Long time, no post. Still playing, lots of action in EPL. Unfortunately the Gunners are not leading (soon to be remedied on Monday). Indoor seasons ended. Interest is turning to outdoor in the new year.
Still playing a lot of pick up.
Indoor finished interesting with my 1st team. We had playoffs on Tue with a low seed against a team I've played with in the past. It was a challenging game. We had NO subs and 2/3 of our team over 40. We played well and controlled possession - which was key. The other team was chasing the ball for most of the game which allowed us to conserve our energy. We knew that if we finished out with a win, we would be playing the #1 team (which destroyed us 9-1 earlier this season). There was some discussion about conceding the game in the final minutes but I convinced the team that we should make them win it out right. If they win, it would be from their effort. However, they weren't able to rally so we won 5-2.
Coming into the second game we were not allowed to bring in a "guest" sub so it was no subs in game 2 (the 1 seed obviously didn't play a game before either). We started out well. Quickly jumping out 2-0. I actually had my 1st indoor header for a goal which was a great feeling for me. However, as the game wore on, they clearly had legs, talent and shooting ability. We finished out with a 5-2 loss but it was a good feeling to play as well as we did against the odds. It was a good close to a challenging season.
How did your season go? Enjoy your holiday and play on!
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Saturday, November 2, 2013
League Champs
This past Sunday my outdoor co-ed team (raiders) played my former team (dunkin united) for the league championship game. We match up well and before the game was in jeopardy of being a forfeit as Dunkin didn't have the minimum of 2 women in order to play. However, just before the start of game, they did get enough to play a man down. We actually had our 3rd woman show up after the start of the game so it was initially a 10v10 game. About 5 minutes in we were up to full strength for a 11v10 game.
The weather was awesome. Clear skies, sunshine and a dry (albeit semi-concrete hard) pitch. We started out playing a little tight. Over thinking, over pressing and some over dribbling by our mid-field. This led us to not penetrate the final third for most of the 1st half. The counter attack by dunkin almost led to 2 goals and at least 5 shots on goal. Not exactly how I expected it to go. We had a man up for crying out loud. It has been my experience that when you start a game playing against a team a man down, it ALWAYS benefits the team down a man.
After the half, we started to have some frustration as we continued to struggle with the lack of offensive opportunities. We had a couple of real opportunities but Dunkin has a very strong and fast back line. We had 2 corner kicks that didn't provide any strikes. We struggled to get a sustained drive down the wings and when we did, the centering pass was always late or too strong.
Finally we wrapped up regulation at 0-0. Two 6 minute periods (no golden goal) and if still tied, shoot out.
I REALLY didn't want it to end with a shoot out even though our chances would have been good. We still had some discontent on the sidelines as there was talk about "putting together our A team" to win out. However, this A team doesn't really exist as there are experienced and inexperienced players but we can put together a good mix. This didn't bode well going into extra time. The first period of extra time comes and goes with no real opportunities. Dunkin had one open shot on goal and in all honesty, it was good luck for us as their best striker just miss hit the ball.
On to the 2nd extra period. Throughout the entire game to this point we were penalized much more than dunkin. Some were legitimate fouls but some of the exact same fouls were not called against Dunkin. That also starts to wear on us. Finally with about 2 minutes left in extra time, we get a foul call against dunkin. We actually cheered the call somewhat sarcastically from the sideline. It was a free kick about 25 yards out from their goal slightly to the right of the box. We opted for a pass to our right forward who dropped it back for our attacking midfielder. He settled the ball and hit a beautiful crossing shot the found the upper left side of the goal. 1-0 us! The sideline erupted. But only momentarily as we had to close out and not give up the counter. They did make one more push but we locked down the final third.
Whistle... Victory... Celebration!
This season was a series of ups (3 game winning streak, followed by 3 game losing streak and 2 ties before finishing with a win to get to the championship). We struggled with new players, a fairly deep roster and some officiating debacles that made our journey more difficult. But at that whistle, we finished it. It wasn't pretty (other than the winning goal which was stunning) it wasn't easy but we did it.
I'm not sure what next season will look like but for right now, we are the champs.
Play on!!
The weather was awesome. Clear skies, sunshine and a dry (albeit semi-concrete hard) pitch. We started out playing a little tight. Over thinking, over pressing and some over dribbling by our mid-field. This led us to not penetrate the final third for most of the 1st half. The counter attack by dunkin almost led to 2 goals and at least 5 shots on goal. Not exactly how I expected it to go. We had a man up for crying out loud. It has been my experience that when you start a game playing against a team a man down, it ALWAYS benefits the team down a man.
After the half, we started to have some frustration as we continued to struggle with the lack of offensive opportunities. We had a couple of real opportunities but Dunkin has a very strong and fast back line. We had 2 corner kicks that didn't provide any strikes. We struggled to get a sustained drive down the wings and when we did, the centering pass was always late or too strong.
Finally we wrapped up regulation at 0-0. Two 6 minute periods (no golden goal) and if still tied, shoot out.
I REALLY didn't want it to end with a shoot out even though our chances would have been good. We still had some discontent on the sidelines as there was talk about "putting together our A team" to win out. However, this A team doesn't really exist as there are experienced and inexperienced players but we can put together a good mix. This didn't bode well going into extra time. The first period of extra time comes and goes with no real opportunities. Dunkin had one open shot on goal and in all honesty, it was good luck for us as their best striker just miss hit the ball.
On to the 2nd extra period. Throughout the entire game to this point we were penalized much more than dunkin. Some were legitimate fouls but some of the exact same fouls were not called against Dunkin. That also starts to wear on us. Finally with about 2 minutes left in extra time, we get a foul call against dunkin. We actually cheered the call somewhat sarcastically from the sideline. It was a free kick about 25 yards out from their goal slightly to the right of the box. We opted for a pass to our right forward who dropped it back for our attacking midfielder. He settled the ball and hit a beautiful crossing shot the found the upper left side of the goal. 1-0 us! The sideline erupted. But only momentarily as we had to close out and not give up the counter. They did make one more push but we locked down the final third.
Whistle... Victory... Celebration!
This season was a series of ups (3 game winning streak, followed by 3 game losing streak and 2 ties before finishing with a win to get to the championship). We struggled with new players, a fairly deep roster and some officiating debacles that made our journey more difficult. But at that whistle, we finished it. It wasn't pretty (other than the winning goal which was stunning) it wasn't easy but we did it.
I'm not sure what next season will look like but for right now, we are the champs.
Play on!!
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Into the finals
Long time, no post... It's been an interesting past couple of weeks. My outdoor team is a 1 seed going into the final. We played hard for almost the entire game without any goals even with a ton of possession and only 2 shots on frame for our opponents. We finally capitalized in the final 3 minutes with 2 goals to close out the game with a 2-0 victory. Glad we got the W and are into the finals for the 1st time. Great team and players = a real opportunity to close out in 1st place.
A couple of opportunities with indoor. I've been playing on a team that has good talent but lacking in subs. We are below .500 at this point, but a couple of subs and better shot conversion and we can contend. Also, joined another indoor team of Arsenal supporters (http://trianglegooners.com/triangle-gooners-fc/ - if you are interested in following our progress). It will be my first time playing at XL and our roster is pretty deep so I'm looking forward to getting started.
I will also be co-coaching my son's indoor team at XL as well. I will be the "offense" coach (and also the offensive coach) - D'oh! The other coach will focus on defense. It's a great opportunity to build his team's dynamic. Their outdoor season has been a challenge for several reasons but communication on the pitch is one of the major challenges. The co-coach is on board with several of the issues challenging them in outdoor. I really feel the indoor games will bolster the outdoor play.
Lastly, sublime goal from Arsenal - http://www.youtube.com/
A couple of opportunities with indoor. I've been playing on a team that has good talent but lacking in subs. We are below .500 at this point, but a couple of subs and better shot conversion and we can contend. Also, joined another indoor team of Arsenal supporters (http://trianglegooners.com/triangle-gooners-fc/ - if you are interested in following our progress). It will be my first time playing at XL and our roster is pretty deep so I'm looking forward to getting started.
I will also be co-coaching my son's indoor team at XL as well. I will be the "offense" coach (and also the offensive coach) - D'oh! The other coach will focus on defense. It's a great opportunity to build his team's dynamic. Their outdoor season has been a challenge for several reasons but communication on the pitch is one of the major challenges. The co-coach is on board with several of the issues challenging them in outdoor. I really feel the indoor games will bolster the outdoor play.
Lastly, sublime goal from Arsenal - http://www.youtube.com/
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Long break, back at it
It's been awhile. Haven't stopped playing. Outdoor season in just past mid point and unfortunately we are sub .500 but we are on the turn. A change in formation and finding the right chemistry will get us back on track. We've gifted two teams with OG victory goals. Unfortunate but not damning. It is ironic that having too many subs is more challenging than not having enough. The halves are short and subbing interrupts the flow of the game. I believe we will find our footing and finish the season strong. Better to work out what isn't working in the regular season and put it together in the playoffs.
Just started 2nd full season of indoor. The players are mostly the same as last season but the chemistry is much better. Everyone seems less pissed off when we get scored on or don't connect on a pass or shot. Yes, we concede goals - typically early (if not first) BUT we KEEP playing. Missed shot - that's ok, have another or look for the pass. We had a come from behind win tonight 11-7 that we didn't lead until the late in the second. Also, several different people scored. We passed to the open player with a better scoring oppty and, we COMMUNICATED.
That is the fantastically simple yet incredibly illusive component that will turn teams around or lack of it will cause talented teams to crash and burn. Some don't like to yell on the pitch and sometimes (when done in anger) it doesn't help. But, taking a second to mention what is working or asking for what someone else sees will improve play far better than raw talent and no communication.
So, talk and play on...
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Observation
I keep playing. Pick up, meetup, and sub for a couple of online teams. The longer I play, the more it seems the role finds you. Play what you know, know what you play. It's a learning process - always and continuing. It is something that you need to accept in playing the game. It is very interesting that some stats and data are valuable in this sport - but not conclusive. Possession does dictate SOME indicator of success but not all. The quality and most importantly the RESULT of possession, dictates success. In this game, much more than others, luck and momentum do impact it more readily than others. Yes, luck plays a role in many sports. But, it appears to be that luck directly impacts results (either directly (goals) or indirectly (momentum)) more so than others. A bad cross, a missed tackle, poor back pass, lucky hop or bounce and a half step and the game changes. Play hard and true and the universe will reward you. Take satisfaction in the success of your team mates and don't dwell on the negative. Time expires on all. Another day, another chance. Keep playing and see what happens...
Also, looking forward to Ozil's impact on the gunners!
Also, looking forward to Ozil's impact on the gunners!
Sunday, August 18, 2013
THE reason I love this game
So, a lot of posts have been around my playing, trial and tribulations, observations, musings, ramblings et al... But this story - and I hope you find it interesting and inspiring - because it truly brings the essence of this game to you in a way that I truly believe transcends the game.
And so we begin...
My son and I play pick up soccer together whenever the team dynamic is one where the adults are not so caught up on the competitive aspect to allow children to play as well. On this particular morning we went to play with a family friendly group at our local pitch on a misty Sunday morning. As luck would have it, the pitch was "closed for maintenance" so we were just kicking the ball around. There was also a hispanic pick up group that played regularly on this pitch so some of the people showed up and saw the same dilema. The guy who came out didn't speak much english but we were able to converse enough to determine that there was another game going on at a nearby pitch and I asked if we could join that game. He said he didn't run the game but we could follow them to the other pitch. As we were driving to the game it began to rain (not hard, but steady).
We arrived at the other location and we were the only non-hispanic players at the game. So, out of 22 players, 20 we were the only 2 non-hispanic players (for anyone who needed help with the math). It was a little weird walking onto the pitch to warm up but nothing uncomfortable. We kicked around and one of the kids even commented to my son that he "liked his cool cleats" before we started playing. We started playing (with my son and I playing on the same team) and it was no issue that we were non-hispanic. The game was close and the side we were playing against had an awesome keeper. The game was close and I believe the score was 3-1 against our side when one of the players passed a long pass to my son and he was able to score a goal. The player that passed it to him grabbed him around the shoulder and told him it was "not just a goal but a GOALISSIMO!!" and everyone (from our side cheered and laughed). Later in the game I was fortunate enough to run in on a crossing pass and score as well to tie the game. At this point it was raining harder and everyone was soaked. Shortly thereafter the rain became too much and we called the game. Everyone was smiling and shaking hands as we left. In that moment, as we were leaving, my son was smiling ear to ear jogging to the car. I've never felt so happy to have been a part of something that was not scripted or planned but one of the best experiences I've ever had playing this game. Regardless of your background, origin, age or gender this game unites people in ways that you can't imagine.
In conclusion, I can only say, "IF YOU PLAY, YOU KNOW!"
And so we begin...
My son and I play pick up soccer together whenever the team dynamic is one where the adults are not so caught up on the competitive aspect to allow children to play as well. On this particular morning we went to play with a family friendly group at our local pitch on a misty Sunday morning. As luck would have it, the pitch was "closed for maintenance" so we were just kicking the ball around. There was also a hispanic pick up group that played regularly on this pitch so some of the people showed up and saw the same dilema. The guy who came out didn't speak much english but we were able to converse enough to determine that there was another game going on at a nearby pitch and I asked if we could join that game. He said he didn't run the game but we could follow them to the other pitch. As we were driving to the game it began to rain (not hard, but steady).
We arrived at the other location and we were the only non-hispanic players at the game. So, out of 22 players, 20 we were the only 2 non-hispanic players (for anyone who needed help with the math). It was a little weird walking onto the pitch to warm up but nothing uncomfortable. We kicked around and one of the kids even commented to my son that he "liked his cool cleats" before we started playing. We started playing (with my son and I playing on the same team) and it was no issue that we were non-hispanic. The game was close and the side we were playing against had an awesome keeper. The game was close and I believe the score was 3-1 against our side when one of the players passed a long pass to my son and he was able to score a goal. The player that passed it to him grabbed him around the shoulder and told him it was "not just a goal but a GOALISSIMO!!" and everyone (from our side cheered and laughed). Later in the game I was fortunate enough to run in on a crossing pass and score as well to tie the game. At this point it was raining harder and everyone was soaked. Shortly thereafter the rain became too much and we called the game. Everyone was smiling and shaking hands as we left. In that moment, as we were leaving, my son was smiling ear to ear jogging to the car. I've never felt so happy to have been a part of something that was not scripted or planned but one of the best experiences I've ever had playing this game. Regardless of your background, origin, age or gender this game unites people in ways that you can't imagine.
In conclusion, I can only say, "IF YOU PLAY, YOU KNOW!"
Sunday, August 11, 2013
A new season
My son recently started his 2nd year of club ball. He is definitely improving and has a much better attitude so far this year. He has matured and is gaining more confidence. He's still not certain about what offensive position he feels most comfortable but is going to decide as this season progresses. I've had challenges with not being involved from the sidelines when he is in a game but have committed to him and his coach that I will respect them both on the pitch. I just wanted to help him out when he was out of position or not pressing to the best of his abilities. So far this season, so good. They have a scrimmage coming up next week so that'll be the true test of where he's heading...
In other news, he's been playing a fair amount of pick up with me and that is definitely fun. Other guys give me grief for "pushing" him off the ball but I am just getting him to body up. There is a lot more contact in this game than people think and creating space as well as maintaining your position is very important. He still wants to meg me but hasn't yet.
In other news, he's been playing a fair amount of pick up with me and that is definitely fun. Other guys give me grief for "pushing" him off the ball but I am just getting him to body up. There is a lot more contact in this game than people think and creating space as well as maintaining your position is very important. He still wants to meg me but hasn't yet.
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