Scrimmage

Girls,

As I mentioned, I was more proud of your performance tonight in a 3-1 loss than I was when we defeated that same u-16 team by 1-0 a couple weeks ago.  Yes, I was very proud when we won 1-0.  How couldn't I be when a u-13 team beats a u-16 team??!!!

Tonight, the other team had a few key players that were not there last game.  They also switched to a 4-4-2, and played it much better than when they initially played us, and were trying to play a 3-4-3.  And thirdly, their team played a lot harder and more physical than they did the first game.  And I am glad they did.  It brought the best out of you girls.  Most teams would have folded.  You guys actually got better as the game went on and scored a great goal!

Girls, I told you before the scrimmage that I was NOT going to judge our success that game based on a win or loss; but more importantly what we've been working on in practice, which was keeping possession beginning from the backfield.  I thought tonight we did that MUCH better than I've seen.  And we were TOTALLY using our defensive mid in helping us switch fields, and keeping possession as we moved up field.  Fullbacks, you played well.  I know, that sounds crazy that we gave up three goals, and I'm more proud of you this game.  I know you guys are good defenders on the ball.  I just wanted you to show you were good OFFENSIVE players WITH the ball!  And tonight you succeeded.

I know it would be so easy to just kick it ahead and hope to score.  TRUST ME--as we continue to play better teams, and put ourselves in higher divisions in both our league and tournaments-- that "kick and run" style of play will never work.  We would get beat bad against very good teams.  Yes, we could beat mediocre teams with that style of play, but never Elite teams.

We had great opportunities tonight!  Jenna finished one of her two opportunities, and both Morgan and Delaney had nice opportunities.  Kylie got off a good shot too.  Every one of those opportunities was from us building up possession in the backfield and playing to feet.  As their defense pressured higher up, we were able to play through balls behind their defense to one of our strikers who were making great runs to beat the defenders!!

Again, congrats on the success tonight.  For whatever reason, their coach thought you guys were all 8th graders.  He about fell over when I told him you guys were all 7th graders.  That really is unreal that you were so competitive against a team of girls where 80% of them will be playing varsity soccer next season!

Please be at practice tomorrow.  I know a few girls are banged up, and a few got banged up tonight.  It will not be a physically demanding practice.  I believe we may be working on "Counter Attacks".  It really is fun to work on!   Counter Attacking is how we quickly Attack their goal when we steal the ball!  It involves all different runs.  It's just like a fast break in basketball!!  It's very fun, and with our speed and skill, we should really excel out learning this.  So, even if you are sidelined due to injury, please try and make it, and I ask that you pay strict attention tomorrow!  This will be something VERY new to our team.

Thanks girls for a fun night and your hard work.  And thanks for applying the things we learned in practice on the field tonight--you are a very special group.

Coach Brian