United and United
By Keith Ridley

Sir Alex Ferguson and Coach Coach Lloyd exchanged congratulatory phone calls today as the two most successful managers in English football and Honolulu MISO Masters history guided their teams to more wins and more trophies during their many years at their respective clubs. Manchester United were crowned the champions of the Premiership today to be followed by Honolulu United in claiming its 8th Memorial Cup of the MISO Masters League - the premier masters league in Hawaii. With today's championship win, Honolulu United hoisted its 8th of 13 Cups for a 62% performance - better than all the other teams combined.

From start to finish Honolulu United's championship match against Real was insomnolent (alert, wide-awake) but as the 2nd half wore on Real became somnambulant (sluggish; having the characteristics of a sleepwalker).

Real took the opening kick-off and with the wind at their backs proceeded to press Honolulu United into defense. The Redmen answered the challenge and withstood several early barrages to come away unscathed. But it wasn't easy. At full stretch, Keith deflected a crisp shot to the near post around the post into the outside netting. Later, Keith stuffed Patrick at close range to deny a great Real opportunity. And later still, Tony was tony-on-the-spot with a goal-line goal saving trap and clear. And twice, Oren sacrificed his body to withstand point-blank shots into his jaw and chest. United had a couple of adventures into the Real defense but Real dominated possession for about 75% of the time ... until it happened.

Less than mid-way through the 1st half, United struck. And struck hard and decisively. The attack began like any other attack - pass to the outside; pass back to the inside; pass back outside; cross. But all other similarities to earlier attacks ended there. On the cross, Big Dave leaped and flicked a perfect head pass from center of the goal to the right side as big John Fink streaked in and blistered a first-touch rocket into the far post. And yet, blistered doesn't adequately describe it. Let's put it this way ... thankfully, during Johnny's recent "procedure", his doctor used #5 heavy braided sutures and extra knots to keep them from unraveling - good thing. Johnny's goal herniated Real and they winced.

Real tried to salvage themselves by attacking United again. But they were turned back and United did again what it had just accomplished moments before. This time, pass to the inside, pass back to the outside, pass to the inside where Big Dave beat the defense and attacked the near post. Real's keeper started to cover the near post. Dave ever so briefly turned his body as if to pass the ball toward the center. At that moment, the keeper was beaten. The keeper left the post just enough and had leaned toward the center in anticipation of a pass that never happened - and perhaps was never intended. At that instant, Dave drilled a hard and certain shot across his body to the inside of the near post. Real's keeper tried in vain to recover but there was no way to stop such a devastating shot.

United was up 2-0 and Real was in real trouble.

The 2nd half completed the turn of the tide as United dominated, controlled play, passed more sharply and ran ceaselessly. Real tried to create several opportunities and they were nearly successful .. the operative phrase being "nearly successful". Take nothing away from Real: they are a brilliant team with terrific players and great skill.

And that's what made United's win so much sweeter. United (of the Redmen variety, not the Red Devils) again displayed the team-play that make other teams tremble. United again displayed the overall dominance that make other teams shake their heads in disbelief. United again displayed the kind of devastating attack that make other teams surrender.

United again are the champions.

Next Game: Fall Season in September

Team Practice: On hold.
Open Practice: Thursdays, 5:30pm, Kapiolani Park.