Hellenic United Athletic Club | Chicago, USA

In yet another average performance the HUAC O30 "White" team lost 4-1 to a superior Pampas side. It became quite clear from the start of the game that HUAC would not have an easy afternoon against a seasoned and talented Pampas team. With less than 5 minutes on the clock a Pampas shot hit the post square and gave the Argentine side extra confidence to come forward with all their might. The Argentines are known for their attacking style and superior ball control and they were out to prove it.

HUAC was forced to defend at their own half of the field as the opponent attacked time after time, in a relentless effort to score before the half time whistle was blown. However a very well placed defensive line, reinforced by 2 defensive midfielders gave HUAC the opportunity to block the Pampas attacks. Good coverage from the sides by HUAC defenders Billy Javaras and Petro Papadatos, and a solid performance by Lee Zachos in the middle of the defense, along with an overloaded middle pretty much neutralized the Pampas offensive line, and allowed them no other meaningful chance in front of the HUAC goal. The few times that Pampas managed to make a run towards the goal, HUAC goalie George Zarafonitis, was always first to the ball to intercept.

"As weird as it may sound the game looked like it would turn to our favor in the first half. The Pampas may have had control of the ball but if our midfield managed to distribute the ball a little better, we could have easily scored on them during one of our  counter attacks", said coach Mario Mamalis.

However this was not a day for the HUAC midfield, who struggled to control the ball. Too many mistakes in the middle, too much dribbling against a clearly more technical team did not go well. The HUAC forwards barely met the ball in the first half.

Despite the one-sided game, and the fact that the Pampas could not score in the first half, it gave HUAC players confidence at the half time break. "The plan was to keep disrupting the opponent's attack and strike back with counter attacks", said assistant coach Andreas Haritos after the game.

The game continued in the same pattern for the beginning of the second half and there was even some spark in the midfield, as Sokol Buza led the way with his technique and ball control. However, some misunderstanding at the back and the fact that the defensive midfield pulled a little far up the field, gave the Pampas the opportunity to score around the 60th minute.

And as if this was not enough, 5 minutes later a desperate move by Billy Javaras brought down a Pampas forward inside the box. The referee quickly pointed to the penalty spot. At this point it seemed that the final score would be embarrassing for HUAC but George Zarafonitis was there to confirm his goalie talent. With a great dive to his left he managed to stop a well placed shot and maintain the score for HUAC at 1-0. This stop was enough for Zarafonitis to earn the MVP award for the game, who also had a great game overall.

However, despite the jolt from the saved spot-kick, the physical and psychological fatigue set in even more on the HUAC side and it did not take long before Pampas scored their second goal. It was clear that the first half effort and continuous pressure on HUAC, was having its effect on a team that had only 2 substitutes.

Unexpectedly 5 minutes after, in one of the rare displays of good passing by HUAC, Sokol Buza managed to sneak past a couple of defenders and score a beautiful goal. With the score 2-1 and less than 20 minutes on the clock, HUAC tried to score more goals. The two forwards had a couple of chances inside the box but they were overwhelmed by a well placed Pampas defense. Just as HUAC was pressuring for the equalizer, their defensive midfield all out of position, gave Pampas all the room to display their natural talent and two more goals sealed the outcome of the game.

It was another average performance by HUAC, who still have not been able to bring their best on the field. The team needs to find solutions quickly or to face a bottom spot in the standings.