Sunday's 3-1 victory over Chung Hsing University (CHU) obviously won't go down as our prettiest performance, but it was an enjoyable game that will be a good warm-up for what promises to be a very challenging PE College match next Sunday.

Once again, a big thanks to Artem for helping set up the game with his "other" team. Artem ably helped his surrogate side keep Compass on its toes in what was a challenging match the entire 90 minutes. Jose didn't show up to play for CHU this time, probably a good thing for Compass, which only had 12 players out--our leanest turn-out in a long time.

Working with a mixed foreign-Taiwanese squad, CHU looked for openings in the Compass defense. However, it was Michael that initiated the scoring with a nice first-half goal. This was followed later in the same half by a follow-up goal from Hans, running up from his usual middle-defense position for some offensive action.

Despite this lead, Compass completely lucked out on a hard, well-placed Chung Hsing shot from outside the box that bounced over Pete's head and was so obviously in the net that both sides were already turning back toward the center line when, to everyone's surprise, the ball took a fortuitous bounce and instead deflected off the crossbar, leaving our keeper chortling and literally jumping in relief. Later, in the second half, CHU did keep in the game after getting a goal off of a Compass defensive error. We didn't breathe easier until about two-thirds through the second half when Lukas, receiving a short pass from Robert on a corner kick, drove down Chung Hsing's line and scored a beautiful goal despite having almost no angle.

Unfortunately and perhaps appropriately, it appears that that final goal will be our Czech center midfielder's Compass swan song, as Lukas will be leaving in a couple weeks for a return to the Land of Budvar and Pilsner Urquell. When he's not enjoying good beer, Lukas will be working on finishing his degree and says that there's a possibility that we'll see him again out here--we're certainly hoping so. Lukas, you've become a huge part of this team over the past half year and we'll miss you tremendously. Have a good trip back, stay in touch and remember that you'll remain a part of Compass.

Recent departures have been matched by new arrivals and I'd like to welcome our newest player, Ross, who played his first match with Compass on Sunday and is already proving himself to be a good addition to our defensive line. Ross hails from Exeter, England and, strangely enough, is the second Liverpool fan in a row to join Compass. Let's welcome Ross and make him feel at home on and off the pitch.

It's now time to think about this coming Sunday's 3 p.m. match vs. PE College.

Go Compass!
Doug