The Staley Boys 8th Grade Soccer Team played the Cobb Middle School Cyclones last night.  The weather was miserable, at best, cold, wet and windy.  The game started out well for the Mustangs.  The offense took the ball down the field and kicked it right into the net in the first minute of play.  We hoped that it was a sign of things to come.  However, the Cyclones had a different agenda.  Having just watched their 7th grade counter parts lose a tough match to Staley, they buckled down and took control.  The Cyclones answered  within minutes.  The Staley keeper deflected a shot, that was then headed in by a Cobb forward.  Staley played with determination, getting drives down the field, had some scoring opportunities, but could not get one past the goalie.  Staley defender Kellen, had a great save attempt after a header sailed above the keepers outstretched arms, Kellen bicycle kicked it backwards out of the goal, unfortunately the same Cobb player was right there, and headed it again, this time with success.  Cobb then scored again, a minute later, with a kick that sent the ball just out of the stretched out keeper's reach.  The Mustangs fought hard and played some good defense the last nine minutes of the half to keep Cobb's lead 3-1 at the break.  The Staley boys came out in the second half with aggression and determination.  They also had to face the wind, a daunting task on this chilly night.  Cobb scored twice more in the second half to take the lead 5-1 with ten minutes left.  The Mustangs had some chances, unfortunately the Cobb goalie saved all the shots.  The Mustang goalie had some amazing saves as well, limiting this powerful team to 5 goals.  I am not sure of the final score, as I left with ten minutes to go.  I know that the Mustangs played with determination and heart, but it was not enough against a very talented team.  Good luck next week, Mustangs!!

Here are some images of the game.