A hastily rearranged location and kick off time didn't deter the Super Green Army.
In the gentle early summer sun of a Milwaukee evening, DKCU and the Croatian Eagles put on a good showing, that will leave both sides believing they should have come away with all three points, yet happy with the one.
Coach Gecan appears to have settled on his starting XI, albeit it is always hard to tell with away games and last-minute availability issues. If this is it, though, then we can be assured of a tenacious, never-say-die attitude, coupled with increasing composure on the ball, as his play-from-the-back ethic begins to permeate the squad.
The game was barely 2 minutes old before the traveling fans had something to shout about. Some neat interplay down the left touchline ended with Martinez flicking a ball across the six yard box. The ball broke loose, and Sulka was on hand to bag his second of the season, putting DKCU top of the table for a while.
The Eagles weren't best pleased, and began to lay siege to the DKCU goal. Toms and McNamara held firm though, and when they were breached, Smith was on hand with fine saves. Sadly though, it all proved too much eventually, and on 34, Lauber drew the home side level.
Honors even at half time.
The second half proved a more even contest, as a series of subs disrupted the flow, but allowed for sterling cameo appearances, from both sides. Eagles' number 7, who appeared at half time, seemingly following the end of his basketball game, proved an especially awkward opponent.
As the game drew to a close, first Sulka and then Martinez saw chances to win the game missed. But that they were in the position to have these chances gives me great hope.
At the final whistle, with the sun setting in the distance, perhaps a draw was the fair result. For what it's worth, my man of the match was Patrick Smith.
Down the road, Bavarians were putting Dubuque to the sword, meaning that a home win next could set the scene nicely for a title decider in a few weeks.