While FC Buffalo supporters could be waxing poetic of a brilliant defensive effort, many are left wondering what could’ve been if Josh Faga not been ruled offsides on a potential game-winning goal.
In a back-and-forth affair that defied the scoreboard, the teams traded 30 attempts on goal in just the third scoreless draw in club history (both of the previous affairs were versus Pocono Snow). FCB had 17 shots, including five from Mike Reidy, but could not capitalize. The Blitzers will surely rue the memory of brilliant runs from Reidy and Zelko that ended short of the back of the net.
The one play still being discussed the morning after on Twitter & Facebook was the early injury-time free kick that met Faga’s head near the penalty spot. The 2011 team MVP headed clear of Detroit City FC’s defense and into the back of the net, but the linesman’s flag was up signaling offside. The game recording is from an awkward angle, but seems to indicate a very close call that may favor the plaintiffs.
“I was absolutely onside—right before I made the run, I made sure I was dead-even with the defender, and as soon as I released I knew I was onside, and that’s why when I finished I thought we scored,” Faga reflected to Buffalo.com after the game. “When I saw the flag go up, I couldn’t believe it.”
What should be discussed was the brilliant netminding of Eric Dehond, the Houghton player currently transferring to Canisius. Making several key stops but otherwise collecting easy-looking balls due to strong positional play, the lanky keeper provided a promising performance. The back four of Kendell McFayden, Pat Zelko, Josiah Snelgrove and Josh Hall was nearly impenetrable, twice clearing the ball off the backline. McFayden was a revelation at centerback, especially considering the blazing fast ex-pro was considering to be a striking option.
