Didn't see your second post. Still my post was meant for EP fans. I added that bit about CFC after I read your request while at the reply screen. It's cool vox got the the match report on here as quickly as he did, just my thing was that he would of done it in here. Might not of seemed like it, but not that big of a problem.

Well like I said I was quite surprised myself that the Storm were so disorganized. I read how you and your fellow supporters took pride in you organization. I guess they got a little too nervous. I wouldn't worry, if last season is any indication, El Paso doesn't have much luck in Canada. Hopefully the next three times we face each other, it will be more entertaining.

Good Luck rest of the season.

It was the first game of the season for both teams and it showed.

First half
Patriots pressured Calgary in their own half from the get-go. It payed off quickly as a pesky Matt Stewart stole the ball from a Calgary defender as he tried to shield it for a goalkick. Stewart cleverly went around him, got a foot on it just before it rolled over the goal line, finding Dominic Schell who quickly dished it off to an unmarked Jose Abarca. Abarca shot it near post from 10 yards out, easily beating a surprised Calgary GK.

Patriots had set the tone early. It looked like the beginning of a possible rout as Calgary looked just as lethargic as they had started the game. With the wind at their back, Patriots had most of the ball possession, seeming quite content to take control of the game with their short passing game. Calgary looked frustrated and was resigned to defending only. However, Patriots proved incapable of creating offensive soccer, often sending long balls over Storm defense which Stewart and Schell could not run down as the wind pushed the ball long over the goal line. The only other Patriot scoring opportunity came late in the first half as Dominic Schell finally got behind the Calgary defense, collecting a long ball. He went one on one with the closing Storm GK but Schell hurried his shot which sailed high over the crossbar. This last attempt ended a boring half with little offensive soccer.

Second half
It started the same way as the first. Patriots pushed forward early, mounting most of their attacks down the left flank, where the left-footed Patriot playmaker, Brazilian No.10 Renato Da Gama, showed his talent. He started a nice play which Dominic Schell finished quite well. Schell made a hard run on goal, held off two Calgary defenders, and got off a low shot right before Calgary keeper closed off his shooting angle as he met him at the top of the box. 2 - 0 Patriots. Calgary didn't react. They looked unmotivated, as if in a zone.

The rest of the half was all Patriots which scored another 2 goals to seal off the win. The only clear Calgary chance came from a direct free kick 3 yards outside the Patriots' box but they squandered it when their shot went over the crossbar.

Conclusion
Calgary didn't even challenge a lackluster Patriots team who had the better of a weak team. Patriots were not at full strength either, still waiting for a few injured players and some others on loan to Mexican 2nd division.

Minnesota Thunder will prove to be the real test next week. To be continued...

Moderator's Note: Fixed it to make it more easier on the eyes. Hope you don't mind Mr. Ferry

Welcome back
Hey Mr. Ferry, good to see your input on this. Looking forward to a good season. Couple questions.......What was attendance? Is Salvador Mercado also back? How did our players do over at C.D. Zacatepec? When can we expect our loanees back?

Hey wait a minute, did you just say the Pat's were lackluster? Holy crap, and here I was thinking we were looking really good. Shows what I know [LOL] Good match report Mr. Ferry. Reading it makes me look forward to seeing a full strength squad.

Anyways, here is what the media sources are saying

Calgary Herald:Patriots clobber Storm

Calgary Sun: Texas tornado whips storm



El Paso Times: Patriots quiet Storm to open season

Back to work.