With only ten players we pulled off an exciting win today. Everyone played to their utmost potential and played as a team. From the very beggining there was focus in the warm-ups, a team cheer for Patriots initiated by the boys, and focused execution of soccer fundamentals. I pulled David back to help us in defense and he kept that side strong.
The opponents scored an amazing long-range goal that Joel might be able to save next year when he has grown a few inches but not yet. Then we came back with two excellent goals to put us on top at the half. We made some defensive adjustments to deal with their speed in the middle and ended the first half feeling confident. The few mistakes we made, not following our men on free kicks, for example, were covered up by stellar defense by Joel.
Then they scored another amazing long-range goal that just fit under the cross-bar to tie it up. But with some excellent couter-attacks, we added two more goals to pull the game out of their grasp. Then a fifth goal and I finally felt comfortable pulling David back into forward. He proved it to be a good move by attacking relentlessly, making good friends with the crossbar and almost scoring twice.
Their third goal was unimportant because the game was decided by then. My thanks and respect to all the players who did a great job. With the way we played today, we can beat anyone in this league. Let's be sure to bring that intensity tomorrow to our 11AM game in Ironbound.
Also, let's consider having lunch as a team following tomorrow's game. I'm taking my family out for pizza following the game; anyone who wants to join, let's do so and at least celebrate today's win even if we don't win tomorrow.
No comments:
Post a Comment