2001 Girl Knights 2013

Another comeback, but this time we didn’t give it back. Very strong play by our midfield and very determined forwards helped us come back from a 3-1 deficit. Solid defending by our full-backs in the second half kept us ahead at the end. Our players confidence in their passing is improving. Overall confidence in their skills is improving – they are believing that if they really want it and play like it, they get it.

The players are getting more determined, focused and confident. Our goals for the game were 1st to the ball and good defense. They delivered. We saw a few terrific passing plays and we kept the ball wide most of the time. It was good to try some players at unusual positions in the 2nd half – we got some great surprises out of that.

We had a good game on Thursday. Conservative and strong play by our Center Fullbacks allowed us to push up on the wings starting with the wide fullbacks. This enabled our Mids and Forwards to push up more comfortably and gave us good depth. Our players confidence has significantly increased in the last few weeks.

We learned very important lessons on our last game. I was very glad the girls paid attention and trusted me at half time when I told them I had no doubt we could have the game if we wanted because I knew what they are capable of but that it was up to them. We saw the results.

Then they learned they cannot slow down/get overconfident in soccer if we are to be successful they must always do their best because momentum can change very quickly if one does slow down (in hockey too – remember the Leafs…) There cannot be second gear when they are on the field.

Technically we had some challenges in the first half specially when our triangles were actually taking shape (we were concentrating on forming good supporting triangles) but they were often not the right size: either too tight – bunched up, or the opposite. Typically the opposite is better – spread out, but we have a challenge in that our players passing/kicking strength varies significantly among different players.

Glen and I have been working on formal assessments I will deliver over the next few practices. We need some extracurricular practice from some of our players so that their striking/passing gets stronger. It is hard for us to address at practice but we will try. I sent some info on summer camps or the can do it themselves with a ball and the park/backyard/a wall…

Having said we keep seeing improvement from all the players in many areas. I have been stricter at practices and I’ve told them why – we need to practice harder to get better and I don’t do them a favor if I allow anything but the best from them at any time. We must keep working hard patiently – if we do that I know the favorable scores will come because I know our players are capable of great success when they set their mind to it.

We have reserved a banquet room in the hotel for friday evening with some pizza and salads for those that arrive early and don’t want to worry about dinner. (The team is picking up this cost).

We have made reservations for the team on Saturday evening at Quaker Steak and Lube http://www.quakersteakandlube.com/erie_pa/ for 5:30pm. Our last game on Saturday ends at 3:45pm and it takes about 30 mins to get from the fields to the hotel. That should give everyone time to get cleaned up and then go have some food and drink. The restaurant is within walking distance 10 – 15 mins. (each family needs to pay their own here)

We have also arranged for a players/coaches breakfast sunday morning 7:30am in the Hotel. We would have preferred saturday morning however our first game is a little too early to accomodate that. This is a great experience for the girls to feel like a cohesive team enjoying the closed door team breakfast. (This is also picked up by the team) Unfortunately this not available for the parents.