Good Enough: Valhalla 2 Hollywood United 2 (6-21-09)

As it was 3 days ago against Avanti, Valhalla was severally hindered by injuries to their so called first XI. On the growing injured reserve list were Bove (ribs), Snell (ankle), Weaver (thigh), Jones (foot), Bartlett (acl) and O’Donnell (neck). In addition, Pearce, Kelly and Totti were not available for the game leaving Valhalla dependent on loyals Hom, Huss, Funke , Espinosa, Ongert and Wilborn as well as new recruits Ian Preikschat and John Cole.

Once again, the team the Vikings fielded gelled quickly, particularly the defense. Odin’s Boys opened the scoring with yet another great piece of work from Golden Boot hopeful Cowan. Hollywood equalized on a rare defensive breakdown but Ongert deftly one timed a strike past fading Hollywood star LaPaglia shortly afterward. Unfortunately, another scramble in Valhalla’s box (not that box Russo) brought the score even and there it stayed until the final whistle.

The Vikes spent many minutes on the back foot but in the end, it was a gutsy performance by a bunch of guys that just refused to quit. This group even had the mental fortitude to believe it was worthy of the win, putting their opponents under serious pressure in the final minutes.

Two games against last years #1 and #2 seeds to start the season and 2 satisfactory draws. Heads should be held high moving forward,Valhalla has emerged as a side with a depth not before seen but now clearly battle tested and ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.

Georgian Court Man of the Match: George Russo

Honorable Mention: Johnny Huss, Jason Wilborn

LAPL XV Season Opener: Valhalla 3 Avanti 3 (6-18-09)

Avanti has now not beaten the Vikes in 3 games. Poor sods, they threw everything at Valhalla in the first half but missed almost all of it. From the sideline, Sir Alex Ferguson opined that the Persians should’ve been up 5 instead of 1 by the break. In years past, Valhalla heads would not have rallied, but times have changed and the weak are now strong. Valhalla stormed back to a 2-1 stance but Acanti equalised. With 2 minutes left, Cowan blasted in what in hockey terms would be called a ‘roof daddy’. However, the mercy of Alex Gorin reared it’s head and the final whistle was postponed just long enough for Avanti to tie it again and soon after the final whistle blew. Missing several starters to injury and having not played well, everyone on the good side agreed that this was a good result on the day.

Georgian Court Man of the Match: Mike Cowan

VICTORY!

Valhalla placed 3rd in the  LAPL XIV regular season but were still hungry.

After handely beating the top 5 seeds in the runup to the playoffs as follows: vs Coyotes 5-4 / vs. Hollywood 5-3 / vs. Avanti 5-3 / vs Dinamo 5-nil, the vikings felt they were on a hot streak. This proved to be true just in time for the LAPL Cup Tournament. After a second round scare against Dinamo (3-3), Valhalla imposed it’s will on Avanti in a 2-nil gladiator fight semi-final and then met Coyotes in the final on June 11th. 1-nil to the good at halftime, Valhalla saw the finish line and dug in for the hardware that evaded them a year and a half previously. Victory was a sweet fruit and the team celebrated at sponsor Sonny Macleans after the champagne at the field.

There were smiles all round and real feeling of accomplishment but everyone agreed there was one more thing to do…

win the regular season crown.

LAPL XV awaits.