Last day of the session

The U5 game was great fun. If Owen, Nathan, Kaleb and Camden stay together they will be unbeatable. Nate's goal was so perfect, he was in just the right spot to take a pass across the goal from Camden. The U.S. team should learn to do that. Kaleb had a great break-away from goal, playing the ball up the middle into the open field like a pro. Kendra and McKenzie combined for a goal (I don't know who actually put it in). Kendra has developed a real drive and focus to get the ball and go to the goal. Kendall and Karolyn had good touches and were engaged in the game the whole time. And Luke had a great game, jumping into the scrum over and over. It was a great session and I hope I see everyone in August. I'll be taking a U4 and U6 so there should be room for everyone. Thanks to everyone for helping with snacks and on the bench or during the practices. E-mail me if you have any questions about the next session.

The U9 game was a tough one. We were down three players (Erin, Nicholas and Christian) and that had the team a little nervous at the start but I was impressed with how they managed to keep the ball in the Blue team's end for most of the first quarter. Paisley and Liz were relentless up front and Helen and Maddie were great in midfield, really containing the ball a lot. We had strong defense from Madison, Blake and Jordan (Jordan had two really good clearing kicks) and Justin did all he could in goal. Avery played a very strong goalie in the last quarter. But in the end the Blue team just overpowered us. They had a slight size advantage to be sure but mainly they play patiently, maintaining their positions well. That's what saves you even when the other side gets break away opportunities. But I still feel that we gave them a game though and I'm very proud of the effort I saw from the Green Aliens. They've all worked hard in practice and I can see real improvement in every kid. They've all become players. I hope to see everyone back next session.

USA vs Italy

2:15 PM Monday the 15th- USA versus Italy live on ESPN!

Green Alien (boogers) rock!

This was easily the most fun game I've ever been part of. Both teams played beautifully. I'd especially like to recognize the amazing improvement achieved by Blake, Jordan and Maddie. Maddie has turned into an excellent midfielder. As with Nicholas in goal, I feel like I really need to leave Maddie in all the time because she plays the position so well. Blake and Jordan extend themselves more every week and now Blake has become a serious goal-scoring threat. Look out Blue team!
We had goals from Helen, Paisley, Avery and Erin (3).
Our game next Sunday is at 3 PM. We will have practice Tuesday night. See you then.

U5 blowout

Unfortunately the Orange team was several players short this week so the game was not very competitive for the Green Goblins. We used the situation to make sure that all of our players got lots of touches and McKenzie, Luke and Kendra took advantage and scored some great goals. Karolyn carried the ball (dribbled it) for a good 20 seconds over about 30 yards. It was a real breakthrough day for everyone.
The Hero of the day was Kaleb who helped the Orange team out by playing goalie for them during the last quarter. Owen, Nate and Camden were unstoppable when on the field and scored a bunch.
We will have practice Tuesday night. Then next Sunday is our last game this session.
See you then.

Must see TV

The US soccer team hosts Honduras Saturday night at Soldier Field in Chicago. The game will be on ESPN at 8:00 PM EST. Don't miss it.

May 31st: U9 Doubleheader Effort!

Obviously we didn't get a win but I couldn't have been much more impressed with the effort we saw. With only one sub on the bench the kids ran for two games and gave it everything they had. Special kudos to Erin and Paisley for giving it their all and getting us a pair of goals. Great work by Liz and Justin too on offense and Nicholas in goal.
See you Tuesday night.

May 31st: Camden Goes Crazy!

Camden Schwartz ran off an amazing four goals in today's game. He was on fire! We had excellent goal coverage from Kaleb too. One of Kaleb's clearing kicks missed the opposite goal by inches. That would have been the longest goal in the history of U5 soccer. Owen had two goals himself and had to deal with some flying elbows. McKenzie really came alive this game too and, after making a beautiful steal, came within inches of putting the ball in the net. Kendall was in the thick of things a lot this game as was Luke.
At this weeks practice I'll be trying to keep things a little more casual. Feel free to come onto the field with your camera if you want to get some action shots. See you Tuesday.