Cincinnati 0, Indiana 1

by Mike Senger, a-league.com Match Reporter

10.Aug.2002

Cincinnati came out in this game with a revamped lineup and the new lads showed some good things. More on the players leaving in a bit. Now on to the game, after all that's what this is, a game. The first half opened with the Hawks gaining advantage by the referees whiste. A total of 9 fouls with 6 of those coming in the first 17 minutes played an important part in Cincinnati's game. In the 17th minute Indy keeper Mark Spears brought down Craig Yacks in the area giving the Hawks a penalty kick. Matis took the kick only to see it hit the underside of the crossbar and not go in. The game continued on and it became apparent that the first team that would make a mistake would lose. The defense of each side played solidly with controlled passing to start an attack.

However, both teams had real problems when attacking. Cincinnati had several opportunities to score. There were numerous break aways by Cincinnati only to see either a mistake end it all or a great save by the keeper to keep it out. Chris Wanamaker made a couple of saves that were gems. Point blank shots that he was able to stop cleanly. The game continued with both teams playing good defense with the game ending at regulation at 0-0. 3 minutes into the overtime period the Indy offense took it to Cincinnati with a well played ball by Paul Dolinsky to the head of Moussa Dagnogo. Dagnogo who had been threatening Cincinnati with well placed shots all evening headed the ball into the corner of the net past a diving Wanamaker.

As for the exit of players. With cost overruns that the club has been hit with the payroll had to be cut. Some of the players became unhappy with this and left the team. Some of the costs were picked up with having to resod the field at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds. Mr Ranieri, in my eyes, has been putting quite a bit of money into the organization only to see bad luck come about. Right now, the field has to be resodded again as the Fair was there and made a mess of the pitch. Mr Ranieri would love to see the team do well and see full stands. Even though the move to the Fairgrounds has not worked out as well as planned I see it as a big plus for soccer in Cincinnati in the future. Marketing of the team will be of extreme importance and must be made a priority. All that I can do is to back the team and ask others to back the Hawks and your local teams. Remember, patience is a virtue.