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Wizards I vs. Smush BCASA Championship Nov 2, 2003
Five years ago, a group of guys led by Wizards founder David Wright won the City Championship. It was to be five long years before he would know that taste again. It was a long time in the making. On Sunday, November 2, 2003, the Asheville Wizards Football Club won its first title as a club…and it was THE BIG ONE!
After having had four weeks without playing a game, having to adjust to the match being played on an enormous pitch, and having to play in the unseasonable heat of an Indian summer, the Wizards were not fully prepared, and at the whistle, it showed.
Smush put the boys under intense pressure from the beginning. The Wizards were unable to string 3 passes through the first ten minutes. A frenetic pace did not help the plight of our boys, who, given the long layoff, were struggling to settle in. In the 25th, the returned beachcombing environmental educator, Peter Pfister, dressed in war paint, got a touch on a rebound of a shot from Judson Byers and the Wizards were up 1-0, against the run of play.
Unable to meet the demands of the critical moment following the goal, the Wizards allowed Smush behind our keeper; a low-angle pass was directed into the net less than five minutes later. The match intensity picked up, and the energy on the sideline was tangible, but it would stay knotted at 1 at the break. Both teams had good chances in the first 45, with Smush coming close on some through balls and set pieces and the Wizards testing the keeper, even drawing a post in the latter stages.
The second half began with the same fury as the first with the advantage having switched to the Wizards. For the early-November sun was setting in the late afternoon and the Smush keeper was forced to stare directly into it all half. At the 60-minute mark, Brian Gualano made the most of this situation by floating a 35-yard free kick into the area, and on frame. The ball must have looked like a speck of dirt on the lens of a flashlight to the opposing goalkeeper. He leapt weakly, and the ball tucked under the bar for a 2-1 lead. Gualano was later heard to quote Brazilian great, Ronaldinho, who said when asked about his similarly awkward-looking free-kick against England in the 2002 World Cup, “Of course it was a shot.”
Recognizing that the task was not yet completed, the Wizards pressed immediately following the re-start. However, Smush counter-attacked, and earned a corner, which was smartly redirected down on the line and into our net less than five minutes after regaining the lead. Drawn at two.
The sideline was awash with enthusiasm and support as the loyal fans and club members urged the boys on with repeated shouts of, “WIZZZZZAAAHHHHH!!!” Many thanks are owed to local law enforcement for ‘keeping the peace’ between the growing Letch and a paltry sum of surprisingly vocal opposing fans. In the 80th, Scotty Maddox launched a rocket from 30 yards that dipped only to find the crossbar, individual glory rebuffed by the woodwork for the second time in the afternoon. More chances came, but no goals resulted. At the end of regulation, a victor was yet to be decided.
Two ten-minute, Golden Goal extra-time periods remained. To quote Coach Kerr, “11v11, 90-minutes, most goals wins,” but it was going to take more. It was going to take the full-hearted commitment of all on the pitch to see it through. Both sides had chances to end the game. Our goalkeeper, Caleb Whitaker, was simply stellar between the posts, but we weren’t to risk spot-kicks. Our back four was allowing no penetration, with Gualano and Eric Grant picking off the Liverpudlian long-ball tactics of Smush. Pfister and former Warren Wilson teammate, Andrew Pauly, marked the bushy-haired Brazilian from Brevard completely out of the match. Joseph and Joel took down their speed and won the air war.
Make no mistake, this was a war. Players were fighting for every ball, crushing each other on every tackle. This was going to hurt on Monday…and Tuesday. But the game gives you nothing. If you want it, you must take it. All that was left was opportunity.
Shane Weems was creating chance after chance for the boys in the attacking third. Nothing would go in. At the end of the first ten, the phone rang, “Rome calling. What’s the score?!?” was heard from across the Atlantic. Like Syd Barrett walking into the recording studio as Pink Floyd put the wraps on “Wish You Were Here”, Monteleone checks in from a distant land to hear the result. Once a Wizard, always a Wizard. Our hero was in our thoughts that day as many, in a proud tribute, wore training shirts emblazoned with his image. Ten minutes gone. Switch sides.
Second extra-time period: Advantage Wizards. The sun was still beaming at the Smush keeper, and we knew the game was ours for the taking. The boys had given the full measure, but the reward had yet to come. With 5 minutes gone, Smush nearly stole the match. Only superb goalkeeping kept the door closed. With less than three to play and kicks from the mark looming large, Maddox ripped one from the right side of the goal that dipped before the diving keeper, who got enough on it to somehow parry it over the bar. Corner kick. Time was ticking away. Smush conceded a second corner. A heavy delivery was collected outside the corner of the 18 by another Warren Wilson Wizard, Andrew Radecki. He took a touch inside and sent a dangerous ball to the back post, which started turning…and falling…and looking like it …might…just…GOAL!GOAL!GOAL!!!! Glory. The holy orb rested safely in the back side-netting. A sideline eruption of pure joy and passion resulting in all players and club members gathered together in an on-pitch celebration masse, five years in the making.
A slightly-soused Cheetah stood in to congratulate our ‘vulnerable’ opponents, and to award trophies and MVP honors, which went to Andrew Radecki, owner of the game-winner. Man Of the Match Honors went to Caleb Whitaker for his dedication and superb performance.
What a fantastic memory. To the beautiful game!!!