Disappointing draw piles pressure on Lewisham

Lewisham 2 – 2 FC Juventus

Bitter disappointment for the Lewisham team after they failed to beat their Californian rivals in the second game of the tournament. Despite dominating the play throughout the first half and creating numerous chances, Lewisham were unable to capitalise on their abundance of possession and some highly skilful passing football. In the end Lewisham battled to a tough draw over ninety minutes, having been behind twice and courtesy of a bizarre own goal at the death.
Unlike the Solar game, where Lewisham had to deal with an organised opponent, awkward conditions and their own first match nerves, this game was there for the taking and as a result the boys are understandably disappointed with the performance. While FC Juventus were promising going forward they had weaknesses across the defence and midfield. However despite playing some excellent possession football Lewisham lacked the urgency or the quality of execution in the final third to see them off.
Several Lewisham players looked noticeably sluggish, and you have to question a tournament committee that asks teams to travel over 5000 miles and play back to back games against fresh local opponents. In 80 degree heat, on a fast – perfectly manicured – pitch and for once without a breath of wind, this was always going to be a stiff test for our boys after the bruising encounter with Solar.
The opener came against the run of play and was the result of a lack of concentration in the Lewisham defence. However the boys reacted well and increased the intensity of their efforts and within five minutes of conceding, Ishmail Henry finished off a move started by Theophanous driving hard down the left. The score line stayed even until minutes before the end of the first half when Lewisham again gifted their opponents with a soft breakaway goal.
The second half became a punishing affair as both sides took advantage of the referee’s leniency with contact, and as the heat and nerves started to take their toll. James Golding pushed his side forward relentlessly, and on more than one occasion FC Juventus were forced to wrestle Lewisham players to the ground in their efforts to prevent an equaliser.
Dan Thomas brought fresh legs on in the diminutive shape of Zak Colaluca and he immediately made an impact. However the equaliser – with only minutes to spare – came from a calamitous mix-up between the FC Juventus keeper and his defence. To Lewisham’s great relief the ball trickled across the line, keeping their hopes of progressing from the group stages alive.
* Updated results leave everything to play for. With Solar beating Houston, FC Juventus losing to Houston, Lewisham need a win today against Houston with Solar either losing or drawing with FC Juventus to progress from the group stages.