Diablos vs. Atletico Medina

The Diablos dropped a 2-0 decision to a superior Atletico Medina team at the Schertz Soccer Complex. Battling against a strong wind in the first half, the Diablos gave up an early goal on a curving corner kick that found the top corner of the net just inside the far post. The second goal came with less than a minute left in the opening period in an unusual fashion, as chronicled below.

Jose (Spiderman boxers and all) catches some air.

Peter tries his hand at fullback.

















Javier on a Sunday stroll.

Aries bends low to scoop up the ball, ...

carefully surveys the field, ...















... and then places the ball into play.
















Art doing his thing, whatever that is.


























Mehran displays the technique studied by him at Radio City Music Hall.













Chris ready to make his move.

Art in the middle of the action, as usual.

Mark battles for position as Javier arrives in support.

Mehran races to stop the attack.

Rob copies Mehran's stylish kick, then pressures the ball.

Nicky and Chris give chase.

Aries and Peter both go for the ball as it is centered towards an attacker.

Unfortunately, the communication was less than stellar.

The ball deflected to the attacker, who sent it into the goal.














Brian on the run.

Mehran's tenacious defense.

Aries makes a sliding save as Juan, Mehran, and Brian hustle back to assist.











Javier directing traffic.

Looking for an open teammate.

Post-game frivolity.

With Aries' help, the Diablos did not allow a second half goal.

Saturday Paddlers - San Marcos River

With the flow of the Guadalupe River dropping ever lower, the paddlers switched over to the San Marcos River. Fourteen intrepid river runners in twelve kayaks and two canoes enjoyed the leisurely 3.7-mile trip from the Westerfield crossing to Skull's crossing. The headwind was quite strong, but only made it down to river level for short stretches. The river flow was about 98 cfs, low but adequate.

Since I decided to take a "camera holiday" for this trip, I do not have any photos for this day to share. But since one of the Saturday Paddlers' favorite pastimes is eating, I have included this picture of Kathy, Susan, and Nancy elegantly dining during the Super Bowl. Believe me, the desert forks were all properly used. Be forewarned, left clicking on this image may be hazardous to your health!

Diablos vs. Tornados

The Diablos took advantage of their 11:00 start time to actually field a full team at the opening whistle. Even Art was there on time, as shown in the photo above of him taking advantage of a miniature guy. Unfortunately, with the wind in their face for the first half, the players acted like they were still sleepy, giving the ball away in the defensive third on numerous occasions. Despite Henry's heroic (in my humble opinion) efforts in goal, the opponents put in two goals in the first thirty minutes. Before the end of the half, however, Chris' hustle goal left the Diablos down by only a single goal entering the break.

Art on the move in the second half.

1 v 3 - no problem.

Aries shields the ball from an attacker as Mehran arrives to support.

Juan in action.

Aries elevates for a header.

Juan looking to pass.














Aries controls the ball as sweeper, ...

... before making the pass.

Javier moves in as Art pursues.

A wily attacker somehow outfoxes Mark.

Peter controls the ball (decent technique).

Mark receives the ball (questionable technique).

Amir looks for the outlet pass.

Mark defends.

Pressure by Chris leads to a corner kick.

Note: Left click on any photo to enlarge.

As the corner kick sails in, Juan positions himself while Peter wrestles with a defender and Chris makes a run toward the ball's destination. Rob and Art become spectators.

Peter's wrestling match continues as Juan fights to get the first touch on the ball and Chris circles around the group.

Juan keeps the ball alive and it drops to Chris, who ...

... calmly moves the ball around the defender before cocking his foot for the shot.

Diablos celebrate the tying goal.

Chris pressures again, as does Juan #2.

Antonio was forced to make a few saves to preserve the 2-2 tie.


Here he sticks out his tongue as he sends the ball flying.

Final score: Diablos-2, Tornados-2.