BRYC Elite Fall Kickoff - Aug. 20-21

Fairfax, VA

This weekend's tournament marked the start of the U10 season for the Strikers Red, which boasted new additions to the team and a few White players (Jack H. and Nathan). Going into the tournament, the coaches emphasized that it would take time for the players to build chemistry on the field; however, coach Jim and I were very impressed by the level of play and cohesion from all the players. We are looking forward to the start of the season and for the players to mesh even further as a team.

Before the official start of the season, Coach Jim and I would like to present our three season goals for the U10 seasons. The season goals below are based on the U.S. Soccer Curriculum and what we believe will take each player's game to the next level. Here are the player goals:

1) Improve technical skills (passing, receiving, dribbling) and utilize them correctly in various soccer situations

2) Recognize and implement small group attacking and defending principles (1v1, 2v1, 2v2, 3v2, 3v3)

3) Demonstrate greater field awareness through proper positioning in attacking and defending situations.

We will structure our practice activities and games around these season goals (along with what we need to work on based on game performances). Furthermore, we will try to make it explicit and clear how practice activities carry over into games situations. As stated in the preseason parents meeting, players will receive a mid-season evaluation and an end of the season evaluation, which will document how well we believe each player is progressing towards these goals. Additionally, we will put more emphasis on players speaking up and evaluating their own performances in these three areas during the halftime and end of games.

If you have any questions, please let me know!

Again, great work this weekend, and see you next week!

Coach Ryan

Alexandria Strikers Red vs. Ashburn Soccer Club

Ben Brenman Park

10:30 a.m.

This week, Strikers Red faced another tough and talented opponent. In the first half, the Strikers Red started slowly and Ashburn dominated early with quick and decisive passing. The Strikers had no answers for the potent Ashburn offense. However, in the second half, the Strikers displayed greater tenacity and willingness to defend and outplayed Ashburn during most of the half. In the first half, Coach Jim and I noted that the players were not generalizing some of the practice concepts, such as proper defending technique, quick passing, and movement off the ball to get in supporting positions. We appeared overwhelmed from the start and never got into a rhythm in the first half. However, in the second half, we saw some positive moments. For example, Shane and Quentin played a quick combination with one another around a defender which resulted in a one-time shot from Shane into the corner of the goal. This game further highlights our need to encourage speed of thought and play in practice so we can better handle teams which put us under pressure.

The two videos below illustrate the idea of speed of thought on the field. Both of these goals demonstrate the idea of knowing your surroundings and knowing what you are going to do with the ball before it comes to you. Good soccer players think 1-2, or even 3 moves ahead.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfeVsRf0dK0&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbASd5CU3H8&feature=related&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1

Coach Ryan

Strikers Red vs. TSC Bordeaux

Ben Brenman Park

3:00 p.m.

In third week action, the Strikers Red faced a talented and athletic TSC Bordeaux team. We appeared a bit overwhelmed in the beginning as our opponent kept possession with quick passing, which threw us off our game. We did show moments in which we kept possession and tried to find our rhythm. I think we can learn from playing a team like we did on Sunday. We can learn from the way they kept the ball moving between their teammates and did not allow us to defend effectively. However, I think we also learned that if we pressured them and not let them face our goal, we can cause turnovers. So on the one hand, we have to learn that putting our heads down and trying to dribble past 4 players is not as effective as passing around them but also that we should not play intimidated against a good team. Also, we should not get down on one another and stay positive, because every game is a learning experience and chance to build not only our game awareness and skill but also individual and team character.

This week's clip is of Lionel Messi highlights. It is important to watch his close control of the ball by using small touches on the ball. We have been practicing this during practice; however, I think it is beneficial to see how this skill relates to the game. He proves that you do not need fancy moves to be an incredibly effective dribbler. He uses quick feints and dribbling speed to get his opponents off balance. In addition, his close control allows him to make the decisive pass at the right time. Also, watch how quickly he attacks, finds space, and always probing to get behind the defense.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jenupVFSzjs

Alexandria Strikers Red vs. Calverton Cerritos Academy

William Tyler Elementary School

9:00 a.m.

In second week action, the Strikers Red played a hard fought match on a bumpy and rocky field. From the first touches on the field, the players knew it was going to be much harder to dribble and judge the bounce of the ball. Therefore, we tried to focus on playing quickly by passing and understanding that the game was not going to be pretty. The boys showed great resilience and mental toughness even under a great amount of pressure towards the end of the game.

This week's clip is from the United States vs. Brazil match during the Confederations Cup, the tune-up tournament for last summer's World Cup. It is an excellent example of how to counterattack using quick passing and moving without the ball. See how in three total passes, the United States goes from their own goal box to Landon Donovan having a relatively easy finish in front of Brazil's net. Also, you may recognize Charlie Davies, D.C. United's current forward, who passes Landon Donovan the ball for the goal.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7ifHbADhxs&feature=related

Coach Ryan

Alexandria Strikers Red vs. ASA Gladiators

Crownsville Hospital #1

1:30 p.m.

In first week action, the Strikers Red put in a solid performance and quickly implemented concepts practiced during the previous week. The Strikers Red did an excellent job of getting the ball wide and crossing the ball into open teammates. Two of our goals came directly from crosses, which is something we worked on during practice. I was pleased with our effort, and our willingness to look for open teammates when under pressure. I think the boys demonstrated improvement from last season, and it is only the first game of the season!

Below is a video of Barcelona and their incredibly efficient style of passing and moving without the ball. Every player on their team is very gifted on the ball; however, the only really dribble the situation calls for it (i.e. when they have 1v1 chances and to get out of tight pressure). Otherwise, they try to use their teammates to maneuver around defenses. Take a look at the types of combinations they use that we are trying to work on in practices: give and gos, overlaps, getting the ball wide and crossing in front of the goal, and most of all, that killer pass to give a teammate a chance on goal.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLhKJt82GFo&feature=related

St. Patrick's Day Tournament Recap

Hi All,

I want to thank the parents and players for coming out and getting the spring season started in fun and exciting fashion! The players put in a solid effort each game. A memorable highlight from the weekend was the will and mental toughness the players demonstrated by coming back from 3-1 down early in the 2nd of half to win 4-3 in the second game. It was truly a team effort, and I think everyone should be proud of their performance.

Coach Ryan

U9 Alexandria Strikers Red vs. U9 VSA Heat

11/7/10

Long Park #2A

1:00 p.m.

We faced a tough VSA team this Sunday. They jumped on us early in the game, but we put in a few good goals of our own as well. I liked that we did not simply roll over, but clawed our way back and put them under pressure as well. I want to thank the parents and players for a great first season. I appreciate all the players' hard work and individual work to improve their skills. I look forward to seeing them progress and continue into their U9 Spring season.

Also, I want to give a special thanks to all the families for the very generous wedding gift. It will go a long way towards making our new "home" (as of next week!) more comfortable!

Coach Ryan