U9 Alexandria Strikers Red vs. U9 SYC United Blue

10/24/10

Minnie Howard HS

1:30 p.m.

I thought that we came out a big sluggish in the first half but put in a better effort in the second half. For the greater part of the game, we did not appear to have a spark. We didn't seem to connect with each other on the field or show the willingness to really take defenders on in the offense end. I did not mind so much that we were not on our game today, but I was not pleased with our attitude towards our team defending. In many instances, I witnessed opponents get by our players and we did not want to track back and win the ball. Many times we would gave up and simply hoped the next person would stop the ball. We need to have the mentality that once we lose the ball, we instantly go into defensive mode. We'll be working on our transitions from offense to defense and vice versa this week.

Ryan

U9 Alexandria Strikers Red vs. U9 Stafford Revolution

10/17

Smith Lake Park

1:30 p.m.

We played a hard fought game today against a Stafford team with some speed and athleticism. We experienced some lulls, which they capitalized on for goals. However, we were able to work the ball and display some good finishing of our own in the second half. In the first half, I think we crowded the ball and the ball handler a bit too much. We got sucked out of positions and as one player on the sideline noticed, it looked like a "beehive". Good observations! In the second half, the game opened up a bit more so we had more space to play and get more meaningful combinations together. We worked on various moves and understanding when and when not to pass the ball when in possession. We showed glimpses of understanding, and I encourage the kids to think about what we worked on during practice and evaluate the team/individual game performance in terms of how successful we were in applying practice skills and concepts.

Coach Ryan

U9 Alexandria Strikers Red vs. U9 SYA Cardinals White

10/3/10

SYA Complex

1:30 p.m.

Today, we put together a good effort against which a team we found room to move the ball. Unfortunately, a lull in the second half saw us lose concentration and give up a few goals. I think are continuing to show improvement and are learning to play as a team. Improvement from game to game will not be a linear process due to the quality of opposition, field conditions, etc.; however, I do see continuous strides by players to make good decisions on the field and not revert to simply kicking the ball up the field. I'm proud that the players are trying to play good soccer; it will help them greatly in the long run. As the learn to adjust to making good passes and try to play out of pressure, there certainly will be mistakes. However, I applaud these attempts as signs of personal player development since they tried to use their teammates. I hope they continue to coalesce as a group and start to move the ball even better around the field.

Coach Ryan