CAPITALS FAIL TO CONVERT CHANCES AND LOSE 2-1 AT BRILLA

May 17, 2008 - The Baton Rouge Capitals seemed to have all the pieces in place when they played the Mississippi Brilla in Clinton, MS on Saturday. The out possessed their opponent, out shot them (19-12), earned more corner kicks (8-3) and had most of the chances to score. However, it was not to be the Capitals day. On the 5th minute in the first half, on what seemed to be the only time Brilla threatened the Capitals, the Baton Rouge found themselves behind. Off a throw in the box, the Mississippians took advantage of the lapse and shot a ball past goalkeeper Dustyn Brim (Covington, LA).

From that point on it was only one team playing. The home team seemed happy to seat back and defend. Several opportunities were not converted by the Capitals, including a header from Anthony Peters (Baton Rouge, LA) in the small box after a cross from Johnny Markey (Birmingham, AL). Peters had another chance in the box from a cross but could not trap the ball in time to finish it. A little later, Lucas Almeida (Brazil) also had a good chance after a 30 yard shot was denied by the Brilla keeper. Tony Judice (Covington, LA) had a very close off sides called when he scored after a pass from Diego Michelato (Brazil).

In the second half the Capitals returned energized. With three forwards playing aggressively, the change immediately paid dividends. With seconds in the game Johnny Markey found himself 8 yards out in front of the goal but had trouble controlling the lobbied pass on the slippery surface. With 10 minutes into the second half, Leonardo de Barros (Brazil) took three opponents on and released the ball to forward Tony Judice. Judice delivered once again and finished his chance good for the tie and his third goal in the year. A few minutes later Josh Couvillion (Metairie, LA) had a great chance after cutting from right to left and unleashing a shot that forced the Brilla keeper to make a tremendous save.  

For a stretch of 20 minutes, came a barrage of half chances that were broken up by execution in the last pass or shot. The golden chance came with a great series of passes culminating with Ricardo Santos (Brazil) missing his chance to score face to face with the opponent keeper.

Then disaster struck. Once again, on a throw in play, the Capitals gave up a goal on a scramble. With just 9 minutes left, the Mississippi team reverted to a compact defending mode and secured the win.

Now the Baton Rouge Capitals find themselves 1-2-0 for the season and looking for answers. And they don’t have much time to wait for them. They will see the New Orleans Shell Shockers on Sunday at 6:00 pm on the road once more.

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