FROM THE BENCH 9/13 - CYA: Freedom Purple

What a great start to the season. Perfect weather for soccer and an all-round good performance from the Red team.



Each of the girls played to their abilities. They showed confidence on the ball and we saw some new skills that have migrated from practice into the game. Congratulations to Audrey on her strong, every-step-a-touch, open-field run that ended with a successful shot on goal.



Team play also reflected where the team is at. The first-half was dominated by individual effort. There was a total of only 12 passes. The second half was much more of a team effort with a combination of individual effort and passing for a total of 42 passes. There were several long sequences of passes that started deep in the Red half and moved the ball well into the Purple half where the string of passes eventually petered-out. Decision-making was also much better in the 2nd half.



After playing Harry's U-11 boys team, several of the girls commented on how well the boys team played. They also verbalized that "holding the ball and looking for easy passes" is not only a fun way to play, but also very effective.


We will continue to develop the individual foot skills as the foundation. We will also continue to work on the decision-making, positioning, calling for the ball, ... And of course we will play more games (7 league + 4 tournament) and gain more confidence in a balanced individual effort/passing game.



From the chatter on the bench and the tired smiles at the end of the game we will record this as a successful outing.

TRAINING & PRACTICE PLANS FOR THE FALL SEASON

After juggling personnel availability, team constraints, and field availability, we have converged on the following Training and Practice plan for the season:



Tuesdays - Training with Coach Kephern Fuller at Chapel Square/Sprague 5:15pm - 6:45pm. Emphasis on individual skills, 1 v 1, and 2 v 2.



Thursdays - Practice at Holmes 5:15pm - 6:45pm. Emphasis on passing, team collaboration and game situations.



Coach K. is a former GMU player. After leaving college he had the opportunity to play professional soccer and coach in Holland. He is currently a head trainer at Golden Boot. He brings deep knowledge of the game and a great personality. Together, these attributes will fit nicely with this team.

JOINT PRACTICE WITH COACH GERMAIN THURSDAY SEPT 17

With no game next weekend, we will practice with Coach Germain on Thursday Sept 17 at 6:20pm at Mason District. This will give Ann a chance to get to know the girls in a practice setting.


As always, questions, suggestions, concerns, please call, e-mail, or track me down at practice or games.



Thx for all your support.



L.

Coach's Report: From The Bench 8/23/09

Red team players, great job at the BRYC tournament. You played two games with all your heart. Your parents and coach are proud of you.

First Game:

In the first half, the team played exceptionally well. You showed how well this team can play with square, back and through passing.

Everybody was on their toes and prepared to receive and pass the ball. Players were relaxed when they had the ball and made good passing and dribbling decisions.

You had several good shots on goal. The shots on goal started from passes by the defenders, then the midfielders, then the forwards.

Nice job everyone.

Second Game:

The other team played much faster in this game. This meant that you had to be faster on your feet and faster with your brain. Did you notice the difference?

Good job tackling and getting to the ball first. Good job getting open and calling for the ball.

Once again, nice job everyone.