I felt it was the best the girls every played (even if it was a tie game). Their spacing was great, passing was very good, they made great runs, VERY good defense on the ball, very good at building up from the back (good job defenders), won the middle, goalie had another shut out, won almost every 50/50 ball, and had MUCH better scoring opportunities than I've seen in a long time. Their switching fields, especially out of the back, was the best ever, and we did it numerous times. We worked hard past week Stepping to the ball, winning balls out of the air, and finishing. We did great with stepping to the ball, winning out of air--and actually, I was not disappointed in the finishing aspect. We were doing things to give greater opportunities to finish, such as slotting the ball in, winning the ball in the box, beating defenders one on one. All of those are part of finishing. Now, if that ball would just roll past the goalie and go into the net! :) Great game led to a 0-0 tie.
Lastly, about that game. That team was playing to WIN the league. I know some parents overheard them say that and asked me if that was the case. I just checked CUSL, and YES, if they won that game, they would have finished first. So, great job girls, you totally outplayed a top team in our division. And, this was the other coach's exact words to me after the game-- "great game Brian, and thanks for teaching my team how to play soccer"! THAT IS THE BEST COMPLIMENT YOU COULD ASK FOR!
About Saturday. A couple parents must have checked CUSL and saw that the game was canceled, because I have gotten a few emails asking "what's up for Saturday". As of right now, PLAN on still having a game. Gary and I were trying till the last minute to get the Thunder to keep the game. We found out today for sure that they can't play. But I purposely did NOT want to have anyone think that it was canceled, and change plans. These girls unfortunately only get 5 league games. If we join Buckeye this fall, they will play about 15 regular season games, and I hope that type of commitment is not to much.
I put an email out to three teams asking to play a game. I have not canceled with the refs, or the field. As of right now, absolutely plan on playing tomorrow at 6:30 as scheduled. I gave each of the teams coach's until 10:00am tomorrow to let me know if they can play (hopefully we can play the Cincy West Heat--the first place team since they were our toughest opponent). This would be VERY helpful in getting our girls ready for the State Cup (especially the Heat!). Parents, I also really want this game because we invited two girls to play with us. I want our team to SHOWCASE our best talent. Remember, these girls interested in our team are leaving a VERY good team, and if we can't show our talent, they may decide to stay on their current team... It also gives us, as a team, to see possible future teammates in action.
I will let you know by 10:00ish tomorrow if it is canceled. And the Thunder game will get rescheduled. Gary and I are working on that and will let you know as soon as we can. The other coach is being difficult, so sorry for not having a reschedule date for that game.
Thanks,
Brian
Great game last night girls. As coach Brian mentioned many things we are working on this season are starting to come together. It was great to watch our work on the possession game out of the back really start to show. We had some great passing in the back where our outside backs got wide and deep and then we played well paced balls to feet to change the side of the field. Olivia and Delaney also used the pass out of the back well once when both teams were high Delaney stepped deep and wide and Olivia changed field and rolled her a great ball to start the attack up the right ride with our outside mid wide to the touch line. With the possess play in the back and middle we really take way the other teams opportunities on offense. So as we get better with possession play, even though we may go against teams with equal skill and athletic ability if we are able to posses the ball most of the game like last night we will win most games. Last night you girls did that, you met are very good team and you dominated the game by all counts but goals, we won that game. You had more shots and more corner kicks. Also each one of you showed up to play. You worked hard to win 50/50 balls especially the punts showed and 200% improvement.
ReplyDeleteThe many things we have been working on came together well last night. Let's continue to build from here and ride this wave into the tournament next weekend.
Great work,
Coach Eric