State Cup Game #1: The first weekend of the season has us playing a double-header against the Michigan Burn; apparently they weren’t too helpful with the scheduling so instead of two trips 90 minutes away we do it all in one long day.
For the State Cup game the hope is we can win big and maximize the goal differential because we are almost certain underdogs in the next game. And we’ll need those goals to advance as a wild card. It was very windy, and even though we got off to a good start (scored a minute in) and led at the half 2-0 we couldn’t close it out and only won 2-1. Click for the video
(Things I like. Matthew, in the center of the field, choosing which option he things is best. He just beat a kid to get to this spot and instead of dribbling further he swings it out to his left to hit #13 in stride. Didn’t work out though….)
I thought Matthew played well; no real complaints. The new coach, in a somewhat surprising move to me, played everyone about equally. An interesting change from last year….it has been apparent that some (but not all) favorites of the old regime aren’t the favorites they once were.
DATE: 4/18/15
TEAM: 02 BOYS BLUE VS 02 MI BURN
RESULT: WON 2 - 1
ATTACKING STRENGTHS
The boys looked positive as a team. We penetrated the opposition with ease, and time and time again created goal-scoring opportunities through good wide play and central play. Midfield three linked up well with the attacking three, along with the right and left back supporting in good attacking areas.
ATTACKING CHALLENGES
We created a number of golden opportunities in front of goal. We need to be more clinical and punish teams showing a ruthless touch in front of goal. By wasting many opportunities allowed Burn to stay in the game and they almost tied it towards the end.
DEFENDING STRENGTHS
- As we warmed into the game we looked solid and comfortable as a defensive unit, however concentration levels need to remain high.
- We contribute to our own demise at times, by making poor decisions and allowing the opponent a sniff at goal.
DEFENDING CHALLENGES
- Don’t let the ball bounce! EVER!!
Show more aggression and challenge your opponent with more conviction
Keep your shape and discipline; we started the game poorly, wasteful when building out the back.
OVERALL COMMENTS
As a team we showed good attacking intent. We got the ball down and prioritized connecting small positive passes. With this positive start players looked for early opportunities to penetrate in behind the opponent. We penetrated in wide and central areas through a variety of ways. Players dribbled and beat the opponent in 1 v 1 situations, created numbers up scenarios and also played some accurate through balls for the forward runs made. Its very important players have high concentration levels throughout the game. Defensively we switch off way to often and look sloppy when defending. We need to pride ourselves on clean sheets.
League Game #1: So we have lunch and then head to a different field to play the same team again. And where I thought their goalie played well and stopped us from many opportunities in the first game….in this game he wasn’t the same and we blasted them 8-1.
(click. video. Matthew is about to cross this ball and it will end up in the net after a shot and a tip-in in the next 5 seconds)
Everyone played well in this game; Matthew has 3 assists…his first one was a chip over the defenders to the striker that was a thing of beauty and that Matthew is/was/still is very proud of. In what will prove to be a theme in a lot of FTSD posts coming up; Matthew is playing a physical brand of sports right now and is overpowering his opponents with his style.
