Ed Morgans is a Co-founder of the Maryland Table Soccer Club. In recent years he has consistently appeared in the top 10 in the National rankings. Ed just completed a 2 year term as VP for the Mid-Atlantic region....
F2K. What bases are you playing with at the moment?
A. Of all things, Zuegos. It’s a Croatian team that I bought from Paul. I wanted an alternate to my Astrobase Manchester United team (I think they’re C6s, or maybe C7s, I don’t know, whatever gets it done – movie reference), but I’ve stuck with Croatia since I first played with them. They’ve gotten some good results and they are very good for touching up on long flicks. Don’t shoot bad, either.
F2K. When did you first start playing subbuteo?
A. About 4 years ago, went to Episcopal to play with Gregg Deinhart, Rick Wilcox, John Carroll, and some others. They had all these fancy teams and they were watching, “Victory.” I’m like, OK, this is kind of hard core. But it was fun and I was hooked. Played in the WTSL at that point, Mark Palmer and Marco Silva were also active there at that point. It certainly was a bunch of good competition to face every week. That’s Latin for I lost a lot.
F2K. What is your best ever result?
A. Friendlies don’t count, so that limits the field for consideration here. Beat Paul Eyes in group play in a recent tournament, 1-0, which was notable I think mainly because it was 15-minute halves and not 12. Anyone who shuts out Paul for 30 minutes has done something. Also, beat Nick Giffen, 1-0, on a crazy late goal at 2005 Nationals to advance out of my group.
F2K. Worst result?
A. Lost 9-0 to Chris Thomas in my first FISTF Open. Eight of his goals were long-range rolling shots. It was sick and twisted. I ended up just passing the ball back and forth in my defensive area for much of the second half just so he couldn’t shoot. Yeah, that was fun. Chris is a good guy, though.
F2K. Your funniest subbuteo moment...
A. Now there are plenty of contenders for this category … 1) Missing a penalty against Rick Marques in a Connecticut tournament. No, the shot didn’t miss. I missed the ball. We didn’t know the rule about that and he got possession, but it didn’t matter because he schooled me in a 2-0 rout. I think I finished like 1-13-2 that weekend. It was fun. 2) Applebee’s was running ads not long ago for their meat skillets with four guys around a table yelling out different kinds of meats, then one guy yelled “Vegetable Medley!” to the consternation of the others. In a Maryland tournament game against Frank Montabon, I scored 14 seconds in and yelled “Vegetable Medllllley!!!” Some laughed, some stopped playing, some ran. It was fun. 3) Playing Eddie Davidson in a tournament match and up 2-1, but having just surrendered his goal to make it a game again. I played a shot from deep in the left corner that he saved, only to have the ball rebound off the head of one of his defenders and back into the goal. Eddie collapsed, I celebrated. It was fun.
F2K. One sentence only. How would you describe the game of subbuteo to a stranger?
A. Chess on a fake Astroturf field, recreating the game of soccer while using your hands (which of course, isn’t allowed in soccer – very curious oddity).
F2K. Boxers or briefs?
A. Boxer Briefs.
F2K. Who has been your most difficult opponent?
A.. Many would think Paul Eyes, given our storied rivalry and his 72 wins against me in 89 games (or something). But I’d actually say Rick Wilcox. Even if I play my best game, he beats me 7-0. I just can’t play against him, for whatever reason. Yeah, probably because he’s really good.
F2K. Why do you play subbuteo? (one sentence only)
A. For the money, for the glory, and for the fun – mostly for the money (another movie reference). Seriously, it’s fun, and I’ve met many great people from all over the world along the way.
F2K. Who would you most like to beat in a game? Why?
A. Massimo Conturso – only because I play him in every tournament it seems, and lose every time. Heck, a draw would be cool.
F2K. Should the ASA join FISTF as a full member, or stay with partner status?
A. Partner. We are so removed from the hub of world Subbuteo that I’m not sure going in as a full member would really provide us that much benefit. We are normally represented at the World Cup, we get to host International grand prix and opens, and we are in regular contact with FISTF leadership – to be honest, I’m not sure what more we need.
F2K. What is your preferred food/drink at tournaments?
A. Whatever the host is kind enough to provide. Tournament hosts do a wonderful job of that through their own efforts and that of volunteers, and it is very, very much appreciated. If we could have anything at all on our own dime – I’d bring Nachos and a few Newcastles.
F2K. What is your strength as a player?
A. Defense. It was the first skill I learned and led to me getting the nickname, “Sick Bastard,” from Andrew Giffen during a game against him.
F2K. What is your weakness?
A. Goalkeeping, passing, and shooting … other than that, I’m good.
F2K. What was the best advice ever given to you about playing the game?
A. When you throw your hat, aim straight down.
