September 12th

What a great day for some soccer. We are starting the registrations for the next indoor session already but when the weather is like this you hate to think about playing the games inside. So let's enjoy it while we have it. All three teams had great games this weekend, especially U4 and U6. The Blueberries and the Blue Jays work hard at practice and they bring what they learn there to the games. It's fun to watch.

In the U4 game we had enthusiastic participation from everyone with lots of good touches and throw-ins from everyone. Luke played with great energy and was really trying to control the ball. He was just a hair off on a few good shots on goal. Karolyn also was making a great effort this game to move the ball and had one excellent chance at a goal. Eileen and Jill had great games, running the field tirelessly and trying to stay involved. And Eileen showed Jill how to do the "fireworks" high-five. The highlight of the game was a great throw-in from Zack that lead directly to a goal by Noah. Just like we drew it up!

The Blue Jays had a very close game against a tough opponent. Kendall took a turn in goal and although she didn't get challenged I'm glad she wanted to try it. I wish the games were a bit longer so everyone could get more playing time because they are all really enjoying themselves and playing very hard. Kendra and Maddie were in the thick of it the whole game and I think Maddie was really starting to get the idea of getting into position to play defense. Kaleb had his most active game ever, running the whole field repeatedly to stay with the ball. Nate and Justin were solid as usual. Justin had some great throw-ins and clearing kicks. Nate didn't get the kinds of chances he usually does but he was still all over the place pestering the other team. Ethan was solid in defense for us. Our big goal came on a set-piece with Owen taking the kick and delivering a perfect pass to Alex who gracefully tapped the ball into the net for a goal to keep us tied. That was a great game.

My Tsunami had me frustrated during the game because they seemed to be playing in a very panicky defensive mode compared to their previous outing. They were unable to keep the ball in the other team's end for more than a few minutes the whole game and our offense seemed very sluggish. I was surprised by this given that the weather was so nice and our practice earlier in the week went so well.
But in retrospect, despite our poor offense, this was a good game for the Tsunami. We held the best team in the league to one goal thanks to great defense. Obviously Nick and William were excellent in goal. Nick tipped one shot up over the cross bar in a move that you wouldn't expect from a teenager let alone a nine year old. William showed great composure as keeper in the second half even after taking a shot to the head while in the field for the first half. So those guys were great again. And they were helped by their fullbacks a lot. I'd like to highlight Jordan for some great clearing kicks in the first half and Maddie for a particularly excellent play in the second half. Late in the game Maddie came cutting across the center of the field to intercept the ball and made a nice clearing kick, driving the ball out toward the bench side touch-line. But rather than stop there Maddie continued running, circling back toward the goal and then around the other teams forwards toward the touch-line anticipating that the opposition's midfielder would probably try to return the ball up the line. That's what happened and Maddie was waiting. She dashed out from between the forwards and struck the ball again clearing it past the half-line and then she zipped right back to her original defensive position. It was a little thing that happened fast and didn't affect the outcome of the game but it showed so much presence and game-understanding. Well done Maddie.
I'd also like to note that along with William, Helen and Erin took some rough spills during this game and they kept on playing. Well done.
See everyone at practice.