We hosted Granite City FC 2 in our sixth match of our debut season in UPSL's system this past Wednesday, and the match hardly could have gone any better. By the time the ref called for full time, our team had 18 goals on the board.
The first goal was scored by AJ Mittelsteadt roughly 45 seconds in. That set the tone. By the time seven minutes had been played, GCFC 2's goalkeeper had picked the ball out of his net four times. AJ and Charlie Rogers had split the goals two apiece.
The fifth goal was something we will all be talking about for awhile. Kaden Alcindor, normally playing on the backline, was deployed as a CDM for this game. He picked up the ball close to 35 yards out from goal, took a touch to set his aim, and fired into the top left corner from 30 yards. What. A. Goal.
We had seven in before half time, but the scoring did not let up after the break. We brought on six subs at half. One of those, Ben Zumwalt, scored another sublime goal less than two minutes into the second half. Picking up the ball on the edge of the 18 yard box and surrounded by defenders, he performed a Maradona turn with his first two touches and slotted into the corner of the goal with his third. Smooth as silk.
David Ripplinger led the way with five goals. Mittelsteadt and Mason Sherman each picked up a hat trick. Zumwalt and Rogers finished with a brace each. Alcindor, Adam Wilson, and Oscar Fernandez-Hydzik each had one apiece.
We go again in UPSL Division 1 this coming Sunday on the road to Leon FC. It will be a test to go against such a well-renowned team. A win puts us in a good position to qualify for playoffs.