Date: Sun, Sep 21/08, 12:00pm

Location: JP Case 1

	1st half	2nd half	Final
Livingston Leopards	-	-	6
Greater Flemington Vipers	-	-	3
Game Notes: Congrats to the entire team on yesterday’s decisive win over the Vipers. I want to say that it was a pleasure to watch the boys as each of the boys stepped up and played some of the best soccer I have seen from this team. I just wanted to take some time to recap what I observed (both positive and things that we will continue to work on). Before the game, we sat down and reviewed some of the basics and principles that Rob has been focusing on with the boys – passing, playing to open spaces, aggressive play, communication just to mention a few. One of the things that I noticed this week, and something that we have struggled with in the past, is the attention that all the boys give when receiving instruction (sometimes we have a challenge with keeping them focused/engaged when Rob or I are speaking). Yesterday, they were all attentive and ready to play – which I think was evident as the game played out. Another item we discussed prior to the game was how soccer was truly a “team” sport. We have had some “bickering” when a goal is scored (or when we lose) – where the boys will start placing blame on someone for a missed pass, a shot not taken, a breakdown in defense. We talked about how no one player can lose a game for the entire team. When a goal is scored against us, the boys must remember that before that shot was taken, the other team managed to work the ball past our offense, our mid fielders and then our defenders. From the first whistle, the boys went out and attacked the ball. No one was standing around waiting for the ball in-between touches (another situation we have seen in the past). The next thing we all witnessed was the combination of passing, but passing to open spaces, and, shooting. I “promised” the boys before the game that if they executed the passing that Rob has been working on with them, and continued to take shots, that they would see a difference in the outcome of the game. Prior to the game, I also discussed (more like begged I think) the number of touches and amount of time they each took with the ball when they had possession. In the desire to score, we sometimes forget that there are 10 other players on the field that provide options to help make a play unfold. The boys seemed to hear that message as no one held on to the ball too long or took more than a few touches before they played the next pass/shot. Even though Rob has only been working with the team for a short time, it is apparent that the skills/concepts that he is working on are already beginning to pay off. The boys scored 6 goals yesterday – but what was more impressive and something that speaks volumes, is that 6 different players scored those goals. In addition, the assists were by 4 separate people (one goal was unassisted). By creating more scoring opportunities, the boys saw how they will each actually score more goals – instead of trying to do it all themselves, individually. In summary, goals were made by Philip (Lev), Stephen (Ryan), Randy (Josh), Lev (Josh), Danny (unassisted) and Zachary (Danny). One thing that I have not mentioned, but equally impressive, was the defense. We started out the game with a few slight changes to our defensive lineup – but moved back to our regular rotation by the middle of the game. JT started the game as sweeper, providing a very solid defense before moving back to mid field where he continues to generate opportunities and take shots. Throughout the game, our defense really stepped up their game, making it difficult for the opposition to take shots unchallenged. Rotating between stopper and sweeper, Jeffrey stepped up and continued to shut down the offense. Jordan (primarily on stopper), Ryan and Brian (playing left/right defense) played their positions extremely well and creating some spectacular saves (as well as setting up setting up a goal scoring header – great pass Ryan/equally great header Stephen). David had a great game yesterday, playing both mid and defense. Those shots that did manage to get taken were handled extremely well by Anthony – who continues to dominate in the goal and aggressively challenge the offense when they dare venture into his box. A few last observations – for those of you brave souls who are still reading this dribble. While we scored 6 goals and took another 10-15 shots, we did hurt ourselves with offside’s. We had 9 offside’s calls (of which 2 were questionable). Only one of these offside’s calls really bothered me as we had 3 players offside’s by at least 4 steps. All the other calls were close – ½ step to the wrong side. We will continue to work with the boys on this – but no one should look at this as a major issue or fault any of our players. This is just another example of good, aggressive play, with the desire to make a play unfold. With a little work, these will be turned into additional scoring opportunities in the future. Sorry I rambled so long – hopefully you all enjoyed the game. I look forward to the rest of the season and hope that the boys will use yesterday as a stepping stone to more victories and a desire to continue to improve their skills. Yesterday was an example of how well the boys can play together as a team and how important it is to continue to develop their skills under Rob’s tutelage. Please share this will the boys as I hope that they take yesterday’s lessons and use them to build on. Have a great week. Jason