Originally scheduled or Friday March 9th, the Galveston Pirate SC (NPSL) vs. San Antonio Scorpions (NASL) scrimmage was pushed back to Saturday at 930AM due to a heavy downpour and scattered thunderstorms. It was somewhat of a sigh of relief personally, welcoming the extra hours of rest before the big match.
Early Saturday morning, the weather still inclement, minus the thunder and lightning, we knew what we had to get done. Suited up with the newly acquired kits from Admiral, we stepped out onto the soggy turf field at Heroes Stadium in front of the 60+ brave fans armed with umbrellas and ponchos.
The Scorpions quickly showcased their passing abilities after kickoff and sent a lob pass over our defenders, getting on the board after just 10 minutes. We retaliated with several linked passes and runs, but weren’t successful. Midway into the first half, weather conditions had not eased up, players on both teams had trouble keeping their footing on the slippery turf. An unfortunate slip from our keeper gifted the Scorpions with another goal, shot from across the 18.
At halftime, we were down but not out. Not being in this position many times before, we were ready to get back on the field and address the problems that Coach Keyes pointed out to us.
At the start of the second half, heads held high, we fought the Pirate fight. Getting stuck in, physical, first to the ball, quick passes, quick runs, looking to get a tally on the scoreboard. The Scorpions displayed their superb fitness, but realized we weren’t going to roll over and die. Unluckily, a final goal was conceived against us in the last few minutes of the match, which gave us a loss of 3-0.
On paper the game seems one-sided, but viewing the match first hand, showed that the Galveston Pirate SC has come along way and can compete with any team, regardless of the division. Piecing together a new team and missing several of our starters, I’m happy with our performance because that just shows that we’re going to get better.
I’m sure I speak for the majority of our organization when I say I am ready for our Scorpion rematch, here on the island on our own “turf”.
-RJ McNair, Galveston Pirate SC Captain
