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Drop a close one to Satsuma 1-2
Satsuma, AL - Coach Paul Stroud stole a
chapter from Atlanta Braves Manager Bobby Cox's coaching manual on
how to manage for the post season. Each year when the Braves wrap
up the National League East pennant Cox relegates his starting line
up to the bench for the remainer of the regular season. They may see
a pinch hit appearance or two, but it's not worth putting them in
harm's way prior to a World Series run. Instead, Cox rewards his
bench players with daily starts as the season winds down.
Coach Stroud, stolen chapter in hand,
rewarded his bench by starting the entire reserve squad and playing
them full time in Thursday's match at Satsuma High School. Not
intended as disrespect for the opponent, but rather Stroud's wisdom
was borne of many years of post season play. So the future of
Fairhope High School took the field.
It was Senior Night for 11 Satsuma seniors and Farewell Night for
their coach Father John. Satsuma took the field showered with cheers
and encouragement as everyone knew that the Satsuma boys had the
chance of a lifetime -- to go to the playoffs. After this class
graduated and the coach retired, the Satsuma soccer program would be
mothballed. And the Pirates stood in the way of their dream.
As the game began and the Pirate defense was getting adjusted to the narrow pitch and soggy turf,
the Satsuma offense put a quick point on the board in the first few
minutes of the first half.
But the Pirates rebounded and held Satsuma
scoreless the remainder of the first half.
Satsuma picked up another goal in the second half and waited for the
Pirates to pack it in and give up. Steel borne from steel, the
Pirates fought back with tenacious defense and good ball control.
 Brothers
David and Kevin Anderson turned away one Satsuma attack after
another. David Allen, Drew Barnett and Kyle Sherrin continued to
make smart runs at the opponents goal till finally a melee in front
of the Satsuma goal ended with a ball in the back of the net.
PirateSoccer.com has heard that this was credited to Sherrin, but
would appreciate an update if we are not accurate.
Despite frequent attempts and good ball handling the Pirates simply
ran out of time. When the game ended the score was 2-1 in favor of
Satsuma. With that victory, Satsuma earned a playoff berth and
postponed their coach's retirement by at least one more game.
 Coach
Stroud addressed his tired warriors after the game reminding them
that their opponent had beaten Daphne and Robertsdale on the same
field and their was no shame in their performance.
The Pirates move on the first round of the playoffs and host
McGill-Toolen on Tuesday at 7:30 pm at W.C. Majors Field.
Game photos
here.
All game summaries
here.
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