Week Two. Three for Three.

The U4 Green Slime had another great game with strong play from everyone and goals from Diego, Mason, Maddox and Ashley. The thing we were working on most in the game was learning to run while still keeping an eye on the ball. Some players get this already while some need to be reminded occasionally but for the most part the Slime are way ahead of the curve on this. We also got to see Diego, Mason and Ashley all moving into position for shots near the goal while one of their teammates brought the ball up. I'm really proud of how disciplined this team is at practice. They focus well and put in lots of good work. That will all pay off quickly I think. Great work Slime!

The U6 Sharks were a little over-energized this week and if they hadn't pulled themselves together late in the game they might have lost 0-1 on an own goal! But they did get it together eventually and managed a 2-1 victory with some great team play, some excellent defense and some good work in goal. Kendall was doing great work trying to improve her dribbling and she had some great possessions. Ryland played some great defense for us and was really developing a good sense of how to track the ball from that position. Samuel played with amazing toughness for his size and was involved in several multi-player spills and each time he jumped right up and kept going. While Brandon had some trouble with direction a few times he also made a bunch of great clearing kicks and that left foot of his should eventually get us some goals. Sam and Austin teamed up to get us our goals and Sam had the funniest play of the game when he headed a fly ball down to his own feet. Crazy game Sharks, but in the end a good one.

It was a big win for the Green Wave today as they faced a team that was, for lack of a better word, inexperienced and just enough so to allow the Wave to stretch out and test their various skills. Most importantly they were trying, with Coach Dave and I pressing them constantly, to stay in their respective positions and open the field up somewhat. The result was some very nice goals from Zach, Morgan, Gabrielle, Kylie and Nabil. Nabil's was a great surprise as he came out of midfield to cover the far post when no one else was in position. The result was an easy tap in that he put in the back of the net. Aiden was also learning how to sneak up from that midfield position to steal a chance at a shot and he nearly had one. Great work guys.
Last week we saw Gabrielle showing off her speed. This week it was Kylie's turn and on her best run of the game she really turned it on and managed a little move to her right to pass the last defender. After that it was just the goalie to beat and a deft flick with her right foot put the ball under the goalie's hand and into the net. Logan had a similar run that culminated in a good change of direction move around a defender. We need to see more of that sort of control from everyone. There was great play all around this game and hopefully this week's practice will be a great opportunity to build on what they learned in this game. Practice is from 7:00 to 8:00 this week and Coach Dave will be in charge.