For all you soccer enthusiasts and hippies, the goal came, and so much sooner than I could ever have imagined. I haven't scored in a competitive soccer match in years. And the way I scored the other team would have just about fainted if they knew I had a metal implant.
My fitness was quite superior to the opponents and at about the 60 minute mark I was able to step in front of their midfielder who was trying to receive a pass out of the back from his own defender. They were totally caught by surprise so I carried the ball with pace approaching the attacking third as their center half stepped up to try to slow down my progress. My faithful central forward made a perfect run toward the right touchline drawing the lone center back part way out with him. I delivered a diagonal pass to that forward and when the defender went to close him down he played the ball first touch back into the center as I had shot right past that center half into the space. The last defender then wheeled around to pressure me but it was too late. I blew right past - that's right folks, the guy with the brand new 6 month-old Birmingham hip blew past the center half and last defender to engage in a one-on-one with the keeper. I easily slotted it to the low left corner for a goal.
Earlier in the game I had faced up a defender, faked and pushed the ball right at the top right side of the penalty area. It wasn't the greatest move but I was able to burst past with three quick steps and blasted the ball off the goal frame right where the crossbar and post meet. Love that sound when the goal post rings the whole park.
I played about 70 minutes and today have nothing more than some welcome muscle soreness. All is right in the world at this moment.
Chuckm