HC Olten - Grasshoppers Club Zürich --- 1:3
The men of GC gathered early in the morning to start this double weekend with their first game against HC Olten. Having qualified for the Final 4 the previous week, the next goal was to reach the highest possible standing. Keeping the focus on a good performance and getting a clear result.
On a good summers morning, with the great prospect of an ice bath afterwards, the game started. Goal was to neutralise Olten’s typical game and to play quick hockey deep in their half. We started composed and were finding space against Olten, who were standing deep in their court, counters were hard to realise as they did not attack with all men when rushing forward. But GC had their plans and we got a first short corner that we were not able to convert.
In the second quarter, we build up our game and increasingly found our paces and tested the Olten defence. Finally again being rewarded with another shortcorner. After a perfect injection, which is by no means a guarantee on the notoriously inconsistent pitch, Lars slotted the ball in the back of the net. 1:0.
In the second half we kept pushing for another goal. After a goal-post-moving attack of Olten and a near miss, we found a collection of quick passes into the circle and onto Benji at the long post who tipped it in for the 2:0. Shortly after, an interception and a fast play forward by Hein lead to a counter attack and Lucho with the ball on his reverse at the top of the D with 3 Olten defenders in front of him, and only one option; to shoot. And shoot he did, through the keeper and the 3:0.
In the last quarter we wanted to keep the pressure high and had some chances, but at the end, Olten was able to squeeze one past us. They tried increasing the pressure but did not find another opportunity.
The game ended 3:1, with a clear win at Olten. GC was very happy, however there was not opportunity for celebration yet as the very next day a game against RWW was planned. Recovery started with a cold shower and hopefully a fresh pair of legs for the next day.
GC Players:
Fabian Starsky, Hein Van Der Weide, Robert Keitel, Constantin Scheuer, Fabian Steiner, Roman Richner, David Roegiers,
Lucas Harte, Luciano Ferario, Benjamin Eddy, Fabio Landtwing, Patrick Krüsi, Max Oswald, Lars Bambeck
Goals: Bambek, Eddy, Ferario
Coach: Ron, Facundo Harte