How long does it take a group of players to come together? In the case of the first arrivals for FC Buffalo Reserves, the answer is about 90 minutes.
Meeting just before kick-off with just a 2-man bench, the club set out to win a Tehel Cup game against The Beast, a BDSL First Division team. They did just that, pulling off a come-from-behind 2-1 victory.
FCB Reserves goalkeeper Robert Weigand (St. John Fisher College/Cheektowaga, N.Y.) played hero on a number of occasions but couldn’t quite keep the clean sheet as The Beast went up 1-0 in the second half.
“The goalie kept us in the game,” said head coach Hector Vasquez. “He played really nice. For our first game, we did alright but with practice we will be much better.”
It looked as if the lack of familiarity would doom the Reserves in their first outing, but the closing minutes of the second half turned out to be their finest. Stephen Acheampong (D’Youville College/The Bronx, N.Y.) put a game-tying ball home to ensure the Reserves another shot at a second round.
The game went to extra time and the first five minutes passed with no goals. Before the second five had passed, playmaker Mate Tarr (D’Youville College/Forro, Hungary) slotted the game-winning goal.
“For our first time together, they did okay,” Vasquez said. “You know what? I was expecting that with no practice. They don’t know who I am, but they listened and gave me respect. Once we start practicing and they know each other, it will be better.”
The next Tehel Cup match for the Reserves is Thursday, May 16 when they’ll travel to face Elbow Soup FC. The Reserves kick-off their BDSL Championship schedule with a home match versus Buffalo Celtic at 6 p.m. Sunday at The Park School.
The First Team has begun training ahead of its first game Friday, May 10 at Robert E. Rich Senior All-High Stadium against Zanesville Athletic. Season tickets are still available.
[…] First Team has begun training ahead of its first game Friday, May 10 at Robert E. Rich Senior All-High Stadium against […]