U8 FIRE - Matchday 6

Captains - Bryson, Stone, Cole
MVP - Bryson (Outstanding shot stopper)

No goals to report on this week. We had a very tough game that was very fun and balanced, we just couldn't find the net. I think we had some good chances, but a lot of credit goes to the boys on the other team for being so quick to close us down. This is typically our hardest game of the season and it certainly remained that way. I'm very proud of all the boys for hanging in there and playing their hardest to keep the game fun.

Bryson was hands down the MVP for the day. He was called on regularly to make saves. He blocked several point blank shots and wasn't afraid for a moment to get in the way of a swinging leg. I never knew that he was so good in the net. This could be the beginning of a very bright goalkeeping career for Bryson.

We have an exciting build up to the end of the season ahead. 3 games in 4 days. That will really be a lot of fun for the boys.

Games for the rest of the season

Here is a run-down of games to come for the rest of the season

Friday May 1st - U8B-Buffington vs. U8B-Maurek 5:00 Field 7 (make-up from 4/4)
Saturday May 2nd - U8B-Buffington vs. U8B-Lewis 11:30 Field 7
Monday May 4th - U8B-Buffington U8B-Sines 5:15 PM Field 7 (make-up from 4/18)
Saturday May 9th - U8B-Mcdonald vs. U8B-Buffington 12:45 Field 7

If you were scheduled for snacks for a game that was cancelled, you get to bring them for the rescheduled time. So the Wingfields have the game this Friday, and the Hemplemans have next Mondays game.

Very full soccer schedule as we approach the end of the season!!!

U8 FIRE - Matchday 4

Captains - Blake, Cobe, Logan
MVP - Cobe (points leader for the day. 2 assists and a goal)

Scoring summary - GOAL (ASSIST)
Peyton (Cobe)
Peyton (Cobe)
Cobe (Peyton)
Cole (unassisted)

Great game Saturday from the FIRE. Our team held the ball in the attacking portion of the field the entire game. Only one significant save had to be made. Blake blocked a point blank shot with his chest on the oppositions break-away. (Steve and I thought he wasn't breathing for a bit). Logan had the huge punt on the day. It looked as though a full grown adult had sent that ball into the air. (Cole wants to have a punting duel with Logan)

The passing was better than I have ever seen it. Repeatedly we saw Cole, Landen, Jaden, Bryson and Cobe combining passes to move the ball into space and away from defenders. Peyton was sprung lose twice to put the ball in the goal from these combinations. The strength on the ball was apparent from the entire team. We work on holding the ball every week under serious physical pressure. As such, these boys are not afraid to be physical with their bodies...and it shows. Opposing teams are often frustrated with our physical presence. Stone, Sam, Ryan and Aiden were particularly forceful in holding the ball from the other team.

We had several squandered attempts at goal, so this week we are working on attacking the goal. Hopefully you'll see this pay off in the games Friday and Saturday.

Coach Jeb

U8 FIRE - Matchday 2

Captains - Landen, Peyton
MVP - Sam (solid, composed defending)

Scoring summary - GOAL (ASSIST)
Blake (Bryson)
OG (Peyton)
Cole (unassisted)
Cole (unassisted)

Another good weekend for the FIRE. We were missing the talents of Cobe and Jaden and the leadership of Coach Eric. Though the game felt sluggish at times, we pulled through and had a game to be happy with. Next time we have a 9am game, I'm imposing a Friday night - 8pm lights out policy for the team!!! kidding of course...but not a bad idea.

Didn't the new bench look great on the sideline? The boys loved sitting on it. They thought it was pretty cool also. Thank you again to all of the parents for chipping in.

Some highlights from the game.
1. Sam was playing with a lot of maturity in the back for us. He doesn't jump in and attack (which is good). He watched the play develop, and steadily would move in for the kill. This is why he was MVP. Defenders can't just be agressive. Better attackers will win if our defenders aren't able to study what is happening. Sam showed us that this weekend.

2. Cole's brace. Cole suddenly woke up and decided "I'm going to score a couple goals, and no one is stopping me" I love it. He really has done well this season so far.

3. We went to goal very well. I can think of instances when most everyone on the team had a hand in the attack and chance on goal. We need to finish more shots, but that will be the easy part. Building the attack is the hard part. Well done boys!!!!

We have a Challenger session tonight (Monday) at Aspen Creek - 6pm.
See you all there