Game 3 Re-Cap

As was evident by their win/loss record, the FC Madrid team we played on Sat night was a well oiled machine of power, skill and determination. To their surprise, our team, in it's raw form, is just as capable, strong and skillful. So where did we go wrong in our 0-3 loss? Let me break it down a bit.

Defense: As fast as our defenders are, their attackers (which could have been their front line or defenders depending upon the overlap), were just as fast, quick footed and quicker to strike. IMHO, there was only one goal for which they truly earned and that was from their defender in the yellow shoes (thing of beauty). The rest of the goals we allowed through sloppy play (ahem, handling the ball in the penalty area). Regardless, our keeper was poised, confident and determined to minimize their threat and our fullbacks did a great job containing most of the strikes.

Midfield: We lost a bit in our center mid this game as our transitions were either late, non-existent or in the wrong zone. We either pushed too far forward hoping to strike or were sucked back too far into defense with no middle to transition into. Our wings however did a good job of transitioning forward and sending critical services into our strikers or crossing from the corners. Effective but a little predictable. We need to change it up a little more, utilizing our center mids for the drop and allow our strikers a little more time in transition to goal.

Attack: Where we failed to capitalize this game was obviously on attack, through no fault of our own. The opposition's defense was incredibly strong, fast and persistent, disallowing our strikers and wings to penetrate deep enough for effect shots on goal. Their defense pushed our attack out so far that our shots were a long ways off, never allowing us to fully realize a strong strike or well placed shot on goal.

While my analysis may seem a bit harsh, it is not meant to unsympathetically criticize. It's more of a realization that the opposition was a bit better and we have some weaknesses to overcome.

I want to commend our players for the heart, the integrity and the determination they display each game. We knew this season would not be easy and sitting towards the bottom of the league in standings is not easy.

I also want to comment on the moral integrity I've witnessed this season. Every team we've competed against has had foul mouthed players that should be ashamed to use that same mouth to kiss their mothers. I don't believe they think much of it. Our players however take notice, are offended by such unclean speech and openly speak out against it to me and the referees. For such high standards I thank you parents.

Thursday we'll be working a bit more on overlapping defense, overlapping runs on offense, using our drop rather than a crossing pattern, transitions in our center mid and a bit of running. Hope to see you there!

Game Canceled for 9/25

All KSA games are canceled for the day. Enjoy the day off, get those rooms clean, spend some good family time, play a game, catch up on homework, do whatever, just have fun!

Game 2 Re-Cap and a Few Coach Ramblings of Gratitude

While the outcome of the game wasn't in our favor, there definitely were some positive moments that I want to highlight.

Passing:
I have particularly pleased with the team's improved passing and ability to trust each other, send beautifully timed passes in appropriate striking lanes and the composure each player had in the face of pressure to make a good pass. Most of our goals were assisted by well played passes.

Challenges:
You'll notice that play at this age group has dramatically crossed over into physical aggression and hard challenges. Go figure. Hormones. Growth. Strength. How can the play not be physical. While some tried hard to pick up a card (eh hem, Austin), most challenges were clean and full of exuberance and great effort. In air challenges were exciting and well timed. Ground challenges were clean and successful.

Sportsmanship:
Something I take great pleasure in each game is our team's overall sportsmanship and each players contribution to a positive experience. While many teams we encounter use foul language, oppressive slurs and jibes, our team maintains an honorable decorum that should make any parent grateful. I especially am grateful I do not have to speak with players about this during games and see a huge difference in the way referees (that aren't deaf, right Ben?) respond to our players. Classy bunch of players!

Faith:
Lastly I want to comment on the faith of our players in each other and a higher power. While we all may not worship in the same way, we each exhibit a faith that keeps us motivated and striving for an improved life. Whether the manifestation of our faith is trying hard on the field and trusting each player will do his part, or believing that God will grant us the safety to play to our abilities, it is the same. I especially want to thank those that prayed for me last night at the onset of a kidney stone (confirmed). The pain, while dull in the beginning, usually takes over my being and I'm completely useless. Last night was the first time I successfully maintained enough poise to coach the game during the onset of the stone. During our prayer before the game, Dooley specifically asked, in faith, that I be healed and through the collective faith of our players and others, I was. The stone was passed this morning without incident and little discomfort.

While we may have been edged out of a victory last night, I can see many victories that were achieved and will yet to be achieved. Hang in there and keep faith alive. See you on Thurs for practice and Sat for another exciting game!

Player Photo Cards

I am in urgent need of your help. U15+ teams are now required to show player cards with a photo and it's being enforced.

What do I need from you? I need a photo that I can upload to our software that can then be printed out by our office manager. I was hoping to just snap some photos on Thursday but realized our office manager won't have time to print them out.

Please send them to my e-mail or you can upload them to my Facebook wall. If you already have a good Facebook pic of your player that you want me to use, just direct me to that photo and I'll use it.

Here's a sample:

I'll need your player's pics no later than Wed evening. Thanks for helping out!

Hydration Impacts Performance

A coaching buddy of mine tipped me to a good article on the impacts of proper hydration and how it affects player performance. Please take a moment to have a gander at the article and consider how your player may benefit from proper hydration.

http://www.soccer-fans-info.com/hydration.html

Diamond Shooting Drill: Re-Cap

Please remind your player to check out this video to review the shooting drill we covered in practice.

Click Here for Video

XOver & Skills Page

Periodically I'll be posting cool new drills I'd like your player to work on during their spare time (yup, tons of it w/high schoolers ;)  Here's the first. You can also see the catalog of skills on the Skills tab above.

Xover

Welcome to the Fall 2010 American Strikers

Welcome to the American Strikers and the Fall 2010 season for Keller Soccer. All but two are returning to the team, and those are previous players coming home. Welcome back!

Looks like I was wrong on myteamcaptain as the their new subscription service is lacking and too $ for what is being offered. Instead, I'll go traditional with a site, GMail, Google Calendar and my mobile :) Additional messages will be posted here on the blog, including tips, thoughts and photos. This site will have practice and game schedules up to date and will send out reminders without my having to remember to send them. In the event I need to send out an immediate team notification, I'll send via e-mail and SMS so please send me your most current mobile #, both parents if preferred.

My background: I've coached for 10 years, I'm a grade 8 certified USSF referee and I currently coach 4 teams and serve on the KSA board of directors as an age group commissioner. I'm excited to teach your players and look forward to working on skills and a bit of tactical work.

Our practice night will be Thursdays from 5 PM - 6:30 PM at Arcadia Park ( http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=114536015816289706525.0004546b021a71966e82a&t=h&z=17 ).

For practice, please have your player prepared to sweat it out. Things to bring: cleats (soccer only, no toe cleats), shin guards, sufficient water (coach doesn't bring any extra water), personal size 5 ball and an attitude to work and have fun.

Games start Sept 18th so we have a lot of work to do to get ready a short amount of time. Please make sure your player is on time for practice.

My personal mobile # is 817.598.9636 and it's always on me. I only postpone answering when I'm at practice, in a game, in church services or sleeping. All other times are free game. I also check voicemail.


And for those curious, here's a picture of me while watching the 2010 World Cup (not on location, I wish).

Welcome back and let's get to work!