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
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let me be the first to comment, "sculpted abdomen"??? I would give that honor to Brian. I think Wigs did a fine job, they made some great shots.
ReplyDeleteI think they are better than we are but not by much, we need to step on number 6 and find a way to slow their quick attack offense. We have some mix ups on the the defense we need to work on.
I predict we win our last 3 games
ReplyDeleteI decided my face is not as important as winning. I elect myself to return to stopper/sweeper duty.
ReplyDeleteI didn't hear about he rumor to have a flat defense where there is no stopper sweeper position. However, I have alway been under the impression that the stopper and sweeper have been communicating enough to get an idea of who should be where and when. This all depends on situation and how out of breath we are. Stoppers roam, sweepers make sure they are the last person and no one gets behind them. If we keep it like this, no break aways should ever happen. That is unless it rains and the balls keep skipping by us... :-)
Randy u are Absolutely right, about ur face.
ReplyDeleteI am now officially a cultist follower of the blog. But onto more pressing matters. If I ever advocated for anything for our team it would be hot female cheerleaders (sorry Brian no dudes in drag).
ReplyDeleteI will be the first to accept fault for the lack of organization of the defense. I was trying to push up and pressure certain people to take away passes and allow more time for us to transition back. At times it worked. When they started moving as a team & interchanging positions, they picked my A@$ apart. We represented ourselves well and hustled, they were a little better and got some breaks also.
Chins up lads, lift your glass, bend your elbow, and drink your beer. I may try for Brian's best dressed title at the next game, the gr-animals coordinates are coming together nicely.
Ray