Santos:
Here's a schedule for futsal. We may have guest players play with us from time to time. I have set these rosters myself so if you have any questions or concerns about them, please address them to me. Some players have 6 games others have 5. Those with 6 can expect a little more time in the goal.
If you have to change a game or an evaluation date, please let me know and I'll make the change.
Robert Briglia secured the Int'l School gym for our practices, but they added some requirements that were unrealistic for us to meet. Thanks for the effort, Robert. I will continue to look.
11/16:
[game already played] Maddie, Jillian, Avi, Annaliese, EVM, Sophia, MM, Mac
11/23:
Avi, Lena, MM, Mac, Jillian, Toni, Sierra, EVM
Evaluations: 30 minutes Before: MM
After Game: Mac
12/7:
EVM, Maddie, Jillian, Alison, Avi, Toni, Sophia, Annaliese
Evaluations: 30 minutes Before: Annaliese
After Game: Maddie
12/14:
Alison, Sierra, Maddie, Avi, Sophia, MM, Mac
Evaluations: 30 minutes Before: Alison
After Game: Avi
12/21:
Lena, Annaliese, Toni, EVM, MM, Maddie, Jillian Mac
Evaluations: 30 minutes Before: Toni
After Game: EVM
1/4:
Maddie, Annaliese, Toni, Jillian, Lena, Alison, Avi, Sierra
Evaluations: 30 minutes Before: Sierra
After Game: Jillian
1/10:
Lena, MM, Toni, Annaliese, Sophia, Alison, EVM, Mac:
Evaluations: 30 minutes Before: Sophia
After Game: Maddie
1/17:
Lena, Annaliese, Sierra, MM, Alison, Sophia, Jillian, EVM
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Player Evaluations
I will do individual player evaluations with each player during the futsal season. If you are not playing futsal, no problem, we will schedule some time later. Based on our futsal game rosters I will ask 2 to 3 players to show up early or stay late for each game. There is some space on the second floor where we can do the evaluations. I would like at least 10 minutes with each player and parents can join for an additional 5 to 10 minutes at the end if they wish. I will also hand out written evaluations at that time.
Sutton
Sutton
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Futsal and Winter Training
Santos:
Sorry to have been out of the loop, been a very busy week. As you know, we have 1 futsal team with a roster that has a few too many players. I don't think this will be much of an issue. We will have to make a roster with 8 or so players for each individual game. This means all players players will miss some games in order to have a manageable roster for each game.
The first step is for everyone to let me know as soon as you can which which games you CANNOT attend. Here's our schedule:
SUN 11/16/2008 11:20 AM West FC England v. OSA Santos
SUN 11/23/2008 5:50 PM West FC Italy v. OSA Santos
SUN 12/7/2008 5:50 PM West OSA Santos v. THUSC Platinum
SUN 12/14/2008 5:50 PM East OSA Santos v. ESUFC Coventry
SUN 12/21/2008 4:55 PM East OSA Santos v. OSA Explosion White
SUN 1/4/2009 5:50 PM East NEU Fusion v. OSA Santos
SAT 1/10/2009 7:45 PM West OSA Santos v. OSA Shock
SAT 1/17/2009 3:05 PM West OSA Explosion Red v. OSA Santos
Once we have everyone's schedule, I will put together weekly rosters. The first week, Lena will sit out and let her foot heal a little more. Anyone else want to take a break this weekend?
We are entered in U13, which, looking at the competition, is exactly where we belong. The U12 is made up of mostly weak teams and the U13 has some teams that appear to be at our level. This won't be a big step up for us.
I have also been trying to locate Gym space for training. Robert Briglia is looking into some space for us and we may have French American on Sunday afternoons. This is not ideal but the price for FAIS is right and we will make better use if it once Futsal has ended. Most of the gym space remaining is late (8:30 to 9:30). Please let me know if this is too late. I have contacted schools in the Beaverton School District as well as PPS. If you know of a school, public or private with Gym space available in the evenings, let me know and we can contact them.
Sutton
Sorry to have been out of the loop, been a very busy week. As you know, we have 1 futsal team with a roster that has a few too many players. I don't think this will be much of an issue. We will have to make a roster with 8 or so players for each individual game. This means all players players will miss some games in order to have a manageable roster for each game.
The first step is for everyone to let me know as soon as you can which which games you CANNOT attend. Here's our schedule:
SUN 11/16/2008 11:20 AM West FC England v. OSA Santos
SUN 11/23/2008 5:50 PM West FC Italy v. OSA Santos
SUN 12/7/2008 5:50 PM West OSA Santos v. THUSC Platinum
SUN 12/14/2008 5:50 PM East OSA Santos v. ESUFC Coventry
SUN 12/21/2008 4:55 PM East OSA Santos v. OSA Explosion White
SUN 1/4/2009 5:50 PM East NEU Fusion v. OSA Santos
SAT 1/10/2009 7:45 PM West OSA Santos v. OSA Shock
SAT 1/17/2009 3:05 PM West OSA Explosion Red v. OSA Santos
Once we have everyone's schedule, I will put together weekly rosters. The first week, Lena will sit out and let her foot heal a little more. Anyone else want to take a break this weekend?
We are entered in U13, which, looking at the competition, is exactly where we belong. The U12 is made up of mostly weak teams and the U13 has some teams that appear to be at our level. This won't be a big step up for us.
I have also been trying to locate Gym space for training. Robert Briglia is looking into some space for us and we may have French American on Sunday afternoons. This is not ideal but the price for FAIS is right and we will make better use if it once Futsal has ended. Most of the gym space remaining is late (8:30 to 9:30). Please let me know if this is too late. I have contacted schools in the Beaverton School District as well as PPS. If you know of a school, public or private with Gym space available in the evenings, let me know and we can contact them.
Sutton
Clackamas and RSVC Notes
Santos:
We had a tough weekend last weekend. The Clackamas game was not one of our best. It was rough and ragged. They wanted it more than we did. We also did not play with touch and tended to force the ball forward too often.
The RVSC game was tough because we lost it, but I think we actually gave a better effort as a team. Our work rate and speed was good and there were some good things on the field. We can be proud of that.
They took the game from us because they were stronger physically, but also a little stronger mentally. They played hard, physically, and never backed off. It's true that they are bigger then we are, but that is no excuse for us not to match them in terms of mental strength and toughness. We need to play with more resolve in the future.
Let's prepare ourselves for this weekend and the tournament and make it a great end to our outdoor season.
Sutton
We had a tough weekend last weekend. The Clackamas game was not one of our best. It was rough and ragged. They wanted it more than we did. We also did not play with touch and tended to force the ball forward too often.
The RVSC game was tough because we lost it, but I think we actually gave a better effort as a team. Our work rate and speed was good and there were some good things on the field. We can be proud of that.
They took the game from us because they were stronger physically, but also a little stronger mentally. They played hard, physically, and never backed off. It's true that they are bigger then we are, but that is no excuse for us not to match them in terms of mental strength and toughness. We need to play with more resolve in the future.
Let's prepare ourselves for this weekend and the tournament and make it a great end to our outdoor season.
Sutton
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Fuego and Milan Game Notes
Santos:
I was strongly tempted to write just one word here: "WOW!!!"
I'll just add that we did what we needed to do in every respect as a team this past weekend. We totally outworked both teams, especially the Fuego. We also did something we haven't done very much this year. We dominated play for 60 minutes of both games. Our focus and intensity didn't just last two halves; it lasted four halves.
We did beautifully and we did things we haven't done before. I was thrilled with and proud of our performance last weekend. It felt like a huge step forward. Let's have more of the same this weekend and prove again what kind of team we have become.
GO SANTOS!!!
I was strongly tempted to write just one word here: "WOW!!!"
I'll just add that we did what we needed to do in every respect as a team this past weekend. We totally outworked both teams, especially the Fuego. We also did something we haven't done very much this year. We dominated play for 60 minutes of both games. Our focus and intensity didn't just last two halves; it lasted four halves.
We did beautifully and we did things we haven't done before. I was thrilled with and proud of our performance last weekend. It felt like a huge step forward. Let's have more of the same this weekend and prove again what kind of team we have become.
GO SANTOS!!!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
EMFC Game Notes
The game against EMFC was a good one. Any shutout is a credit to the goal-keeping in both halves. And when we were challenged, as we were quite a bit in the first half with long shots and opportunistic offense from our opponents, our keeping was well up to the challenge.
Goal-scoring. We needed a good game against EMFC and we got one. The first 20 minutes of the game we dominated and got a splendid goal to show for it. Once again, we combined very well up front to create a scoring chance and finished with precision. We have done that a lot this fall and all the girls are starting to make it look easy, but believe me it isn't. It's very difficult, especially against a defense as tough as EMFC's. Stylish goals like these--we've seen them against Clackamas, Tottenham, Sherwood, Milan, and EMFC--show the hard work and mental focus that we have brought to practices and games this Fall. Remember whenever someone makes something look easy, they have worked incredibly hard to do it. I love it!
Dominating Midfield Play. Our mids had a dominant first half. When we win balls in the midfield and quickly transition into the attack with well placed passes and runs forward, we succeed as a team. Our midfield controlled the middle third of the field with physical play and hustle for most of the first half. This lead directly to our best chances on offense.
Success Based on Defense. The second half was great too. We didn't play our best in the midfield and forward lines offensively, but our defense was rock solid. While we controlled most of the first half, our opponents were able to take some dangerous shots from distance because we weren't applying defensive pressure soon enough. In the second half, we were on the defensive a lot, but EMFC actually had very few shots on goal. Our defenders really played tight and tough and we gave up almost no space to their attacking players. It was a great defensive performance and a great adjustment made by the team. Our midfielders also helped out too. Our sweeper play is great and really helping us succeed as a team (by the way, we have dropped the flat back four defensive style and are de-emphasizing zone play because it didn't suit us individually). Our outside backs are moving forward to win balls and break up the attack far up field. This is critical. And our central marking defender is playing great, running down breakaways, winning balls with strong tackling, and destroying their attack. Without good defense, we don't win many games. With it we are a different, very powerful, team.
Tactical Focus. Tactically, this week we are asking our forwards to collect and hold the ball around the midfield more, rather then getting the ball and every time taking off down field--although we want to do this too when we have good chances--so that our outside backs can move forward to make runs down the line and our mids can move up and connect with the offensive line. We are asking our offensive mids to play more centrally, so we are stronger in the middle of the field and so they can receive lay-off passes from the forwards and switch the point of attack or push balls through to running forwards or outside to overlapping backs. These mids must occasionally look for opportunities to overlap themselves and they must constantly look for chances to get layoff balls and shoot from distance. We are trying to get our outside backs to move up into the offensive on a regular basis and look for chances whenever we are on offense to give us balance on the weak side (away from the ball) of the field.
This weekend and next are critical. If we play our hardest and best we will be fine. But if we cant keep up our effort and concentration for a full 90 minutes, we'll be in trouble. Let's be at our absolute best for these last four games!
Goal-scoring. We needed a good game against EMFC and we got one. The first 20 minutes of the game we dominated and got a splendid goal to show for it. Once again, we combined very well up front to create a scoring chance and finished with precision. We have done that a lot this fall and all the girls are starting to make it look easy, but believe me it isn't. It's very difficult, especially against a defense as tough as EMFC's. Stylish goals like these--we've seen them against Clackamas, Tottenham, Sherwood, Milan, and EMFC--show the hard work and mental focus that we have brought to practices and games this Fall. Remember whenever someone makes something look easy, they have worked incredibly hard to do it. I love it!
Dominating Midfield Play. Our mids had a dominant first half. When we win balls in the midfield and quickly transition into the attack with well placed passes and runs forward, we succeed as a team. Our midfield controlled the middle third of the field with physical play and hustle for most of the first half. This lead directly to our best chances on offense.
Success Based on Defense. The second half was great too. We didn't play our best in the midfield and forward lines offensively, but our defense was rock solid. While we controlled most of the first half, our opponents were able to take some dangerous shots from distance because we weren't applying defensive pressure soon enough. In the second half, we were on the defensive a lot, but EMFC actually had very few shots on goal. Our defenders really played tight and tough and we gave up almost no space to their attacking players. It was a great defensive performance and a great adjustment made by the team. Our midfielders also helped out too. Our sweeper play is great and really helping us succeed as a team (by the way, we have dropped the flat back four defensive style and are de-emphasizing zone play because it didn't suit us individually). Our outside backs are moving forward to win balls and break up the attack far up field. This is critical. And our central marking defender is playing great, running down breakaways, winning balls with strong tackling, and destroying their attack. Without good defense, we don't win many games. With it we are a different, very powerful, team.
Tactical Focus. Tactically, this week we are asking our forwards to collect and hold the ball around the midfield more, rather then getting the ball and every time taking off down field--although we want to do this too when we have good chances--so that our outside backs can move forward to make runs down the line and our mids can move up and connect with the offensive line. We are asking our offensive mids to play more centrally, so we are stronger in the middle of the field and so they can receive lay-off passes from the forwards and switch the point of attack or push balls through to running forwards or outside to overlapping backs. These mids must occasionally look for opportunities to overlap themselves and they must constantly look for chances to get layoff balls and shoot from distance. We are trying to get our outside backs to move up into the offensive on a regular basis and look for chances whenever we are on offense to give us balance on the weak side (away from the ball) of the field.
This weekend and next are critical. If we play our hardest and best we will be fine. But if we cant keep up our effort and concentration for a full 90 minutes, we'll be in trouble. Let's be at our absolute best for these last four games!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Tottenham and Sherwood notes
Santos:
Last weekend had us in two hard-fought games that looked to me like mirror images. Against Sherwood, we started slowly and finished with an explosion of intensity and pressure and some really fine soccer. Against Tottenham we started very strong and lost our edge as the game progressed. We need to be able to start and finish games with intensity and intelligence, especially this Sunday against EMFC.
Looking Ahead. There are just five games left for us to play this season so we have to re-dedicate ourselves to hard work in practice and smart, strong, confident, and calm play in the games. A great end to the season will help the Santos next year during qualifying and would be an appropriate finish for a team like this that has worked so hard and come so far. I really think that we have earned--through hard work and real mental focus--a good strong finish. The Santos deserve good results as a team and as individual players. Let's make it happen!
Well Done! One thing that struck me about both games last weekend was how well the team executed our main goal for the weekend of combining well in the forward line staying connected between lines. The Santos have made improvements in our tactical understanding and ability to execute the tactical part of the game which is frankly a real surprise to me. I never expected us to be so adept so quickly at understanding and applying difficult tactical ideas. This is a VERY impressive group of players. We also had some outstanding individual efforts last weekend. Our holding midfield play was really superb in the first half and absolutely outstanding in the 2nd half against Sherwood and outstanding again in the first half against Tottenham. Our forwards were playing hard and smart against Sherwood, I can't think of a goal that was more truly earned than the one against Sherwood. It's hard to recall anything as elegant as the way we combined for and finished the goal against Tottenham. Our wing forwards were getting to every ball played near them in the first half against Tottenham. Obviously our keepers gave us everything we needed against Sherwood as did our back four, a great effort from the keepers and defenders. Our two center mids were distributing extremely well against Sherwood. Some really terrific stuff all around!
Struggles. What we continue to struggle with is our willingness and ability to attack the ball in the air. This hurt us especially against Tottenham when we were often first to the ball in the midfield, but weren't really committed to making solid contact with it, either with the head, chest, and even the feet. This was also true of our play on corners. I really think when the ball is in the air or bouncing around in front of our goal, almost every one of us is privately hoping that another teammate will step forward to take it. We have paid a steep price for this attitude in close games this year and we must overcome it. In fact until we do, we will never be able to compete consistently against Gold-level teams. We'll stay Silver.
Defending Corners and Clearing. When it comes to corner kicks, the first thing is to avoid giving them up. Throw-ins are always better than corners. We have to try harder to avoid them. Next, when defending them, because our ability to attack the ball needs improvement, we must give extra effort in marking and defending players. By leaving players open in front of the goal, we concede goals. Especially when we combine that with a lack of aggression in attacking the ball. At a more fundamental level, our clearing of the ball is still inconsistent. We often fail to make solid contact and produce, instead of a well-hit and solid clear, a little squib that ends up at the feet of our opponents. This is a technical problem and the coaches must take responsibility here because it is not something we have practiced at all and until we do we will have trouble.
We had a superb practice Wednesday and I know we are ready to go for Sunday.
Last weekend had us in two hard-fought games that looked to me like mirror images. Against Sherwood, we started slowly and finished with an explosion of intensity and pressure and some really fine soccer. Against Tottenham we started very strong and lost our edge as the game progressed. We need to be able to start and finish games with intensity and intelligence, especially this Sunday against EMFC.
Looking Ahead. There are just five games left for us to play this season so we have to re-dedicate ourselves to hard work in practice and smart, strong, confident, and calm play in the games. A great end to the season will help the Santos next year during qualifying and would be an appropriate finish for a team like this that has worked so hard and come so far. I really think that we have earned--through hard work and real mental focus--a good strong finish. The Santos deserve good results as a team and as individual players. Let's make it happen!
Well Done! One thing that struck me about both games last weekend was how well the team executed our main goal for the weekend of combining well in the forward line staying connected between lines. The Santos have made improvements in our tactical understanding and ability to execute the tactical part of the game which is frankly a real surprise to me. I never expected us to be so adept so quickly at understanding and applying difficult tactical ideas. This is a VERY impressive group of players. We also had some outstanding individual efforts last weekend. Our holding midfield play was really superb in the first half and absolutely outstanding in the 2nd half against Sherwood and outstanding again in the first half against Tottenham. Our forwards were playing hard and smart against Sherwood, I can't think of a goal that was more truly earned than the one against Sherwood. It's hard to recall anything as elegant as the way we combined for and finished the goal against Tottenham. Our wing forwards were getting to every ball played near them in the first half against Tottenham. Obviously our keepers gave us everything we needed against Sherwood as did our back four, a great effort from the keepers and defenders. Our two center mids were distributing extremely well against Sherwood. Some really terrific stuff all around!
Struggles. What we continue to struggle with is our willingness and ability to attack the ball in the air. This hurt us especially against Tottenham when we were often first to the ball in the midfield, but weren't really committed to making solid contact with it, either with the head, chest, and even the feet. This was also true of our play on corners. I really think when the ball is in the air or bouncing around in front of our goal, almost every one of us is privately hoping that another teammate will step forward to take it. We have paid a steep price for this attitude in close games this year and we must overcome it. In fact until we do, we will never be able to compete consistently against Gold-level teams. We'll stay Silver.
Defending Corners and Clearing. When it comes to corner kicks, the first thing is to avoid giving them up. Throw-ins are always better than corners. We have to try harder to avoid them. Next, when defending them, because our ability to attack the ball needs improvement, we must give extra effort in marking and defending players. By leaving players open in front of the goal, we concede goals. Especially when we combine that with a lack of aggression in attacking the ball. At a more fundamental level, our clearing of the ball is still inconsistent. We often fail to make solid contact and produce, instead of a well-hit and solid clear, a little squib that ends up at the feet of our opponents. This is a technical problem and the coaches must take responsibility here because it is not something we have practiced at all and until we do we will have trouble.
We had a superb practice Wednesday and I know we are ready to go for Sunday.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Bridlemile game notes and Practice Recap
Santos:
Last weekend's game against Bridlemile showed that we still have some important elements of our game to improve before we can be consistently successful on the field against strong teams.
The Fuego. By the way, it was nice to see that the Fuego have become a strong team. They have improved tremendously after what must have been a disappointing season to them last year. They were every bit our match last Sunday and we will have to be at our best when we next play them. No doubt that team has added several new strong players, but you can see that they are also working harder and playing together on the field far more than last year. We should draw inspiration from their improvement and likewise improve ourselves.
Our Difficulty. What we struggled with last weekend was creating scoring opportunities. While we didn't play poorly on offense, we didn't combine well in the final offensive third of the field. We were playing too far apart to do "give and goes" and use some of the tight space skills we have developed in practice. Our three forwards didn't combine well in the final third (although they did great in the middle third) and our midfield and forwards didn't combine often enough. PSU is a very large field where it's easy for our players to become isolated from each other, which is why we have to make the extra effort to play more closely together. This is hard because we want to spread out and use the field's width also. This is where our outside backs must push forward into the offense (one at a time) to give us the width we need in open space. This is critical and something we must have this coming weekend. We will need more attacking and aggressive play from the outside backs--this includes winning balls that are played up the line by our opponents.
Attacking Mids. Our two attacking midfielders will have to do a better job of supporting our forwards. Too often there was too great a gap between the midfield line and the forwards. We need attacking mids to overlap, look to score, as well as be available for layoff passes back from the offensive line.
Good News. Good news was that our back line was strong and well-organized in the last game. All four backs played well. We also got solid goal-keeping. We saw some excellent shot blocking which we now need to match with aggressive play off the line and more "sweeper-keeper" work.
Practice Recap. In case any of the parents are wondering what we are working on in practices over the last two weeks, we have been working on combination play in front of the goal, 3v3 small-sided games to develop skills and feeling for the game, 1 and 2 touch passing over distance and in close, controlling difficult-to-handle balls, heading, volleys, lofted passes and chips (in other words, playing the ball in the air) as well as finishing. We have worked less on tactics than skills and this may account for a little of the chaos we've seen on the field lately, but skills and individual playing ability is what matters in the long term. The girls have been really great in practice and are improving quickly. I've been really happy with practices and the effort and concentration put forth.
This coming weekend is a huge one for us, so let's be at our absolute best.
Go Santos!
Last weekend's game against Bridlemile showed that we still have some important elements of our game to improve before we can be consistently successful on the field against strong teams.
The Fuego. By the way, it was nice to see that the Fuego have become a strong team. They have improved tremendously after what must have been a disappointing season to them last year. They were every bit our match last Sunday and we will have to be at our best when we next play them. No doubt that team has added several new strong players, but you can see that they are also working harder and playing together on the field far more than last year. We should draw inspiration from their improvement and likewise improve ourselves.
Our Difficulty. What we struggled with last weekend was creating scoring opportunities. While we didn't play poorly on offense, we didn't combine well in the final offensive third of the field. We were playing too far apart to do "give and goes" and use some of the tight space skills we have developed in practice. Our three forwards didn't combine well in the final third (although they did great in the middle third) and our midfield and forwards didn't combine often enough. PSU is a very large field where it's easy for our players to become isolated from each other, which is why we have to make the extra effort to play more closely together. This is hard because we want to spread out and use the field's width also. This is where our outside backs must push forward into the offense (one at a time) to give us the width we need in open space. This is critical and something we must have this coming weekend. We will need more attacking and aggressive play from the outside backs--this includes winning balls that are played up the line by our opponents.
Attacking Mids. Our two attacking midfielders will have to do a better job of supporting our forwards. Too often there was too great a gap between the midfield line and the forwards. We need attacking mids to overlap, look to score, as well as be available for layoff passes back from the offensive line.
Good News. Good news was that our back line was strong and well-organized in the last game. All four backs played well. We also got solid goal-keeping. We saw some excellent shot blocking which we now need to match with aggressive play off the line and more "sweeper-keeper" work.
Practice Recap. In case any of the parents are wondering what we are working on in practices over the last two weeks, we have been working on combination play in front of the goal, 3v3 small-sided games to develop skills and feeling for the game, 1 and 2 touch passing over distance and in close, controlling difficult-to-handle balls, heading, volleys, lofted passes and chips (in other words, playing the ball in the air) as well as finishing. We have worked less on tactics than skills and this may account for a little of the chaos we've seen on the field lately, but skills and individual playing ability is what matters in the long term. The girls have been really great in practice and are improving quickly. I've been really happy with practices and the effort and concentration put forth.
This coming weekend is a huge one for us, so let's be at our absolute best.
Go Santos!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
A Big Thank You
Santos:
I really appreciate your generosity in paying for my room and board this weekend. It was very kind indeed. Thank you.
Thanks to the parents for making the trip and for their positive encouragement and support.
Let's all thank Stephanie for arranging accommodations. The hotel was ideal. Kevin Laurila's extremely generous gift of the T-shirts was above and beyond. The inspiration, design, "get it done" attitude, and let's not forget the payment were all Kevin's.
Thanks Kevin and great job on the "T's"!
While we're at it...thanks Gracie for sharing your birthday with us (and the spectacular birthday cake)! And we should all thank Renae for all she does which is more than you (and I) know.
What lucky soccer players to have such parents.
Sutton
I really appreciate your generosity in paying for my room and board this weekend. It was very kind indeed. Thank you.
Thanks to the parents for making the trip and for their positive encouragement and support.
Let's all thank Stephanie for arranging accommodations. The hotel was ideal. Kevin Laurila's extremely generous gift of the T-shirts was above and beyond. The inspiration, design, "get it done" attitude, and let's not forget the payment were all Kevin's.
Thanks Kevin and great job on the "T's"!
While we're at it...thanks Gracie for sharing your birthday with us (and the spectacular birthday cake)! And we should all thank Renae for all she does which is more than you (and I) know.
What lucky soccer players to have such parents.
Sutton
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Juggling Sheets
I'd like juggling sheets from all the girls. You can either send them to me as an email listing how many juggles you did or hand me the sheets at practice. So far I only have them from Maddie And Emma V-M. I intend to graph individual player progress as well as team progress. Thanks
Last Weekend Game Notes
Tottenham: Great weekend of soccer again for us. I think we played very well and hard against Tottenham. We worked harder then they did and were more dangerous in the attack. But they did a lot of good things on the field themselves and managed to steal three goals, despite what I thought was a very good game from our backline and keepers. Hats off to them.
Our midfield was great and really worked hard covering tons of ground, passing well, and fighting hard physically to win possession of the ball. Our forwards passed the ball very accurately and unselfishly thereby creating chances which we finished very efficiently. I'm happy with the team's progress.
AC Milan: The Milan game was quite different. We controlled the game in the second half completely and were able to knock in a goal by following up a dropped ball by the keeper. This is a GREAT way to score goals. We have given up many important goals this way ourselves (2 against the Explosion alone). To win a game by following a shot was a sure sign that we are maturing, becoming more alert and focused on the field. Remember, scoring goals by taking advantage of balls bouncing around in front of our opponent's net will get us very far (remember Sherwood?).
The best thing about the Milan game was that we had many players that were exhausted--physically, mentally, or both--from Saturday's game but were still able to give us enough juice to win it. A job well done by everyone AGAIN.
Things to work on... We still need more pressure up front by our forwards. Tottenham was very effective at applying forward pressure on our backs because they applied pressure without "diving-in" and over-committing. They ran to our defender with the ball and stood in front of that defender, moving from side-to-side to follow any lateral movement made by our player. Most often we just kicked the ball into them because they're positioning was so good and they were so patient. They often won possession back this way or forced us into a goal kick. They applied the kind of pressure on us that we wanted to apply against them and they did it with just a single player on the ball, when we wanted to do it with two or three. We need to learn from this and be more consistent in applying forward pressure, and not diving-in when we do.
A final note: I'm really proud of the Santos for maintaining their sense of fair play and sportsmanship so far through this year. Its not something we've talked much about, but it is very important. And the fact that our girls play fairly and honestly every game says something good about their character. Play strong, stronger than our opponents, but play fair. That's what the Santos have done.
Our midfield was great and really worked hard covering tons of ground, passing well, and fighting hard physically to win possession of the ball. Our forwards passed the ball very accurately and unselfishly thereby creating chances which we finished very efficiently. I'm happy with the team's progress.
AC Milan: The Milan game was quite different. We controlled the game in the second half completely and were able to knock in a goal by following up a dropped ball by the keeper. This is a GREAT way to score goals. We have given up many important goals this way ourselves (2 against the Explosion alone). To win a game by following a shot was a sure sign that we are maturing, becoming more alert and focused on the field. Remember, scoring goals by taking advantage of balls bouncing around in front of our opponent's net will get us very far (remember Sherwood?).
The best thing about the Milan game was that we had many players that were exhausted--physically, mentally, or both--from Saturday's game but were still able to give us enough juice to win it. A job well done by everyone AGAIN.
Things to work on... We still need more pressure up front by our forwards. Tottenham was very effective at applying forward pressure on our backs because they applied pressure without "diving-in" and over-committing. They ran to our defender with the ball and stood in front of that defender, moving from side-to-side to follow any lateral movement made by our player. Most often we just kicked the ball into them because they're positioning was so good and they were so patient. They often won possession back this way or forced us into a goal kick. They applied the kind of pressure on us that we wanted to apply against them and they did it with just a single player on the ball, when we wanted to do it with two or three. We need to learn from this and be more consistent in applying forward pressure, and not diving-in when we do.
A final note: I'm really proud of the Santos for maintaining their sense of fair play and sportsmanship so far through this year. Its not something we've talked much about, but it is very important. And the fact that our girls play fairly and honestly every game says something good about their character. Play strong, stronger than our opponents, but play fair. That's what the Santos have done.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Juggling Contest
Download this document and start recording your juggles. Details are here. Good Luck!
Notes on Clackamas and EMFC
It was a good weekend for the Santos. The game against a very strong Clackamas team showed what we are capable of as a team. The EMFC game wasn't bad either. They are quite strong and to control the game as I thought we did in the second half on their home field was encouraging.
Our new system of play suits our players well. It helped us create many opportunities in both games. We finished in front of the goal well in the first, not so well in the second. Nevertheless, as we continue to create chances to score we will convert more of those chances and when we do, we will look more like last Saturday's team than last Sunday's. We're certainly headed in the right direction.
We moved the ball very well on Saturday and played creatively and skillfully. But I really believe that we also overwhelmed Clackamas with effort and intensity. We won almost every contested ball. We took balls away from them. We always seemed to get to the ball first. They just could not keep up.
If we do the same against Eastside Tottenham, no doubt our toughest opponent in Silver, they won't be able to stop us, and we will prove that we can defeat teams at Oregon's highest level.
There are some things that we need to improve. This was apparent especially Sunday. Our defense is playing great right now and this is a very welcome improvement. Now our forwards need to be more consistent in taking up positions IN FRONT of the opponent's defense when the ball is in front of our goal and we are trying to clear it. Coach Keith has been very clear since May about the need for us to do this and sure enough, when we don't and we have trouble getting the ball out of our half of the field, our opponents score. Their defenders are able to easily knock the ball back into our defensive third because they are unchallenged by our forwards. Some of our attackers do this well others not at all. We need everyone to do it.
Our goalkeeping in both games was good but showed areas in need of improvement. We need to be more aggressive coming out to handle crosses, especially from corner kicks and we must be able to make saves on balls played high in the air just as well as we make them on the ground.
Our mids played especially well in both games but need to play together more. The two attacking center mids especially need to work more closely with one another and better balance their offensive and defensive responsibilities.
Our attacking players were great, especially against Clackamas; what's next for them is to make more runs away from the ball to draw defensive players with them and create space in front of the goal. We need to make runs to both the near and far post and we need those runs to criss-cross in order to be a little more tricky and confuse the defense.
Overall... great work through a great weekend of soccer for the Santos! Let's see even more improvement when we face Eastside!
Our new system of play suits our players well. It helped us create many opportunities in both games. We finished in front of the goal well in the first, not so well in the second. Nevertheless, as we continue to create chances to score we will convert more of those chances and when we do, we will look more like last Saturday's team than last Sunday's. We're certainly headed in the right direction.
We moved the ball very well on Saturday and played creatively and skillfully. But I really believe that we also overwhelmed Clackamas with effort and intensity. We won almost every contested ball. We took balls away from them. We always seemed to get to the ball first. They just could not keep up.
If we do the same against Eastside Tottenham, no doubt our toughest opponent in Silver, they won't be able to stop us, and we will prove that we can defeat teams at Oregon's highest level.
There are some things that we need to improve. This was apparent especially Sunday. Our defense is playing great right now and this is a very welcome improvement. Now our forwards need to be more consistent in taking up positions IN FRONT of the opponent's defense when the ball is in front of our goal and we are trying to clear it. Coach Keith has been very clear since May about the need for us to do this and sure enough, when we don't and we have trouble getting the ball out of our half of the field, our opponents score. Their defenders are able to easily knock the ball back into our defensive third because they are unchallenged by our forwards. Some of our attackers do this well others not at all. We need everyone to do it.
Our goalkeeping in both games was good but showed areas in need of improvement. We need to be more aggressive coming out to handle crosses, especially from corner kicks and we must be able to make saves on balls played high in the air just as well as we make them on the ground.
Our mids played especially well in both games but need to play together more. The two attacking center mids especially need to work more closely with one another and better balance their offensive and defensive responsibilities.
Our attacking players were great, especially against Clackamas; what's next for them is to make more runs away from the ball to draw defensive players with them and create space in front of the goal. We need to make runs to both the near and far post and we need those runs to criss-cross in order to be a little more tricky and confuse the defense.
Overall... great work through a great weekend of soccer for the Santos! Let's see even more improvement when we face Eastside!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Sherwood Game Notes
Santos:
Sunday's game was possibly our best effort yet as a team. What we didn't do well in the first half--playing tentatively in front of our opponent's goal--we improved dramatically in the second. In fact, aggressive, hustling play by our front line and midfield was the reason for our goal.
Other than that, I think we had a very good game in most every respect. We passed the ball well, used the width of the field well, played good team defense (as well as some of the best individual defense we've seen this year), distributed the ball out of the back extremely well, played aggressively and effectively in the goal. Our outside midfield play was superb and for the first time, we crossed the ball beautifully and our runs in front of the goal by offensive players allowed them to get inside their defenders (that is between their defender and the ball) and repeatedly put their feet or heads on those crossed balls. This was something new and very significant for us as a team. We also had some very effective one-touch play between forwards.
Obviously we didn't finish as well as we could have, but the truth is that we didn't get all that many clean looks to shoot on goal. We still must look to shoot much earlier and much more often then we did against Sherwood. We will work on one touch shooting and on shooting from distance in practice. Our players who strike the ball well must look to shoot more often and from a greater distance then we currently do.
All and all a very good effort. Kudos to the Santos for starting the season so favorably. Let's all pray for or remember the girls who are sick or injured so that they can join us again soon. We certainly miss them on the field and will be that much better when they can join us.
Sunday's game was possibly our best effort yet as a team. What we didn't do well in the first half--playing tentatively in front of our opponent's goal--we improved dramatically in the second. In fact, aggressive, hustling play by our front line and midfield was the reason for our goal.
Other than that, I think we had a very good game in most every respect. We passed the ball well, used the width of the field well, played good team defense (as well as some of the best individual defense we've seen this year), distributed the ball out of the back extremely well, played aggressively and effectively in the goal. Our outside midfield play was superb and for the first time, we crossed the ball beautifully and our runs in front of the goal by offensive players allowed them to get inside their defenders (that is between their defender and the ball) and repeatedly put their feet or heads on those crossed balls. This was something new and very significant for us as a team. We also had some very effective one-touch play between forwards.
Obviously we didn't finish as well as we could have, but the truth is that we didn't get all that many clean looks to shoot on goal. We still must look to shoot much earlier and much more often then we did against Sherwood. We will work on one touch shooting and on shooting from distance in practice. Our players who strike the ball well must look to shoot more often and from a greater distance then we currently do.
All and all a very good effort. Kudos to the Santos for starting the season so favorably. Let's all pray for or remember the girls who are sick or injured so that they can join us again soon. We certainly miss them on the field and will be that much better when they can join us.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
What's Ahead
Santos:
Welcome back to soccer. We start this Sunday with a game at Sherwood--a team that the Santos have never defeated. They beat us twice last season. Let's put an end to that streak this weekend and show them who we are now as a team.
As far as practices, I cannot arrive before 5:25 on Thursdays. On Tuesdays I will plan to be there from 5PM, if possible I'd like players to arrive by then or a little afterward. We will continue SAQ's at that time. We may also work on juggling and play some games (like the numbers game) as well. This is of course optional.
From October, we will practice Wednesday evenings instead of Thursday. At that time we will look at the schedule again to see whether we want to do SAQ's on Wednesday as well as Tuesday.
Goals
Russell has been working on a system for the girls to set personal goals and record their progress toward achieving them. He has pushed the idea of goal-setting, and I think he's right on target. Stay tuned for more on that.
Development
We are going to return to practices which emphasize individual player development over team tactics. I think the girls understand our basic scheme, and the best way for us to improve as a team is for them to become more competent individually. This will mean skills and small-side games. I have attached an image of our terms 5 and 6 from the development roadmap. This captures a lot of what we will be working on as a team, although it isn't perfectly accurate.
System of Play
Bernie has a vision for a system of play that is a little different than the one we have used. We will begin to adopt this system gradually during the season. It is a 4-3-3 system. That is 4 backs, 3 mids, and 3 forwards.
The hallmarks of the system are...
(1) The outside backs have strong attacking responsibilities (like the women's Portland Pilots teams, especially Jessica Tsao, an OES grad and former FC Portland standout).
(2) The central mid is a holding mid with many defensive responsibilities but must be able to distribute the ball well to get our offense started.
(3) The other two mids play kind of center-right and center-left positions in front of the holding mid. They have a lot of responsibility on both sides of the ball, and give a kind of dual central mid feel to the team. They are play-makers who leave space on the sides of the field open for the outside backs to move up and in to the offense.
(4) Attacking players provide constant and intense pressure on the ball. Having three attackers means that we should always have at least two players pressuring defenders when they have the ball at their feet. The central attacker will probably play ahead of the two outside attackers and will be responsible for a lot of pressure on the defense.
This is a good system but one which requires a little more tactical awareness then we are used to. Hence our gradual approach to adopting it.
I'm looking forward to an excellent season and I have high expectations for this group of very fine players.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Timbers game Sept 4th
The final club night at the Timbers is this Thursday Sept 4th. Does anyone want to go after practice? Abby and I will plan to go so we can take up to 5 girls from practice to the game if needed. Comment if you want to come and if you need a ride. It will be a great chance to get back in soccer mode after the break!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The PQT
Santos:
Congratulations to the players on a great effort during the qualifying rounds. As a team, our goal was to make Premier Gold, and we fell a little short. This is something we must face. The reasons why are, I think, clear. First, apart from anything else, the goal was a very difficult one to achieve.
Second, the goal required everyone on the team make an extra commitment of time and effort, more than was expected of any other team of players at OSA. Because we did not, as a team, do the second, the first put our goal out of reach. Is that a terrible thing? No.
We have a team full of players and coaches with many interesting opportunities in our lives outside of soccer. Activities and family pull us in different directions and give us many wonderful experiences. This is a marvelous blessing. And one for which we should all give thanks. Silver is a perfectly good level for us to compete and there is no shame in it. In fact I am very proud of the way we competed in the qualifying rounds, proud of the our players. When on the field, we played very hard--in both games and practices. However, life presents us with very few unmixed blessings. To have one good thing, you usually have to give up another. Most special successes, especially in competition, come with sacrifice and extra work. This is a good thing to remember as we move into the second part of our season.
The PQT
There was a lot of good in our two PQT games and in most of the QT games as well. I think we played harder than our opponents in the PQT. There was very little difference in quality, although just enough, between us and the Explosion. And we flat dominated the match against the Xpress. In both cases our ability to compete well was due to our effort. There is no better way to succeed on the field than by outworking our opponents. The fact that we did in our most important two games of the summer says a lot about our players. Well done Santos!
Other areas of success...
Speed of play. Our slow speed of play in Beaverton hurt us. As a team we practiced play under intense pressure and focused on speed of ball movement. This was to prepare us for opponents like the Explosion. Our play was much faster over the past two weekends. Our handling of pressure on the ball was much improved.
Playing as a team.
We played unselfishly. Our sharing of the ball and willingness to play different positions was nearly perfect. We supported each other as a great team must.
Running off the ball. Another area of vast improvement. This enabled us to play the ball more quickly because we had players in position to support teammates with the ball. There is still much to improve in this area, but we are half-way home.
Goal-keeping.
Our keepers played more aggressively and came off their line to take balls away from threatening opponents much better than they had previously done and this helped enormously.
Defensive Clearances
This was a real area of improvement. I don't recall giving away any goals off of bad clears. We still had a couple bad clears, but our back four made great strides in this area and were even linking up directly with our forwards with some strong passing out of the back.
These were impressive gains made as a team that give me a lot of confidence in our players and their ability to make quick and significant improvements in difficult tactical areas.
Stay tuned to this Blog in the coming days for a discussion of plans during our time off and for the upcoming season.
Congratulations to the players on a great effort during the qualifying rounds. As a team, our goal was to make Premier Gold, and we fell a little short. This is something we must face. The reasons why are, I think, clear. First, apart from anything else, the goal was a very difficult one to achieve.
Second, the goal required everyone on the team make an extra commitment of time and effort, more than was expected of any other team of players at OSA. Because we did not, as a team, do the second, the first put our goal out of reach. Is that a terrible thing? No.
We have a team full of players and coaches with many interesting opportunities in our lives outside of soccer. Activities and family pull us in different directions and give us many wonderful experiences. This is a marvelous blessing. And one for which we should all give thanks. Silver is a perfectly good level for us to compete and there is no shame in it. In fact I am very proud of the way we competed in the qualifying rounds, proud of the our players. When on the field, we played very hard--in both games and practices. However, life presents us with very few unmixed blessings. To have one good thing, you usually have to give up another. Most special successes, especially in competition, come with sacrifice and extra work. This is a good thing to remember as we move into the second part of our season.
The PQT
There was a lot of good in our two PQT games and in most of the QT games as well. I think we played harder than our opponents in the PQT. There was very little difference in quality, although just enough, between us and the Explosion. And we flat dominated the match against the Xpress. In both cases our ability to compete well was due to our effort. There is no better way to succeed on the field than by outworking our opponents. The fact that we did in our most important two games of the summer says a lot about our players. Well done Santos!
Other areas of success...
Speed of play. Our slow speed of play in Beaverton hurt us. As a team we practiced play under intense pressure and focused on speed of ball movement. This was to prepare us for opponents like the Explosion. Our play was much faster over the past two weekends. Our handling of pressure on the ball was much improved.
Playing as a team.
We played unselfishly. Our sharing of the ball and willingness to play different positions was nearly perfect. We supported each other as a great team must.
Running off the ball. Another area of vast improvement. This enabled us to play the ball more quickly because we had players in position to support teammates with the ball. There is still much to improve in this area, but we are half-way home.
Goal-keeping.
Our keepers played more aggressively and came off their line to take balls away from threatening opponents much better than they had previously done and this helped enormously.
Defensive Clearances
This was a real area of improvement. I don't recall giving away any goals off of bad clears. We still had a couple bad clears, but our back four made great strides in this area and were even linking up directly with our forwards with some strong passing out of the back.
These were impressive gains made as a team that give me a lot of confidence in our players and their ability to make quick and significant improvements in difficult tactical areas.
Stay tuned to this Blog in the coming days for a discussion of plans during our time off and for the upcoming season.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Qualifying Notes
Santos:
We performed well in the QT games. I think we played hard almost every game and we did many of the things we had hoped to do on the field. We will have to be even better this coming weekend. For these games, we will have to be at our best. Our substitution pattern may be a little less inclusive for these two games, as I think we need to produce the best results possible. I think it would be great for us to qualify for Gold, but the more games we play against top-tier competition, the more I realize that Silver is not a bad place for us either. Not because we aren't good enough, but because we need more time together as a team. Summer is never a good time for a team to gel and many teams that we are now competing with have been together for over a year. Virtually every team has improved dramatically so the competition is tough. We must compete as hard as we can against the Explosion to get points and we must defeat the Xpress. To do both, practice this week must be as good as we can make it.
Here's the PQT Schedule:
Friday 2:30 PM Keizer Field 3 V Explosion
Saturday 10:00 AM Keizer Field 4 V LOSC Xpress
Fields are at Whiteaker MS 1605 Lockhaven Dr NE, Keizer, OR
Go Santos!
We performed well in the QT games. I think we played hard almost every game and we did many of the things we had hoped to do on the field. We will have to be even better this coming weekend. For these games, we will have to be at our best. Our substitution pattern may be a little less inclusive for these two games, as I think we need to produce the best results possible. I think it would be great for us to qualify for Gold, but the more games we play against top-tier competition, the more I realize that Silver is not a bad place for us either. Not because we aren't good enough, but because we need more time together as a team. Summer is never a good time for a team to gel and many teams that we are now competing with have been together for over a year. Virtually every team has improved dramatically so the competition is tough. We must compete as hard as we can against the Explosion to get points and we must defeat the Xpress. To do both, practice this week must be as good as we can make it.
Here's the PQT Schedule:
Friday 2:30 PM Keizer Field 3 V Explosion
Saturday 10:00 AM Keizer Field 4 V LOSC Xpress
Fields are at Whiteaker MS 1605 Lockhaven Dr NE, Keizer, OR
Go Santos!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Shirt Design Questions....
Hey All,
Here is the possible design and shirt look.
Option 1: Small logo on front only
Option 2: Large logo on back only
Option 3: Sm logo on front/Lg logo on back
You can get an idea of how it would look on a Red shirt by clicking:
SantosShirt
Let me know your thoughts,
Kevin
The web quote is as follows:
Here is the possible design and shirt look.
Option 1: Small logo on front only
Option 2: Large logo on back only
Option 3: Sm logo on front/Lg logo on back
You can get an idea of how it would look on a Red shirt by clicking:
SantosShirt
Let me know your thoughts,
Kevin
The web quote is as follows:
All-Inclusive Price:
$11.57 each | $277.68 total
Standard 2-week delivery (free!)
Order today, delivered by 08/21/2008
Rush 1-week delivery (add 25%)
Order today, delivered by 08/14/2008
Gildan Ultra Cotton T - Red
Screenprinting: 1 Color Front, 1 Color Back
Quantity: 24 (5 YM, 5 YL, 6 YXL, 4 L, 4 XL)
Monday, August 4, 2008
Notes on the Tournament in Salem
Santos:
We had a great tournament this past weekend in Salem. From the first game through the last there was a lot for our players to take pride in. We did a far better job of running off the ball and playing a more controlled style of soccer than in Beaverton.
All of our lines showed improvement, especially the forward line with the help of our outside midfielders who were able to contribute important goals as well as some fine passing. Our gains offensively were impressive. The biggest improvement was our intensity and our ability to start games with focus and passion. This was true of all lines from the keeper to the forwards. Our players really took it upon themselves to change their attitude and boy did they! Bravo!
However…we still have some work to do. We mysteriously lost our mental focus in the second half of the final game. When this happened, we became the unfortunate Santos that played in the Beaverton Cup rather than the improved version of the Santos. While we played with intensity throughout--a great thing--our style of play slumped backward and again became a game of kicking the ball hard without direction or control, playing it off the ground, and taking too many touches individually. This step backward cost us a championship that we had as much right to win as our opponents. The Timbers were a better team in the second half because they kept their concentration and played unselfishly. We did not.
Fortunately, we did play nine other halves (through five games) of inspired soccer and for that we can be proud and optimistic about our chances this coming weekend in Canby. Let’s prepare ourselves this week as well as we can for the QT.
Go Santos!
We had a great tournament this past weekend in Salem. From the first game through the last there was a lot for our players to take pride in. We did a far better job of running off the ball and playing a more controlled style of soccer than in Beaverton.
All of our lines showed improvement, especially the forward line with the help of our outside midfielders who were able to contribute important goals as well as some fine passing. Our gains offensively were impressive. The biggest improvement was our intensity and our ability to start games with focus and passion. This was true of all lines from the keeper to the forwards. Our players really took it upon themselves to change their attitude and boy did they! Bravo!
However…we still have some work to do. We mysteriously lost our mental focus in the second half of the final game. When this happened, we became the unfortunate Santos that played in the Beaverton Cup rather than the improved version of the Santos. While we played with intensity throughout--a great thing--our style of play slumped backward and again became a game of kicking the ball hard without direction or control, playing it off the ground, and taking too many touches individually. This step backward cost us a championship that we had as much right to win as our opponents. The Timbers were a better team in the second half because they kept their concentration and played unselfishly. We did not.
Fortunately, we did play nine other halves (through five games) of inspired soccer and for that we can be proud and optimistic about our chances this coming weekend in Canby. Let’s prepare ourselves this week as well as we can for the QT.
Go Santos!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Team Logo - Update
Hey Santos Fans,
The voting for the logos was:
#1 with 6 votes... Flaming Ball
#2 with 4 votes... Santos Crest
#3 with 1 vote... Santos Crown
( 5 players didn't vote )
So I have taken the Flaming Ball logo and made two version.
Please vote #1 or #2.
Logo 1
(The image of the ball requires a $249 fee)
Logo 2
(The image of the ball requires a $14 fee)
It takes about 14 days to get shirts made.
The voting for the logos was:
#1 with 6 votes... Flaming Ball
#2 with 4 votes... Santos Crest
#3 with 1 vote... Santos Crown
( 5 players didn't vote )
So I have taken the Flaming Ball logo and made two version.
Please vote #1 or #2.
Logo 1
(The image of the ball requires a $249 fee)
Logo 2
(The image of the ball requires a $14 fee)
It takes about 14 days to get shirts made.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Support Maddie, Sophia, and Abby on the Ride to Fight Diabetes
Santos:
Just a quick reminder that Maddie's Riders go THIS SATURDAY and it's not too late to support Maddie, Abby, and Sophia who are all riding in the Summit to Surf bicycling event to benefit the American Diabetes Association. They all need sponsors. Here's the page about Maddie's team:
http://www.maddiesriders.com/about.htm.
Here's where you can donate by sponsoring one or all of our Santos:
http://www.maddiesriders.com/Donate.htm
Every year we lose more than 210,000 people to diabetes--more than AIDS and Breast Cancer combined. Recently progress has been made in preventing and curing this disease, but it's not enough. The disease still has the upper hand. Please support Maddie, Abby, Sophia and their families for their ride this weekend and let's team up to help all those fighting this disease get closer to the goal of prevention and cure.
Just a quick reminder that Maddie's Riders go THIS SATURDAY and it's not too late to support Maddie, Abby, and Sophia who are all riding in the Summit to Surf bicycling event to benefit the American Diabetes Association. They all need sponsors. Here's the page about Maddie's team:
http://www.maddiesriders.com/about.htm.
Here's where you can donate by sponsoring one or all of our Santos:
http://www.maddiesriders.com/Donate.htm
Every year we lose more than 210,000 people to diabetes--more than AIDS and Breast Cancer combined. Recently progress has been made in preventing and curing this disease, but it's not enough. The disease still has the upper hand. Please support Maddie, Abby, Sophia and their families for their ride this weekend and let's team up to help all those fighting this disease get closer to the goal of prevention and cure.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Notes on the Tournament
I'd like for the players to be sure and read this message.
The Beaverton Cup was tough. It was our first look at Gold-level competition in a tournament and I think the difference was plain. After Sunday's game we talked about some of the positive performances on the field and how we might build on them. Now, in order to improve, we must face our shortcomings and ask some hard questions of ourselves.
Each of us, coaches included, must ask: What can I do to improve? and How can I help the team be more successful? It is important to consider these questions carefully before trying to answer them. Try to recall the things we have been practicing and talking about during practice. Think about what it takes to compete against the best teams. I expect to hear your answers. I also expect to hear how you intend to do what you need in order to help us improve. You can comment here if you like. In the meantime, here is where I think we need work:
1. Running off the ball. We didn't run off the ball enough and it was the most important reason we played poorly. We ended up kicking the ball as hard as we could without much thought about where it might land. This was mainly because we had no players open to receive passes. When players did make runs, they didn't receive passes because we held the ball too long and this discouraged them from making more runs.
We were not creating space by making runs to draw away defenders. We were not moving to receive passes in an open position. We were simply left to kick the ball hard and hope for the best. It was ugly.
2. Asserting ourselves. We reacted to what our opponents did. They pressured us and we kicked the ball away. They received passes and only then did we begin to defend. They controlled 50/50 balls and only then did we try to win those balls. We have to turn this upside down and force a reaction from our opponents, not the other way around. We have to assert ourselves.
3. Defense. Errors in the back line and among goalkeepers cost us. We held the ball too long in the first game then often failed to make simple clearances in the succeeding games.
4. Techniques and Skills, field players need to improve their ability to control the ball quickly on the ground and in the air. We will work more on this in practice. Keepers must improve their diving so they are as comfortable diving left as right, their distribution, and their timing on high balls. All players can practice these things, controlling the ball and goalkeeping, at home and they should.
5. Coaching. Coaches need to better prepare players for 11v11 games on large fields, especially attacking and midfield responsibilities. Coaches must also work harder to build confidence and better set the team up for success in the first 10 minutes of each game.
There were good things on the field so we should gain confidence from the fact that we can easily compete with these teams if we play to our potential. Also Keith, Russell, and I got a lot of great information about team weaknesses and strengths that will help us do a better job of preparing the team (where there is a lot of room for improvement) for future games. If we do all this stuff and we do what the players themselves identify as needing improvement, but most importantly if we work harder and put the team before ourselves as individuals, we can beat every team we played this past weekend. We already have the ability, but--as we learned in Beaverton--ability is far from enough.
The Beaverton Cup was tough. It was our first look at Gold-level competition in a tournament and I think the difference was plain. After Sunday's game we talked about some of the positive performances on the field and how we might build on them. Now, in order to improve, we must face our shortcomings and ask some hard questions of ourselves.
Each of us, coaches included, must ask: What can I do to improve? and How can I help the team be more successful? It is important to consider these questions carefully before trying to answer them. Try to recall the things we have been practicing and talking about during practice. Think about what it takes to compete against the best teams. I expect to hear your answers. I also expect to hear how you intend to do what you need in order to help us improve. You can comment here if you like. In the meantime, here is where I think we need work:
1. Running off the ball. We didn't run off the ball enough and it was the most important reason we played poorly. We ended up kicking the ball as hard as we could without much thought about where it might land. This was mainly because we had no players open to receive passes. When players did make runs, they didn't receive passes because we held the ball too long and this discouraged them from making more runs.
We were not creating space by making runs to draw away defenders. We were not moving to receive passes in an open position. We were simply left to kick the ball hard and hope for the best. It was ugly.
2. Asserting ourselves. We reacted to what our opponents did. They pressured us and we kicked the ball away. They received passes and only then did we begin to defend. They controlled 50/50 balls and only then did we try to win those balls. We have to turn this upside down and force a reaction from our opponents, not the other way around. We have to assert ourselves.
3. Defense. Errors in the back line and among goalkeepers cost us. We held the ball too long in the first game then often failed to make simple clearances in the succeeding games.
4. Techniques and Skills, field players need to improve their ability to control the ball quickly on the ground and in the air. We will work more on this in practice. Keepers must improve their diving so they are as comfortable diving left as right, their distribution, and their timing on high balls. All players can practice these things, controlling the ball and goalkeeping, at home and they should.
5. Coaching. Coaches need to better prepare players for 11v11 games on large fields, especially attacking and midfield responsibilities. Coaches must also work harder to build confidence and better set the team up for success in the first 10 minutes of each game.
There were good things on the field so we should gain confidence from the fact that we can easily compete with these teams if we play to our potential. Also Keith, Russell, and I got a lot of great information about team weaknesses and strengths that will help us do a better job of preparing the team (where there is a lot of room for improvement) for future games. If we do all this stuff and we do what the players themselves identify as needing improvement, but most importantly if we work harder and put the team before ourselves as individuals, we can beat every team we played this past weekend. We already have the ability, but--as we learned in Beaverton--ability is far from enough.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
U-12 Girls 8 teams – 2 four team groups will play a 3 game round robin. The top two finishers will advance to semis and finals.
CFC Rapid Cascade FC
CPSC Timbers 96 Red Columbia Premier Soccer Club
MYSA Mac Attack MYSA
Blackout Bridlemile Soccer Club
OSA Santos Oregon Soccer Academy
CWSC Reign Camas Washougal
NWN GU96 Select Northwest Nationals
OSA Red Fusion OSA
These are the final teams participating in our division or the Salem Waterfront tournament on Aug 1-3. Hopefully schedules will be out this week. Between the Santos and the Fusion we have seen many of these teams this summer--I will post in the comments what these results have been.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Saturday Game
Santos:
Good game this evening. We showed some grit as well as some good soccer. Tomorrow's game is at 3:30 at Tualatin Hills Rec Center Field #3.
Please wear red but please don't forget to bring the white jersey. Always bring both.
Good game this evening. We showed some grit as well as some good soccer. Tomorrow's game is at 3:30 at Tualatin Hills Rec Center Field #3.
Please wear red but please don't forget to bring the white jersey. Always bring both.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Beaverton Cup Info
Santos:
First game we wear red, second we wear white.
2pm game is at Rock Creek Elem, North. 8pm game is at Tualatin Hills Rec Center #5. Have the girls there 1 hour before the first game, 45 minutes before the second. I may be a little late; if so, Russell will get things started.
We will either play at 3:30 pm--if we finish 3rd in the bracket-or at 5pm with a 1st or 2nd finish. Sunday we will play at either 12:30 in the finals or 2pm in a consolation match.
We looked very strong this week in practice with a lot of great effort and some real focus, so I think the team is primed for a good and fun tournament. This will be the toughest competition we have ever faced; our first opponent is from one of Alaska's toughest clubs and was undefeated and untied in their
U11 league last fall. The second won their premier gold league in Washington last year.
But we're better and I have no doubt that we will do VERY well if we work hard and play for each other.
Go Santos!
First game we wear red, second we wear white.
2pm game is at Rock Creek Elem, North. 8pm game is at Tualatin Hills Rec Center #5. Have the girls there 1 hour before the first game, 45 minutes before the second. I may be a little late; if so, Russell will get things started.
We will either play at 3:30 pm--if we finish 3rd in the bracket-or at 5pm with a 1st or 2nd finish. Sunday we will play at either 12:30 in the finals or 2pm in a consolation match.
We looked very strong this week in practice with a lot of great effort and some real focus, so I think the team is primed for a good and fun tournament. This will be the toughest competition we have ever faced; our first opponent is from one of Alaska's toughest clubs and was undefeated and untied in their
U11 league last fall. The second won their premier gold league in Washington last year.
But we're better and I have no doubt that we will do VERY well if we work hard and play for each other.
Go Santos!
Tourney Fields
Rock Creek Elementary North field (594-C7) Located on 185th, across the street from Westview High School. From HWY 26 West Take the 185th exit and turn right on to 185th. Get into the left lane. Turn left into the school parking lot (signal light). The field is north of the parking lot. Restaurants nearby on 185th, south HWY 26.
(THPRD) Rec Center (594-H5) Located on 158th, between Walker Rd. and Blueridge Dr. From HWY 26 West- Take the Bethany/NW Cornell Rd exit, turning left to cross over the freeway. Turn left on to 158th (signal light).
**Weekend parking and parking for fields 2 and 3: Turn left on to NW Blueridge Dr. Turn right on to NW Schlottman. Parking lot is on your left.
**Thursday and Friday parking: Turn left at NW Schendel (signal light). Parking is limited during Saturday and Sunday due to other Rec Center Events. Concessions on-site, and restaurants nearby.
Five Oaks Middle School (594-G4) Located on 173rd between Walker Rd and Cornell. From THPRD, Turn left on to 158th. Turn right on to Walker Rd. Turn right on to 173rd(signal light). The school is about 2 ½ blocks up on your right. The lower field parking is south of the school. The upper field parking is north of the school. Concessions on-site. Restaurants nearby, off of Cornell.
(THPRD) Rec Center (594-H5) Located on 158th, between Walker Rd. and Blueridge Dr. From HWY 26 West- Take the Bethany/NW Cornell Rd exit, turning left to cross over the freeway. Turn left on to 158th (signal light).
**Weekend parking and parking for fields 2 and 3: Turn left on to NW Blueridge Dr. Turn right on to NW Schlottman. Parking lot is on your left.
**Thursday and Friday parking: Turn left at NW Schendel (signal light). Parking is limited during Saturday and Sunday due to other Rec Center Events. Concessions on-site, and restaurants nearby.
Five Oaks Middle School (594-G4) Located on 173rd between Walker Rd and Cornell. From THPRD, Turn left on to 158th. Turn right on to Walker Rd. Turn right on to 173rd(signal light). The school is about 2 ½ blocks up on your right. The lower field parking is south of the school. The upper field parking is north of the school. Concessions on-site. Restaurants nearby, off of Cornell.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
MADDIE'S RIDERS Rides Again
Hi Santos Team,
I wanted to send a invitation to all the Santos Team for my upcoming bike ride. My team Maddie's Riders is a team of people that is trying to raise money for the American Diabetes Association. My team has been riding for 7 year and our goal is to help find a cure for diabetes. The ride is July 26th and we would love to have any of the Santos families come join us. If the date doesn’t work for you consider donating to help us reach our team goal of $10,000. To learn more click on my website! www.maddiesriders.com
Maddie Ehl
I wanted to send a invitation to all the Santos Team for my upcoming bike ride. My team Maddie's Riders is a team of people that is trying to raise money for the American Diabetes Association. My team has been riding for 7 year and our goal is to help find a cure for diabetes. The ride is July 26th and we would love to have any of the Santos families come join us. If the date doesn’t work for you consider donating to help us reach our team goal of $10,000. To learn more click on my website! www.maddiesriders.com
Maddie Ehl
Monday, July 7, 2008
Scrimmages this Week
Santos:
We have scrimmages tentatively scheduled for this Wednesday at 5:30 (u12 Inferno) and this Saturday at 9:30 am (U11 Boys Cosmos). Please let me know if you can't attend either or both. I would like to confirm or cancel with the coaches as soon as possible so a quick response would be appreciated.
Thanks!
We have scrimmages tentatively scheduled for this Wednesday at 5:30 (u12 Inferno) and this Saturday at 9:30 am (U11 Boys Cosmos). Please let me know if you can't attend either or both. I would like to confirm or cancel with the coaches as soon as possible so a quick response would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Annaliese in Europe
Hello Team, I have a challenge for you!
I can juggle a marshmellow 8 times. If you can beat that reply to this post and whoever juggles the most gets a kinder egg, yum!
By the way, who did we scrimmage last week?
Anyway...since being in Europe we have been in Germany and Paris. Did anybody watch the Eurocup? I can´t believe Spain won, but they were the better team.
While we were in Germany we went to Heidelberg and saw a Castle. We went to Schwetzingen and saw where I was born. Then we went to Paris and saw the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur, Notre Dame, Arc de Triumph, and the Louvre.
Here are a few photos.
Annaliese
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Practice Prep for Next Week
Santos Players:
Please review the following videos to prepare for next week's practice:
Tuesday: www.skillstorm.de
Sample Sessions --> U13--> "Heading From Throw", "Crossing and Finishing", "7 v 7 with GK..." (you'll do a modified version of the last one if there's enough time, with a requirement to cross the ball to score).
Thursday www.skillstorm.de
Same sample session but with the "Dribbling in a Square" part added and the Heading part removed. Also look at this video, http://www.dprsports.com/video/matthews.avi to review the Stanley Matthews move. Notice how the feet don't touch ground between touches. I expect to hear good reports from the parents who are coaching in my place about effort and cooperation. I know I can count on you girls to do everything you can to help. Have fun and see you in 10 days.
Sutton
Please review the following videos to prepare for next week's practice:
Tuesday: www.skillstorm.de
Sample Sessions --> U13--> "Heading From Throw", "Crossing and Finishing", "7 v 7 with GK..." (you'll do a modified version of the last one if there's enough time, with a requirement to cross the ball to score).
Thursday www.skillstorm.de
Same sample session but with the "Dribbling in a Square" part added and the Heading part removed. Also look at this video, http://www.dprsports.com/video/matthews.avi to review the Stanley Matthews move. Notice how the feet don't touch ground between touches. I expect to hear good reports from the parents who are coaching in my place about effort and cooperation. I know I can count on you girls to do everything you can to help. Have fun and see you in 10 days.
Sutton
Friday, June 27, 2008
Next Week Schedule Changes
I am on vacation and out of town next week. Dr. Vaughn, Dr Hill, and Chris Ancien have agreed to help run Tues/Thur practices in my absence. I will provide them with detailed practice plans to keep us on track. It looks as though Bernie is not available to coach.
We will not have optional sessions next week. So no sessions on Wednesday (July 2) or Sunday (July 6).
We will not have optional sessions next week. So no sessions on Wednesday (July 2) or Sunday (July 6).
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Development Roadmap
For those interested, the two year (U11-U12) Santos developmental roadmap (powerpoint presentation) which I have referred to in the past is now available here:
http://groups.google.com/group/osa-santos
...at the bottom of the page under "Files". Only the first 7 slides relate to the roadmap, succeeding pages are coach's notes and can be ignored. Let me know if you have questions.
http://groups.google.com/group/osa-santos
...at the bottom of the page under "Files". Only the first 7 slides relate to the roadmap, succeeding pages are coach's notes and can be ignored. Let me know if you have questions.
Scrimmage Notes
Santos:
Thanks to everyone for coming to the scrimmage on such short notice. We did well, knocking in 4 goals. We weren't at our best, but it's reassuring to know that the Santos can play at a level below optimal and still win against good competition. We obviously need to work on fitness and conditioning as we about ran out of gas in the second half.
On the plus side:
1. Goalkeeping was great, especially in the 2nd half.
2. Forwards were VERY efficient and aggressive, making the most of few chances and producing goals out of individual initiative, especially in the first half. Great finishing in the second half.
3. Good defensive shape and distribution, especially from the right side. And some very good individual defensive effort as well.
4. Hard-nosed ball winning in the midfield and very dangerous penetrating passes from the central midfield, these passes in the 2nd half were huge.
On the minus
1. Poor connection between midfield and attackers.
2. Poor defending in the midfield, either no defending or too much diving in.
3. Lack of aggressive play and too much ball watching in the defense.
4. Poor defensive clearances (to the middle not the outside)
5. Unproductive dribbling in the mid. Too many touches that didn't move us forward.
6. Poor running off the ball from the mid and front lines; where were our supporting runs?!?
7. Inability to hold and possess the ball up front.
8. Keepers must get better at coming off the goal line. Must learn to play off the line.
Much to improve but a good game and effort nonetheless.
Well done Santos!
Thanks to everyone for coming to the scrimmage on such short notice. We did well, knocking in 4 goals. We weren't at our best, but it's reassuring to know that the Santos can play at a level below optimal and still win against good competition. We obviously need to work on fitness and conditioning as we about ran out of gas in the second half.
On the plus side:
1. Goalkeeping was great, especially in the 2nd half.
2. Forwards were VERY efficient and aggressive, making the most of few chances and producing goals out of individual initiative, especially in the first half. Great finishing in the second half.
3. Good defensive shape and distribution, especially from the right side. And some very good individual defensive effort as well.
4. Hard-nosed ball winning in the midfield and very dangerous penetrating passes from the central midfield, these passes in the 2nd half were huge.
On the minus
1. Poor connection between midfield and attackers.
2. Poor defending in the midfield, either no defending or too much diving in.
3. Lack of aggressive play and too much ball watching in the defense.
4. Poor defensive clearances (to the middle not the outside)
5. Unproductive dribbling in the mid. Too many touches that didn't move us forward.
6. Poor running off the ball from the mid and front lines; where were our supporting runs?!?
7. Inability to hold and possess the ball up front.
8. Keepers must get better at coming off the goal line. Must learn to play off the line.
Much to improve but a good game and effort nonetheless.
Well done Santos!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Another logo--flaming ball
Here is one more logo to consider. We had the suggestion to make the O in Santos a flaming O. Imagine this with orange flames around the O instead of the white--we will be able to do that when we have it printed. Please comment on your favorite of the 4 logo options so that we can compile the results and decide and proceed with T-shirts.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Toni and Alison in Paris
Here is a site that shows pictures of Toni and Alison's trip to France.
You can follow their trip and see pictures of each day
http://cednad.com/fasparis08/
You can follow their trip and see pictures of each day
http://cednad.com/fasparis08/
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Additional Summer Sessions
Santos:
I hope that we can add another soccer session to the week this summer. This additional session will be strictly optional. There are many of us taking summer trips, so quite a few players will be missing a lot of practice. If they want to make it up, these sessions will provide a good way.
We have two more sessions at the French American. I'd like to continue that Friday session into July, but make it later in the evening, say 7PM, and alternate locations, one on the East side and one on the West.
I suggest Catlin Gabel lower field for the West side location and maybe we can get some suggestions for a nice playing surface on the East side that is convenient.
I'd also like to add a Sunday evening session, again at 7PM. This we can do at Catlin Gabel. These additional sessions will continue until August.
I would also like to continue SAQ's before our T/Th practices begin. So if possible I'd like the girls to arrive at 5:10, not 5:30. Again, this is optional.
Please let me know, here or by email, if these days/times do not fit with your schedule. If there are too many conflicts we'll try something else.
Thanks,
Sutton
I hope that we can add another soccer session to the week this summer. This additional session will be strictly optional. There are many of us taking summer trips, so quite a few players will be missing a lot of practice. If they want to make it up, these sessions will provide a good way.
We have two more sessions at the French American. I'd like to continue that Friday session into July, but make it later in the evening, say 7PM, and alternate locations, one on the East side and one on the West.
I suggest Catlin Gabel lower field for the West side location and maybe we can get some suggestions for a nice playing surface on the East side that is convenient.
I'd also like to add a Sunday evening session, again at 7PM. This we can do at Catlin Gabel. These additional sessions will continue until August.
I would also like to continue SAQ's before our T/Th practices begin. So if possible I'd like the girls to arrive at 5:10, not 5:30. Again, this is optional.
Please let me know, here or by email, if these days/times do not fit with your schedule. If there are too many conflicts we'll try something else.
Thanks,
Sutton
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Teammates/dance recital
I think that it is a good idea as teammates to support each other in other aspects of their lives. I have tried to provide opportunities for this such as going to the Les Miserables performance, going to Toni's gymnastics meet last year,etc. (Unfortunately I missed Avi's recent performance in Suessical!)
Please feel free to post on the Blog any significant events, performances, recitals, other sporting events, etc. that your daughter may like some of her teammates to attend.
So here is one opportunity. Abby, Sophia and Morgan are all in dance recital for the Elite Dance Studio with performances June 20th (evening) and June 21st (afternoon and evening). If anyone is interested in attending please email me or post a comment on the blog and I will do my best to get you tickets. Tickets go on sale June 7th to families of the dancers so if you let me know soon there is a better chance I can get a ticket. Recital is held at Lincoln Hall on the PSU campus and tickets are $10.
Please feel free to post on the Blog any significant events, performances, recitals, other sporting events, etc. that your daughter may like some of her teammates to attend.
So here is one opportunity. Abby, Sophia and Morgan are all in dance recital for the Elite Dance Studio with performances June 20th (evening) and June 21st (afternoon and evening). If anyone is interested in attending please email me or post a comment on the blog and I will do my best to get you tickets. Tickets go on sale June 7th to families of the dancers so if you let me know soon there is a better chance I can get a ticket. Recital is held at Lincoln Hall on the PSU campus and tickets are $10.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Summer Tournaments
There has been some questions about the remaining summer tournaments.
We are participating in:
Beaverton Cup July 17-20 (games may be Thurs night Through Sunday).
Waterfront Tournament in Salem Aug 1-3 (games may be Fri through Sunday)
Please check the calendar link to the right on the page for more info.
The schedule is usually not known until the week prior.
Hope that helps.
We are participating in:
Beaverton Cup July 17-20 (games may be Thurs night Through Sunday).
Waterfront Tournament in Salem Aug 1-3 (games may be Fri through Sunday)
Please check the calendar link to the right on the page for more info.
The schedule is usually not known until the week prior.
Hope that helps.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Beautiful
Santos:
Congratulations to the girls on a great effort this past weekend. They deserved nothing less than the tournament championship and they got it. Tremendous work!
Many parents have commented to me how different these players looked as individuals and as a team, how much better they played. I have seen the same. Russell and Keith noted it as well. Why? No simple explanation of course; and we need to keep in mind that this tournament provided not a single strong opponent.
Still, I feel pretty safe in saying that our girls played with a greater belief in themselves and, more importantly, in each other than before. This lead to our success. A very unselfish Santos team took the field in all four games.
Teammates who believe and trust in each other gain confidence from one another. With this trust, belief, and confidence, it becomes easier for us to play FOR each other. This is what we did in Hillsboro. This is how we must continue in order to have success against the many tougher opponents we’ll face in upcoming tournaments, especially in qualifying.
We were a real and true soccer team this weekend. A real soccer team is fun to play for, fun for everyone to watch, and--in its own way--beautiful. In Hillsboro on Saturday and Sunday, the Santos were beautiful. Bravo!
Congratulations to the girls on a great effort this past weekend. They deserved nothing less than the tournament championship and they got it. Tremendous work!
Many parents have commented to me how different these players looked as individuals and as a team, how much better they played. I have seen the same. Russell and Keith noted it as well. Why? No simple explanation of course; and we need to keep in mind that this tournament provided not a single strong opponent.
Still, I feel pretty safe in saying that our girls played with a greater belief in themselves and, more importantly, in each other than before. This lead to our success. A very unselfish Santos team took the field in all four games.
Teammates who believe and trust in each other gain confidence from one another. With this trust, belief, and confidence, it becomes easier for us to play FOR each other. This is what we did in Hillsboro. This is how we must continue in order to have success against the many tougher opponents we’ll face in upcoming tournaments, especially in qualifying.
We were a real and true soccer team this weekend. A real soccer team is fun to play for, fun for everyone to watch, and--in its own way--beautiful. In Hillsboro on Saturday and Sunday, the Santos were beautiful. Bravo!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Team Logos
Here are some possible logos if we want to do shirts. Thanks Kevin L. ! Comment on which you like or if you have other ideas.
Tournament Info
Santos: Please arrive 60 minutes before the first game, i.e., arrive at 10:40 AM. Here's the map.
Please review the video below before the tournament and reflect on what we discussed Thursday. We must win balls in the air BEFORE they hit the ground. We must be willing to play physically on all lines but especially in the back. When you tackle, tackle hard. Midfielders must mark up defensively around the penalty box especially defending layoff or backwards passes for shots. Midfielders must also use the ENTIRE width of the field, remember there is usually open space behind you. Imagine it, then use it.
We must finish better offensively. Before shooting, look up and find the goalkeeper, look back at the ball, take a breath, be calm, remember the goalie's position and where an opening in the goal is, and then place the ball accurately into that opening. The far post on the ground is often a good option. If you are shooting from distance, be sure to keep your eye on the ball as you shoot. Trust your technique and use power. If we have thick grass, remember to shoot harder than you do on turf.
Get a good night's sleep and be ready tomorrow.
Please review the video below before the tournament and reflect on what we discussed Thursday. We must win balls in the air BEFORE they hit the ground. We must be willing to play physically on all lines but especially in the back. When you tackle, tackle hard. Midfielders must mark up defensively around the penalty box especially defending layoff or backwards passes for shots. Midfielders must also use the ENTIRE width of the field, remember there is usually open space behind you. Imagine it, then use it.
We must finish better offensively. Before shooting, look up and find the goalkeeper, look back at the ball, take a breath, be calm, remember the goalie's position and where an opening in the goal is, and then place the ball accurately into that opening. The far post on the ground is often a good option. If you are shooting from distance, be sure to keep your eye on the ball as you shoot. Trust your technique and use power. If we have thick grass, remember to shoot harder than you do on turf.
Get a good night's sleep and be ready tomorrow.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
tournament question
hi everyone,
I was wondering what we would like to do about the span of time between games this weekend.
Should we all pack a light lunch and hang out together in between games, or should we all do our own thing and be back by 3 ish for the later game?
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Soccer tactics
Many of last year's Santos have seen this already but I'd like for everyone, new or old to review the video in preparation for our Wednesday scrimmage and tournament.
The video provides good descriptions of tactics we intend to use this season and a few other pointers that all players on our team must keep in mind. Please use the guide below when viewing the video.
Four Key Space Section
Scoring Zone
Offense: One touch shooting. Balls played in here are very dangerous. We must make accurate passes to our attacking players in this area often. This includes lay-offs at the top of the box and a little above to central mids and defenders with strong shots .
Also players capable of creating space for themselves off the dribble should make a move to get enough space for a quick shot in this zone. It's a simple sequence: create space, shoot, and then follow your shot.
Defense: We must mark man-to-man in this area. Don’t allow shots here. Force shots from other spaces.
Thread Zone
Offense: through balls or penetrating passes. These passes must be made with the right touch so that they are hard enough to beat the defenders but not so hard that the keeper can reach them first.
All players must make diagonal runs off the ball to get in behind the defense. Passes must be quick so receivers aren’t caught offside.
Danger Zone
Defense must keep offensive players in front of them, tilt to defend and play zone.
Crosses
Offense: We must create more chances by crossing the ball. We especially need our Wing players to make crosses rather than shots from these areas. Crosses must be made with touch to open players at the near or far post. These crosses should be made diagonally.
Our wing players can really help us when they cross the ball rather than shoot at difficult angles. We must focus on crossing from close to the end line. Crossing is really important.
Players receiving the cross must keep themselves from over-running the crosses to avoid having to backup in order to receive the pass instead of running on to it.
Using Offside to Move The Opposition Out of The Scoring Zone
Defense: watch how the video defense moves as a group, keeps their shape, stays connected with each other and quickly moves out of the 18 yard box whenever they can to get their opponents offside.
Zonal Marking and Denying The Ball
This is a very important section; watch to see how the defense moves in a line to cover the space between the offense and the goal.
You can skip the video from 4 minutes to 5:55 minutes.
Doubling Up
Very important. The two players doubling up on defense in this case will normally be the outside back and outside mid.
In, Out, Through
Very important offensive tactic we want to use frequently, one touch from the midfield for the through pass is very important so the wing doesn’t get offside.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Team T-Shirts and Logo
We are considering doing team t-shirts this year. I would like your opinion on whether you would like to do this and if you have any ideas of what type of logo or design you would like on them.
Please comment.
Please comment.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Things you may (or may not have learned) at the party—or you may already know:
- Both of Emma’s parents (Stephanie Vaughn and Kerry Matthews) are doctors in Family Practice and share a job at Kaiser
- Laura Korman (Avi’s mom) and Renae Lind (Abby’s Mom) trained together as residents at OHSU (I already knew this one)
- The Wrays are friends with another resident that Laura and Renae trained with—Drea Olmstead (I didn’t know this)
- The Briglia’s name is pronounced Brill-ya.
- Kim Foren did the flowers for Gabe Schnitzer’s (Sophia’s brother’s) Bar Mitzvah. If you need flowers she is the one to call
- Russ Natter learned to cut pineapple from a chef while working as a rafting guide—and he’s good!
- Russ Natter played 3 sports in college—none of which was soccer.
- Sutton Stern was not an All-American—but he should have been (OK, this was from the parent meeting)
- Bonnie Castro grew up in
- You can see Maddie Ehl’s house from Abby Eakin’s house (I knew this one too)
- Madison Wray likes to be called Chipmunk—or
- Annalise Laurila can be kind of crazy—in a good way (Abby told me this one)
- Madison Wray can do “eyebrow dancing” (this also is according to Abby)
- Keith Lambert is Irish and likes to drink Guinness—surprise, surprise.
Hopefully you all learned something new too. If you did, make a comment and share it.
(This is also a test to see if you are reading the Blog)
Thanks for coming. We look forward to a great season!! Go
Renae et al Thanks for a great party
Emma and I had a lot of fun getting to know this wonderful group. Thanks to the "old" team members for such a good time
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Pizza Party
We are on for our Pizza Party after practice tomorrow night at FAIS. Practice has been changed to 6:00-7:15 since we can no longer have the field at 5:30. You can come directly from practice to our house. Here are the directions to our house from the French American School.
The "old" team members are hosting so if you are new to the Santos team just bring yourselves.
The "old" team members are hosting so if you are new to the Santos team just bring yourselves.
Turn RIGHT onto NW CORNELL RD. 0.2 mi
Turn LEFT onto NW MILLER RD.
1.9 mi
Turn RIGHT onto NW MURDOCK ST.
0.4 mi
End at 9133 NW Murdock St Portland, OR 97229-8074
On Left side of the Road.
Please park on the street at the bottom of the drive and walk up. We are the first house on the Right side of the driveway.
On Left side of the Road.
Please park on the street at the bottom of the drive and walk up. We are the first house on the Right side of the driveway.
Estimated Time: 6 minutes Estimated Distance: 2.57 miles
NO Scrimmage this Saturday
This has been canceled. We'll try another scrimmage next weekend with Clackamas.
Chris Skaggs, coach of the U13 B team--the Shock--would like to scrimmage the Santos this Saturday at 11am at West Hills Christian. We'll discuss this at the parents meeting tonight. If you have a conflict and can't come tonight, let me know via email or here on the Blog if you can attend a scrimmage Saturday.
Chris Skaggs, coach of the U13 B team--the Shock--would like to scrimmage the Santos this Saturday at 11am at West Hills Christian. We'll discuss this at the parents meeting tonight. If you have a conflict and can't come tonight, let me know via email or here on the Blog if you can attend a scrimmage Saturday.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Uniforms
Hi everyone,
We are going to have to get some replacement parts for the uniform and we are wondering about this sleeveless jersey idea. Is the team interested in changing to that? And please let me know what color Santos' pennies are so we can get Emma V the right color (I think it is blue).
Thanks, Stephanie
Monday, May 12, 2008
This Blog
We will use the Blog to communicate. Hopefully this will reduce the email flow. Please post as you like and encourage the girls to do the same. It's fun.
The Blog has very important links to the right, especially the calendar and roster. Renae and I will also use Google Groups to post team information that doesn't fit a Blog format, like attached documents, tourney schedules, etc. All will be linked from this Blog, so visit frequently.
The Blog has very important links to the right, especially the calendar and roster. Renae and I will also use Google Groups to post team information that doesn't fit a Blog format, like attached documents, tourney schedules, etc. All will be linked from this Blog, so visit frequently.
Week of May 12
90 Minutes for ATC's
As you know, we start academy training next Tuesday May 13 at PSU from 6:30 to 7:30. I would like us to practice 90 minutes instead of 60, starting at 6PM. We'll focus on SAQ work (Strength, Agility, Quickness).
French American Fridays
Bonnie Castro has reserved the French American School field for us on Fridays at 5PM to 6:30. These sessions are completely optional and pretty informal. We had a great time last Friday. http://www.faispdx.org/contactus/directions.asp
Parents Meeting
Parents meeting on Thursday May 15 for about 30 minutes after practice.
Agenda is (1) plans and objectives for this season, (2) introductions, (3)volunteering, (4)communications, (5)summer tourney schedule.
Hillsboro May Tournament
We have applied to enter the Hillsboro Spring Blast tournament at the end of May (May 31 and June 1). Looks like we have enough players. Should be fun!
Questions? Email is always best, but my cell phone is 503 928 9491 if you need it.
As you know, we start academy training next Tuesday May 13 at PSU from 6:30 to 7:30. I would like us to practice 90 minutes instead of 60, starting at 6PM. We'll focus on SAQ work (Strength, Agility, Quickness).
French American Fridays
Bonnie Castro has reserved the French American School field for us on Fridays at 5PM to 6:30. These sessions are completely optional and pretty informal. We had a great time last Friday. http://www.faispdx.org/contactus/directions.asp
Parents Meeting
Parents meeting on Thursday May 15 for about 30 minutes after practice.
Agenda is (1) plans and objectives for this season, (2) introductions, (3)volunteering, (4)communications, (5)summer tourney schedule.
Hillsboro May Tournament
We have applied to enter the Hillsboro Spring Blast tournament at the end of May (May 31 and June 1). Looks like we have enough players. Should be fun!
Questions? Email is always best, but my cell phone is 503 928 9491 if you need it.
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