Girls,
I could not be prouder of your performance this weekend. As I told you before the game, I was on that GotSoccer rankings website looking at the teams we have played the past two years. It was a real eye opener to see how almost every game we have played is against top 10 teams within their state, with many games being against top 3 teams within the state. We as coaches did not go out and get the biggest fastest and strongest girls. We have a team of great girls who have dedicated themselves to become very good soccer players, and each girl that has been added over the years joined our team because they wanted to be a part of that! That is what is so fun about your successes like this weekends showcase!
Game 1
We passed and moved the ball incredibly well the first half, considering we were playing one of the top 4 best teams we have every played, possibly 2nd best team ever after that Missouri team last year. Our final practice leading up to this was constant "pass and move" (remember, 5 push-ups every time you passed and didn't sprint to attacking space!!)! That was the big difference for us--you were passing and moving so well! If we had played that team a year ago, we lose by at least 2 goals, and two years ago, it might have been 4 or 5 goals... But this year, we won! And we didn't win by packing it in the whole game. We had great opportunities that first half, possessing the ball very well, with some very good shots on goal. Our attacks led to some corner kicks for us, with one being a perfect ball from Ciara for a perfect head ball from our leading scorer Danielle!!! The second half, their physical strength (boy, they were all strong) began to wear us down. But, we stayed composed, stayed pretty organized, and the few times that they got behind our defense and had some wide open opportunities, our wonderful keeper Olivia put our team on her shoulders, and did what she does best--actually, she exceeded even my expectations of her!! What a GREAT GREAT GREAT WIN for the WIEKINGS!
Game 2
We began the game in our defensive "set". We stayed VERY organize defensively with AWESOME talk. Even though the ball was on our defensive half for the first 20 minutes, they didn't have anything close to a open shot. Now, why did they have it on hour half so much? We failed to QUICKLY get into our offensive set when we retained possession. We have to transition much faster next time--we missed many counter attacking opportunities because we were to slow to get up field. Anyway, I felt they didn't have that "great" striker so I called off that diamond defense, and as soon as I did, we were able to turn the tables and kept the ball on our offensive half most of the game. Hannah played a great ball to Kylie for a fantastic strike--in side of net from distance--well driven ball! We had many opportunities which was great--would like to have seen us win that game by a couple more goals. But, with that said, I can remember 1 year ago playing that same team, and it ended short because of that girls injury (remember, ambulance had to come at Ankeny field). And walking away with a tie game was not that upsetting for me. Up until the last few minutes before that injury, they dominated us most of the game. BUT, here we are 1 year later, and we absolutely dominated them for the 1-0 Win. It wasn't a question of "will we win this game", but more of "how many can we win by?"! So proud.
Olivia: Like I said, you exceeded my expectations this weekend, and based on how you had been playing, I was wondering what the next level was--that was just incredible. Your saves are almost non-human, but your leadership and talk organizing your defense was fantastic. Your decisions when you get that ball on when to play short, or punt were great too! And your punts are beginning to look non-human too! Well-done! Keep being positive and be that leader both on and off the field--the team looks up to you. So proud Liv!
Hannah: You have been the most consistent solid player I have ever had the pleasure to coach. Never up or down--just a machine (seriously). Smart decisions, great speed and quickness, so physical, and very skilled in your dribble and passing--you displayed it very well this weekend. Outstanding D on the ball and with the ball. Your biggest improvement which you displayed this week (and last) is how you aren't stabbing at the ball, but playing perfect patient defense when you know you can't run through it--well done!
Sheena: Today I saw the Sheena from Indoor and the beginning of this season. One that wanted the ball at her feet, always getting to space asap and being that option. Never turning into pressure, but using that dribble in negative space, allowing us to retain possession. When you play that way, our team plays so much better. You played so confident today, and I think everytime you touched the ball today, something positive happened. I also saw that tenacious defense today. Hold on to that--it makes our team 10x better! Well done!
Molly: You needed this weekend so bad. I know (thanks Eric for telling me) that when I am too hard on you, you fall apart. If you want to play at the next level, your coach might be very hard, so you are gonna need to one day learn to always play with confidence, no matter what you "think" a coach feels about you... Anyway, watching you really own the middle of field that first game against that incredibly talented team was just awesome! You passed and moved so well, connecting most of your passes, and played so strong! When you play with confidence (not just your moves, but every part of your game--including attacking space in front of you), you are 1000x better. Remember that every game. Team needs that from you--best games ever from you--so proud Cheekie Mama!
Danielle: I have pushed you and pushed you. We made you earn the time you got this weekend. I know being off in the fall got you out of shape, but the difference now from the beginning of the season is absolutely awesome. Many girls might have walked away. You let me continue to challenge you and push you and make you earn your time. And instead of pouting or showing frustration, you just kept out it. Your heading goal yesterday was awesome! But I can tell you this--seeing you be first to and win the 50/50 balls and retain possession is what I am most proud of. And then your confidence with your skills this weekend was phenomenal, leading to fantastic passing! I am so happy for you! 3 winning goals this season!! So proud.
Kylie: Best soccer you have ever played. You got yourself in the best cardio shape ever this season, which is allowing you to stay on the field--where we need you! You are a student of the game, and your proactive runs are awesome! We are getting the ball to you on those runs, and you are really having a great first touch in doing great things with the ball. And when we don't get you the ball, that run you made usually takes two defenders with you, opening up space somewhere else! Your work ethic was huge, but your first touch was most improved and displayed well this weekend! I also saw you use a lot of skillful moves that I hadn't seen in a while--you combined all of your talents this week. Also, phenomenal goal! Well done!
Hunter: Moving you to Center Mid was a great idea ("coach, you are so smart!-ha!). I always knew you were a student of the game. But, you also like to talk a lot (; Seriously, your talk on the field is fantastic, and that's what we need from our holding mid. Your passing was great too this weekend! I know you will think I am trying to be funny when I say this, but your fearless, "I will make your day
miserable" on the field attitude could have been one of the most important things that first game. That team was a bunch of girls that wanted to bully our team. They were so frustrated being down 1-0 to us, that they thought we would cave with how crazy physical they were getting. Sometimes when you "bully the bully" they begin to back down--and that's what you did. Watching you take your time to waste clock on the throw-ins, and when the ref yelled at you, you still took your time--just fantastic. Or when the girls tried to take it out of your hands, and you held it and looked at her like... Again, fearless! That gave our team the fighting attitude to see that game till the end--and we fed off that! Well done Hunter! And proud of you for getting these college coaches to the game--that says so much about you--You girls are only Freshmen, and you are getting them there because you are reaching out to them!! The whole team owes you one very big "Thank You".
Morgan: Watching you that last game, I realized that you just might be the strongest girl on our team. Being strong and playing strong are too different things. Morgan, you are VERY strong, but you play even stronger! I didn't like seeing that girl get hurt, but when you make your mind up to establish position and get the ball, I feel sorry for the other girl. Your quickness and strength is just unreal. And how you get a girl on your backside and turn the ball up field is absolutely textbook perfect for a Target player. Remember what I said to you--I truly believe if we can get your stamina up with someone like Sophie's, you can be one of the best players in Northern Kentucky. Very proud of you this weekend--We needed your strength against these stronger girls, and you used it PERFECT!!
Delaney: I have also pushed and pushed you. You were the other girl that began to "bully the bully" on Friday. You were getting first to the balls that game, and showing your physical strength in pushing girls off the ball. That was so important. That was your best game this season, which says a lot since it was against the best team we have played this season. Remember what I said--If it takes you getting mad to play with that intensity and mindset of being first to every ball and being that physical without fouling, then come to games MAD! Great weekend, and thanks for stepping up against that physical team!
Jenna: I have been on you for years, and flat out called you out many times about your heart in not winning balls back if you lose the ball. Knowing the Red Team took you (glad your back), I don't have to say how talented you are. But I have continued to challenge you to play with more heart--to want the ball always at your feet--to push girls off the ball--to get EVERY ball back you lose. You have the total skills set--great first touch, speed, quickness, great left and right foot, ect. I have no idea why you choose this weekend to do it, BUT YOU PLAYED TO THE LEVEL I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED FROM YOU THIS WEEKEND--THE ENTIRE WEEKEND, EVERY SECOND! You rarely lost the ball, but the times you did, your defense was absolutely phenomenal. I don't think that there was a ball you lost, that YOU didn't get back yourself. You also constantly checked to space, won almost every ball out of the air the second game, and your dribbling and passing was fantastic. I know this is the new you. I will call you our "x" factor. If you play with that intensity every game, we will do great things. I have never been so proud of you. Nothing less Jenna--we need that always! Thank you.
Hope: Wow! Physical, great defense, good endurance, and AWESOME RUNS FROM THE BACK! You gave us so many attacking opportunities this weekend. But your communication was SOOO awesome! "Delaney, stay back, I'm going forward"---PERFECT!! Your passing was very good, and good decisions! Best from you this weekend. You played great defense, winning all the 50/50 balls, and running through them! Your defense turns into our great offense! Keep that up! Well done!
Jessica: Do you even realize what you mean to this team?! I am not going to lie--I was a little worried at the start of the indoor winter season. I thought you looked a little slow and out of shape. What you did for Lent in giving up junk food, and now continuing with your great eating habits, it so commendable! You are quick, strong, fast. I know the discipline it takes to get yourself into top shape (I need to start again myself!), and you went from "where do I play her" to, "I can't take her out of the game". I am serious. I think you have played the most minutes the past 4-5 games. And you being able to play that center back like that allows us to utilize Sophie's crazy good speed and endurance up front. WE are so happy you are a WieKing. You did AWESOME this weekend, and what you really do best is take ownership in organizing your defense along with Olivia. I hear you talking so much, and it's just awesome!!
Taylor: I know you haven't played a minute, but your dedication to coming to all of these practices and games shows more than you might imagine. It also sets the standard for the team in showing commitment! You are always such a positive person, and I cannot thank you enough for that! Thank you, you mean a lot to this team and me!
Isabella: I have never seen someone who played one position so well, be told one day "I need you to be one of our three defenders" and play it so perfectly. I will use the word "machine" for you too. You play strong, are VERY skilled, fast, quick, and you communicate and talk sooo much. You, like Jessica, have been more important in the back, in allowing us to utilize Sophie up top, more than you can imagine. Your passing was fantastic this weekend. You were AWESOME at keeping possession as a defender, always knowing when to switch field from the back, or middle, or playing it up the line. Your work ethic is awesome--maybe even better than your father's ;P Seriously, this was the best you have ever played--SOLID WEEKEND!
Sophie: Going from a player who has been "pigeon holed" her whole soccer career as a sweeper/center back--and then asked to play striker---I am so proud of you. Using you skills, speed, crazy endurance, quickness--I know I you haven't scored, but you are wreaking havoc on other teams defense, which is opening up other scoring opportunities for our team. Your work ethic is fantastic--you don't stop--new nickname: Energizer Bunny! Your second half today at striker was perfect. Your touches were great, and you had awesome passes!!! I promise I will keep working with you to learn outside mid and forward positions. You will keep getting better and better! And that's scary considering how you really were grasping the position the whole 2nd half today. And I promise you this too--We will continue to rotate you in our back defense as needed like we did this weekend. Kid, that is called a "multipurpose player"! And finding out you are ranked #1 in academics in your class--you continue to amaze me! All of your accomplishments (track, school, soccer), and you are so grounded!--that is what I am most proud of! Great great weekend Soph!!!
Ciara: Well, you stepped up. You know how much I have told you I am impressed with your skills and runs this year. How much I am impressed with your passing. How much I am impressed with every part of your game, except one. When you lost the ball, I wasn't seeing the intensity at all to win it back. Well, you obviously decided you were going to turn that around. Your defense as a Wingback, Striker, and Center Mid, was OUTSTANDING! You, like Jenna, decided that wasn't going to be an acceptable part of your game any longer. Do you even realize how much better that one part makes you--how much more valuable you are to our team with that! Ciara, you might have become most improved since last season, and that was the missing piece. I expect that every game, and I know you will do it. Thank you for stepping up in a HUGE way this weekend. And PERFECT lofted corner kick to use Danielle's height for that goal! Well done, very proud of you.
Megan/Maleah--do not read this and think you are any less important to this team. We are a select team because we have multi-sport girls. You both gave me months notice about this weekends tourny, and we will take you when we can get you! You are both absolutely integral parts of this team, who both have incredible scoring mentality! I appreciate both of you, and Megan your last tourny with us last weekend, you played really well! Maleah, I am glad you are getting back in form from your injury--we have missed you on the field something fierce!
Thanks Girls--Keep allowing Eric and me to push you, keep playing for the love of the game. Win or lose, you are all great great great young ladies, and I appreciate every single one of you!
Coach Brian
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