Taming the tiger has been an easy task for us this season. Sunday proved to be no different. Joe proved to be in a hurry. He rushed to the game just a short while before kickoff. Then, after about 10 minutes, Joe grew impatient and took the ball down the field about 40 yards on his own and scored the game opener. Jeff W. was next in line with (2) goals to follow. One goal included some heads up passing from Harvey and Mike K. In the second half, Mike K. kept it up with another (2) goals.
A lot of people got the opportunity to play in some different areas. Devon was dominant on defense and Jonathan continued his everywhere at once style of play. I am pretty sure he has a clone somewhere on the field. I am pretty sure I got lost on the field at one point or two. Some guidance or a map from one of you guys would be appreciated next time I get that far up. We were a little short on subs with only (2), but we got by.
Hats off to our keepers who maintained a clean sheet. That is a great accomplishment no matter who you are playing.
Finishing 6-4-0, people may think that our season was a little lackluster. However, with the stiffer competition and all of the new faces, I think that this is quite impressive. With how we gelled over the season, I think that the same schedule would end with a 7-9 win season if we started today. Keep in shape over the off season and let's come back stronger in the spring. See you all soon...
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Finally, gut wrench goes Down
I have been slacking with the blog so here you go.
5-1 Victory!!
We went up against Gut Wrench for the third time with the bitter taste of previous losses. They started early with a pass that floated over Randy's head and found the back corner. Instead of thinking 'here we go again' we answered with a pass of our own that found the back corner as well. Jeff Wallet claims it was a shot. Regardless, it put us even.
I added the second goal. It was a beautiful turn around shot with 2 giants on my back that found the inside of the post just out of reach of the diving goalie (funny how vivid and well written this description is). This put us up 2-1 and we did not look back. Chris S took the 2nd quarter in keeper and we managed to end the half with the 2-1 lead.
The second half started with yellow card against me after telling the ref to have a word with the F**ing Fat bastard that wasn't playing the ball. Mike Kady added our 3rd goal with an individual effort dribbling up the right sideline and sliding it under the goalie. Matt Gramza added our 4th goal from a beautiful cross from 'dutch' (jeff wallet's friend). Matt finished it with a well placed header. Our 5th and final goal was sparked by a great defensive run from Jeff Spencer, he found Jeff W in the box who unselfishly sent it to Devin for the easy goal. I should be careful with the word 'easy' when describing a 'goal'. The game ended 5-1 but not before Fish flailed 3 attempts to secure a goal of his own.
3rd Quarter goalie was played by Chris L and I took the 4th. Our defense played solid. One observation relative to last year is that we do a much better job regaining possession on the defensive pursuit and transition to offense with purpose. Our defensive players really add another offensive weapon with their ability to carry the ball past midfield.
Enjoy the week off and see everyone in November.
5-1 Victory!!
We went up against Gut Wrench for the third time with the bitter taste of previous losses. They started early with a pass that floated over Randy's head and found the back corner. Instead of thinking 'here we go again' we answered with a pass of our own that found the back corner as well. Jeff Wallet claims it was a shot. Regardless, it put us even.
I added the second goal. It was a beautiful turn around shot with 2 giants on my back that found the inside of the post just out of reach of the diving goalie (funny how vivid and well written this description is). This put us up 2-1 and we did not look back. Chris S took the 2nd quarter in keeper and we managed to end the half with the 2-1 lead.
The second half started with yellow card against me after telling the ref to have a word with the F**ing Fat bastard that wasn't playing the ball. Mike Kady added our 3rd goal with an individual effort dribbling up the right sideline and sliding it under the goalie. Matt Gramza added our 4th goal from a beautiful cross from 'dutch' (jeff wallet's friend). Matt finished it with a well placed header. Our 5th and final goal was sparked by a great defensive run from Jeff Spencer, he found Jeff W in the box who unselfishly sent it to Devin for the easy goal. I should be careful with the word 'easy' when describing a 'goal'. The game ended 5-1 but not before Fish flailed 3 attempts to secure a goal of his own.
3rd Quarter goalie was played by Chris L and I took the 4th. Our defense played solid. One observation relative to last year is that we do a much better job regaining possession on the defensive pursuit and transition to offense with purpose. Our defensive players really add another offensive weapon with their ability to carry the ball past midfield.
Enjoy the week off and see everyone in November.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
A Good Team Effort
As we start to gel more and more, we are getting better and better. This showed this past Sunday with our win against the Tigers. We had a comfortable win with an actual goalie, Julio, serving the time between the posts. No one shined especially, but we all played well.
We started off controlling most of the possession. Pretty early in the game, we scored. A nice run by Jeff from fullback followed with him crossing, I mean shooting from the outside. The ball floated nicely over the keepers head and into the side netting on the back side. Shortly thereafter we had a little scare when the Tigers got in on us abruptly. Luckily this shot went over the top. We answered shortly thereafter with a rocket from Brian D.
The half ended with everyone feeling good. Five subs proved to keep everyone from getting too tired.
In the second half, the Tigers did some rearrangement and had a few more opportunities on us. This led to a goal from a short distance that was well placed. Uneasy, we continued to attack. Mike K. drew a penalty just inside the box. Brian anxiously volunteered for the honors of taking the kick. The shot was hit well, but just left of center which allowed a nice save by the keeper. Later, with about 5-10 minutes left, Joe F. tip toed across the back line and forced a goal in as he approached the post and the keeper. The 3-1 victory was secured.
Things to work on offensively - shooting on frame more often. I felt like we had a lot of the ball, but they probably had almost as many shots as we did. We have to find a way to put some good shots on goal.
Things to work on defensively - stop the fast breaks. As I always say, when we are set, I don't think anyone can beat our defense. But we always seem to let the fast break chances make it to the keeper. I recommend a good clear to give us the time to get set and recover.
Until next week...
We started off controlling most of the possession. Pretty early in the game, we scored. A nice run by Jeff from fullback followed with him crossing, I mean shooting from the outside. The ball floated nicely over the keepers head and into the side netting on the back side. Shortly thereafter we had a little scare when the Tigers got in on us abruptly. Luckily this shot went over the top. We answered shortly thereafter with a rocket from Brian D.
The half ended with everyone feeling good. Five subs proved to keep everyone from getting too tired.
In the second half, the Tigers did some rearrangement and had a few more opportunities on us. This led to a goal from a short distance that was well placed. Uneasy, we continued to attack. Mike K. drew a penalty just inside the box. Brian anxiously volunteered for the honors of taking the kick. The shot was hit well, but just left of center which allowed a nice save by the keeper. Later, with about 5-10 minutes left, Joe F. tip toed across the back line and forced a goal in as he approached the post and the keeper. The 3-1 victory was secured.
Things to work on offensively - shooting on frame more often. I felt like we had a lot of the ball, but they probably had almost as many shots as we did. We have to find a way to put some good shots on goal.
Things to work on defensively - stop the fast breaks. As I always say, when we are set, I don't think anyone can beat our defense. But we always seem to let the fast break chances make it to the keeper. I recommend a good clear to give us the time to get set and recover.
Until next week...
Monday, October 10, 2011
Outscored them 4-3, Lost 4-3
This post is late, so it is going to be short... It is not often that you can outscore a team 4-3 and lose 4-3, but if you have an own goal it can happen. The same situation spoke of in the last blog happened in this October 2nd game. The ball came across the face of goal and this time I tried to play it. I did as I feared and scored. If anyone can tell me how to play that ball, please let me know.
Other than people, including myself, showing up late, we played pretty well. It is always that element of surprise that hits us where some fluke fast break ends up getting in on our D and we allow the goal. I think that these tight emergency situations that we have faced in our narrow losses will be avoided by having a keeper. Julio says he will play when available, hopefully he is available a lot.
Other than people, including myself, showing up late, we played pretty well. It is always that element of surprise that hits us where some fluke fast break ends up getting in on our D and we allow the goal. I think that these tight emergency situations that we have faced in our narrow losses will be avoided by having a keeper. Julio says he will play when available, hopefully he is available a lot.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Valiant Effort Not Enough, 1-2
Well, the Green Ons did look out. I am pretty sure that they put larger posts on the goal and may have even made the goal a little smaller. Funny thing was, they switched the goals at half time to keep the advantage. Think about it, did any of you watch the goals during half time to see if they were switched. But enough with the imaginary excuses...
As we all warmed up before the game, we all seemed ready to go until we had to field a team and realized that we only had 2 subs at game start. No one panicked though and we started playing our style of soccer. And that is what impresses me most about our team, our style. We can play the short game, we can play the long game, we have a lot of weapons and options at our disposal during the game. This created a lot of opportunities that we just could not finish at the start of the game. While the defense was holding them to very non-threatening opportunities, our offense could not finish the threatening opportunities. It was one of those days.
Finally, as we broke through. I think Matt G. got the goal, but honestly, I don't remember because I think 4 people shot the ball before it went in. Their defense seemed to create a lot of congestion that we could not break through easily. Not many of our shots were clean.
I will speak for myself saying that I was relieved when we got that goal. However, the old adage held true, the most likely time to get scored on is within the next 5 minutes after you score. Unfortunately it was twice. The first time had one of their players streaking down the left side of the field. I played the passing lane and lost sight of my mark in the middle. The Green On laced a pass between Chris, myself and the posts, about 3 feet from the goal line, and it found my mark at the back post. Admittedly, I let it go though for fear of an own goal, but I guess if it's going to go in either way, I should have taken a shot at it. The second goal was shortly thereafter. A well placed cross from right to left found the head of their tall striker which he convincingly placed in the left side.
We played very well. In the end, we only had 3 subs and I think that was our downfall. There were some great late saves on their break aways by Jonathan, Chris, Mike, Jeff, & Skip. But if someone is going to take us for that many all out sprints down the field, we need to have 3 defensive subs alone. I know I am still tired today. I think if we had better attendance, we would have had them. Make sure you get with Sean about extra subs and check in early so he has the time to get the whole team together. Be a responsible team player.
Speaking of which, thanks Chris S for playing goalie the entire game.
As we all warmed up before the game, we all seemed ready to go until we had to field a team and realized that we only had 2 subs at game start. No one panicked though and we started playing our style of soccer. And that is what impresses me most about our team, our style. We can play the short game, we can play the long game, we have a lot of weapons and options at our disposal during the game. This created a lot of opportunities that we just could not finish at the start of the game. While the defense was holding them to very non-threatening opportunities, our offense could not finish the threatening opportunities. It was one of those days.
Finally, as we broke through. I think Matt G. got the goal, but honestly, I don't remember because I think 4 people shot the ball before it went in. Their defense seemed to create a lot of congestion that we could not break through easily. Not many of our shots were clean.
I will speak for myself saying that I was relieved when we got that goal. However, the old adage held true, the most likely time to get scored on is within the next 5 minutes after you score. Unfortunately it was twice. The first time had one of their players streaking down the left side of the field. I played the passing lane and lost sight of my mark in the middle. The Green On laced a pass between Chris, myself and the posts, about 3 feet from the goal line, and it found my mark at the back post. Admittedly, I let it go though for fear of an own goal, but I guess if it's going to go in either way, I should have taken a shot at it. The second goal was shortly thereafter. A well placed cross from right to left found the head of their tall striker which he convincingly placed in the left side.
We played very well. In the end, we only had 3 subs and I think that was our downfall. There were some great late saves on their break aways by Jonathan, Chris, Mike, Jeff, & Skip. But if someone is going to take us for that many all out sprints down the field, we need to have 3 defensive subs alone. I know I am still tired today. I think if we had better attendance, we would have had them. Make sure you get with Sean about extra subs and check in early so he has the time to get the whole team together. Be a responsible team player.
Speaking of which, thanks Chris S for playing goalie the entire game.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Meow, 6-2
This week was a test for us all to see if the previous 3-0 victory over Rest Stop Jones was a fluke. Turns out, it was not. The tigers were easily tamed by some dominant offense.
We opened up with a stellar placement shot from Mike Kady assisted by Jeff Wallet. Mike returned the favor a short time later to get Dave on the board. From my perspective, between the posts, it all was seeming a little too easy. We seemed to relax a little bit after that, but our style of play was still controlling much of the ball with good passing and through balls to the corners. A wake up call rung aloud though when one of the Tigers found the top post on a cheeky ball he redirected with his back to goal. We buckled down and survived the half with the 2-0 lead.
At the break we all felt like we had the game in hand, but needed to remind ourselves, we still had another half to play. Chris L. took my spot between the posts (I was free!!!)
I know I am a little fuzzy on the order and culprits of this half because it is hard to keep track of (6) goals, but I will do my best. To say the least, the game opened up. We had a lot of opportunities in the first half, but in the second, corners and crosses were flying from all directions. I believe Max opened the scoring early in the second half followed by a goal from Matt G. However, mistakes in the back proved to hurt us with tough to handle goal kick combined with an errant trap turning into a Tiger goal. Dave B. answered back with a few side steps and a finish from close in. Again the Tigers came back with another goal, but it is the last that we allowed. It all got finished off with another goal from Jeff Wallet.
I would like to stress that it was only major mistakes that seem to cost us the goals. No one plays a perfect game, not even Sean, but taking chances are for midfielders and the strikers. We all need to make sure that our first decision on defense is always to the outside and when in doubt, get rid of the ball. Up and Out, clears are not bad. They buy time and allow us to get organized. And I don't think that our defense can be beaten when organized and ready.
As for the offense, well, I don't know much about offense. I have always been a defensive guy. But even an expert would have a hard time arguing with 6 goals. Watch out Green Ons.
We opened up with a stellar placement shot from Mike Kady assisted by Jeff Wallet. Mike returned the favor a short time later to get Dave on the board. From my perspective, between the posts, it all was seeming a little too easy. We seemed to relax a little bit after that, but our style of play was still controlling much of the ball with good passing and through balls to the corners. A wake up call rung aloud though when one of the Tigers found the top post on a cheeky ball he redirected with his back to goal. We buckled down and survived the half with the 2-0 lead.
At the break we all felt like we had the game in hand, but needed to remind ourselves, we still had another half to play. Chris L. took my spot between the posts (I was free!!!)
I know I am a little fuzzy on the order and culprits of this half because it is hard to keep track of (6) goals, but I will do my best. To say the least, the game opened up. We had a lot of opportunities in the first half, but in the second, corners and crosses were flying from all directions. I believe Max opened the scoring early in the second half followed by a goal from Matt G. However, mistakes in the back proved to hurt us with tough to handle goal kick combined with an errant trap turning into a Tiger goal. Dave B. answered back with a few side steps and a finish from close in. Again the Tigers came back with another goal, but it is the last that we allowed. It all got finished off with another goal from Jeff Wallet.
I would like to stress that it was only major mistakes that seem to cost us the goals. No one plays a perfect game, not even Sean, but taking chances are for midfielders and the strikers. We all need to make sure that our first decision on defense is always to the outside and when in doubt, get rid of the ball. Up and Out, clears are not bad. They buy time and allow us to get organized. And I don't think that our defense can be beaten when organized and ready.
As for the offense, well, I don't know much about offense. I have always been a defensive guy. But even an expert would have a hard time arguing with 6 goals. Watch out Green Ons.
Monday, September 12, 2011
An Upset of Epic Proportions
An Upset of Epic Proportions
At least since I have been with the Buffalo's; RS Jones was a team that we never beat, or expected to tie for that matter. I wouldn't put yesterday's win up against the USA Russia Miracle of Ice; or Japan's Women Soccer team beating USA; but it was a great win nonetheless.
Mike Kady started us off with a beautiful finish on a One V One opportunity with the keeper. He controlled a pass from Matt (i believe) brilliantly and sent it past RS Jones' goalie. We ended the first half 1-0. Our defense played awesome with randy at the helm; with support from Jeff Spencer, Johnathon Rupp, Chris L and S, and our very own Brian Dubay. Yes sir, Brian played left back and shut down his opponent and offered plenty of offensive support. We managed to hit 2 posts and had several good scoring chances that might have added to our 1-0 first half lead.
The second half was another hard fought 45 minutes of soccer. Our center mids and stopper did a good job controlling the center; offering a physical presence. Mike Kady decided his luck with the goalie again only to be taken out by the sliding keeper. Mike and the goalie has some friendly words and hugged in the end. Jeff Wallet added our second goal on a well controlled finish and a third on a botched clear by the goalie.
We also exposed the new guys to the subbing system; having 5 sub groups (forward, Outside mid, inside mid, backs, stopper/sweeper) with 3 guys rotating in the 2 field player sub group. This allows frequent subbing for the team as a whole with minimal time spent on the side line for any particular player.
This team is significantly better than Gut Wrench (to whom we lost 4-1), what was the difference? I think we are getting a feel for where people fit best on the field. WE had 2 great subs (non rostered players at this point) Gabe and Johnathan. These two are the first guys i will call for our subbing needs. We had a real goalie but quite honestly our defense kept there chances to a minimum. We did have a bit of luck when one of their players (Randy) missed an easy goal.
Overall a great sunday and a great win.
At least since I have been with the Buffalo's; RS Jones was a team that we never beat, or expected to tie for that matter. I wouldn't put yesterday's win up against the USA Russia Miracle of Ice; or Japan's Women Soccer team beating USA; but it was a great win nonetheless.
Mike Kady started us off with a beautiful finish on a One V One opportunity with the keeper. He controlled a pass from Matt (i believe) brilliantly and sent it past RS Jones' goalie. We ended the first half 1-0. Our defense played awesome with randy at the helm; with support from Jeff Spencer, Johnathon Rupp, Chris L and S, and our very own Brian Dubay. Yes sir, Brian played left back and shut down his opponent and offered plenty of offensive support. We managed to hit 2 posts and had several good scoring chances that might have added to our 1-0 first half lead.
The second half was another hard fought 45 minutes of soccer. Our center mids and stopper did a good job controlling the center; offering a physical presence. Mike Kady decided his luck with the goalie again only to be taken out by the sliding keeper. Mike and the goalie has some friendly words and hugged in the end. Jeff Wallet added our second goal on a well controlled finish and a third on a botched clear by the goalie.
We also exposed the new guys to the subbing system; having 5 sub groups (forward, Outside mid, inside mid, backs, stopper/sweeper) with 3 guys rotating in the 2 field player sub group. This allows frequent subbing for the team as a whole with minimal time spent on the side line for any particular player.
This team is significantly better than Gut Wrench (to whom we lost 4-1), what was the difference? I think we are getting a feel for where people fit best on the field. WE had 2 great subs (non rostered players at this point) Gabe and Johnathan. These two are the first guys i will call for our subbing needs. We had a real goalie but quite honestly our defense kept there chances to a minimum. We did have a bit of luck when one of their players (Randy) missed an easy goal.
Overall a great sunday and a great win.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Opening Day: ScoreBoard: A lot to A Little
It was nice to see everyone on sunday. I appreciate the timely Check In Emails. We had plenty of subs. Dennis volunteered to play goalie. Vern was present and he appreciates those who paid,and those guys motivated to chip in a bit extra for Bill Petty (long time ref,coordinator and advocate of the game). Brian Dubay arrived late to try his injuried knee in the 2nd half, and it did well. Ray thought he was having a heart attack but believe that was not the case. Chris Schmidt has an Afro. Sean played his first outdoor game in years without his ankle braces. Steve Ennis was back on the field after a season long injury; we had to educate him regarding the 'sub system'. Bill Phillips played every position I think except goalie and stopper/sweeper. No one got hurt. The refs were the best they have been all year.
The score you ask, it was 8+ to ZERO. We struggled but played hard from start to finish. Even though it was obvious we had no chance of winning, we still wanted to put the ball in the net. This drive to compete regardless of the opponent, the score or the 'breaks of the game' is why I will continue playing soccer for as long as the grace of God allows.
The score you ask, it was 8+ to ZERO. We struggled but played hard from start to finish. Even though it was obvious we had no chance of winning, we still wanted to put the ball in the net. This drive to compete regardless of the opponent, the score or the 'breaks of the game' is why I will continue playing soccer for as long as the grace of God allows.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Is Two Better Than One?
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