MATCH REPORT: Bauer Scores as 76 Falls in Indoor Debut

Midfielder Russell Bauer brought Morristown 1776 back into the game from being down two-nil with his 15th minute strike, only to see the Continentals go on to lose 6 – 1.

1776 marked its indoor debut with a strong performance, but several miscues and a referee error saw the game slip away in the dying moments of the game.

“We were experimenting a lot this game, moving guys around and trying new positions,” remarked Bauer on the loss. “The late goals came when we were already down and committed to the attack. We kept two men back and played a soft zone, and they took advantage of some lucky counterattacks. The scoreline doesn’t reflect the match at all.”

In the early part of the match, Morristown closed down opponent Incorporated with tough man-marking and creative midfield played, but that didn’t stop them from eventually conceding two early goals. The third Incorporated goal came off a 1776 clearance that deflected off the referee and fell to an unmarked opponent behind the line of defenders. Fitness became the obvious issue, as the pace and intensity of the Morristown attack fatigued the squad after 30 minutes and Incorporated moved the score to 4-1 due to defensive miscommunication.

Bauer’s goal came while he was playing in the central attack, from a low cross from defender Brian Daire which the goalscorer later described as “brilliant.”

Mike Cheatham set Bauer up with through ball into the box to try and draw the game level. Bauer made contact with the ball but collided with the Incorporated keeper. The referee signaled to play on, despite cries for a penalty.

Cheatham was the only player to be sent off via a yellow card for sliding at the Incorporated goalkeeper. In ISP, yellow cards result in 5 minute send-offs and sliding tackles are illegal.

Michael Pollock and Dylan Bauer had a few great chances on goal in the dying moments of the match from a series of corners taken by Russell Bauer, but could not manage to find the back of the net.

Morristown will continue play in the ISP next week, match date/time TBD.


LEADERS
Goals: R. Bauer (1)
Assists: B. Daire (1)
Shots: R. Bauer (9)
Fouls: B. Daire(1), M. Cheatham(1)
Saves: M. Cavallaro (?)
Yellow: M. Cheatham (1)
Red: (0)