Fall Practice Schedule and Location

Please read all the way to the bottom:

1. Construction is happening at the high school which has caused a cascade of events – football is now locating for practice at the intermediate school which will cause us to locate practice at Chrinergy Park (250 Berger Road) – about 5 minutes from the intermediate school over the Glendon Bridge.

2. We will practice our first week at the Intermediate School and then shift over to Chrinergy either Tuesday or Wednesday of the following week where we will practice for the remainder of the regular season.

3. Transportation will be provided by bus leaving the high school around 2:30 PM and returning students to the high school around 4:30 PM.

4. All home games will continue to be played at the Intermediate School or in the event of a night game/senior night up on Cider Press Road.

5. Students will not be required to take the bus to practice. I will need to know how many students will be taking the bus so they can plan on size of bus. Please fill out the google form below ASAP so we can plan this:

https://forms.gle/2KzS4uT91iEwoksg9

6. I know it is not ideal but we want to use this to galvanize us to train harder and better and use this to motivate us to have the best season ever. Nothing will stand in our way. On the upside, the field is flat and in relatively good shape.

7. We will need to be careful with storms so we will not risk practices if storms are forecast.

8. I have requested a small equipment shed to be placed there and for a trainer to be assigned.

Captain’s Practice Tomorrow

Some of the leaders of the team are holding a practice tomorrow. Please reach out to Dillard for further information! When I know an official time – I will post here so check back!

Weekly Update – no “official” trainings this week.

What a world cup! Congratulations to Spain – a deserved winner. They conceded the fewest goals in the tournament per game and there is lots we can take from that.

We will not be meeting for official trainings this week so workout and play on your own. Run every day – miles (for endurance) and shuttles for soccer accelerating and decelerating. Pushups and plyometric (burpees and tuck jumps) for core and strength.

Also, enjoy your summer each day too. Get lost in a book. Go for a bike ride. Work on a project.

We will meet again as a squad next Tuesday 7/28 from 8:00 – 9:30 AM. See you then!

Coach Stewart

Training Recap and Anderson’s case for Argentina

Anderson’s Case for Argentina:

“I think that Argentina will win the World Cup final because they have a certain ability to perform under pressure. They have a clutch factor that can’t be practiced or learned and they use it every game. It seems that every goal they have comes in the final minutes and once they get one they continue to push their opponents which is another strength. They never try to park the bus and let up.”

Training Recap:

Harnit, Owen Smith, and Keerat were singled out for outstanding play. I particularly liked how Harnit was counter pressing and attacking directly. Keerat’s passing was excellent and Owen Smith was playing close to mistake free soccer – even without the shin guards! We tried to get on the end of some crosses. At this point we are better defending them then scoring on them – always lots to improve isn’t there.

August 17th is getting close:

Fitness was highlighted as a metric that is within everyone’s control and WILL BE a significant determining factor in player evaluation. Train on your own. Make the case that you belong in the starting 11. Make the case that you belong training in the varsity group.

Why Spain will win the World Cup

I expect both of these teams to line up and play Sunday like they have all tournament. Both teams are confident and both teams know their own weaknesses and how to hide them. Both coaches have proven to be stable Captains of their respective ships. The winner of this game will be the team that has the winning tactic and to my eyes – this is Spain. Read the rest and let’s see if you agree.

xG and SOS:

Over the course of the tournament, Spain leads Argentina in xG by 2 – and they did it against much stronger opponents as measured by FIFA rankings. It can be argued that the rankings might not reflect the current form of a team like Egypt for example but the difference between the two teams strength of schedule cannot be ignored:

Avg ranking of team faced by Spain: 9.8

Avg ranking of team faced by Argentina 29.8

Interestingly, despite Spain having the higher xG, Argentina has scored more goals as they have been more clinical in finishing their chances. Argentina has pulled victory from the jaws of defeat twice but I think the law of averages will reward the team that consistently creates more chances and this is Spain.

Edge: Spain

Style of Play:

Argentina was very tough contesting the ball against England and it affected England’s ability to move the ball quickly. Spain presents a different challenger for Argentina as they can move the ball more quickly and provide more options around the ball than England. It is hard for a team to change their identity quickly and I think Argentina’s bouts of aggression which served it well will ultimately be their undoing.

Edge: Spain

Personnel:

Of course Messi is Messi and one does not need to argue whether he is the best that has ever played to analyze his impact on this game. He is a danger man and can hurt you. No more need be said. Let’s be honest though, there are 22 danger men on the field and plenty more on the bench. The average player ratings during the tourney give the slight edge to Spain but this is probably the stat is trust the least. Man to man, this is an even match.

Edge: Even

Overall: Spain wins 2-0

Training Report and Training Tomorrow (8-9 AM)

The good: The introductory keep away looked really good. The off the ball movement was improved and the passes were sound. There was also energy in winning the ball back after being dispossessed. The game featured a few goals scored the way we want them to be – quick counter to inward runs in dangerous places and finishes. Keerat, Anderson, and Hetrick all got accolades for strong play today. It was nice to have Kaarsen there today also and Jeremiah has become a regular these days which is really good for us. We also had a guest star appearance from Robby Swiatek – former Captain and All-League 1st team selection. Thanks for coming Robby! Speaking of guest stars – Lt. Dan has also been present and it is nice to see you Danny!

The needs improvement: During the game, we must hammer the counter press and then if no joy, get organized. Passes and off the ball movement that looked so good in keep away deteriorated some come game time.

We WILL practice tomorrow from 8-9 AM as an additional workout this week! Be there if you can!

Training Recap 7/14

28 Guys and 1 Gal! That is awesome!

Full field action, stopped on occasion to review what we want!

  1. Counter press – this was lacking and needs to improve
  2. Head up and pass quickly
  3. Off the ball movement and runs must happen decisively
  4. Overlapping runs by fullbacks – these MUST MUST happen and only one or two do them.
  5. Lacking fitness

To be better, we need to GROW. That means working hard to get better – not just play.

Men of the match highlighted:

Harnit and Keerat

Yahriel

Juan*

Thursday I will be looking for growth on all these items AND we will have it all on record with our NEW LIVESTEAMING capable AI camera! WAHOO!!!!!