Another game and "Them" is still undefeated.

Interesting turn tonight.  We played a team that is winless (I didn't know this before we started playing).  The interesting thing was, other than a struggling goalie, they weren't that bad.  They had some players that could control and pass the ball but they just didn't communicate.  They had plenty of subs - so fatigue wasn't an issue and their female players were pretty good.

The weaker goalie made all the difference.  We scored early but they hung with us so it was like 4-2 us early.  However, once we could score and the goalie's weakness was exposed, it was never close.  We had guys that don't normally shoot put up hat tricks.  That was another breakthrough.  We passed effectively and more importantly, CONFIDENTLY.  One of the last goals scored (to make it 15-6) was a four pass climb the ladder that ended in a crossing pass (across mouth of goal) and a finish.  You couldn't draw up a better goal for an end of game.

It definitely feels good to be on a team with good chemistry, a positive attitude and a week over week ability to find a way to win.

Keep positive and keep playing!!!

Random observations:

It was an interesting week playing pick up this week.  Played on Tue at the Railhawks field.  1st time I've ever seen blood playing pick up.  It started out just like any other pick up game.  The weather was threatening rain when I arrived but for almost an hour, we had ideal playing conditions.  I was playing in the "young" game and nothing was out of the ordinary although a couple of players were a little more physical but nothing too brutal.  Then, on a random 50/50 ball, two guys hit while converging on the ball.  It didn't appear too serious at first.  However, the smaller player stood up and the entire right side of his head was covered in  blood.  Apparently they hit heads on the way to the ball.  The guy with the bloody head didn't realize how bad it was since all the blood was on the side of his head/face.  I called for a towel from the organizers but before they could get it, the bottom fell out.  A torrential downpour.  Everyone scattered and the game was over.  Very strange day.

I also played on Saturday in an early morning regular pick up game.  There are a host of regular players and then some new players float in and out.  The core group was there and we like to zing each other about how we play, missed shots, bad passes, etc.  There are also some youth players (mostly the players children) that play as well.  I missed a through ball from one of the young players and was immediately chided for not being able to run down an over hit through pass.  The issue was, I had already scored on an earlier through ball played off my knee.  So, I reminded the youth player of that fact just as a counter jab.  To which I received "It was just luck"  I then replied, "if you get lucky enough times, it is skill"  only half joking.  It does closely reflect an observation I adhere to - "if you don't put yourself in position to succeed, you never will"

Indoor game #3

Well, it was definitely a battle to the end.  We gave up early goals (again).  Fought back to a 2-2 tie at halftime.  I finally was able to put one in for the team to tie us up.  It wasn't pretty.  Rebound shot in the box. I was basically shoved by the keeper back into the play.  One of the female defenders jammed me up on the opposite side but I was able to trap the ball down and open foot it into the open net as I was shoved into the female defender and she went down.  Rough and ugly but in.  In all fairness, I was trying to avoid hitting the female defender but the keeper was a BIG guy and was behind the ball so all he could do was push.

The other challenge was our opponent had 3 great female players and they RAN the whole game.  We responded well in the 1st half but they were wearing us out in the second half.  Fortunately, we held on and were able to squeeze out a win 4-3.  We definitely aren't the best team.  We have our moments.  We've had some bad breaks and definitely the ref seems to only give out handballs AGAINST us.  We've had 3 calls against us for handballs in the past 3 games and NO handballs on the opponents (even though ALL 3 games have had BLATANT handballs not called on the opponents).  However, we find a way to respond and overcome so far.  That being said, we HAVE to convert earlier and find a more efficient way to spread the passing and sub!

So I just joined an indoor team.  First time playing indoor.  Definitely different.  Some things are better some are not.  We have only played 2 games.  Secured 2 victories (4-1 and 4-2).  I had two assists in the first game and two shots in the second.  

What I've learned so far:

1. It is fast.  Constant movement.  Limited space.
2. You don't want to go down.  Turf burn = PAIN
3. No offsides (no one is camping out so far but will have to see how that plays out)
4. No 3 line shots or passing (kind of limits the offside camping out)
5. Wall passing - haven't witnessed it being super effective so far
6. The most egregious "foul" is interference/obstruction - just put a body in the way seems to be the norm
7. Goalie is a KEY player.  Small field w/ no out of bounds = TONS of shots
8. "Line" changes are key - getting on and off the pitch is key.

I'm looking forward to more games and will keep updating...

PLAY ON!