For all of the cancellations, this weekend and next weekend are decidedly light on the soccer front; one game today and nothing at all next weekend.
Pre-game: The weather looks to be great, so, let’s hope that Matthew can keep his streak of good play alive. I don’t even care about the goals, but, I’d like to see the good form and effort continue. I know that the other center-mid is back so Matthew’s time on the field is going to go down.
Post-game: Ugh.
Lost 4-2. Matthew had an assist on the first goal (to best buddy Henry). Here is one of a bunch of photos from a big rush up the field that didn’t work out….
Matthew came right up the center of the field and there was literally nobody to challenge him; the defender stayed on the forward, who is up ahead. Matthew, we learned later, was hoping the forward would swing out to either of the wings to make a pass easier…the forward just kind of stayed in the middle of the field. Matthew finally passed it, but, in the end it was probably too late; Matthew thought with the forward just kind of standing there any pass was doomed to failure.
Still not a lot of positive in the swan song of coach Alex, either during or after the game. But, the proof, I guess as far as Matthew is concerned, is on the field….he is not being subbed out as often as others and is ‘double-shifting’ a lot (If there are six ‘shifts’ of subs, each kid mostly comes out three times. Matthew is one of the ones who is coming out only twice)
Suzanne has been trying to get a good picture of the boys running across the field at the beginning of the game and the half; I think this is one of the better ones yet; you can see everyone pretty clearly.
Down 3-1 at the half; gave up two goals within 3 minutes late in the half (when Matthew was on the bench, of course). All-in-all pretty happy with how the boy did today; heard a phrase while watching soccer on TV today…”composure”. Matthew definitely seemed ‘composed’ while on the ball again today
Had his best scoring chance in the second half, a nice centering pass from Henry. Calmly took possession, took a touch (even though he was less than 5 feet from the goal and the defense was swarming him) and got the shot off. Hit the post to the left. A little too cute? I don’t know…..I do like he doesn’t feel rushed or look rushed too often on the field.
1-2 for the Spring. Haven’t looked that good so far…..
