Final Standings - Spring 2006
| Team Name |
P |
W |
L |
D |
GF |
GA |
GD |
Pts |
| Bolton Wanderers |
20 |
14 |
1 |
5 |
28 |
6 |
22 |
47 |
| Pittsburgh Slide | 20 | 1 | 14 | 5 | 6 | 28 | -22 | 8 |
Click on team name to go to their team page.
Fixtures - Spring 2006
All matches are currently played in Cranberry, PA
on Wednesday nights
on Wednesday nights
| WK | M# | Date | Road | Home | ||
| X | X | 3/11/06 | Bolton Wanderers | 1 | Pittsburgh Slide | 0 |
| X | X | 3/11/06 | Pittsburgh | 1 | Bolton | 0 |
| 1 | 1 | 3/11/06 | Bolton | 1 | Pittsburgh | 0 |
| 1 | 2 | 3/11/06 | Pittsburgh | 0 | Bolton | 3 |
| 2 | 3 | 3/22/06 | Bolton | 0 | Pittsburgh | 0 |
| 2 | 4 | 3/22/06 | Pittsburgh | 0 | Bolton | 2 |
| 3 | 5 | 3/29/06 | Bolton | 1 | Pittsburgh | 0 |
| 3 | 6 | 3/29/06 | Pittsburgh | 1 | Bolton | 1 |
| 3 | 7 | 3/29/06 | Bolton | 2 | Pittsburgh | 2 |
| 3 | SO | 3/29/06 | Pittsburgh | 3 | Bolton | 1 |
| 4 | 8 | 4/5/06 | Bolton | 1 | Pittsburgh | 0 |
| 4 | 9 | 4/5/06 | Pittsburgh | 0 | Bolton | 1 |
| 4 | 10 | 4/5/06 | Bolton | 2 | Pittsburgh | 0 |
| 5 | 11 | 4/12/06 | Pittsburgh | 0 | Bolton | 0 |
| 5 | 12 | 4/12/06 | Bolton | 1 | Pittsburgh | 0 |
| 5 | 13 | 4/12/06 | Pittsburgh | 0 | Bolton | 1 |
| 6 | 14 | 4/26/06 | Bolton | 2 | Pittsburgh | 0 |
| 6 | 15 | 4/26/06 | Pittsburgh | 1 | Bolton | 2 |
| 6 | 16 | 4/26/06 | Bolton | 1 | Pittsburgh | 1 |
| 6 | SO | 4/26/06 | Pittsburgh | 1 | Bolton | 2 |
| 7 | 17 | 6/28/06 | Pittsburgh | 0 | Bolton | 2 |
| 7 | 18 | 6/28/06 | Bolton | 0 | Pittsburgh | 1 |
| 7 | 19 | 6/28/06 | Pittsburgh | 0 | Bolton | 3 |
| 7 | 20 | 6/28/06 | Bolton | 2 | Pittsburgh | 0 |
Week 7 Results
June 28, 2006
The first full season of the SCTSL completed with week 7. Mike Benkart and his Bolton Wanderers easily claimed the league title with a 14-1-5 record. Bolton posted a 3-1 record in the final week. The single blemish came from a mis-flick with the spare keeper in the waining moments of the second match of the night. The highlight of the Pittsburgh Slides season came with tucking the ball into the empty net with just over a minute remaining in the second half. The late goal gave the Slide their lone victory of the season.
Seeming to be awaken by their first loss of the season, in the third match of the evening Bolton stormed to a 3-0 lead early in the first half. A beautiful shot from the right corner of the shooting area with only a quarter of the ball showing was chipped into the far upper 90 of the net. Moments later, after a Slide miscue near their own shooting line the Wanderers moved the ball over the line but were left with only a nearly full field flick from the defense. The flick was dead on. Sending the ball into the back of the Slides' net yet again. The second half of the match calmed down, as far as scoring chances for each team, with Bolton retaining their 3-0 margin to the final ticks of the clock.
The first full season of the SCTSL completed with week 7. Mike Benkart and his Bolton Wanderers easily claimed the league title with a 14-1-5 record. Bolton posted a 3-1 record in the final week. The single blemish came from a mis-flick with the spare keeper in the waining moments of the second match of the night. The highlight of the Pittsburgh Slides season came with tucking the ball into the empty net with just over a minute remaining in the second half. The late goal gave the Slide their lone victory of the season.
Seeming to be awaken by their first loss of the season, in the third match of the evening Bolton stormed to a 3-0 lead early in the first half. A beautiful shot from the right corner of the shooting area with only a quarter of the ball showing was chipped into the far upper 90 of the net. Moments later, after a Slide miscue near their own shooting line the Wanderers moved the ball over the line but were left with only a nearly full field flick from the defense. The flick was dead on. Sending the ball into the back of the Slides' net yet again. The second half of the match calmed down, as far as scoring chances for each team, with Bolton retaining their 3-0 margin to the final ticks of the clock.
Week 6 Results
April 26, 2006
After taking a week off the SCTSL was back in full swing with three league games being played as well as an exhibition shoot-out. The teams did scrimmage before the league games took place. This non-points game ended with Bolton winning 2-0. Play was sloppy by both teams in the first half but as the game went on, overall play did improve to normal league standards.
The first league match of the evening again ended with Bolton winning 2-0. Possession was mostly in favor of the Wanderers but some very nice long flicks were made by Pittsburgh.
Bolton continued their winning ways in game two of the evening. This game Bolton again went up 1-0 early. The Slide improved their play in this game. They were able to make some very nice long touch-ups and crisp passes. It goes without saying that Bolton managed by Mike Benkart, now ranked 52nd in the world, was easily able to do the same. In the first couple of minutes of the second half Bolton was able to advance to the Slide's defensive zone and net a shot from the left side of the pitch. Late in the second half Pittsburgh was able to score their first goal of the evening. The second match ended with the Wanderers' winning 2-1.
After a short break the final game of the evening was played. The teams played through the first half scoreless. The first half was very balanced between the sides. Well played by both teams. Around the 17th minute of the game, the Slide took the lead with a rocket of a shot from the right side of the pitch. It took Slide manager Jim Desmond by surprise. The shot was one of the few that went where it was placed for the team. Bolton would have none of this and in the 20th minute scored the equalizer. Mike was able to place his shot in the upper 90 at the far post from the right side of the pitch. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.
After taking a week off the SCTSL was back in full swing with three league games being played as well as an exhibition shoot-out. The teams did scrimmage before the league games took place. This non-points game ended with Bolton winning 2-0. Play was sloppy by both teams in the first half but as the game went on, overall play did improve to normal league standards.
The first league match of the evening again ended with Bolton winning 2-0. Possession was mostly in favor of the Wanderers but some very nice long flicks were made by Pittsburgh.
Bolton continued their winning ways in game two of the evening. This game Bolton again went up 1-0 early. The Slide improved their play in this game. They were able to make some very nice long touch-ups and crisp passes. It goes without saying that Bolton managed by Mike Benkart, now ranked 52nd in the world, was easily able to do the same. In the first couple of minutes of the second half Bolton was able to advance to the Slide's defensive zone and net a shot from the left side of the pitch. Late in the second half Pittsburgh was able to score their first goal of the evening. The second match ended with the Wanderers' winning 2-1.
After a short break the final game of the evening was played. The teams played through the first half scoreless. The first half was very balanced between the sides. Well played by both teams. Around the 17th minute of the game, the Slide took the lead with a rocket of a shot from the right side of the pitch. It took Slide manager Jim Desmond by surprise. The shot was one of the few that went where it was placed for the team. Bolton would have none of this and in the 20th minute scored the equalizer. Mike was able to place his shot in the upper 90 at the far post from the right side of the pitch. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Week 5 Results
April 12, 2006
Week five's first game saw few scoring chances for either side. Bolton's skipper Mike Benkart, coming of a second place finish at the FISTF International Open in St. Louis, controlled most of the play. With the few scoring chances he was able to create, shots flew wide or were saved by the Slide 'keeper. The game ended in a nil-nil draw.
The SCTSL went scoreless through the first half of the second match of the evening. Again, Bolton controlled play but made unforced turnovers near the shooting line on a couple of occasions. The Slide were not able to capitalize on these turnovers, usually turning the ball back to Bolton's control near the shooting line or near midfield. Nearing the half way point of the second half Bolton broke the scoreless-ness of the night with a splendid goal from the right flank. Final score Bolton 1, Pittsburgh 0.
Though low scoring, game three proved to be the best match as far as give and take. The action moved end to end nearly the entire match. Both teams saw their chances to score. The Slide was not able to convert on any of their possessions in the scoring zone. On the other hand, Bolton was able to net the game winning goal from just outside of the penalty area. Bolton was again victorious, 1-0.
Week five's first game saw few scoring chances for either side. Bolton's skipper Mike Benkart, coming of a second place finish at the FISTF International Open in St. Louis, controlled most of the play. With the few scoring chances he was able to create, shots flew wide or were saved by the Slide 'keeper. The game ended in a nil-nil draw.
The SCTSL went scoreless through the first half of the second match of the evening. Again, Bolton controlled play but made unforced turnovers near the shooting line on a couple of occasions. The Slide were not able to capitalize on these turnovers, usually turning the ball back to Bolton's control near the shooting line or near midfield. Nearing the half way point of the second half Bolton broke the scoreless-ness of the night with a splendid goal from the right flank. Final score Bolton 1, Pittsburgh 0.
Though low scoring, game three proved to be the best match as far as give and take. The action moved end to end nearly the entire match. Both teams saw their chances to score. The Slide was not able to convert on any of their possessions in the scoring zone. On the other hand, Bolton was able to net the game winning goal from just outside of the penalty area. Bolton was again victorious, 1-0.
Week 4 Results
April 5, 2006
Bolton sweeps the tripleheader. Game one saw decently balanced play between Mike's Bolton squad and Jim's Slide team. Bolton scored on a wonderful shot from the left side of the shooting area, arching the shot over the Slide keeper into the upper righthand corner of the net. The Slide did manage to move the ball into the Wanderer's shooting area but put a weak shot toward the goal.
In the second match of the evening, Bolton again took an early lead. Bolton moved into the Slide's shooting area and blistered a shot on net. The Slide's keeper made a great save on the shot but while preparing for a defensive flick suffered a handball just outside of the penalty area. Bolton was able to convert the following free kick for the games only tally.
Match three saw the Wanderers strongest play of the evening. This also proved to be Pittsburgh's best showing of the night also, though they were kept scoreless for the night. Bolton's first goal of this match came after the spare keeper lead the charge up field and into the Slides defensive area. Bolton's wandering keeper lost possession to the Slide, only to have it handed back by an errant pass by the Slide's spare keeper. Mike's keeper was able to convert on the empty net. The second half Bolton dominated the play. Shots flew but the Slide's keeper, though on the losing side, could have been man of the match. At least three huge saves kept the Slide within reach of the Wanderers. After another few shots off the posts and crossbar, Bolton was able to double their lead with a well placed shot that passed the Slide's netminder.
The SCTSL is pleased to announce that Mike and his Bolton Wanderers will be attending the 2006 FISTF International Open Tournament in St. Louis, MO on April 9th. The SCTSL wishes the Wanderers the best of luck in the tournament.
Bolton sweeps the tripleheader. Game one saw decently balanced play between Mike's Bolton squad and Jim's Slide team. Bolton scored on a wonderful shot from the left side of the shooting area, arching the shot over the Slide keeper into the upper righthand corner of the net. The Slide did manage to move the ball into the Wanderer's shooting area but put a weak shot toward the goal.
In the second match of the evening, Bolton again took an early lead. Bolton moved into the Slide's shooting area and blistered a shot on net. The Slide's keeper made a great save on the shot but while preparing for a defensive flick suffered a handball just outside of the penalty area. Bolton was able to convert the following free kick for the games only tally.
Match three saw the Wanderers strongest play of the evening. This also proved to be Pittsburgh's best showing of the night also, though they were kept scoreless for the night. Bolton's first goal of this match came after the spare keeper lead the charge up field and into the Slides defensive area. Bolton's wandering keeper lost possession to the Slide, only to have it handed back by an errant pass by the Slide's spare keeper. Mike's keeper was able to convert on the empty net. The second half Bolton dominated the play. Shots flew but the Slide's keeper, though on the losing side, could have been man of the match. At least three huge saves kept the Slide within reach of the Wanderers. After another few shots off the posts and crossbar, Bolton was able to double their lead with a well placed shot that passed the Slide's netminder.
The SCTSL is pleased to announce that Mike and his Bolton Wanderers will be attending the 2006 FISTF International Open Tournament in St. Louis, MO on April 9th. The SCTSL wishes the Wanderers the best of luck in the tournament.
Week 3 Results
March 29, 2006
Bolton continued to control the top of the SCTSL table with a victory and two draws tonight. In the first match of the night, Mike's Bolton squad controlled the action with an early tally and went on the a 1-0 win.
Match two Bolton again controlled most of the action. Again they scored early in the match leaving the Slide to play catch-up. After an errant touch-up by the Slide in the shooting area, Bolton pulled out its spare keeper and was forced into a bad touch that gave possession back to the Slide. Though it was a minor adventure, the Slide tucked the ball into the empty net to secure the point with a 1-1 draw.
Match three saw the most action. This game saw the highest score to date in the SCTSL, ending in a 2-2 draw. Bolton again took an early lead in the match. The Slide, having changed from Profi bases to Sureshot bases, equalized late in the first half with a shot from just inside the shooting line from the right side of the goal. In the second half, possession was about 55% Bolton and 45% Slide. Bolton took the lead for the second time in the match at just before the half way point of the second half. Pittsburgh again tied the score about two minutes later.
After the matches, the teams decided to practice the FISTF Shootout format, used in tournaments in the knockout rounds. The Slide got their first 'unofficial' win taking the shootout 3-1. Pittsburgh scored from the first three shootout locations. Bolton's goal came from the second shooting spot.
Bolton continued to control the top of the SCTSL table with a victory and two draws tonight. In the first match of the night, Mike's Bolton squad controlled the action with an early tally and went on the a 1-0 win.
Match two Bolton again controlled most of the action. Again they scored early in the match leaving the Slide to play catch-up. After an errant touch-up by the Slide in the shooting area, Bolton pulled out its spare keeper and was forced into a bad touch that gave possession back to the Slide. Though it was a minor adventure, the Slide tucked the ball into the empty net to secure the point with a 1-1 draw.
Match three saw the most action. This game saw the highest score to date in the SCTSL, ending in a 2-2 draw. Bolton again took an early lead in the match. The Slide, having changed from Profi bases to Sureshot bases, equalized late in the first half with a shot from just inside the shooting line from the right side of the goal. In the second half, possession was about 55% Bolton and 45% Slide. Bolton took the lead for the second time in the match at just before the half way point of the second half. Pittsburgh again tied the score about two minutes later.
After the matches, the teams decided to practice the FISTF Shootout format, used in tournaments in the knockout rounds. The Slide got their first 'unofficial' win taking the shootout 3-1. Pittsburgh scored from the first three shootout locations. Bolton's goal came from the second shooting spot.
Week 2 Results
March 22, 2006
Week 2 saw competitive play from both squads. For the first time, in the first match, the Slide drew with Bolton. Pittsburgh showed improved ball control but still fell short on the final flicks to move the ball into the shooting zone. Still with their improved possession Bolton had possession for more than half the game. Mike Benkart's Bolton starting eleven showed brilliant play at times. Soft touches and pin-point passes lead the Wanderers to the shooting zone at least a half dozen times. Between well placed defensive flicks by the Slide and shots of the crossbar, these chances went squandered.
In second match of the evening, Bolton came out gunning. Two goals early in the first half lead the squad to a 2-0 victory over the Slide. With the defensive break down, Jim Desmond's Pittsburgh club attempted to play a tighter defence. When in possession, the Slide slowed the game a bit though at times lost focus and flicked too quickly.
"I was very pleased to take a point in the first match and even though we fell short in the second match I am pleased with our play tonight," Slide's manager Jim said. "It was a great way to go into this weekend's tournament in Maryland. Now I am thinking there might be a chance of advancing beyond the group stage. Of course, that is if we do not draw into a "group of death" down there."
This Sunday, both the Pittsburgh Slide and Bolton Wanderers will be attending the Maryland Open. Currently there are almost 50 players registered for the event. The Open will include the Open division, U-19 division and a Veteran's class.
On an added note, the SCTSL may be getting an expansion franchise starting with next weeks resumption of league play.
Week 1 Results
March 11, 2006
Week One is now in the books for the SCTSL. The season opened with a two legged pre-season match-up between the Bolton Wanderers and the Pittsburgh Slide. For these games, Bolton manager Mike Benkart decided to field a side of only five field players, instead of the full ten. This was done not to intimidate Slide manager Jim Desmond but to help educate him in some of the finer techniques of the table top soccer game. During this training session, Mike shared some tips he learned from his trip to Europe for the 2005 FISTF World Cup. All information was gladly accepted by Jim and his young squad.
Even though Bolton was playing five men down, they did dominate most of the play in the first game. Ball control is the key in Subbuteo and there are few better than Mike at keeping possession when he is in tournament form. The Bolton skipper showed little signs of rust as he was making long touch up flicks with ease. Where as the Slide were falling short on touch-up flicks and even just short dribbling flicks. Remember, when on offence the attacking team must make contact with the ball with each flick to retain possession. Mike scored the only goal of the first game with a beautiful chip over the Slides 'keeper to the upper right hand corner of the goal.
Preseason match two seemed as if the teams were closer to equal in terms of possession. The Slide stepped up their game though still outnumbering the Wanderers. The only goal of this match was setup by a rare miscue by Mike while using his spare keeper. This left an open goal for the Slide to tuck the ball into.
Week one of the regular season kicked off with full sides for both teams. The Slide tried to use the skills shared by the Bolton manager during the warm up games but still fell to Bolton 1-0. Mike and his squad, outfitted with Profi bases, were on the attack early and often. In this game, the Slide keeper got a full workout. What ever he is being paid is not near enough for the abuse he took in the match. Jim's keeper made what seemed like 7 to 9 saves. The Slide did show better ball control in the match with vastly improved ball control and a couple of impressive long touch up flicks.
Leg two of week one was the downfall of the Slide. They started off the first half showing signs of an improving side. Still the Slide was only able to get the ball into Bolton's shooting zone on very few occasions. Conversely, Mike's Bolton team kept improving the entire match. The bulk of play was in Bolton's attacking half of the pitch. Bolton had five corner kicks compared to the Slides zero in the match. If not for the Slide-friendly goal posts and nice reactions of the Slide keeper in the match, this game would have been a blowout. Bolton prevails again with a 3-0 win.
The next matches for the SCTSL will be on Wednesday, March 22, 2006.
Week One is now in the books for the SCTSL. The season opened with a two legged pre-season match-up between the Bolton Wanderers and the Pittsburgh Slide. For these games, Bolton manager Mike Benkart decided to field a side of only five field players, instead of the full ten. This was done not to intimidate Slide manager Jim Desmond but to help educate him in some of the finer techniques of the table top soccer game. During this training session, Mike shared some tips he learned from his trip to Europe for the 2005 FISTF World Cup. All information was gladly accepted by Jim and his young squad.
Even though Bolton was playing five men down, they did dominate most of the play in the first game. Ball control is the key in Subbuteo and there are few better than Mike at keeping possession when he is in tournament form. The Bolton skipper showed little signs of rust as he was making long touch up flicks with ease. Where as the Slide were falling short on touch-up flicks and even just short dribbling flicks. Remember, when on offence the attacking team must make contact with the ball with each flick to retain possession. Mike scored the only goal of the first game with a beautiful chip over the Slides 'keeper to the upper right hand corner of the goal.
Preseason match two seemed as if the teams were closer to equal in terms of possession. The Slide stepped up their game though still outnumbering the Wanderers. The only goal of this match was setup by a rare miscue by Mike while using his spare keeper. This left an open goal for the Slide to tuck the ball into.
Week one of the regular season kicked off with full sides for both teams. The Slide tried to use the skills shared by the Bolton manager during the warm up games but still fell to Bolton 1-0. Mike and his squad, outfitted with Profi bases, were on the attack early and often. In this game, the Slide keeper got a full workout. What ever he is being paid is not near enough for the abuse he took in the match. Jim's keeper made what seemed like 7 to 9 saves. The Slide did show better ball control in the match with vastly improved ball control and a couple of impressive long touch up flicks.
Leg two of week one was the downfall of the Slide. They started off the first half showing signs of an improving side. Still the Slide was only able to get the ball into Bolton's shooting zone on very few occasions. Conversely, Mike's Bolton team kept improving the entire match. The bulk of play was in Bolton's attacking half of the pitch. Bolton had five corner kicks compared to the Slides zero in the match. If not for the Slide-friendly goal posts and nice reactions of the Slide keeper in the match, this game would have been a blowout. Bolton prevails again with a 3-0 win.
The next matches for the SCTSL will be on Wednesday, March 22, 2006.