Moose can't break through

April 22, 2007

By MATT TUNSETH

Frontiersman

PALMER - So close, yet so far away.

Palmer had opportunities galore against Homer Friday afternoon, but could never quite finish the deal, dropping a 1-0 decision at Machetanz Field.

Aaron Lewis' goal in the 11th minute was the difference for Homer.

Palmer players looked dejected as they walked off the pitch after losing a game that saw the Moose squander numerous scoring opportunities.

&#8220The bottom line is, if we can't stick it in the back of the net, we're not going to win,” Palmer coach Kevin Dearborn said following the game.

Among the golden opportunities for the Moose Saturday were several breakaways, a shot that hit the crossbar, a penalty kick that bounced off the post and back-to-back corner kicks in the 76th minute.

Palmer had no trouble figuring out Homer's offside trap, consistently sending through balls into the box for the Moose forwards. Jerry Melin was often on the receiving end of the passes, but Melin could never quite find the scoring touch on his breakaways, and was twice denied at the point-blank range by Homer goalie David Sandoval.

Melin ripped a shot off the crossbar in the 57th minute, then had a chance at redemption 15 minutes later when Homer midfielder Beto Cosio was called for a hand ball in the box, resulting in a penalty shot.

Melin beat Sandoval, but his try couldn't avoid the left post, as fate once again kept the Moose from tying things up.

The loss negated strong showings by a number of Palmer players, including Melin, midfielder Brian Senta, defender Andy Gardner and goalie Vinney Salls. Defender Haakan Bohman was also effective, but was limited in effectiveness when he picked up a second yellow card in the 67th minute.

Palmer's pressure helped neutralize Cosio, Homer's gifted center midfielder. The Mariner defense was under so much pressure, in fact, that Cosio was often called upon to drop back and help out - further stifling Homer's offensive gameplan.

But despite having more and better scoring chances Saturday, Palmer could never break through against the Mariners. Now 0-2 on the season, Dearborn said it's up to his players to battle back and start finding ways to score goals.

&#8220They'll put this one behind them and come back ready to play next week,” he said. &#8220We've just got to keep our heads up and keep going.”

Contact Matt Tunseth at 352-2265 or matt.tunseth@frontiersman.com.