The Blueberries really missed Karolyn today but they muddled through with great efforts from everyone. Noah met his match against a player on the yellow team who seemed equally tenacious. But as the game went on Noah rose to the challenge. Zach also was improving as the game went on and given the way the session started for him I'm thrilled with his progress. Zach seems hooked on the game now.
Luke had a goal and was proud to tell me that when I arrived late. Jill was more energetic and engaged than ever. And then there is Eileen who just loves her "tocca team".
The Blue Jays were unbelievably poised today, playing every position well. Alex thrilled us with some crazy powerful kicks and then in the second half he and Owen, Nate and Justin all showed us how to get the offensive triangle working. These guys play so well together, Kaleb included, and it is making them each develop so rapidly. It is really fun to watch. Ethan played in defense for me all game and he was a wall the other team couldn't get past. Frequently putting his backwards-running skills to good use, Ethan didn't let the ball get past him even once. Solid.
Kendall was moving in and out of the action better than I've ever seen her and again as over the last few games she showed flashes of really starting to take control of the ball and run with it. Kendra had a great game too and was really in the thick of it a lot and so was Maddie who was solid in goal for us during the first quarter.
I'll admit that of the three teams I coach I'm especially proud of the the Blue Jays. They are something else.
Thanks to Ben Lighthall for his help coaching and also to Chris Meaghers, Chris Michels and Mike Ramsdell for all of their help. And thanks to all of the parents for getting snacks, bringing the kids out in questionable weather for practice and for your general support. It's an honor to coach your kids.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
One session ends...
Saturday's Tsunami game was much better than the score would indicate. We had a lot of shots on goal but just couldn't find the net. And all in all the kids adapted to the indoor field quickly. I want to thank each player for the work they did this session and I want to congratulate them all for the amount of progress they made.
In the last game William and Nick both showed, again, that they are poised and fearless keepers. William had the benefit of being protected by Nick at fullback in the first half and I'm sorry that in the second half I left Nick less well protected. He had to stand in there and take a lot of shots, including a loose shoe, and he took it all like a man.
Lauren helped out in defense most of the game along with Jordan and Madison and all three of them have shown remarkable improvement throughout the session. Lauren especially, being new to the game, really worked hard at it at every practice.
Justin and Bryce had good games and certainly seemed to be enjoying themselves. They worked hard at practice and always had great attitudes. Justin in particular carries himself with a bit of "Joe cool" swagger. Bryce claimed to have a special move, the "triple kick", in reserve but unfortunately we never got to see it. Maybe next year.
My midfield corps was led, again, by Olivia and Maddie who both have just amazing endurance and quickness. And Liz and Avery led the offense again and had some beautiful scoring attempts with some good passing. Avery made sure that I noticed the passing by pointing out to me "see we did the triangle thing just like in practice".
And the other point on that triangle was usually Erin who was firing shots from the right and the left as the situation demanded and with equal ferocity. Backing up our offensive triangle and sending the ball back up for another try was Helen. She played Saturday with great grace and imagination and really surprised herself with her ball handling skills, fearlessly attempting to dribble through traffic a number of times.
I want to thank Lisa Roedig, Amy Holthaus, Chris Holthaus, Roz and Dale Forshee and Dale Mahaney who all helped out at our practices and games. With their help we were able to get a lot of work done. Thanks to Nancy Roether for photographing the team in action. Thanks to all of the parents for helping out with snacks and for bringing the kids out to practice so consistently. And thanks for letting me share the game with your kids. I'm proud of each of them and it was an honor to coach them.
In the last game William and Nick both showed, again, that they are poised and fearless keepers. William had the benefit of being protected by Nick at fullback in the first half and I'm sorry that in the second half I left Nick less well protected. He had to stand in there and take a lot of shots, including a loose shoe, and he took it all like a man.
Lauren helped out in defense most of the game along with Jordan and Madison and all three of them have shown remarkable improvement throughout the session. Lauren especially, being new to the game, really worked hard at it at every practice.
Justin and Bryce had good games and certainly seemed to be enjoying themselves. They worked hard at practice and always had great attitudes. Justin in particular carries himself with a bit of "Joe cool" swagger. Bryce claimed to have a special move, the "triple kick", in reserve but unfortunately we never got to see it. Maybe next year.
My midfield corps was led, again, by Olivia and Maddie who both have just amazing endurance and quickness. And Liz and Avery led the offense again and had some beautiful scoring attempts with some good passing. Avery made sure that I noticed the passing by pointing out to me "see we did the triangle thing just like in practice".
And the other point on that triangle was usually Erin who was firing shots from the right and the left as the situation demanded and with equal ferocity. Backing up our offensive triangle and sending the ball back up for another try was Helen. She played Saturday with great grace and imagination and really surprised herself with her ball handling skills, fearlessly attempting to dribble through traffic a number of times.
I want to thank Lisa Roedig, Amy Holthaus, Chris Holthaus, Roz and Dale Forshee and Dale Mahaney who all helped out at our practices and games. With their help we were able to get a lot of work done. Thanks to Nancy Roether for photographing the team in action. Thanks to all of the parents for helping out with snacks and for bringing the kids out to practice so consistently. And thanks for letting me share the game with your kids. I'm proud of each of them and it was an honor to coach them.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Looks Like We're Moving Inside
As of last night the fields at Richardson Road were still unplayable. I'll get final confirmation later today but it seems certain that we will be playing at Pleasure Isle this weekend.
12:25 PM Update: All games moved to Pleasure Isle.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Rain-out Plan
The forecast for this weekend doesn't look good so we have a "plan b" schedule ready. If the Richardson Road fields are unplayable we will move to Pleasure Isle to play.
U10 Tsunami will play Saturday at 12:00, same as the outdoor schedule.
Unfortunately we can't get all of the games in on Saturday if we play at Pleasure Isle so the U4 and U6 games will be played on Sunday afternoon. The U4 Blueberries will play at 1:00 PM and the U6 Blue Jays will play at 2:00 PM. I know this could be inconvenient if you have church to attend or perhaps if you have been tricked into climbing back onto the Bengals band wagon (the game will be on at Pleasure Isle, by the way). If that is the case and you can't make the game let me know and please know that I do apologize for the way the end of the season has kind of spun out of control. The outdoor session is the most fun of the year, I think. But when we play outdoors we are always at the mercy of the elements and we have to deal with that as best we can.
If you've signed up for the next session the first games will be the weekend of October 24th. I don't have the rosters and schedules yet but I expect the U4 and U6 games to be on Saturday mornings and the U10 games to be on Sunday afternoons.
See you all Saturday. Go USA v Costa Rica! ESPN2 at 8:00.
U10 Tsunami will play Saturday at 12:00, same as the outdoor schedule.
Unfortunately we can't get all of the games in on Saturday if we play at Pleasure Isle so the U4 and U6 games will be played on Sunday afternoon. The U4 Blueberries will play at 1:00 PM and the U6 Blue Jays will play at 2:00 PM. I know this could be inconvenient if you have church to attend or perhaps if you have been tricked into climbing back onto the Bengals band wagon (the game will be on at Pleasure Isle, by the way). If that is the case and you can't make the game let me know and please know that I do apologize for the way the end of the season has kind of spun out of control. The outdoor session is the most fun of the year, I think. But when we play outdoors we are always at the mercy of the elements and we have to deal with that as best we can.
If you've signed up for the next session the first games will be the weekend of October 24th. I don't have the rosters and schedules yet but I expect the U4 and U6 games to be on Saturday mornings and the U10 games to be on Sunday afternoons.
See you all Saturday. Go USA v Costa Rica! ESPN2 at 8:00.
Monday, October 5, 2009
October 3rd
It was a bit chilly to start but the Blueberries had a great game. Lots of running but a little less focus than last game. Eileen had a great (if unintentional) header off of a throw-in from Noah who also had a pair of goals. Zack made two great throw-ins. The Blueberries seemed to really enjoy the game.
The Blue Jays were dominant in this game with great goalie play from Kendall, Kaleb, Maddie and Kendra. While in goal Kendall made some good stops followed by good throws. Back on the field Kendra made a stunning ninja-like stop on a well struck kick-off. We had great field play from everyone including three goals from Owen and two from Alex. I was so glad to see the kids slapping hands and celebrating after the goals. They play more like a team together than any other team in the league and that's a big step. I've got to mention a run on goal that Kendall had while in the field. She took the ball out of the pack at about midfield and headed right for the goal. I think she was about one step from a shot when the other players caught up to her and kicked the ball out. It was a great moment for Kendall and I know she'll get a goal soon.
A brilliant game from the Tsunami in a 1-1 tie. Our lone goal was from Olivia off a pass from Erin. Throughout the game I saw many of the things we've worked on in practice being put into play, especially some aggressive ball stealing by Erin, Helen, Justin, Nick and Jordan. Jordan was especially solid for us in defense and she is clearly getting a real sense of how to play that position, moving up and down the field as needed. I saw real toughness on display, especially from Lauren, Olivia and Helen who all took some hard hits but kept going. Nick and William were great in goal as usual and William has become our smoothest ball handler. He's showing great confidence dribbling one-on-one against opponents and plays like he thinks he can get past anyone. And they played the whole 50 minutes with no subs. It was a great game.
The Blue Jays were dominant in this game with great goalie play from Kendall, Kaleb, Maddie and Kendra. While in goal Kendall made some good stops followed by good throws. Back on the field Kendra made a stunning ninja-like stop on a well struck kick-off. We had great field play from everyone including three goals from Owen and two from Alex. I was so glad to see the kids slapping hands and celebrating after the goals. They play more like a team together than any other team in the league and that's a big step. I've got to mention a run on goal that Kendall had while in the field. She took the ball out of the pack at about midfield and headed right for the goal. I think she was about one step from a shot when the other players caught up to her and kicked the ball out. It was a great moment for Kendall and I know she'll get a goal soon.
A brilliant game from the Tsunami in a 1-1 tie. Our lone goal was from Olivia off a pass from Erin. Throughout the game I saw many of the things we've worked on in practice being put into play, especially some aggressive ball stealing by Erin, Helen, Justin, Nick and Jordan. Jordan was especially solid for us in defense and she is clearly getting a real sense of how to play that position, moving up and down the field as needed. I saw real toughness on display, especially from Lauren, Olivia and Helen who all took some hard hits but kept going. Nick and William were great in goal as usual and William has become our smoothest ball handler. He's showing great confidence dribbling one-on-one against opponents and plays like he thinks he can get past anyone. And they played the whole 50 minutes with no subs. It was a great game.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
September 19th
U4 had another great game. As usual Noah stunned everyone with the velocity he puts on his shots and had one goal. Zach seems to have settled in to the routine of playing completely and is really enjoying himself. Luke had a good game as did Eileen and Jill. The highlight of the game for the Blueberries was a long distance goal from Karolyn on a kick-off. Crazy!
The Blue Jays had an amazing game! Madeline, Justin and Kendra each took turns in goal and were excellent. Maddie made some great stops and also played very well in the field. Justin also had two good stops followed by two excellent throws and was very solid playing fullback in front of Kendra. Kaleb, playing mostly defense, showed some amazing anticipation and really contained the other side. Ethan, who is a big brother now (congratulations Angela and Mike), also made some great stops in defense for us. Kendall played with a lot of energy and had an assist on one of Nate's two goals! She was disappointed with that as she desperately wants a goal of her own. Nate's other goal came off of a perfect corner kick from Owen. It was breathtaking. Then a bit later Owen had a goal of his own; a low spinner that slipped through the goalie's hands. Great work everyone!
The Tsunami didn't have their best game and we have plenty to work on in practice. For one thing, we'll talk about how to deal with rough play from the other team in situations where the Refs seem oblivious. Kung Fu may be involved. For another we'll be working on losing our reputation as the most polite team in the league.
We did however have two highlights: A nice goal from Avery and another from Bryce, his first. Bryce's shot was from at least 15 yards out and seemed to take all day to find its way in past the goalie. Bryce later described it as a "slow motion" goal. I'm sure it won't be his last.
The Blue Jays had an amazing game! Madeline, Justin and Kendra each took turns in goal and were excellent. Maddie made some great stops and also played very well in the field. Justin also had two good stops followed by two excellent throws and was very solid playing fullback in front of Kendra. Kaleb, playing mostly defense, showed some amazing anticipation and really contained the other side. Ethan, who is a big brother now (congratulations Angela and Mike), also made some great stops in defense for us. Kendall played with a lot of energy and had an assist on one of Nate's two goals! She was disappointed with that as she desperately wants a goal of her own. Nate's other goal came off of a perfect corner kick from Owen. It was breathtaking. Then a bit later Owen had a goal of his own; a low spinner that slipped through the goalie's hands. Great work everyone!
The Tsunami didn't have their best game and we have plenty to work on in practice. For one thing, we'll talk about how to deal with rough play from the other team in situations where the Refs seem oblivious. Kung Fu may be involved. For another we'll be working on losing our reputation as the most polite team in the league.
We did however have two highlights: A nice goal from Avery and another from Bryce, his first. Bryce's shot was from at least 15 yards out and seemed to take all day to find its way in past the goalie. Bryce later described it as a "slow motion" goal. I'm sure it won't be his last.
Monday, September 14, 2009
September 12th
What a great day for some soccer. We are starting the registrations for the next indoor session already but when the weather is like this you hate to think about playing the games inside. So let's enjoy it while we have it. All three teams had great games this weekend, especially U4 and U6. The Blueberries and the Blue Jays work hard at practice and they bring what they learn there to the games. It's fun to watch.
In the U4 game we had enthusiastic participation from everyone with lots of good touches and throw-ins from everyone. Luke played with great energy and was really trying to control the ball. He was just a hair off on a few good shots on goal. Karolyn also was making a great effort this game to move the ball and had one excellent chance at a goal. Eileen and Jill had great games, running the field tirelessly and trying to stay involved. And Eileen showed Jill how to do the "fireworks" high-five. The highlight of the game was a great throw-in from Zack that lead directly to a goal by Noah. Just like we drew it up!
The Blue Jays had a very close game against a tough opponent. Kendall took a turn in goal and although she didn't get challenged I'm glad she wanted to try it. I wish the games were a bit longer so everyone could get more playing time because they are all really enjoying themselves and playing very hard. Kendra and Maddie were in the thick of it the whole game and I think Maddie was really starting to get the idea of getting into position to play defense. Kaleb had his most active game ever, running the whole field repeatedly to stay with the ball. Nate and Justin were solid as usual. Justin had some great throw-ins and clearing kicks. Nate didn't get the kinds of chances he usually does but he was still all over the place pestering the other team. Ethan was solid in defense for us. Our big goal came on a set-piece with Owen taking the kick and delivering a perfect pass to Alex who gracefully tapped the ball into the net for a goal to keep us tied. That was a great game.
My Tsunami had me frustrated during the game because they seemed to be playing in a very panicky defensive mode compared to their previous outing. They were unable to keep the ball in the other team's end for more than a few minutes the whole game and our offense seemed very sluggish. I was surprised by this given that the weather was so nice and our practice earlier in the week went so well.
But in retrospect, despite our poor offense, this was a good game for the Tsunami. We held the best team in the league to one goal thanks to great defense. Obviously Nick and William were excellent in goal. Nick tipped one shot up over the cross bar in a move that you wouldn't expect from a teenager let alone a nine year old. William showed great composure as keeper in the second half even after taking a shot to the head while in the field for the first half. So those guys were great again. And they were helped by their fullbacks a lot. I'd like to highlight Jordan for some great clearing kicks in the first half and Maddie for a particularly excellent play in the second half. Late in the game Maddie came cutting across the center of the field to intercept the ball and made a nice clearing kick, driving the ball out toward the bench side touch-line. But rather than stop there Maddie continued running, circling back toward the goal and then around the other teams forwards toward the touch-line anticipating that the opposition's midfielder would probably try to return the ball up the line. That's what happened and Maddie was waiting. She dashed out from between the forwards and struck the ball again clearing it past the half-line and then she zipped right back to her original defensive position. It was a little thing that happened fast and didn't affect the outcome of the game but it showed so much presence and game-understanding. Well done Maddie.
I'd also like to note that along with William, Helen and Erin took some rough spills during this game and they kept on playing. Well done.
See everyone at practice.
In the U4 game we had enthusiastic participation from everyone with lots of good touches and throw-ins from everyone. Luke played with great energy and was really trying to control the ball. He was just a hair off on a few good shots on goal. Karolyn also was making a great effort this game to move the ball and had one excellent chance at a goal. Eileen and Jill had great games, running the field tirelessly and trying to stay involved. And Eileen showed Jill how to do the "fireworks" high-five. The highlight of the game was a great throw-in from Zack that lead directly to a goal by Noah. Just like we drew it up!
The Blue Jays had a very close game against a tough opponent. Kendall took a turn in goal and although she didn't get challenged I'm glad she wanted to try it. I wish the games were a bit longer so everyone could get more playing time because they are all really enjoying themselves and playing very hard. Kendra and Maddie were in the thick of it the whole game and I think Maddie was really starting to get the idea of getting into position to play defense. Kaleb had his most active game ever, running the whole field repeatedly to stay with the ball. Nate and Justin were solid as usual. Justin had some great throw-ins and clearing kicks. Nate didn't get the kinds of chances he usually does but he was still all over the place pestering the other team. Ethan was solid in defense for us. Our big goal came on a set-piece with Owen taking the kick and delivering a perfect pass to Alex who gracefully tapped the ball into the net for a goal to keep us tied. That was a great game.
My Tsunami had me frustrated during the game because they seemed to be playing in a very panicky defensive mode compared to their previous outing. They were unable to keep the ball in the other team's end for more than a few minutes the whole game and our offense seemed very sluggish. I was surprised by this given that the weather was so nice and our practice earlier in the week went so well.
But in retrospect, despite our poor offense, this was a good game for the Tsunami. We held the best team in the league to one goal thanks to great defense. Obviously Nick and William were excellent in goal. Nick tipped one shot up over the cross bar in a move that you wouldn't expect from a teenager let alone a nine year old. William showed great composure as keeper in the second half even after taking a shot to the head while in the field for the first half. So those guys were great again. And they were helped by their fullbacks a lot. I'd like to highlight Jordan for some great clearing kicks in the first half and Maddie for a particularly excellent play in the second half. Late in the game Maddie came cutting across the center of the field to intercept the ball and made a nice clearing kick, driving the ball out toward the bench side touch-line. But rather than stop there Maddie continued running, circling back toward the goal and then around the other teams forwards toward the touch-line anticipating that the opposition's midfielder would probably try to return the ball up the line. That's what happened and Maddie was waiting. She dashed out from between the forwards and struck the ball again clearing it past the half-line and then she zipped right back to her original defensive position. It was a little thing that happened fast and didn't affect the outcome of the game but it showed so much presence and game-understanding. Well done Maddie.
I'd also like to note that along with William, Helen and Erin took some rough spills during this game and they kept on playing. Well done.
See everyone at practice.
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