Bays United - upwards and onwards boys

The last couple of weeks have been a roller coaster ride for all the boys.

GAME AGAINST SAANICH FUSION

There is no question that on this day we had a phenomenal game against Saanich Fusion during which the boys level of play was simply magnificent. We saw them move the ball with great precision and rapidity. It was a great display of skill by all the boys.

As the game progressed, we could see the boys settling into their own rhythm. Our back line and wingers were very effective in swinging the ball from one side to the other with lots of determination and know how. It was good to see the boys (Gabriel and Mathew especially) widen the field and thus create more options for your midfielders and back line to move into. Our strikers finished when they had to and were a threatening force throughout the entire game. Thomas in particular was impressive in his battling for the ball. I also have to give a big congrats to Brandon who got two great goals towards the end of the game. All of us were so happy to see him score two wonderful goals. A great achievement indeed.

We felt strong and ready to face Gorge for the League Championship.

That game proved to be incredibly tough for all of us.

GAME AGAINST GORGE FC 

~FIRST HALF~

Although we had come from a very good win the weekend before, we started off a bit slow. Communication woes and decisions made under pressure broke our ability to settle into our game. Although well-covered at the back, Gorge was taking the game to us and this put us on the defensive even though our goal was to attack. We were struggling to create the types of chances we have created against Gorge in the past. However, we began to see them come through. First, Koby took a great free kick that the Gorge keeper had to push out for a corner. Later on, Gabriel took on the right back from Gorge, beat him and with a nice touch found Robbie who one timed it looking for the bottom far post, only to see the ball miss the net entirely. Close call, but no net. Then, after a turn over, the Gorge winger sent a ball into the box. Gorge's striker controlled the ball and with a few moves created some space between him and our defender and managed to get off a nice high shot that, despite Aaron playing well, he could not save. We were down 1 -0 and we could all feel that this would be a tough obstacle to overcome. Yet, we kept at it. We kept pushing and the Gorge defenders several times had to simply kick the ball out as they were under pressure from us.

Half time: at half time Darcy gave the boys a firm talk about how we were struggling and how we needed to regain our composure. We told them that this was the game that all of them have dreamt about at one time or another, the one where they needed to pull together and work hard. We asked them to focus more and to move the ball faster. We asked them to avoid turn overs as this was causing us serious issues. The boys agreed and I could see that they were pumped for the second half.

~SECOND HALF~

As we got going on the second half, Gorge continue to pressure us, not leave us a lot of space to play. However, our biggest issue was the number of turn overs we kept giving. Gabriel continued to be a threat down the wing but the amount of passes he received began to dwindle as the second half moved on. In an effort to use his speed, we moved him into the middle. Unfortunately, although he tried, he could not get on the end of a pass, mostly because there weren't many coming through. Our wingers had to play more defensively and this took away from our attacks. Our strikers struggled against a very solid defence. We did not get very clear chances in the second half. The boys were having a hard time clicking.

When there were about 7 minutes left, the game seemed settled. Yet, we tried one more thing: we pushed the boys up on our last couple of corner and free kicks; however we could not break Gorge down.  

In the end, I ask that all of us give credit to the boys from Gorge who did their best to be successful. I cannot deny that part of their success was due to our inability to reduce the amount of turn overs we kept giving and also our difficulty in making precise passes into space. 

One thing should be said though: although we did not play our best, I do not doubt that the boys did what they could under the circumstances. Everyone has bad games, it happens. But let's not judge an entire season on one game. I know that each and all of them wanted to win that game. It did not happen. It was indeed our toughest loss yet but we can learn from it. I am sure all the boys will remember this game forever. My goal is to use it as a lesson that will help us improve.

~CONCLUSION~

Yes, Gorge deserved the win. Yet, I ask you to keep in mind all the work and excellent games the boys have played during the entire season. I believe that, but for this and the other game that we lost 3-0, whenever we played Gorge we were the better team: we created more chances, we passed the ball better, we were more precise and we made them work hard to keep us out. I truly believe that technically, we are on better ground.

So what now? Well, now it's off to finish up the season this Saturday and then it is District Cup. Let's go hard and win this fellas!

Last, I want to formally express my apology if I made any parent feel like their voice should be silenced during games. That is not at all what I was thinking about. All I wanted to ensure was that the boys got good support during this tough game. But please, do not silence yourself when supporting the boys. I want you to encourage them and make them feel like they have great support. They need that. And if you have any suggestions or thoughts, send them my way. I love hearing them.

Ok, see you Saturday!

Roberto