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/watch?v=04szyTEXlFA Only to be followed by a dis-heartening loss to Dortmund.  Looking forward to better EPL games and Gunners to the Cup!!

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...