Monday recap

Well this will be a short posting, I am getting slammed at work and don't know when I will get a chance tonight to write it.
 
I will make some comments and would love some active dialog about where the team is going, or should go.  I am considering my own role on the team as well, whether I should pass the 'reigns' to some of the younger guys to play center mid. 
 
Do we need to add bodies and at what positions. Or with our current personel, do we need to change and mix up where people play (me playing outside mid field, Fish playing striker or Stopper, Brian playing keeper , etc). Consider the goalie rotation at last game (and the great job by all four guys), do we add a field player over adding a regular goalie. 
 
Here we go, I titled this one:  "Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory".
 
We started the first half out strong.  I played the first quarter in keeper and only had to make one save.  We scored 3 goals in the first quarter. I believe it went Fish, Matt and Kady (corrections are welcomed).
 
They added a goal from short range.  Kady made another point blank save just prior. He even has his name in the records books with Dennis and Wigs for saving a PK (actually they hit the post).
 
The second half was our half, they had no subs and we were sitting on a 3-1 lead.  Well it is all a blur for me.  We managed to let them score 4 goals.  We had plays where we stopped expecting a whistle, they continued and scored. We gave up another PK that was not missed.  It was a debacle.  
 
So, not the best way to end the season.  We have alot to work on.  Most of it is mental.  Removing the emotion towards the refs while maintaining the love for the game. 
 
We need to get back to basics, the things we are teaching our kids (for coaches on the team).  Trapping, simple passes, getting square for the 'simple pass', marking up players, respecting the Ref's authority and playing the whistle. 
 
I hope to organize something for the winter.
 
Enjoy thanksgiving

Sunday winton 10 am

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Monday recap. I apologize in advance

Victory, Victory, Victory, Victory (One for each goal scored, and likewise for shots sent over the net by Brian)
 
We had a decisive win over Gut Wrench 4-1. 
 
When I arrived 10 minutes into the game, it was scoreless.  My mere presence on the field inspired Matt to slide a low shot pass the goalie to give us a 1-0 lead.  They added a goal of their own to tie it up.  I don't recall the details other than it was not an earned goal, more bad luck against the mighty buffalo.
 
Mike Kady drew a PK late (good call actually) in the 1st half.  Matt put it in the upper 90% "goalie left" to regain the lead.  We wanted Kady to take it but he shit himself at the thought of the pressure; and excused himself to the men's bathroom.
 
We ended the half 2-1. We had guest appearance from FISH at stopper/sweeper and I am sure he feels he was the difference in the first half. Bill Phillips saw some Striker position and helped applied pressure on their defense.
 
The second half was further dominated by us, we played a little less physical mid way the first half but returned with gritty play.  Randy ventured in rarely charted waters and played center Mid field.  He dominated while on the field and almost out did Brian for the new Bengals Field Goal kicker.  Rob Besse added our 3rd goal after some hard work at the 18 yd line. Dave wants credit for an assist for a goal and I will give it here (although don't recall who passed it to Rob). 
 
We gave up a BS PK call in the 2nd after Steve F was called for a push in the back (again by the Ref who was not in position to make the call).  It was a total dive.  The PK hit the post after Jimmie forced him to kick that way (with his off center position on the goal line). 
 
Brian did add our 4th (again I think Dave wants credit for this but think it was Kady).  It was so close he was unable to put it over the net so we settled for the goal (over another harassment opportunity).  I myself blew atleast 2 scoring chances that I am sure someone with a better recollection may expand on. 
 
Jimmie played a great game.  You can see him becoming more comfortable with the team.  As his confidence increases, so will his willingness to challenge the 50-50 ball.
 
We moved the ball well, stayed very positive and communicated effectively.  I think this is directly related to Ray not being at the game.
 

Check in

10 am Winton woods

Monday recap

Monday Recap:
 
Well we lost a tough one, I think this may be the motto for this season.  We scored early off a short Corner kick.  Fish passed the ball to me and I 'wall passed' it back to Fish.  He in turned crossed it to Winnie who redirected the ball into the back of the net.  We were feeling good at 1-0.  They answered with a breakaway goal after a quick transition on their part and a poor defense response on us. Our 'Take it for the Team' Keeper Denny, or any goalie for that matter had no chance.  
 
Tony answered with a beautiful left footed shot from about 25 yds out that bent into the upper far left corner.  I believe he received the pass from Kady.  Brian hit another frozen rope (as Ray puts it. I don't know where he comes up with that stuff) that was saved by the goalie robbing a goal from the upper 90.  All in all, we are feeling good with a 2-1 lead at the end of the half. 
 
In the second half, we had the wind and the momentum.  Or so we thought.  M Tigers had 2 goals back to back that put us down 3-2.  We remained determined and mounted our response. Chris had a great attempt after receiving a pass from Brian with chest trap that hit the post.  The goalie made a diving save off a volley shot from me (after receiving a header pass from Bobbie).  Chris feed me a awesome pass that allowed me to take a one timer shot from close range. The goalie made the save and Dave was at his doorstep for the rebound.  The goalie managed to make another great save once again denying the equalizer. 
 
My perspective: We complained less (but think we normally play a cleaner game with M Tigers so the refs were not much of a factor).  We remained vocal with our stopper/sweeper directing the mid field.  We subbed quickly and often which kept us a strong and fresh as possible.  This allowed us to moved the ball well and moved well off the ball. We took shots which were actually on frame most of the time.  We remained positive.  I don't think we could have played a better game necessarily.  I have to give the goalie the MVP for their team considering he was directly responsible for keeping us out of the net.
 
Sean

Nov 7th. 10 am. Winton

Sorry for the late post.

Halloweenie game.

Please check in. Note we are playing at Winton woods school, real grass this week.

Blown Away,

A tale of 2 halves. We went against the wind and played alot of defense. with the wind in our faces, passes were hard to make, harder to handle, and they put the pressure on every one of our touches. Todd was a wall in the goal and we managed to end the half down 1-0 on a ball that dropped to their feet in the box.

2nd half. WHOLE NEW GAME. By the end of the first, their midfield was tiring, and we started to assert control. After the kickoff, we pressured them from top to bottom. Matt did a fantastic job of not letting their back line have any rest with the ball and forced a ton of bad passes from them. maybe 10 minutes into the half brian launched a frozen rope of a cross from about 35 yards out, and Matt deftly deflected the ball at the top of the box into the side netting. Their keeper had no chance at it. The minutest of touches yet huge results. subbing got better in the second half and they continued to tire. more passing lanes opened up, we moved better, we passed to feet and controlled the ball and the game. Brian again was on his game and fired a low shot near post that beat the keepers hands to go in. A viola! we are leading. Matt forced a foul in the box with less than 10 minutes to go and iced the game with the PK.

Following the game Mike O'conner, Tony, Wiggs, Dennis, Winnie, myself and Scarlet (dennis's lady friend) went to kemper meadows to grill out in honor of a bunch of birthdays of the elder statesmen of the team (no names).

I will take some heat for not stepping up and forming sub guidelines before the game. If anyone did not play much in the first half, I would suspect they got their fill in the 2nd since we lost 3 people at half due to injury and prior commitments.

Ray's meager attempt at review

Check in Sunday 10/24

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Competitive

Ugh, it is hard for me to type this knowing that I could have just cleared the ball, but I will report on what went down yesterday...

It was a great day for soccer. We showed up strong with 6 subs. Denny took one for the team and played goalie. And the Tigers came out prepared for a battle, with no subs. There were not many details to mention during this game other than Brian's goal late in the game to tie it and my poor decision to possess a ball in the sweeper position thus letting that tie slip away.

What I really want to talk about is our competitive nature. Unfortunately, one of our best attributes is our ability to make sure that we play to the level of the team we are facing. Yesterday, we were soft on the Tigers. Instead of pressuring them and tiring out their side that had no subs, we pet them like kittens hoping if we got them to purr that they wouldn't scratch. When we have subs, multiple subs, sitting for 25 minutes, we are not putting forth an effort that has our team in mind. By the way, they had no subs.

After our loss, there were still complaints about the referees and I feel both of them had a good game. It seems to me that we all just try to find someone else to blame other than ourselves. No one is says to themselves, "We lost, how can I put forth a better effort so it doesn't happen again!" Did I mention that the Tigers had no subs?

Steve, who had a very good second half, consoled me after I apologized for the loss saying that it wasn't that poor late decision that lost us the game. And while he is right and I hate tying, I am feeling today that I hate losing more and I could have prevented it.

Goals for next week:
- Forget that there are referees
- Play the other team physically
- Be positive, but also self critical
- Make some plays even if there is a risk that you may have to sprint to get back into position.
- Get tired! Get a sub!
- Play better than the other team, not just to their level.

See you all next week.

Check in 10/17/2010

You know the drill

What hit us?

This is not the official game recap from sunday. This is only my means to get that abomination of a game out of my system once and for all.

Call is Universal Karma, call it a bad day for sports in Cincinnati, Call it a case of dropping the soap in the shower and we got &)*%^$%^$!.... If it were not for bad luck Sunday we would have had no luck.

I cannot remember a game in the recent several years where I was embarrassed of my performance and effort. I did not even feel deserving to be on the field. I apologize for the lack of energy and just complete failure to play soccer. I don't think I was fully there mentally or physically and it showed.

We all seemed to try and put forth the effort, we just looked cursed. It did not seem that any plays went our way, the ball dropped wrong, and every lucky bounce went against us. We did pass well at times, and created some chances. No one died, was maimed too harshly, or had a significant life changing moment.

Give Gutwrench credit for coming out and playing well, fouling hard, and crying harder.

However, it is getting hard to watch and be a part of the whining and crying to the refs. Let them make their bad calls and show some class by keeping your mouth shut. I feel its ok to moan and disagree, but yell and be done with it. The refs in this league used to give us a lot of calls because we kept our mouths shut. Now we are being perceived the same as Gutwrench, a bunch of whiney brats, and the calls go further against us. the little guy on the other side of the field that makes calls waaaay out of his vision and area is going to do it no matter what we say. The less we gripe, the more will go our way.

We are playing for fun and exercise. Just do that. We can drink about the bad calls during the post game tailgate when we drink ourselves into a win each and every game.

I continue to feel relatively blessed to have a good life, good friends, and good beer. In the greater perspective, we got some well needed exercise on a beautiful day.

Ray

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Domination

After a mediocre 0-1-1 start to the season, the energy was still alive from last week's comback tie. What started out as a pretty even match this past Sunday, turned into Buffalo domination. 10 minutes ito the game, on a free kick from 25 yards out, Randy caught the goalie hugging the left post to set the wall. A well placed ball in the lower right corner secured our 1-0 lead. It brought us intot he half, but shortly thereafter, an errant clear by the previously named goal scorer went off a Tiger and right to another attacking player. A lucky (accidental) chip shot rose over his defender and Wiggs and into the goal. We were tied.

Our attacks began to build. Our passing looked excellent and the only attacks that the Tigers could start were from great dribbling out of their defense. Five to ten minutes after the game was tied, we were up again. (I believe) Ray had a crossing shot that snuck through a lot of people. The keeper played the possible deflection and allowed the goal in the side netting.

Later in the game, we had a strong attack building on the right side that was finished with a great head height cross that dropped to newcomer Chris's right leg for a strong team goal. And finally, Bobby squirted through a cheaky shot into the same netting Ray visited earlier.

This was a great overall team performance. We didn't allow the Tigers into the game, we didn't allow the refs into the game. We kept our talk to each other and played some great soccer. Let's build on this and do the same next week.

Randy

ESPN Material

This is all I know, with little time left we were all pushing up but with not a lot of certainty. 0 and 2 did not have much of a ring to it, we had worked hard but couldn't keep them out of our goal. Suddenly Bobby did what no one expected, beat a defender and struck it home. Walking back I thought, we have a chance.

It seemed like there were only seconds left, was it Bobby that hit the rocket of a cross, it was an ankle high frozen rope. And out of no where came Matt to play it like a simple pass in the back of the net. We were all stunned. I don't think I ever saw our offense give up.

It was one of our best come backs. Great job guys... go buffaloes!

9/26/10

9-26-10 M Tigers 8 am
Winton Woods

We tied!

4-4 Tie. 
 
A very high scoring game to say the least.  I have to admit that I left the game with about 20 minutes left in the second half so some of this blog is second hand.  I left and it was 2-2. In the 20 + minutes remaining, it ended 4-4.
 
In the first half we were down 1-0 early and answered quickly.  Bobby did a quick pass to Matt G who finished for the equalizer.  They answered with their  second goal.  Bobby once again connected with Matt on a cross one timer in the back of the net.  The half ended 2-2.
 
I am told that we were losing in the second half (in the final 20 min) and Bobby gave us our third goal after a turnover created by Matt.  Matt answered the 4-3 deficit with his 3rd goal. I am told it was ESPN material, again assisted by bobby. 
 
I believe that Matt and Bobby deserve MVP's for the game.  I thought we played a hard game and continue to play some good soccer.  Look for the check in email this wednesday.
 
Please feel free to add your own accounts of the game.
 

9-19-10 Gut Wrench 10:15 am LOCKLAND

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Monday recap

WE lost our season opener 3-1.  GUT Wrench scored very early in the first half on a great shot from about 20+ yds out.  I think this took as out of our normal playing style as we scrambled for an equalizer.  They added another goal in the first half on a free kick at the top of our box.  Jimmie, our new goalie, pulled a Vern and mixed up the yellow and white lines (remember our throw ins at Lockland the first game). 
 
The second half saw us going down 3-0 on a break away goal. We also had another 'goalie handball' but it did not result in a goal.  We scored in mid second half on a shot from about 25 yds out from me. 
 
I think overall we kept up with Gut Wrench.  Our second half was much better and I think we settled down and got some of the rust out. 
 
One commentary, I am just as guilty for this. We need to keep our mouths shut with the refs. The refs are still bad and have not improved in the off season.  I had to be reminded by Randy to play the whistle and stop bitching at the refs.  Furthermore, it was distracting me from the play at hand and I stopped making my run.  (Might I say I went on to score the goal just after his tongue lashing). 
 
If you felt out of shape at the game, guess what you probably are.  Don't kid yourself, you can't get urself in shape playing soccer one day a week.  
Look for the check in email wednesday with 'improved directions' for the computer handicapped on the team.
 
Sean

Check in: Winton woods 10 am Sunday 9/12/10

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Final Game 2-1

Well, we ended the season with another loss. Or should I say lost. Without the leadership of P90x conditioned coach Sean at the center, the team was in a bit of disarray. There were some short spans of good passing, but generally the play ended up out of bounds or at the other teams feet. Our one goal came from a "truck" driven into the goalkeeper by Bobby. Wiggs had a great game in the back. Their two goals came off of some good shots that were set up by unchallenged passing and lack of clears.

The season was tough with better competition. We rose to the challenges and still had fun.

In the offseason, lets brew up some more beer in the garages, but try not to let it sit in the garage the entire time. Keep in shape. When we come out next season, let's make sure we come out aggressive from the start and we keep out winning spirit.

Sunday checkin

Pls check in. Also make comment regarding grilling out. I will not be there. HavE a great game.

Next game June 6

our next game is actually listed as june 6. We do not have a game this weekend, since no one will probably show. I just thought I would post since Sean was so disappointed in the failure for a game recap from last Sunday.

Game Recap for the 1st half. They had a really good midfield, but we managed to control the ball for a good bit of the half. When we passed short and quick, we were successful. There were quite a few shots, just not on goal. GEOF KITE MADE AN APPEARANCE!!!!! he managed to play one entire half without injury, but that luck did not hold through the second half. Geof is re-retired again.

Thanks to Brian for letting me get as much time on the field as possible prior to my departure. I think Randy is still asking to be subbed back in.

Sunday May23rd

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Cards, cards, cards. Goals, goals, goals.

We had a decisive win yesterday with a final score of 5-2. There were nearly as many 'cards' as there were goals and the ref's earned there money. On the positive side, we all wanted the refs to protect players and believe they at least attempted to accomplished that.

We started early with a goal by myself inside the 18 off a cross from Matt Rollman to Bobby K. Bobby had the presence of mind to pull off the ball at the last second, allowing me to take the shot. Unfortunately we let up a goal within minutes which tied the game back up.

Then the flood gates opened. Within what felt like 10-15 minutes, Bobby K put 2 goals in from inside the 18. And guess what, both goals did not involve a 'head ball. Matt G added his own 'body colliding gritty' goal. We ended the half 4-1. The Yellow card count was 2-1 against us. Funny thing was, on all 3 occasions, the team that was penalized with the card also was awarded the free kick (all three were cards after the play)

The second half was kicked off with a Red Card by our very own Brian D. And guess what, we earned the free kick.
This put us down a player and we made the adjustments needed. Gut wrench added their second goal to make it 4-2 sometime early in the second half. Mike K drew a PK which Ray finished to put us up 5-2.

I think Mike K leads the team in Offensive PK's Earned. Jeff M had the previous season or so title of most Defensive PK's earned. I think Chuck is most appreciative of Jeff's Tidy Aggressive play this year. In defense of Jeff though, I think he usually got dinged for a BS handball call similar to Steve F's "Sculpted Abs hand ball" call against the Green Ons.

I overheard one of our defenders mention that defense was somewhat boring. This is a positive thing overall. I think it was boring not necessarily because the midfield was impenetrable, but rather the defense was more organized and there were few rushed plays. Communication and speed of play was much better. Our midfield and strikers were better outlets for the simple pass. A special thanks to Randy for moving to the stopper/sweeper rotation (at the expense of his face), as well as usual great smart play from Winnie, Rob, Steve, Jeff, tony and ray.

This was a strong game against a team that beat us earlier in the season. There was noticeable increase in our pace of play with regards to passing, traps and the like. One other note regarding team play; we kept in mind that we must attack WIDE with our midfield but at times forgot to defend NARROW. There were times, especially when we were man down, that our outside midfielders stayed out too wide and didn't suck in centrally.

NOTEABLES: Bobby K had a chance of adding a coveted third goal. The problem was he forgot that he could head the ball. Matt Rollman was fashioning a Breath Right Strip which significantly helped his speed but think impeded with his ability to score a goal. Joe Fish decided to 'do a dribbling jig' on Gut Wrench's 18 in an attempt to demoralize the other team with his fancy foot work. He did eat up about 1 minute of the clock, and then quickly called to the side for a sub.

Chuck had a great game and was noticeably very aggressive. He collided with a striker at one point and still made the clear on the ball. I think the striker was disoriented afterwards because he wined that chuck should play the ball. It was quickly pointed that chuck had in fact played the ball since it was chuck who cleared the ball; as well as bulldozing the striker. The striker had no response.

I will not be at our remaining 2 games. You guys may want to organize a Ray S Tailgate for the last game.
I will post the check ins as usual. Someone needs to write the Post Game Wrap up though.

Sean

Sunday may 16th

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May 2nd recap

We were fortunate to get the game in without encountering thunder and lightening. Unfortunately we lost 5-2.

We started off strong with a goal early on. Matt Rollman pummelled the ball into the back of the net from inside the 18. But I forgot to mention they only had 7 players on the field at that time. The nice guys at we are, we gave them 2 players and eventually their team showed up giving them one sub. At the end of the first half, it was 3-1 in their favor.

The second half was sparked by a hand ball call on Steve, after the ball hit his newly sculpted abdomen. It was a bad call. Then we all witnessed a sight I have not seen. The player lined up for the PK, Wigs was poised in net to make the save; and the player gently passed the ball to WIGS in a gesture of sportsmanship. ( I am sure the Ref who made the call felt like a idot). We could all use a bit more sportsmanship on the field. At one point, we actually were over ruling the ref's goal kick and thrown in calls.

The green on's went on to score another 2 goals and finished with their 5 total. Our Matt Rollman added our second goal from just above the 18. It was the hit harder than his first goal. The goalie made the most athletic attempt at the ball but he was no match for Rollman's power and precision. Actually, Matt might have kicked more of the turf than the ball, and the goalie missed played the shot. The soccer ball did eventually limp across the goal line giving us our 2nd score.

Here is now the summary of the post-game discussion:

On Paper, the Green On's are a better team. The playing conditions worked against us both offensively and defensively. We had great difficulties gauging and playing the 'skipping ball'. This lead to many missed passes and traps on our part, and through balls that skipped past our defense. Even with that being said, we did get our chances and we played a hard game. After being down 5-1, we still managed to put in the effort and not give up.

We are still refusing to put our foot on the ball and shoot when in striking distance. This is far worse then not scoring because of bad shots or good saves on the goalie's part. We aren't even giving ourselves the chance to miss, no less score. Our "Team Mentality" needs to be replaced with "selfishness" when we are around the 18. Our first priority needs to be shooting over passing. If the shot is on frame and we follow the shot, opportunities to score will follow. If the shot is not there for various reasons, then look to pass. We need to encourage our teammates to shot and not be critical of bad shots. After "shoot first, pass second" becomes our new mantra; we can then bust each other's chops based on the quality of the shots.

Noteables: Wigs did a great job in net and took one for the team playing goalie yesterday against a great team. We all got to see Brian D. in his wife beater tee shirt.

Enjoy mother's day.

Sean

Trial of the New Buffalo's Soccer Club

I took the idea from Matt G's suggestion and Tony's last email regarding the pick up games they play on Friday.
Starting Monday, the Sunday recap will be posted on this blog. You can then comment, chastise, etc without sending multiple emails back and forth.

For next week's game, I will POST the usual game CHECK IN. You simply COMMENT on that specific POST whether you are In or Out. I will probably send the usual CHECK IN EMAIL but ask that you check in through this blog. Keep the chastising limited to the Recap Post. Otherwise I have to scroll though multiple posts to find everyone's check in response.

I would still ask for the last minute status changes to be sent to my phone. If you need an answer to a question, or require timely dialog, then just send email me or Vern directly.

Sean