BAYS UNITED FURY 1 - GORGE FC 0

Aaron sends Finn on a counter attack

Well what a game, eh? Exciting until the last whistle. The referee kept us biting our nails too, but that is part of the game. In the end though, we persisted and came out successful. Despite the pressure Gorge mounted towards the end of the game, the boys held their composure and maintained a good defensive stance. In my view, we deserved the win.

Jonathan battles hard for the ball in the midfield

When we last played Gorge, our biggest problem was that we were too soft on our challenges, our drive to win every ball and our determination to regain possession was also low. Ultimately, our confidence suffered. Since that game, we decided to focus on improving on those factors. We worked hard at moving the ball quicker, man-to-man marking, positioning and most of all on becoming stronger when challenging for the ball. I think that the boys should receive a lot of praise for implementing these skills into the game this past weekend.

Mathew mounts an attack ~ Koby and Gabriel advance in support

From the back to the front, the team worked hard. Aaron endured incredible pressure. Yet, he did well to take care of things. Almost before the final whistle went, he made two stupendous saves and the boys' reaction to them (going over and tapping him on the shoulder with a 'well done!') showed how much they all recognized Aaron's efforts. Our defenders were also phenomenal. Jonathan and Pierce controlled the middle excellently. I was very happy to see Pierce showed his prowess and set the standard high when tackling - and also ensuring that he did not go out of position. Jonathan's strong challenges and distribution of the ball was also admirable, especially cause he played both at the back and in the center mid.

Marcel controls the ball while in space

When it came to man-to-man marking though, it was the Tyler and Brandon show. These two young men put on a clinic when defending against Gorge's top boys. Neither one of them backed down and in fact, they had the upper hand on them so much that I could see the top players switching positions just to get away from Tyler and Brandon. Here is where Marcel and Finn and Gabriel also played an immense role. Marcel, despite having a knock on his knee, fought through the pain and battled the big boys like David battled Goliath. I was also very happy to see Finn and Gabriel come back and not one, or twice, but many times take the ball back and regain possession for our team. For me, one specific moment was of great importance. It happened when Finn slide-checked Gorge's top striker in the first half. This not only served Finn as moment where he could see what he needs and can do to improve his defensive game, but it also served as an example for the whole team to follow. Hamish also impressed me with his grit and slide-checks. It was a great effort from all our wingers.

Tyler clears the ball while under pressure

In the middle, Jonathan and Koby set a high standard from the start. Their control was exactly what we needed. When Justin came in, he added a different dimension to our midfield and worked hard at getting the ball back as well. What I like the most about our midfield was their understanding that their role is to pass and set the rhythm of the game. You need to know when to hold and when not to hold on to the ball for too long. All three played excellent, moving the ball quickly and accurately passing to open players. Well done boys.

Koby works hard to get the ball back from Mackie

Our wingers (Mathew, Finn, Gabriel, Hamish) were great on the attack. I found that finally, they were opening themselves so that they could use the space to their advantage. That was a big part of why our team put Gorge on their heels. They could not deal with our speed and incisiveness on the wings for a long period of time.

Finn takes off on another attack

Up front, Robbie and Mathew started off well. Robbie's strength and skill combined with Mathew's skill and speed created problems for Gorge. Credit to their defenders who kept a close eye on Robbie and Mathew though ~ their defence was not easy to break them down. Mathew was closely checked so he had a difficult time getting into spaces. Robbie was also being marked tightly, sometimes by two or more players. But through the work of the entire team, the goal we've been fighting for finally came. After closing down a pass to their midfield, Mathew controlled the ball in the middle, just outside the box. Then, he quickly made a pass to Finn who, instinctively, gave a first time right foot flick to Robbie in front of him inside the box. Robbie controlled the ball and headed towards goal and despite having one defender on his right side and the goalie come out to shut him down, maintained control of the ball and at the right time took a quick low shot which the bottom right corner. 1 - 0 for us. Our work paid off. It was a decisive move that exemplified how important it is to move for the ball when you do not have the ball.

Mathew turns away from the opposition and begins another attack

For their part, our super subs Ben and Thomas also did well. Thomas had a clear chance to score our second goal but slipped at the moment of contact. Unfortunate but Thomas still managed to create problems for the defenders, his positioning up front is excellent and it is this reason why he often finds himself in good positions to score. For his part, Ben continued his form to fight hard for the ball and move off the ball. His tenacity has improved a lot and because of that, he continues to shine in the positions we put him. As a coach, I was very pleased to see both these boys working hard for the team.

Benny battling hard for the ball

CONCLUSION

It is true that we endured some nervous moments in the end. But let's be clear: Gorge FC is a great team and we should not think that they would simply give up. The idea that we would dominate during the entire game is unrealistic. However, I truly believe that despite those scary moments in the end, we created clearer chances (which also scared Gorge a lot), had most of the possession of the ball and were better in setting the rhythm of the game. Most of all, we came out hard and played hard. In the end, I believe that we were the better team this game.

Justin giving it all to win the ball

So with that, back to practice we go. Season is not over - we still have lots of work to do!

For now, I want to thank all of the parents for your support again. We got a game against the HPL U13 Boys next Sunday so let's get ready for that.

Until next time,

Roberto

BAYS FURY 7 - PENINSULA 1 

As we start our third round of games, our team continues to be able to do well in the division. As it stands, we are now tied for points with Gorge FC (although they have a game in hand). Our tally of goals continues to be impressive and our boys continue to show that they are improving.

As usual, Peninsula showed great determination. As a matter fact, despite the score, this past weekend was Peninsula's strongest game as they really pushed us physically. The score reflects a better form in finishing from our team, but it does not mean that the goals came easy. We had to work hard to get those goals.

The first bit of the game was evenly fought in the middle of the park. Koby and Justin had their hands full with strong center-mids who fought for every ball they could. Our wingers worked well to get by the outside defenders for Peninsula but scoring was proving to be a bit difficult. However, the deadlock was broken when Robbie passed a quick little pass to Mathew who, after coming back from injury, showed his composure and coolly slotted the ball into the back of the net. Not long after, Koby sent Mathew on a break-away. Again, Mathew showed his composure and scored.

Thus, the team began to settle more. We made some changes in our frontline and our midfield. Our center mids began to move the ball faster. Our forwards kept fighting for the ball. Our defence maintained their ground. Yet, like I said, Peninsula was not backing down. Brandon and Jonathan in particular had some heavy work to do during this half. But eventually our concentration paid off. The third goal came when once again Mathew, after receiving a well struck cross from the outside right, controlled the ball and with a quick snap shot put the ball into the back of the net again. 3-0. A natural hat-trick for Matty. Half time came right away.

During the half, our instructions were simple: treat this game like you would any other game against any other top team. Do not back down from challenging for the ball. Do not let people run by you. Keep working hard at retrieving the ball. Keep moving the ball quickly from player to player. Keep positive. Keep supporting each other.

During the second half, the players kept their structure and not too long after the start, our team scored again. First, Jonathan took matters into his own hands during a corner kick. He received the ball well and headed it to goal, but the keeper made the save. However, Jonathan did not give up and as the ball danced around in front of goal, he snapped a quick shot into the back of the net. Soon after, on an attack from the wing, Marcel crossed a fast flying ball that was met with a great one time volley by Finn. It was an amazing goal that showed great skill by both Marcel and Finn but that also showed great teamwork. 5-0.

We made some more changes. Our sixth goal from a strong impromptu run by Robbie. Following our instructions to put pressure on the defenders of Peninsula, Robbie went after two players who had the ball but that looked a bit unsure on what to do. Robbie caught up to them, went through the two, took the ball, went to goal and scored on the far right corner. It was great solo effort. But for us, it was even better to see him use his tenacity and follow our instructions. Our attacks continued and not long after the 6th goal, Marcel was pulled down inside the box. Penalty kick. Ben stepped up to take it. As the whistle blew, we all stood excited with anticipation. But unfortunately, although Ben did hit the ball well, he struck it too far right barely missing the post. We all felt for Ben, especially because he was working hard to win balls, make good passes and create chances. However, despite his miss, he did not give up and kept working. Most importantly, the team supported him and no one reacted harshly or negatively to the kick. So Ben kept fighting. I was proud of him. His hard work paid off. Towards the end of the game, Ben was rewarded when, after receiving a pass inside the box, he coolly took the ball and slotted it into the back of the net. That marked our last goal of the day. Well worked, well taken.

But the game was not over ~ Peninsula kept coming at us and in fact broke us down twice in counter attacks. Through one of them, our defence found themselves in a bit of disarray and allowed a low hard shot to be taken on Aaron who, despite having made a great save on the first counter-attack breakaway, could not repeat the feat in the second. It was nonetheless fitting for Peninsula to get a goal as they showed that they just would not give up. Our respect to them.

So with that we finished our first game of the third round. I want to commend ALL and EACH of the players on the biggest improvement so far: hardening up. We were just too soft before. Now we are fighting more and as you can see , it is paying off. Well done guys.

What's next? Well, our biggest rivals come to play us next week. No one can deny that there is a lot of anticipation for this game. All I know is that if we keep working hard and being positive the result of this game may be very different than our last one. We got what it takes boys ~ we just simply need to apply it.

Until next practice boys ~ Cheers~!

Roberto

MOVES FOR THE WEEK ~ Practice makes perfect!

Before every practice, I always go through my favorite soccer training websites to see what new drills, ideas and concepts I can learn and bring to the team. A long time ago I came across this video: I really liked it. It shows a fellow by the name of Brendan Donahue doing different moves with the ball. What is most rewarding about the moves that are presented here is that doing them will inherently help each player with agility, developing core strength and better control of the ball.

My added suggestion is that if it is too cold to go outside and do it, that you get a tennis ball and do the tricks in your bedroom. Close the door, put some music on and go at it. You'll be surprised at how much your skill will improve by doing this.

Here is the video boys ~ enjoy and practice, practice, practice.

Fast Footwork Skills

Roberto

BAYS FURY 5 - SAANICH FUSION 0

Mathew, back from injury, steps over the ball while attacking Fusion

Another great game by the boys this past weekend. The boys continued to show great intuition on the field and all of them have taken instructions well. Our defence continued to show resilience and determination and have continued to join the attack when needed. Our strikers continue to be a threat and our wingers are much more settled into the concept of being wide on the field. I do have to say though that for me, our center mid was much more effective in this game and I cannot write this post without giving them the props they deserve. Well done Justin and Koby.

Although the score matters, at this stage of the season it is how we are playing that matters most. The tenacity and ability to play as a team is what we need to cement down, not individual plays. Hence, the 5-0 score was appropriate but what was most telling was the fact that the amount of Turn-Overs is down, that our possession time has increased and that our ability to get the ball back from the opposition has improved. Well done fellas.

Jonathan sends a long pass to the strikers

Since we have come to the end of round 2, in this post I will focus on what the boys have been doing well and what we need to improve on as a team ~ I am focusing on the TEAM rather than each player.

Where we NEED to Improve

COMMUNICATION: Although it is better, we are still lacking a strong understanding of communication on the field. You see, communication is not just who talks or how loud one talks. It is when and what is said that matters. Thus, having a player tell another after a mistake is done "come on man" is not helpful. Just the same, calling someone's name without providing direction (like "I'm on your right") or providing help ("you got time") is not helpful at all either. So instead of saying "Tyler, Tyler, TYLER!", we must aim at helping Tyler by telling him (and all your teammates) what he can do and how you can help.

Screaming at your player because you want the ball does not help either - sometimes they have better options than you. Remember too that yelling at someone with no help places undue pressure on him from his own player (God knows Darcy and I already place enough pressure on them).  So be positive and helpful when you are on the field.

Thomas mounts another attack after skipping past the Fusion defender

DECISION MAKING: We need to be better at making decisions when attacking and defending. When attacking, holding on to the ball for too long reduces the element of surprise which wrecks havoc on the opposition. The faster we move the ball, the less time our opposition has to set up to defend against us. When defending, it is crucial that we do not just follow the ball. Each player has to remember what your role is AND most of all, who that player is checking. Boys, take a look around you. By doing that, you will improve your defensive positioning substantially. I guarantee it.

Tyler takes the space on the wing supported by Gabriel and Koby

OFFSIDES: I do not mind when a player is called offside and it is tight (refs make bad calls too). But when players get called offside and it is clear that they are a few feet offside, it shows a lack of understanding of their role and demonstrates that they are so focused on the ball and scoring that they are not paying attention to their position. We must focus on ensuring that we know where we are before the ball is kicked. It is true that many players walk a fine line between being offside and putting pressure on the opposition. But let's be more disciplined about this: in the end, if we get called offside, it is the team that loses a chance, not you.

Finn looks to do a one touch pass to his teammates

MOVEMENT OFF THE BALL: When I was a kid in El Salvador, I had an Argentinian coach who would always say to us "You do the most running when you are not on the ball not when you have it". Yes, it is true that seeing Messi or Ronaldo go at defenders at full speed while dribbling through one, two or more players is beautiful. But let's be realistic: how often do you think that happens? And perhaps more importantly, have you seen how much more often they just pass the ball and make runs off the ball? You see, it is the ability to exploit spaces in the middle of the field that creates a perfect team. So, this means that we cannot rely on Koby, Justin, Gabriel and others to just "go go go". What we need is for players to move constantly so that whoever has the ball has at least two options for passing. Once in the box, well, that is another story. But for now, keep in mind that moving into spaces is a key factor in this game. We are doing it, but we need to do so ALL the time.

Justin heads the ball breaking up another attack by Fusion

FINISHING: I know most of you will say "how can you bring this up when we have the most goals in the league?" Well, it is not so much the goals we got that matter but the amount of chances we have missed that worry me. We must be more clinical. Missing one-on-ones, free kicks and most of all CORNER KICKS, have become a bit too common. These should be goals, period. Why? First because we have to quality to finish. But more importantly because when we hit teams that are as good as we are, the difference may be marked by that one chance we get ~ if we fail on that, we may fail during the whole game.

Robbie tries a shot while in space

Where we HAVE Improved

POSITIONING: I have seen more of you follow instructions. Our wingers have been much better in the last few weeks. I specify our wings because with the likes of fast runners like Marcel, Tyler and Gabriel, we are doing a disservice to the team if they cannot use their speed. But the key is to have them in positions where they can exploit space and use their speed. This is why I am happy to see them sticking wide on the field. Even if they do not get the ball, other teams are going to be so worried about them that they will inevitably open up the field for our team to use. Well done wingers (Mathew, Hamish and Ben included). Our center defenders and midfielders have been much better at understanding their role and why they need to hold positions, even when they have the energy to push into the box. Last, our forwards have been very good at running diagonals and creating space for us to put the ball into. It is good to see us doing this.

Marcel settles and makes a pass to a teammate

RETRIEVING THE BALL BACK: It was only a month ago when I remember having a chat with the boys where I said "we are too soft". Well, I have to say that things are looking up. The "just jockey" move has to be executed but the reality remains that hard challenges win games. When we are in the middle or up the field from our net, we must go hard. Plain and simple. In my view, we have become better at this. Our wingers are returning to defend and get the ball back. Our forwards are forechecking more and even if they do not get the ball in their feet, they cause throw-ins in our favor. Overall, it is our new-found mentality to get possession back that has marked a difference in the team and I cannot be prouder to see it unfold.

HARDER CHALLENGES: I saw it against Lakehill and I also saw it this past weekend against Saanich ~ we are using our body more and getting "stuck in" more. This is a must. You see boys, no matter how technical you are, if you are not strong enough to challenge for the ball, your game will be reduced by 50%. Just like if you are very skillful but get winded after two sprints. Now, let me be clear: this does NOT mean hurt players. I do not and will not accept any such play ~ we must play fair. What you must do is go hard for the BALL, not the player. Lately, I have seen many of you push more, fight more and most importantly, not give up. This attitude will take you far and most of all, will serve the team well. Excellent work!

Hamish goes past a defender and works hard to push forward

TEAM ATTITUDE: I see more camaraderie in the team. I see more of you laughing together and chatting more. Keep it up ~ a team is only as strong as the bond that unites its players. Yes, we all love the game, but if we are friends, our team will go even farther.

PRACTICES: I see more focused players in practices ~ this is key. You cannot expect to play well in a game when in practice you do not listen, give it only half of your effort and see no purpose on them. I want to commend you and encourage you in working hard. Practice like you would play in a game.  I am happy to see this happening.

Conclusion

We are in the thick of it. This team has what it takes ~ but even with the skill we got, we cannot sit back and think that because we have a ton of goals we are the best. Not at all: the best teams are those who never know they are the best but believe that with work they can be the best. 

So lets' keep working.

To ALL the Parents, thank you again. Whether you agree with me or not, I do hope that you continue to trust my approach and that your son is coming home happy to be in this team. They are part of something special. I am privileged to witness it first hand. 

Ian, Don, Dean and Jim enjoy the game (Jim shows his experience as a model for Sears)

Oh, and to my buddy Darcy, Thank you Sir ~ couldn't do this without you.

See you at practice!

Roberto

Roberto does what he does best ~ carry things!

BAYS UNITED FURY 3 - LAKEHILL FC 0

Justin skips away from Lakehill's center mid

This past weekend we continued our season by playing against a rejuvenated Lakehill U14 Gold team. This team came at us hard at first. Clearly, they are playing with more heart and more determination. So it is no surprise that both Darcy and I were happy to see that the Fury Boys handled the pressure well but more importantly, played better than last weekend.

Pierce anticipating and breaking a Lakehill attack

In the first half, Lakehill kept us on our toes. They created breakaways that caused us to minimize our attacks in order to ensure we defended those breakaways. Pierce and Jonathan were kept busy. Brandon and Hamish, who stepped in to relieve Tyler due to an injury he suffered right before the game started, also had to maintain a close eye on the attacks. As I said, it was clear that Lakehill came to play with a focus on working hard. But our boys were up to the challenge. Slowly, Fury began to settle and once that started, the midfield began to move the ball better throughout the field. Their efforts came to fruition when, after a strong run from the wing, Gabriel centered the ball where the Lakehill keeper made a great save but Robbie had also followed the play, found himself open and snapped a low shot into the net. The break we wanted had come. The goal was created by the quick movement of the ball from the middle to the wing and then back into the middle. Well done fellas.

Gabriel fighting hard to get to the ball

Not long after, we won a corner kick. The boys positioned themselves in strategic positions throughout the box. Hamish delivered a great corner that was met ferociously by Jonathan who headed into the net with determination. The goalie got a hand to it but the ball was flying so fast that the goalie's efforts did not matter. Two nothing for us.

Robbie mounts another attack down the wing

A few more minutes went by. During this time, we saw all the players working hard. We saw them sliding and going hard shoulder-to-shoulder. We saw them maintaining possession and being more diligent in their passing. Yes, we still made some mistakes, but overall, the boys were better in moving the ball. Before the half ended, Gabriel made another great run on the side and again crossed it into the middle where Finn quickly attacked the ball and scored our third goal using his knee. It was a great display of attacking futbol again.

Finn skips past a Lakehill defender

Half time came. At this time we made some changes. Ben and Thomas came to the front and when the second half started, we kept going from where we left off. Our attacks kept coming. Koby and Justin kept possession well. Our wingers worked hard to not only attack but also coming back to defend. Our defence continued their hard work. Brandon was fantastic in anticipating and cutting down anything that came his way. Pierce and Jonathan positioned themselves much more centrally and this helped us maintain our shape. As usual, Marcel worked hard on the wing to not only defend well but also provide support for the attack.

Brandon taking care of business

Up front, Ben worked hard. It was great to see him work so hard and win so many balls back for us. He created several chances and helped maintain the pressure for our team.

Ben goes after a loose ball in the Lakehill half

Thomas used his skill to create great moments of magic too. He also fought hard for the entire second half. Thomas found himself in great positions several times. In three different occasions, Robbie provided Thomas with passes in front of goal. Unfortunately, Thomas' goal was not to be. No worries Thomas, keep doing what you are doing and the goals will come. In the end, we did not score anymore but we still showed a marked improvement in our passing and defending in comparison to last week.

Thomas fights hard to get possession for our team

WHAT WE DID WELL: We played more as a unit and did not rely on lucky bounces. We were much more composed when under attack and created cleaner chances when up front. I want to commend the boys for working harder at defending as a unit and becoming more determined in winning the ball back. We must continue working on that.

THINGS TO IMPROVE: during this game, we got away with it but let's remember that when teams pressure us, we will not have the time to hold on to the ball for too long - hence, we must move the ball quickly. Our outside defenders must try to push and take the space more often when available. This will give us another dimension to our attacks. And the last thing? Our finishing. Although I was very happy with the opportunities we created, we need to finish them. Darcy and I counted at least 8 opportunities that should have been put in the back of the net. The percent of success we have when finishing is worrying me. We have to improve it.

TO DO: we'll continue working on speeding up the movement of the ball, moving off the ball, pressuring when not having possession and yes, we will work on being more clinical when finishing.

Thanks to all the parents for your support ~ See you guys at practice!!

Cheers,

Roberto