CDSL FINAL

Spindles 2 - 2 Motherland

(3-1) on Penalties

87’ - Locicero (Breen)

90’ - Lopez (P)

Just when you thought Spindles peaked too early on several occasions this season, they proved otherwise once again.

On Tuesday night, Spindles competed in their second ever CDSL final.

The first one being in the 2023 season, which resulted in a heartbreaking 3-1 loss for the Spins.

But this time, Spindles (2) were coming into a final far more prepared against Motherland Bros (1), a new team to the league that only managed to pick up 1 loss all season long.

Spindles knew this would be their toughest test yet.

Both of our meetings with Motherland this year resulted in losses by 1-goal deficit.

Close games to a team that is blowing out other teams week after week.

It was clear all year long that a Motherland and Spindles final was on the cards for 2025.

The Hurdles

The day kicked off with hurdle after hurdle.

Spindles arrived to Nott Road early to prepare when we noticed the fields were not at all lined for the match.

The CDSL has been dealing with poorly or forgotten lined fields all summer. But it was clear that there was no attention on this one given it was practically invisible.

After a phone call with the town, we learned that our 6:15PM game wasn’t even on their schedule.

Our 6:15PM kickoff was unfortunately pushed to 8:15PM after miscommunication from the CDSL and the Town of Guilderland about the scheduling of this game.

All the fields at Nott Road were being used until 8PM for Pop Warner Football.

Once Pop Warner was finally clear of the fields, allowing us to step on and get ready, another hurdle came when the Town did not send anyone to turn on the lights.

Day-light was moving fast and it was already well past our 8:15PM kickoff.

Eventually they came to turn them on, meaning we finally kicked off by 8:30PM.

The Match

The match kicked off with high intensity from both sides.

Spindles started very defensive, hoping to frustrate the highest scoring team in the CDSL.

Despite the low Spindles block, chances still came our way on the counter-attack.

A run down the wing by Anders Trestick found himself 1-1 with the keeper.

But the tough angle favored the save.

Another chance for John Locicero after a great cross by Ian Maguire, just went wide of the frame.

Motherland dominated the possession and chances in the first half, but Spindles were well and alive. Ending the first half 0-0.

The second half was more of the same.

Spindles created more chances in the first 25, but could not find the back of the net.

Unfortunately, around the 70’, a strong defensive performance by Spindles was hit by a penalty given to Motherland. They easily converted it. 1-0, Motherland, 70’.

A heartbreaking goal that seemed like the end for the Spins.

Chaos on the sidelines due to Motherlands spectators crowding the touchline, along with the substitutes.

Less than 5 minutes later, the pressure continued to pile on as Motherland get another chance. A shot from outside the box beats the Spindles keeper on the near post. 2-0, Motherland, 75’.

The referee begins throwing cards as the kids and spectators began running on the field, knee sliding in celebration of their first CDSL trophy.

Spindles had to be down and out from there.

The Comeback

Time was ticking, and Spindles were running out of time.

Despite transitioning to a more attacking formation, Spindles count not breakdown Motherlands defense anymore.

However, that all changed with 3 minutes left in regulation.

A Hail Mary into the box by Mason Kievit fell to a Motherland defender.

The defender cleared it straight in the air, into Ryan Breen’s path.

Breen crossed it out of the air with his weak foot to the penalty spot where Spindles top score Locicero re-directed it into the right side netting. Spindles have one back, and are alive. 2-1, 87’.

The Spins still had a mountain to climb, hoping for an equalizer with less than 5 minutes left.

Well it wasn’t long before the completed that climb.

In the 90’, a scramble in the box saw Dan Crook go for a header when a Motherland defender swiped at the ball, only to dangerously high kick to Crooks head.

As the whistle blew, the ball fell to Adam Singaporewala who powered the one home into the net. What was surely the equalizer and Singaporewala’s first goal for the club, was taken back as the referee blew his whistle for a penalty before the shot.

After several complaints and a conversation between the AR and Center Ref, it was deemed the whistle to be blown before the shot. Meaning the score remained 2-1, but giving Spindles a chance to equalize from the spot.

Captain Marcos Lopez stepped up, and powered it home into the left side netting. 2-2, 90’.

Spindles were 3 minutes from losing the CDSL final 2-0. And finish regulation 2-2, and are headed into 2, 10 minute halves for overtime. Just like last weeks semi-final.

Simply, Cinema.

Overtime kicked off in Spindles favor. Opportunities started pouring in as the Spins looked to complete the comeback with a win.

It was clear that Spindles depth favored the longer game.

Despite a handful of chances from both sides in over-time, both sides still played timid. Both not wanting to make that defensive mistake to end it all.

Both sides made a handful of substations in light of the inevitable penalty shootout.

OT would end 2-2. Onto our second penalty shootout of the season, after a successful result in the Grassroots Cup.

The Shootout

Spindles shoot first with Breen stepping up to the spot.

And in normal fashion, he doesn’t actually take a step in his shot and just passes it into the bottom right corner. 1-0.

Next, Motherland step up. Goalkeeper Ryan Taylor looks to get into the players head with some antics.

His actions worked as he confidently stopped their first pen, diving to the left. Spindles stay up 1-0.

Captain Lopez steps up, looking to score his second penalty of the game.

With confidence and places it into the right side netting, leaving the keeper in place. 2-0 Spindles.

Motherland look to score their first.

They step up and power one down the middle. Taylor dives but kicks it out with his foot. Huge advantage for Spindles. 2-0.

Spindles look to take a bigger lead. Locicero walks to the spot.

On the whistle he puts his foot through the ball into the bottom left corner. The keeper guesses the right side, but can’t stop the power. 3-0.

Taylor now has the chance to win it all with a save on Motherland for their third penalty.

However, it was clear that they were due, as they put one away in the right side netting. Taylor guesses the spot but can’t get a hand to it. 3-1.

Manu Zevallos steps up to redeem himself from the Grassroots Cup penalty shootout.

With the chance to win it all, Zevallos curls it to the right side. But the Motherland keeper had it covered. 3-1.

Now back into the hands of Taylor.

One save for glory.

Taylor picks the same side for the fourth straight penalty and stops Motherlands low driven shot.

Spindles are complete the comeback and are officially CDSL Champions for the first time.

The Spindles players sprint to Taylor as he flings his arms in the air with glory.

After a season of peaks and valleys, Spindles complete the job in the most dramatic fashion.

No matter what team you supported in this journey, Spindles run had no shortage of entertainment for everyone.

The players celebrated their win lifting the brand new CDSL trophy, hugs all around, and showing gratitude to all their teammates and supporters.

Taylor would be named Man of the Match for his 3 penalty saves during the shootout, including the game-winning save. His first MOTM trophy.

The match would finish around 11:30PM after a match delay, late start, overtime and penalty shootout. Well worth the wait.

Over a hundred people were in attendance supporting Spindles on Tuesday night, with almost 200 people in total there to watch the spectacle. An unsuccessful hate-watch for some, it was surely a final to remember for everyone.

Massive thank you to all supporters, friends, families and sponsors that supported us this season. Though the ups and downs, they were there through it all.

Our CDSL season might be over, but the work for next year starts right away.

Stay tuned for some big changes for Spindles next year.