The Staley Boys 7th Grade Soccer Team took the field to battle Cobb Middle School in some miserable conditions tonight.  The cold, wind, and light rain definitely did not put a damper on the determination and spirit of the Mustang team.  This team entered the stadium knowing that this would very likely be their toughest game of the season.   The Mustangs were not only battling the weather, but one of the best teams in the district.  The Cobb Cyclones came out aggressive, pushing up the field and scoring in the first five minutes of play.  Staley stayed strong and focused, surprising Cobb by evening it up at one, with a hard kick from Travis that sailed past the goalie.  The Mustangs were off to a great start.  The Mustangs added another goal when the keeper came out and collide with the Staley forward, the ball was punched in by Staley's midfielder.  The lead was short lived as the Cobb Cyclones turned right around, drove down the field and scored to tie it up at 2-2.  Then Cobb added one more seven minutes before the half to take a 3-2 lead at the break.  Staley came out in the second half with the wind at their backs, and took full advantage of it.  They went on the attack taking a lot of shots on goal.  Cobb's keeper did a great job making save after save.  However, the aggression paid off,  a corner kick had a melee of players from both teams in front of the goal.  The keeper went down, the ball was punch out and Trent crossed it into the back of the net.   It was knotted up again, 3 all mid way through the second half.  Staley kept the ball on Cobb's side of the field,  it was a mix of  keep away and close calls. Finally, the ball bounced off a defender's chest, to some open space,  Austin took three steps and kicked it in from about 15 yards out.   Staley had the lead,  but there was still 11:45 left in the game.  Both teams stepped up.  The teams stayed well match, but the Cyclones had the ball in front of the goal, had a corner kick that went just past the Mustang keeper's hands and was kicked in with seven minutes left in the game.  Staley would not go down with out a fight.  They had come this far, they knew that with determination, focus and teamwork, victory could be theirs.  The offense worked together and moved the ball down the field while the defense did an excellent job containing a fast offense.  Staley was playing for the win, they kept putting the ball in front of the goal and Alejandro kick one in, off an assist from  Austin.  Staley had the lead 5-4 with 2:40 left in the game.  I think everyone in the stands thought it was the longest two and half minutes ever.  The Staley bench cleared as the clock wound down to zero, to join the on field celebration.  It's rewarding to stay focused against a talented team, and get a well deserved victory.   This was an exciting, emotional game, that had a fantastic outcome: Mustangs 5, Cyclones 4.  Congratulations Mustang on an awesome victory!!

Here are some images of the game.