Hi Parents and Players,
This was a great team effort tonight--everybody stepped up against a team that has only lost one game this season. Our kids played well, and completely matched the level of play of our opponents. I offered to cut my hair if we won--I admit, I was rather nervous the entire game, but alas, the pony tail lives to see another match (this Saturday!)
I think we have to recognize a "fan of the game" today. Zane showed up despite leaving school early today because of a stomach flu. The enthusiasm your kids show for the sport and the team is contagious--I hope Zane's flu is not... (Get well, Zane!!)
Some memorable moments of the match for me: After a couple of plays where we didn't charge down the ball in their goal box I turned to our subs and asked, "Who wants to go in there and win that ball?" James shot his arm straight up and yelled that he did. And he followed through with hard runs and our first "backward" header of the season! That wins the "outrageous" play of the game. The runner up for outrageous plays was Dylan's volley kick while streaking down the right wing--this is where the juggling practice pays off! Everyone is playing with much more confidence and we are making more passes and "heads up" plays. I really enjoyed how our defenders did not resort to "boot ball" and were quite confident to dribble out of danger and push the ball through in a controlled fashion. Wow. They also pulled a couple nice offside traps.
For those of you who don't speak Spanish, their coach was not confident with just a 1-0 lead. And whoever "Tito" is on their team gets a lot of "joystick" coaching--I'll try to remind players of where they should position themselves and suggest better options after certain plays, but I try not to tell them to dribble forward 5 yards, turn right, pass to Tito, etc. As fans you are doing great at cheering without yelling directions as well. Watching the individual and collective decision making of our kids on the field is fantastic.
See you at practice Thursday (5:30) then a home game on Saturday.
Thanks,
Coach Dave
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