After a very exciting start to the Nike Elite League in Week I, we were left with some high expectations heading into Week II. Judging by the numbers that came out to watch, word got out about the high level of play! Lots of parents and friends made their way out to the fine confines of Chicago Indoor Sports to see the young men earn their keep as Elite League players. I must say, those of us watching left the night quite satisfied with what we saw.

Team Robinho continued to flex its muscle on every team that dared to step onto the pitch against them and though they remain atop the leader board, Team Drogba showed signs of life with some solid additions to their roster. On the other end of the spectrum, Teams Zlatan and Ribery seemed to misunderstand the concept of defense this week allowing a combined 23 goals in just four games. Both were often caught with all 5 players watching from their offensive half while their opponents pinged the ball around, eventually placing it, ever so easily, into their net. Individual Week I stand-outs continued to shine while others managed to fight their way into the spotlight.

You can read the night’s stories whistle-to-whistle below. Let’s see if anyone can step up and challenge Team Robinho and knock them off the their high horse. And I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for Teams Zlatan and Ribery – hoping they can get their acts together on the defensive end of things. Thanks for checking in and be sure to check back for next week’s schedule, photo gallery and league standings!

Remember, any questions, comments or concerns can be expressed on the pitch, next Wednesday night.


Game #1: Ronaldo 1 - 3 Robinho

Team Robinho started right where they left off, scoring the first three goals within 3 minutes to take an early lead. Goals coming from Calleros, Zach Reneau – Weeden, and Martin Martinez were enough to keep them undefeated through their third match. Speedy Midfielder Zach Reneau-Weeden earned Player of the Game nominations for his excellent play while accruing a Goal and an Assist. After the opening five minutes, Team Ronaldo kept pace with Team Robinho but was unable to penetrate a stingy defense. They managed only to earn one consolation goal when a nice feed by Gabriel Garcia found Eric Salinas who calmly beat the Robinho GK 1 v 1.


Game #2: Zlatan 1 - 7 Dempsey

Team Dempsey quickly worked over Team Zlatan in the second game of the night. Dempsey’s team efforts earned them a decisive victory over still winless Team Zlatan, whose individual efforts were not enough to match the brute force of Dempsey, which looks to stay on pace with League Leader Team Robinho. The Man of the Match nomination goes out to Dempsey’s Clemente Chaidoz who was on target tonight, providing his team with 3 Goals and 3 Assists and very solid play. Team Dempsey needs to continue to play effortless team soccer in order to remain successful. Team Zlatan must spend some time building some defensive muscle to have any dignity when looking at the fixtures.


Game #3: Drogba 5 - 0 Ribery

After a disastrous Week 1, Team Drogba started off by trouncing undefeated Team Ribery. After going winless in Week 1, Drogba put forth a strong team effort rather than relying on individual results. Drogba came out quick and never gave Ribery a chance to come up for air. Danny Castillo lit up the scoreboard for 4 Goals thanks to his strong supporting cast of Martin Vargas, Ulices Estrada, and Ricardo Cortez. No question, Mr. Castillo was The Man of this match. On another note, Team Ribery looked as though they were on the other side of the glass, watching as their opponents strolled around the pitch for shooting practice. However, young Royce LaBauex, is a ray of light for Team Ribery and we’ll look for him to steer his team in the right direction.


Game #4: Drogba 8 - 3 Dempsey

Moments after having their way with Team Ribery, they managed to dispose of Team Dempsey as well. While going 0-2 last week and managing to even up at 2-2-0. The difference for Team Drogba was without question their collective team play. Understanding that there is no “I” in “Team” helped them bring the game to the next level. After scoring only one Goal in Week I, they outscored everybody with 13 Goals in Week II.

This night was Drogba’s Night and they found a leader in Cristiano Ronaldo look-a-like, Danny Castillo. For Castillo and crew, Dempsey showed no danger even though the team managed to take the first lead with a Clemente Chaidoz’s upper-90 rocket. A good start for Team Dempsey but after that the tables turned and it was all Drogba and Castillo who managed to score 4 more goals, giving him 8 for the night. Other goals were scored by Ulices Estrada, Luis Jimenez and 2 by speedy Miguel Saucedo. The other goals Team Dempsey was able to muster came from Jomar Mendoza and John Lesniak.


Game #5: Ronaldo 4 – 1 Zlatan

After dropping an important game to Team Robinho, Team Ronaldo collected its third win in four games to stay at pace with the League Leader. Team Zlatan had no answer but to fade into the night. The team needs to look forward and find a way to combine their great talents to overcome their still winless season. Perhaps someone has a recommendation for a book on team defense?

Cody Wilkins started Team Ronaldo off with a great steal in his own half and took it all the way to beat Zlatan’s keeper 1 v 1 before any Team Zlatan players managed to get back into their defensive end. Eric Salinas, Gabriel Garcia, and Salvador Martinez gave Ronaldo 3 more points to insure the victory. Jesus Arciga denied Victor Lozano his shutout in they dying seconds of the game. Notable effort was put forth by Salvador Martinez who kept pressure on Team Zlatan all night long.


Game #6: Robinho 7 – 1 Ribery

In case there were any doubters, Team Robinho proved that it is the team to beat after smacking Team Ribery around with a 7-1 victory. After a quiet Game 1, Wilmer Moreno made his presence felt with his third hat-trick in four games. Moreno put on a clinic and was on point tonight to give Team Robinho sole possession of 1st Place. Jorge Bahena and Emilio ‘Barney’ Calvillo had two goals each for Team Robinho as well. Newcomer Jose Salto was able to give Ribery the consolation goal in the closing minutes of the night, but it was not nearly enough to disrupt the flow and momentum of team Robinho. Moreno earned his third man of the match nomination while showcasing his talents and helping his teammates do the same. Robinho, a physically dominant team, is yet to be tested in the league but next week’s match-ups against Teams Dempsey and Drogba should be interesting.