HEART!!! CAPITALS BEAT HOUSTON
One word can sum up the play for the Capitals on Friday evening: heart. Despite playing the second best team in the league and finding themselves down 1-0 to start the game, the Capitals dug deep and came back winning the match 2-1.
It was a sticky summer like night and the Baton Rouge team had 351 fans rallying behind them. However, Houston had momentum and seemed confident early in the game. Although the better part of the first half was played scoreless, the Leones struck first on the 36th minute by finishing a well taken corner kick cross. Capitals keeper Dustyn Brim (Covington, LA) made a difficult save but gave a rebound. Houston's Fernando Benitez was there to put it in. Silence fell at Olympia stadium, but not for too long. The Capitals seemed to break out of their trance and struck back on the 43rd minute when once again Leo de Barros (Brasilia, Brazil), and Tony Judice (Covington, LA) worked their magic. De Barros carried the ball from the left side of the field and precisely passed it to Judice who beat the Houston keeper with a clever move. The score at half was one goal even.
While the half time festivities took place and LSU Head Women's Soccer Brian Lee and two of his players were honored for their great season, the Capitals rededicated their focus. From the beginning of the second half, it was clear that the home team was not going to be denied.
What those who came to watch the match were able to witness was a great battle for possession, with plenty of dazzling technical plays on both ends. The Capitals defense anchored by Anthony Peters and Gui Reis came big several times. Not to be outdone, the Baton Rouge midfield also displayed great plays via Barros, Judice, as well as Adriano Moraes, Lucas Almeida, Ricardo Santos, and Gino Ray.
And on 62nd minute the Barros-Judice connection worked again. This time Barros sent a smart entry pass to Judice who received it with blazing speed and beat the Leones keeper before tapping the ball in for the explosion of the crowd.
The remaining 28 minutes saw more great battles fought from each squad. At the referre's whistle blow, several players from both sides collapsed exhausted on the ground. It was a great match and the home crow went home victorious with the Capitals winning 2-1 and reaching .500 for the season (3-3).
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