11.09.09
it really is a beautiful Game
We were certainly tested this past weekend.
U16 Shockers
Our U16 Shockers fell to AFU Angels Saturday 1 to 0. The Angels put the match away with a brilliant shot into the upper left corner of the net. There were no mistakes. It was a gorgeous twenty five meter shot. And, a terrific and well fought match between two very good teams.
However, I’ll add that we dominated their end of the pitch, and had more shots on goal.
Grayce, at that right-side Stryker position, “owned” the right-side, and bombed the Angels goal relentlessly with numerous beautiful crosses. Outside Defenders Megan and Loren frustrated any hope the Angels had for an established attack, stuffing everything that came up the sidelines. Our Keeper Lauren, in the net the entire match, inspired a lot of confidence, as well as leadership, and had some of her best punts of the season.
My primary take away is how proud we must feel going toe-to-toe with those AFU teams that have been together for five years, and won many a Cup together. After Saturday’s match, both the Angels coach and managers grabbed my shoulders and acknowledged they had not played such a tough team in years. We have a history with them now, going back to last years District Cup. And, we’ll see them again in Athens, yes we certainly will!
NOTE: In light of some missed easy goals (as many as ten to fourteen, while Angles had five), we’ll be working on crossing and finishing Monday night as we prepare for two more key regular season matches, and three successive tournaments.
U14 Shockers
The U14 Shockers defeated NSA Beat 6 to 0. And, we did it a man-down with only ten players.
Apparently Meredith Black was also suffering from a bee sting. But, her determination to contribute was, nonetheless, greatly evident. I also think Hannah E. might have had one of her best matches ever. She navigated the ball right up the middle between numerous opponents at least three times (those drills are paying-off!). Hannah D. got to play an entire half out of the net. This has been a “team goal” all season”. She played Stopper with a lot of heart. And Emma was a real champ with her willingness to step into the net for her teammates. Rachel was naught less than awesome as she shelled the Beats box with one cross after another. Mars had had four goals and then played dominant Defense in the 2nd half. AC scored another goal, bringing the ball all the way up the left side and finishing with a brilliant shot into the back of the net. Haley Anne also had a goal. We had pushed her up top to see how she fights. She was in great position the entire time. It paid off when there was a solid cross from Rachel that spun off of Sarah’s boot as it went by her. Haley collected the ball of the bounce, and shot it decisively right into the back of the net, in one move. Sarah had to canny and well-times assists, and fought hard all night. Emily stepped up (literally) and put an opponent on the ground defending the midline.
NOTE: We were a bit sloppy, despite the result. So, we need to work on holding our dribble, “bombing the box”, and communication Monday.
Coach Brian
11.06.09
being pleased or being satisfied
Wednesday night at practice, with some ill-advised shenanigans afoot, I found myself relating a story to our Shockers about “being pleased or being satisfied”.
I think most of them will remember the moment. If not the words, well, perhaps the catch in my voice – hopefully my heart, certainly.
We have a lot of soccer ahead of us this season. And, our Shockers collectively, have a lot of life to prepare for.
I’ve asked them to start asking themselves that simple extrapolitive question: “If I’m pleased, am I satisfied?”
I’ll always hope the answer is no. But, their tests, realized daily will forge that view of the world. I do hope they think of me in those moments. My Grandad called it: “remembering the face of my father”. Great story and parable for another time.
The point of this being, when they do anything, are they willing to ask the most of themselves, and those around them. My Grandad also used to say: “if you must judge a man do it by those around him”. When Shockers come to practice I want focus and best efforts. I added that winning and losing matches is important and fun. But, I care more about the look on their faces and the feelings in their hearts after the match – regardless of which way the ball bounces. If they can look one to the other, and know they did their best, truly and sincerely, their best, I will be both pleased AND satisfied with them.
By the way… I also challenged them with the question: “What is the difference between philosophy and strategy”. And, I’m quite curious over who comes back with an answer, where the information came from, and what it inspires going forward.
Coach Brian
10.12.09
Leadership by Example
Shockers Nation:
No practice tonight. I realize this is obvious. But, I’ll not take a chance of having an eager Shocker standing in the rain forlornly awaiting her coach.
Some thoughts…
We’re having another terrific season.
With a total of nine matches played between the U14 and U16 Shockers, we have a combined and undefeated record of 8-1-0. Along the way we’ve scored an astonishing fifty seven goals (57) with only eleven scored (11) against us. Sunday, the U14 Shockers broke their single game scoring record with a defeat of NSA Beat 13 to 0. Fatherly bias aside, we pushed Haley Anne up top Sunday, and she scored twice with brilliant crosses from Mars (and, I think an assist from Hannah E.). This past weekend both squads recorded shutouts, and we still pulled our starting keepers out of the nets. This means we are equally formidable on both sides of the pitch.
But, maybe the best part is we’re all aware of the incredible teamwork being demonstrated on the pitch by both squads. The communication is fantastic – as is the unselfish passing and backup. This past weekend our Defenders were pushing up at the MIDLINE and dominating our opponents. All the players, on both squads, have adopted our style of play, and are thriving under it.
That is “Shocker Ball”.
This finds at the season midpoint. We have quite a few matches ahead of us – and, some tournaments in planning. The objective going forward will be to keep our play fresh and fun. We need to keep pushing ourselves, and continue learning.
Going forward, fitness will remain a key fixture of our training. But, we’ll be adding an emphasis on tactical elements of the game to include: Corner Kicks (and, defending against them), Goal Kicks (to create opportunities), Throw-in’s, and using the sidelines for both attacking and defending.
We have a few bruises, some sore ankles, a broken clavicle, and at least one fever that I know of to nurse. Let’s stay hydrated. Use ice and heat on everything. Do it for an our every night on ANYTHING that is sore (it’s worth the effort, trust me – and, I know you all do).
Thanks for having had the foresight to give life (and, certainly the good fortune) to your daughters. And, thank you for trusting me with them.
Let’s keep pressing, shall we? And, we’ll do it with leadership by example.
Coach Brian
10.02.09
leadership
Because the message clearly speaks for itself, I’ll add naught to this post but the original email from AC’s (our U14 Captain) Mom:
“Coach Brian,
I will not be at the game tomorrow because I am going to Alabama for a HUGE Event that we have in our hometown each year. I wanted you to know that I gave AC the choice of going with me (b/c she LOVES this event) or staying to play soccer. She told me last night she felt that staying and meeting her obligation to her team (not in those exact words) was what she should do.. I was disappointed that she didn’t want to go with me, but excited that she feels so strongly about her team!
Allison”
