9.10.07 Crusaders Split Weekend Games

The Crusaders split home games with Bryan College (TN) and Texas College (TX) to go 2-3 on the season. Unfortunately the win over Texas College saw top scorer Jr. Jared Wooley go off with a hamstring injury and So. forward Scott Beatty (pictured) ejected. So. Goalkeeper Sean Mapsen was sent-off in the earlier game against Bryan.

On Friday (9/7) visiting Bryan College (TN) went home with a 3-2 victory. Jacabo Gallardo gave the visitors a half-time lead in a chippy game. Neither team made much headway until the game burst to life 15 minutes from time. First Chris Matthews scored to open the lead to 2-0 but Jared Wooley answered within a minute taking Fr. Orane Swaby's assist. On 82 minutes Crusader 'keeper Sean Mapsen was fouled and injured from a bad challenge, he reacted and was red-carded for foul language. Fr. keeper Carl Goody came on to replace Mapsen who would have left the field as a result of his injury in any case. On 86 minutes despit being a man down and Carey pressing for the equalizer netted Davidson hit Bryan's third. Once again Wooley answered within a minute but the Lions held on to win.

The next day (9/8) the Crusaders took on Texas College from Tyler, Texas, in the first ever encounter between the two teams. Carl Goody started as Mapsen sat out and Fr. Carl Reynolds retuned to the midfield after suspension in place of Elliott Lewis. Jared Wooley continued his scoring streak with the opening goal on 15 minutes. He has now scored eight goals in five games. Fr. Joseph McNiel widened the gap to 2-0 on 40 minutes and So. Scott Beatty bravely dived to head home So. Josh Burnsed's cross on 55 minutes. At 3-0 and coasting the home win looked sure. However a 62nd minute red card for Beatty reduced the Crusaders to ten men for the third consecutive game and suddenly the visitors had hope. Valejo and Monroy reduced the arears before Carl Reynolds finally settled things three minutes from time to give Carey the victory 4-2.

Coach Boulton was not happy with his teams discipline and said, "We cannot expect to handicap ourselves by going down to ten men and win. It is irresponsible and the players know that. I expect a significant improvement over the rest of this season. We are shooting ourselves in the foot. We are young and inexperienced but we have to grow up fast".

Boulton will also be hoping that his lengthy list of injured players will clear up soon. He has lost Sr. midfielder Carl Hollowed to a season ending knee injury. The Irishman underwent surgery last week. "This was a very disappointing blow for Carl and for the team. We have missed his talent and his experience". Last season's Most Improved Player, So. defender Rick Beebe, has also been out with a knee injury but he at least is nearing fitness and hopes to be available for selection next week. Junior transfer forward Charles Hines from San Jacinto Community College has been hampered by a groin strain and limited to just three short substitute appearances. Fr. defender Victor Bernard from France is out with a back problem, fellow Frenchman Alan Naigeon has been troubled by injury and Fr. striker Brendan Connolly has just returned to training after a glut injury. Jr. Chris Schaefer, Jr. Sean McNally, So. Elliot Lewis, So. Josh Burnsed, Fr. Joseph McNiel and Fr. Mitchell Barker have all struggled through inury while trying to play, train and maintain fitness levels. "I have never known a pre-season and start to a season quite like this one for injuries" said Boulton.