U10 Shockers show great form in opener

U10 Shockers Nation: We played very aggressive football pushing our Defenders up high. I’m confident we played ninety percent of both matches on our opponents side of the pitch. By the way, that is both historically and traditionally referred to as: “Shocker ball”, and a term you will hear more and more often from me. When [...]

Finding the will to win

Our hearty and ferocious Shockers found themselves in unfamiliar territory this past Saturday at the RYSA 3v3 tournament. However, as it turns out that format matches both the way we train and our style of play. We fight for the ball and score on smart passing. The U14 Shockers learned quickly and adjusted with improved [...]

the virtuous shockers Mom

The telling of the tale will be fodder, not doubt, for the robust legacy of our Shockers Nation. So… I’ll likely send out a more detailed email tomorrow morning summarizing the ferocious match schedule we have this weekend (five matches across both days between the two squads). But, in the mean time, I need to [...]

2009 ASA Cup Summary: Proving our fortitude and demonstrating our nerve

Much of this story, of course, began last Fall. Christy, Haley Anne, and Hannah E. were coming off an undefeated U12 season at ASA. Christy and Haley Anne were invited to play-up for the struggling U14 Blast in the ASA Cup. This gave Christy and Haley Anne an opportunity to rejoin Shockers alum AC with [...]

2009 U16 League Champions

The U16 Fusion Shockers are 2009 League Champions. Coach Brian

U16 Shockers Win 2009 ASA Cup

Our 16 Shockers are the 2009 ASA Cup Champions. Coach Brian

Fall 2009 U14 League Champions

With a decisive 3 to 1 victory over Fusion Lightning last night at Central Park, our U14 Shockers are the Fall 2009 league Champions. This match was one of the most measured and balanced displays of prowess that I have seen in this squad. Everyone contributed in a significant way. Hayla started our scoring right in [...]

2009 Fall Kohls Cup

Shockers Nation: I’ll consider this past weekends Kohls Cup tournament naught less than a worthy success. The U16 Shockers pulled through, demonstrating a lot of character, while up against some very mature and tough teams. We had our own destiny in our collective hands each and every match.  And, we were an odd ball bounce [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

character defined

So… Winning is great. Shockers tend to do that. We call it Shocker Ball. Before the match I advised this hearty and ferocious U16 crew that certainly Shockers have a legacy and a history of U12 and U14 winning. But this was their team, and a chapter in the history book was for their own [...]

no kittens allowed

allright ladies… The season is afoot Saturday. Our new players may be mortified to hear me query, and with gusto I should add: “Shockers – are we silly little kittens, or mighty tigers?” The expected reponse of course should be: “Tigers!” And, as our Shockers rally one to the other, it won’t matter, not one [...]

Savannah

Today Shocker Nation descends on Savannah for the Shamrock Celtic Cup. We appear to have a very good draw for our match schedule. We need to rally to our Keeper more than ever. Let’s show everyone we Want The Ball! Coach Brian

Match #10: Finishing Well

It always feels good to win. However, last night match against Fusion Storm may have been one of our most balanced efforts to date. The difference in our play from this past weekend was simply that of night-and-day. Our defense lived up to its vaunted reputation, but this time was actually led by our Keeper [...]

Match #9: Lessons Learned

I can begin this post regarding yesterday’s match against NSA Magic with some highlights… Our defensive unit was solid. AC Anderson had a brilliant fast break the entire length of the pitch – and, darn near scored. Ironically our Strykers were off-sides and diffused the play. But, that was a ‘shocking’ reminder of AC’s blistering [...]

Match #8: The psychology of victory

It struck me around the 30th minute in the first half of today’s match against Fusion Fury that the psychology of “the beautiful game” is as important as training and preparation. Possibly the difference between coaching and a careful hand on a shoulder. Perhaps it’s all the same. But, each player is different – and, [...]

Shocker Nation

Shocker Families: Our 2009 Spring campaign is drawing to a close with our final matches of the regular season this coming weekend. Saturday we play a surging Fusion Fury, and then Sunday we play, what may be our most pivotal match of the season, against NSA Magic at Pickneyville Field. Count on that being a [...]

Match #7: A Return to Form

After Saturday’s match against Fusion Storm it was greatly evident that our Shockers were keen on returning to form and ready to play NSA Revolution. The majority of the team was at the pitch early and eager to warm up. I reminded them that we still control our destiny and need to keep points to [...]

Match #6: Hard Lessons

This past weekend was tough for the Shockers, albeit fortuitous, because it presented a wake-up call. We met the undefeated Fusion Storm on Saturday. Storm scored early taking advantage of confusion amongst our vaunted defense. The whole match saw a decidedly flat Shockers playing against themselves, and getting beat to the ball.  We were constantly [...]

Match #5: Determination

Our fifth match of the season, played on a breezy Saturday evening, brought us back into the sites of  a Fusion Lightning squad that had naught to lose but an opportunity to take us out of the running to lead our flight. Spoilers can be dangerous. The entire first half represented a titanic defensive struggle [...]

Double Header

This past blustery Saturday our mighty Shockers played a double-header against NSA Magic and Revolution. That is a lot to ask of any team. However, they conducted themselves brilliantly both in terms of character, as well as play, at naught but the highest of levels. The first match against NSA Magic saw the Shockers a [...]

Weekend Challenge

We have a pivotal weekend looming before our worthy Shockers. Two big matches vs. NSA Magic and Revolution. We approach this challenge with but one sub. We play Shocker Ball, we prevail. Lets muster at the South Complex Saturday around 11am. Team Manager Mom Patty hopes to put together a picnic of sorts (light easy [...]

Shockers and Silverbacks

The Fusion U14 Shockers have been selected by the Atlanta Silverbacks to represent Atlanta Youth Soccer as the “walk-out” squad for the Lady Silverbacks season-opener Saturday May 16th. Members of the Shockers will also be the official ball girls for the match. In other news, Brian Cork has been named to the Atlanta Silverbacks Board [...]

Momentum

Great scrimmage last night (Tuesday). Much improved close-quarters passing (those drills are paying-off). Solid communication. Determination was greatly evident. Three goals in five minutes with a shut-out says it all. Hope to most everyone tomorrow Thursday for practice. But, have a great Spring Break. Be ready for our two matches with NSA Magic and Revolution [...]

Match #2: Bench Strength

Updated version. Blue skies; a gentle cooling breeze; and, late afternoon brought sister Fusion team Fury to our mighty and fearless Shockers. From the kickoff it was Shocker ball. Majority team Captain Mars Twitchell had Girls Leadership Club duties.  So, Stryker Christy Tovar stepped up for a hat-trick (three goals) in the first half including a [...]