sequence."

And the Ducks used this moment to rally and score, right? No... A deep ball was played toward the box. It was a foot race between Cobb and their striker, and Cobb lost. The striker popped it over Cobb's head then buried it into the empty net. 1-0 lead for Real Hubbard FC. Down 1-0 is a position that most of these Duck players were used to. They trailed 1-0 in almost every indoor soccer game a year ago. But how would they reply? Would they crumble and fall apart? Or would they fight back? We would get that answer later that half...

Ducks have a corner. Duncan McGuire lines up and readies his approach. The Ducks bring men forward, looking for the equalizer. McGuire sends the corner into the box, it takes a hop and finds the feet of Daniel Buhlinger. He lets his shot fly, and it takes a Duck deflection into the back of the net. Buhlinger nets the first goal for the Mighty Ducks, and it was a great feeling for every Duck on the pitch. Many had doubts on whether the Ducks could compete in this league, but getting that equalizer silenced the doubts. " (I've) never been so proud in my life," said Dan about putting in the first goal for the Mighty Ducks.

The score would stay the same going to the half, a big part of that was the play of Duck Keeper Dave Cobb. He made two saves off two free kicks, (one of those free kicks was given up when he changed his mind mid goal kick and hit it off the side of his foot, didn't leave the box.) One of those free kick saves was a nice diving effort to parry the ball to the side. "Thanks to the countless hours of shoot around in the summer, I was very confident when he lined up his free kick. I knew where I wanted to be positioned and I was positioned perfectly," said the young keep, "I knew he was going to have to strike it perfect to get it past me."

Second half gets underway and it's just as competitive as the first. Real Hubbard seems to control the ball a little more but fail to get any real opportunities. But then came the break that Real Hubbard had been waiting for. A long ball was played out and Midfield Josh Andaloro was there fighting for the ball. Cobb came out to get the ball but misjudged it, only got a piece of the player and the ball. The striker buried into the empty net for the 2-1 Real lead.

"I ****ed up that ball, that goal was on me," said Cobb after the game, "I was just hoping it didn't cost us the game."

It didn't. It only took about 5 minutes for the Ducks to answer back. A long ball was played down the wing to McGuire who took it all the way, making defenders look silly on his way to burying the equalizer. It was 2-2 and the Ducks showed tremendous heart fighting back to equalize.

Time was winding down, the final whistle was only minutes away. The score was still even at 2 a piece. Then a ball was played deep into Duck territory and deep into the box. Cobb thought about charging, but realized he had no chance at it, sat back and awaited the cross. The cross came in, out of the reach of Cobb and found the head of a real forward and into the back of the net. There was no time left for the Ducks to mount another equalizer. 3-2 final.

"It was a hard fought game with everyone giving it their all," said Andaloro after the heart-breaking defeat, "We played well as unit and we will improve as the season goes on."

The Mighty Ducks next play at 4:00 at IM East. They look to rebound after the disappointing 3-2 loss. But no Duck left that game unsatisfied. Every player was impressed with the way they played as a unit. As Half-Canadian Matt Smith put it, "Ducks fly together." And yes that is a movie quote...

This was the Bearded Fellow reporting in on The Mighty Ducks, your only source for extensive Mighty Duck coverage.

Almost for UMASS, and Not Quite for Notre Dame

Well this weekend had it's fair share of great football. How bout that MSU game? And Michigan's was close than it should have been. Even the Lions made a comeback. It was another great weekend for football. So let the generic recaps commence!

We start things off with the Michigan Wolverines vs the Massachusetts Minutemen. FBS vs FCS, yes, but UMASS always puts up a good fight when playing FBS teams, but still an easily winnable game. Well Michigan came out clearly overlooking the Minutemen. Denard threw his first interception of the year and took his first sack. UMASS took advantage of the opportunities given to them, building a 17-7 lead with less than two minutes left in the half. But Michigan struck for a 64 yard touchdown on a wide receiver screen to Darryl Stonum. On UMASS's ensuing drive, Kovacks forced a fumble on what have been a first down play. Michigan then drives down the field and scores a touchdown to go up 21-17 at the half. Then the rest is unknown to me, this is when I went to get in line at Spartan Stadium, but here's what I do know... Michigan goes up 42-24, then is only up 42-30, gets a punt blocked, gives up a td, 42-37, and UMASS kicks the onside kick out of bounds. Michigan runs the clock.
Denard finished with another absurd stat day, Michael Shaw had three touchdowns, and a win is a win.

But it's obvious that the problem with Michigan is the defense. The line and linebackers are solid players. Mike Martin is the best tackle in the nation, and Craig Roh can be an end or a linebacker, pick your poison. But the secondary is one of the worst I've seen in the nation. Still can't decide who's is worse, Michigan's or State's... Well let me tell ya something... there aren't many defenses that can stop an attack like that, so they'll be fine...

Now we go to that thriller in East Lansing, and oh bessy was that a game or what? Came down to the wire... But let me just say, that it boggles me looking at what happened that Notre Dame didn't score more. At times it seemed like State couldn't do anything to even pretend to stop them. 31 is a big number, but honestly... it could have been more. We had an interception that was a gift from Dane Crist, but that's sports. But anyways, it was a well fought game on both sides. Both teams kept answering each other's scores. 7-0, then 7-7, then 14-7, then 14-14, then... 28-28. MSU had a golden opportunity to drive down and win the game with a minute thirty, but just proceeded to go backwards 20 yards... Notre Dame decided to just take it to OT. And that's when things got weird... State somehow, someway, held Notre Dame to a field goal. MSU ball 3rd and 5, and Cousins takes a sack. 4th and 11 and out comes the field goal unit. Perhaps there was a delay of game, but there's a "lag rule" which basically means the lag between back judge looking at the play clock to looking down at the snap. If it hasn't started yet, flag, if so, no flag. But anways, the snap is off and Bates, the holder, stands up and finds Charlie Gantt for the game winning score. A fake field goal in overtime... just when you thought you've seen it all...

On a side note and a twist of horrific irony, Coach Mark Dantonio had a heart attack after the game. All reports are that he's fine but please, keep him in your prayers.

And in short about the Motor City Kitties. They fell down big, made a huge rally, but fell short. Javid Best was amazing, Shaun Hill wasn't that bad, adn once again Calvin didn't exist til the 4th quarter. This year will not be our year, but just wait til next year...

He's baaaaaaaaack

After a year off, Brewer's Bruin made his return to East Lansing. Last year he was hungry for Hawkeyes, this year it was time to feast on some Leprechauns. And oh boy was it an epic journey...

Okay first off, the game was epic, but my weekend recap of Michigan and Michigan State football is in the next blog, or one you've already read, depends on what order you decide to read em...

Anyways, the journey started last year, when Kevin and I were playing some NCAA 10. See back in last year's game they would give you random facts about your team while you were playing. Like back in the 20's the Alaskan Zoo donated three wolverine to UofM and they had two on the sideline for a game. Because they were too fierce, it was also their last game. We also learned that way back in 1909, before Michigan State was Michigan State (it was still Michigan Agricultural College) our "mascot" was a live brown bear, known as Brewer's Bruin, (our coach at the time was Coach Brewer) And that's when it all started...

We hatched the idea to go to a game dressed in a bear costume, we checked the schedule to find the perfect game... Iowa 8pm, primetime. Turns out it was BTN, but still, primetime. We got our shot on TV, won some free pizza, but since it was our last home game before halloween... well i wasn't the only fury animal present... It was still amazing, but could have been better.

Skip ahead to August of 2010, I'm talking to my old suit-mate, Riles. He's all sad that he's not at MSU, but I tell him some good news. We're playing Notre Dame at home, and it's a night game. I tell him that not only will Brewer return, but he'll have a sign for his favorite ginger kid. And ladies and gentlemen, I keep my promises.

Flash forward, September of 2010, Josh and I are looking for a new bear suit... we find one that makes us laugh extremely hard, and we both agree it is perfect for the occasion. We place our order for it, and Josh's parents, thanks again btw, are bringing it up because they're attending this game as well. The plan was in place, and the wheels were turning. Brewer's Bruin was making his return.

Saturday comes along, Josh and Derik (for reasons and logic still unclear to me) decide to camp out. In hind sight they coulda waited til like 1 o'clock and got the same spots, but let's not ruin it for them. It was raining on and off that day and questions arose of would we need to cover up the bear? Same thing last year for Iowa, but just like Iowa, when game time rolled around, the skies were clear.

We had our spots in line, all that was left to do was make the mad dash to the front row, and we got it. We were in prime position for a good ol football game. Of course the bear got lots of attention, I was asked to do McDonald's trivia and won an arch card. Had the other kid listened to me he would have won one too. I also got asked by Jim, the owner of Zeke the Wonder Dog to email him to do a show... That's exciting, still trying to find away to get a hold of him... IF ANY OF MY READERS SOME HOW KNOW HOW, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE CONTACT ME!!!!!!!

Overal, it was another success for the bear and one hell of a night. Got face time on TV, and ESPN guy took my picture with curious george, wish I could find that picture... But it was quite the day for sure. Hopefully they give us a primetime game next year for his glorious return...

Brewer's Bruin, he's back...

TOUCHDOWN!!!!!!! Oh wait...

Well, there was quite the load of good football on this weekend. MSU played at Ford Field, for their first "road" game of the season. Yes, folks, FAU was the home team for a game in Detroit... Don't ask how that worked out I don't know. Michigan squandered a 21-7 lead only to win in dramatic fashion. The other college games, well the other big games, were rather disappointing. Georgia South Carolina peeked my interest. And how about James Madison? Going to Blacksburg and beating Virginia Tech, that shouldn't happen. Too bad this makes Boise's win look worse, and it may cost them... Well let the recaps BEGIN!

I wont really mention the MSU game for two reasons: They were playing FAU, and cuz of the first reason, I didn't watch much. From what I read, everyone is disappointed that MSU didn't control the game more than they did. The D didn't look as good as it should have against a team like Florida Atlantic. But I'm a bottom line guy, and bottom line is, they won. So what up Spartans in the D. Tough game for the Spartans, Notre Dame looks like a solid team, and with MSU's defense being questioned, this may not end well for Sparty... BUT alas, we have two things going for us, 1) It's at home. 2) Brewer's Bruin returns again. Taking the Sparties in this one.

But how bout that Wolverine game? That was a thriller, but yet... it shouldn't have been. I don't want to hear you Notre Dame slappies "Well if Crist hadn't gotten hurt..." That's too damn bad because he did. Everything changes, game plans, play calling, everything. The result? It may change, but you can't guarantee they win with Crist. But recognize that every aspect of the game changes. Not just the score, everything. It happened the way it did so deal with it. Now on to the actual game... That should not have been that close. Michigan's offense was lack luster and the "savior" and "heisman winner" Denard was terrible throwing the ball. He just showed up when it mattered. But I can't ignore 500 total yards. It could/should have been an even bigger day, but 500 total yards from a QB is amazing I don't care who you play. Michigan is set up to easily go 5-0 with games against UMASS Bowling Green and Indiana before the State game. Rich... your job should, key word should, be safe.

Now I would like to address the travesty of the Lions game. First of all, the defense played amazing, the team was lack luster at best without Stafford. Javid had a nice debut. But let's get to the issue. I can't blame the refs, I can blame Calvin for not just bringing the ball into his chest, instead he assumed everything was a TD and let the ball hang out and let it go... but now I have to get to the part that I am pissed about. How long is this "catching process?" He got two feet in, he was brought to the ground, he was on the ground for long enough to establish possession, but yet he didn't complete it. Hmmm, I don't know... looks like a catch to me... I can't blame the refs because they correctly interpreted a poorly written rule. A question was posed to me, and it is a legitimate question... How come if a ball carrier dives for the pylon and loses it, it's a touchdown because he breaks the plain, and the wide out has to hold the ball for an eternity? Well, this is the first time that the process of a catch rule has been an issue. Most times you see the guy get his two feet, but when he hits the ground the ball comes out. In this case he gets two feet, hits the ground and still has it, seemed like he dropped it in celebration to me. Calvin should have been more cautious and never let that thing go, but still. That was a touchdown, and a garbage interpretation of a rule that must be fixed.

But as it stands, the Lions are 0-1, but I still think they'll go 6-10, and next year they'll make the playoffs. Hopefully Stafford stays healthy. But we'll have to wait until next week, and I am predicting a win against the Eagles. Bold yes, but I'm sticking to it. I'll take State against Notre Dame, and obviously Michigan vs UMASS.

Where No Man has been before...

Last night, a pitcher, by the name of Trevor Hoffman reached, a plateau that has never been touched by any other man in the history of the game of baseball. The 42 year-old Hoffman made his debut all the way back in April of 1993. The 17 year vet became the all time saves leader back in the `06 season on September 24th when he recorded his 479th in a 2-1 win over the Pirates. He became the first and only player to 500 saves in the `07 season in a 5-2 win against the Dodgers. Only Mariano Rivera has joined him since. So he was already the greatest closer ever, but last night he just kept climbing, and he reached another milestone.

Coming into the season, Hoffman had 591 saves. See that's 9 away from a number that no closer has even flirted with. Already told you no one had 500 before Trevor, so 600 saves was an absurd idea. But Hoffman found himself only 9 away. But here's the problem... as much as everyone loved Trevor, his stuff is just not there anymore. So the Brewers' did not have them as their closer, and who could blame them? It's all about winning. But Trevor was unfazed by this, and went into the season prepared to do what he could to help the Brewers win.

I specifically remember one day, on a random Sportscenter, they were talking about Hoffman. He was at 596 at this time. He had just got rocked in an extra inning appearance, and has been shaky all year so far. They believed that Trevor wouldn't be able to get to 600. Only 4 away, and they said the stuff wasn't there, Brewers won't put him in to close because it's too risky and all this other jazz. It was very upsetting...

Luckily the Brewers suck, so how do you draw fans to a stadium in which a crappy team plays? Well, the Brewers did it that Bernie Mac film Mr.3000, and they did with Trevor. They used him as the closer so that he could get to that magic number. And last night, a 42 year old pitcher did something experts said he wouldn't do. He saved game number 600. 600 times he came in to protect his teams lead, and he got 3 outs. 600 times he did the most pressure filled job in baseball. 600 times of 676 chances. 600 times...let it sink in.

Congratulations are in order to you, Mr. Trevor Hoffman, on your 600th save and hall of fame career. You deserve it.

The Return of College Football... And the Bearded One

Ah yes, fresh out of hibernation, it's your favorite bearded sport's blogger. I decided after the world cup to take the summer off from blogging. Was it lazy? A little, but hey, I need time off too, right? Well anyways, this list pretty much sums up everything I would have blogged about: Viva Espania, Tigers in it! Boesch all-star snub, Modano comes home, Tigers need to make a move, Tigers don't bother making a move, TIgers make a bad move, Tigers suck, Tigers really suck, Keep Michigan Ohio State in same division... I think that's about it. There wasn't much going on but baseball, and I can't blog about Los Tigres everyday, too depressing. But now I'm back, and so is the greatest thing ever invented... college football.

And what a week of football it was, totally worth the wait and lived up to the hype. Dramatic finishes left and right, it was a football fan's dream. But where to begin??? That's the only question...

Well first off, time to address the local crowds. MSU dominated Western and Denard looked was absurd. State dominated Western, like they should have and the ground game was really impressive. Baker and Bell looked spectacular running the ball while Caper was out nursing an injured hand. But how much can we take away from a game against Western? At least they didn't look sloppy...

Michigan dominated in a game that was supposed to be tough. Hell many of those ESPN folks had Michigan losing. One of the early Big East favorites, who averaged 30 points a game, with a solid QB and a good ground game, UCONN was supposed to come in here and score all over Michigan's poor defense, and be able to force turnovers with their good D. Well... they didn't. Michigan moved the ball fluently and efficiently. Michigan fans should be excited about the way things looked. And all the doubters... hush, the offense is right on track and will put up massive points.

But there's more going in football than just MSU and Michigan, all 120 teams played somebody, but what games got my attention?
How about Jacksonville State? Did you guys see taht finish? That was one hell of a football game. 4th and 15 in overtime and he throws on the run to the back of the endzone, and then the guy gets his foot down in bounds. VEry impressive. Then on top of that, they get the two point conversion. What a finish, what a game by the 1aa or FCS whatever it is squad.

UNC and LSU was a terrible football game for the first half. It was 30-10, LSU had all the momentum. But ladies and gentlemen let me remind you football is played in two halves. 4 quarters. IT wall started when UNC scored on a 97 yard touchdown pass, impressive yes. 30-17. Then they get a score with 2 minutes and some change. 30-24. Onisde kick time... they recover. BUT they fumble... they only have two timeouts so LSU can run the clock with a first down, or most of the game with a 3 and out punt... but on the third down run they fumble. You can't script this people. They get down to the 6 but can't score, the last play coulda been flagged, but I'm oaky with the no call. ANother great game, and oh yeah, UNC had 13 starters out.

There are so many other games I could mention, the drama with Navy Maryland, the TCU Oregon State game, but the last game i wanna touch on was the game of the week. Boise State vs Virginia Tech, and boy did it live up to the hype. Boise dominates the first quatrer leads 17-0. Va Tech looks out matched. Then they take control of the rest of the game... get the 30-26 lead... then Kellen Moore gets his hands on the ball with 2 minutes with and no timeouts... A minute later he finds Petis in the endzone for the 33-30 lead, and win. Great game, and Boise has pretty much locked their spot in Glendale.

The greatest time of the year is back, and so is your bearded blogger, both are welcome returns. Let the good times roll!