Hamburg 3:0 Devils

It wasn't pretty at times but Hamburg advanced to the 2nd round with a sound win over the Devils yesterday. Field availability issues led this one to being played at the Nike Base. As so often happens with weekday games, numbers were an issue. Hamburg and Devils both only had 12 and were both playing with makeshift lineups. The game also started 20 minutes late as the 3rd official had yet to arrive. Lots of issues but we finally got the game underway.

In the first half we were generally sloppy and passive, letting the Devils hang around. Devils got a couple corners and a couple other minor chances, but it was nothing Neil Byrne couldn't handle. Eventually we found our legs and began generating opportunities. Jamel Abdallah played a through ball into James Eckhardt and he fought off the defender to finish far side for the 1-0 lead. Matt Eich caused problems all day for Devils defenders - not long after the first goal he played one in to Aaron Hayes who scored from a tough angle low far side to make it 2-0 at the half.

Second half saw Hamburg really take control and Devils tire. At times we did too much with the ball with all the space we had, pushing the ball forward when we didn't have to, leading to some turnovers. Our defense wasn't letting anything through though. Chris Baich, Jake Vernon, and Nick Higgins stepped up big time in the absence of our primary defenders and were solid throughout the match. We got our third goal off a nice run from Abdallah, despite a late challenge he got the ball to Hayes who then found Eich and he hammered it home. Hamburg could have had 2 or 3 more goals if not for Rich Weiand, who was excellent in net for the Devils, and a blown PK non-call late in the match. 3-0 final.

Hamburg will now play the winner of Beast City SC and Great White Buffalo in the 2nd round in June.