U8 FIRE - 10/4/2008

Captains - Landen, Logan
MVP - Logan (Half field goal!) Jaden (Ferociousness)

Outstanding game Saturday. The competition was much better this week than we've seen. They had some very tall and fast players that made it difficult for us in the 1st half. The team worked it out in the 2nd half and had a very offensive half. Poor Cole never seems to see any action when he plays goal. Which is good for the team, just boring for a keeper.

We had several outstanding plays in the game. We had good saves by the keepers and solid defending. One specific incidient that stands out was Logan's half field shot. We know that at this age group, keepers often float out of position. At half-time Coach Eric and I encouraged the boys to shoot from outside of the box. This way the could practice taking long distance shots and possibly get lucky with a few goals as a result. Too often the boys feel like they need to walk the ball into the goal. I want them to be comfortable with taking shots.

So Logan took the advice and hit a real zinger. Good job.

All the boys are playing very well. The next 3 games will get progressively harder. I know the teams we will play and they have all done very well this season. With some determination and hard work, I know the boys will hold their own - and even produce some surprises here and there.

Coach Jeb

U7 THUNDER - 10/4/2008

Captains - Peter and Jonathan
MVP - Seth (sneaky attacking)

Another great game today from the Thunder. They faced a very tough team. To begin, I thought we would dominate the game pretty well, but the other team came alive and held us to only 1 second half goal. They were tough and a greta reason why I teach stingy and mean defending. Our boys can't be afraid to get in and take the ball. They certainly did that again this week and the game was very balanced as a result.

There were 2 highlights for me in the game. First, Jake's own goal. Sure we shouldn't put the ball in our own goal, but Jake just smiled and shook it off. No one was on his case, instead we say "that's OK" and move on. It was a reminder to me that we are all out there for fun. If we keep it fun, the kids will keep coming back for more. Great attitude from everyone Saturday.

Second, was a first ever goal. I don't think I've ever seen anything like it before in all of my playing years. Ryan L was on the goal line. The ball bounced off his hip and somehow managed to roll into the goal. It was pretty incredible. Great goal Ryan L. I know you meant to do it.

For the parents...great Fan Tunnels all season. This means a lot to the boys. Keep up the good work and all the positive cheering we hear from the sidelines. I have the best parents in the league - again.

Coach Jeb

U8 FIRE - 9/27/2008

Captains - Cobe, ? ?
MVP - Cole (2nd half Hat-Trick)

Todays game moved fast. The boys were ready to pounce on every loose ball and get up the field. We started to run away with the game early so I played our team in new positions. We saw some great skill today and great ball movement. A highlight of the game had to be our first Goalkeeper assist. Cobe punted the ball downfield to Peyton, who finished the ball. All of the boys will likely have a chance at being keeper this year, so get them practyicing punting the ball. Maybe they can earn a goalkeeper assisted goal as well.

Coach Jeb

U7 THUNDER - 9/27/2008

Captains - Ryanihno and Seth
MVP -

The THUNDER keeps plugging away and showing great improvement during the season. We had 4 different goalscorers in Blake, Ryanihno, Jake and Peter. We also had every player on the team with a shot on goal. This is outstanding that all of our players are getting to the goal and having a chance.

Our defense continues to be solid and "mean". I try to get the boys to be very stingy defenders and to get in and take the ball quickly. We have a great group of players.

Coach Jeb