tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83388503262894194462024-03-14T02:33:48.567-04:00Tales of a High School Soccer coachOldsoccerFanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527211168048137110noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338850326289419446.post-44150263653219497492009-08-17T15:53:00.002-04:002009-08-17T16:06:39.829-04:00New SeasonThe High School Soccer season started today. First day of practice.<br />The alarm went off this morning and I thought, well, all the players are excited. Most of them. Some will forget water and even some will forget something to eat. Some did not realize that today was the day.<br />I thought about it and hit the snooze button. I am retired.<br />Yes - I do miss it.<br />Yes - I do miss most of the players. Some are actually funny and some are actually talented.<br />Yes- there are lessons to be learned for life at camp.<br />Actually got message from one of the players that said I was really missed.<br />Well - I miss them too.OldsoccerFanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527211168048137110noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338850326289419446.post-66810190030460289722009-08-10T09:09:00.004-04:002009-08-10T10:28:56.650-04:00Under the knife and ramblingsAfter 9 long months of putting up with pain that seems to get worse by the week, I am having surgery again. Almost 2 years to the day. This time not the knee. It's the Achilles.<br />I have 3 bone spurs - 2 back by the Achilles and one in the arch. My left Achilles is now twice the size of my right. I have had to cut back to playing soccer only one night a week and it still hurts like hell after playing. It's gotten to the point where just walking around the yard starts the hurt. Surgeon believes that this is causing the planters fasciitis.<br />We will see.<br />I will be totally off of the foot for 3 weeks and on crutches, then into a boot for 4 weeks with physical therapy - AGAIN. Already had 6 weeks of that. Yes it worked. Foot improved about 50% but I still had to take the voltarin for the inflammation and pain.<br />Hopefully I'll be back in playing form around the end of October. Just in time for the next session.<br />I hate not playing. Watching is fun - but not as fun.<br /><br />For any of the Pius players that still read this - 7 days until camp with the new coach.<br />Remember that this is the last and final year of St. Pius. The division will be changed next year and you will be playing the big schools twice - because PP2 will be a AAA school.<br />Play your best always.<br />Why is it that some of the problem children from last year send me friend requests from facebook? Are they really that dumb - or do they really think they are THAT smart?<br />Nah... just dumb. They got what they wanted. They are in for a eye opener when they grow up.<br /><br />The Senior Nomads should have a good team this session. If everyone just talks, listens and passes the ball when they should (instead of trying to do it all by themselves) they will be contenders again. I know that some hesitate to pass the ball to some of us older members because yes - we do lose the ball. But guess what? So do you. Just as much. We are all out to play the game the best we can - for FUN. I want to win too. Please do not get me wrong - this is a great bunch of guys.<br /><br />Another funny from coaching.<br />One of the smaller players on the varsity team got hit in the nuts early in the morning during warm ups. He goes down holding himself and moaning in pain.<br />Next drill is a trapping drill and - yes - you guessed it - gets nailed there again.<br />After said person recovers again and comes back to the playing field we switch to small sided 3 v 3 games.<br />Yeap - another player tries to meg him and goes high. Player falls over like a stone wall onto the ground. By this time he is really pissed and really in pain.<br />Then comes our mid morning break. I ask if he wants some ice for said area and he declines. Okay - I guess he is doing fine.<br />First drill after break is a passing/trapping drill and I fear that some wise ass is going to nail him again. Nope - we made it through that one.<br />Next we do spots never stop - so that he is safe.<br />Next drill is throw-ins doing 3 men moving.<br />Yeap - you guess it. He is checking to the thrower. The thrower 'misses' his feet and hits him square right there. Said player actually catches the ball as it hits him and falls to the ground.<br />He is sooooooooooo pissed that he takes the ball and wings it at the throwers head and hits him square in the head. The rest if the team is laughing so hard that it the 'injured' one is screaming to stop laughing because it's not funny and it hurts when he laughs.<br />I am almost in tears from laughing so hard.<br />I let the player sit out for the rest of the practice.<br />Two years ago we had one come this close to this one. But this one was funnier.OldsoccerFanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527211168048137110noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338850326289419446.post-44373673477431119432009-06-10T09:06:00.004-04:002009-06-10T09:59:30.890-04:00Answers, rumors, schedule and more from the first year.<span style="font-weight: bold;">Answer to Anonymous:</span> Yes, it was Mesz. Reason: he played with all that he had every single game.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rumor:</span> ducky's dad (Mr. DeLeo to all of the players) is new coach. I wish him the best of luck and if he needs anything - please let me know. This is the final year for the old St. Pius X school. Maybe - just maybe they can go out with a threat to the rest of the pac10 because next year they will not be a "A" school. They will be a "AAA" like OJR and Boyertown.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Schedule for 2009 is posted:</span> just use the link and change the year. You boys will have a very, very busy schedule especially after the 09 September.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">First year funnies too:</span><br />There was a Saturday morning at Holy name and we had to meet at school at 7:30. Some of the players went to McDonalds for breakfast (really bad meal for pregame). They also had left over coffee for some of the other players (nice of them) and brought it on the bus.<br />There was a JV player that year who thought he should be on varsity. All that he had was speed. Nothing else - period. Could not control the ball under pressure if his life depended on it. Even tripped over the ball when he attempted to speed dribble. He also had a mouth and thought he was funny. Almost all of the varsity players thought he was nothing but a goof/jerk. You know the saying - walks like a goof, talks like a goof, then it is a .........<br />We get about 15 minutes into the drive and said player falls a sleep leaning against the window. With his mouth OPEN and snoring away. Me and my assistant are new to the coaching high school players so, like dopes we sit up in front of the bus. Really can't see what is going on in the back unless you turn completely around.<br />There is some loud laughs and talk and I ask them to settle down - but I know something is going down. Just do not know what -yet......<br />Remember those extra coffees? Well those coffees come with creamers in those little containers that just happen to fit in the palm of ones hand. You can get a whole lot of them on your hand. Needless to say one of the players in the back of the bus opens a lot of these and with both hands dumps them on the sleeping player with the mouth open. I catch some of this in the corner of my eye - but by then it's too late.<br />Said player looks like he was stuck under a cow and the whole bus is now laughing and screaming. Said player is now very pissed and every other word if F this and F that.<br />You all know how I feel about that especially being a Catholic school.<br />Said player also does not have a clue to who did this evil act to him.<br />I had to tell him and make the player say that he was sorry while still on the bus.<br />Originally I could not control myself when it happened and like the others started to laugh.<br />This was just the beginning of the "fun" this player had during his high school career.<br />I guess you just had to be there.OldsoccerFanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527211168048137110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338850326289419446.post-59431984906854049322009-05-22T11:54:00.002-04:002009-05-22T13:04:36.430-04:00Post mortemIt has been months since I have written here.<br />I have avoided this because I knew I would miss coaching and really I do.<br />I have coached 10-11 months out of every year since 1992. That is a long time.<br />I also enjoy the "free" time that I have and spend most of it with my family or playing Call of Duty.<br />I have been playing in 2 leagues since then and injured myself 2 days before Christmas when we had 2 games the same night.<br />I have been playing in pain (and walking) with a tear in the Achilles and planters fasciitis since.<br />I keep asking people about my replacement. There are rumors that the school did hire a coach but it has not been confirmed.<br />You find out many things about the other coaches because retirement lets down every ones shields - so they talk more.<br />Lo and behold, I find that most of the coaches did not like me or the school. They felt that Pius should not have been in that league and that we should have played in some 'other' league. I have know that for years. But what I did not expect in this 21st century was that is was based on religion. I could have something to do with it too but just like racism I thought that most of that crap was gone. Nope........<br />Now I know why the only request for honorable mention was ignored and other incapable players received the honor instead of one of my players.<br />I hope and pray that this player makes them pay for it next year because he truly deserved it.<br />More to come.....OldsoccerFanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527211168048137110noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338850326289419446.post-32590042046839982092008-10-26T12:55:00.003-04:002008-10-26T14:16:39.961-04:00Retirement - Week 1Thank you to those of you that have posted. I appreciate the kind words.<br />The best "gift" I could have received would have been a win at the Hill, my final game.<br />But still as a final remembrance will always be the "Quigley Run" play that almost worked. <br /><br />I have had multiple requests about indoor soccer.<br />Sorry to say - I am not doing indoor soccer. Please let the complainers take over and do indoor.<br />I also have been asked if I will be at the Fall Sports Banquet. Again - sorry to say no, I will not be there. The reason being - open mike and current frame of mind equals bad speech and tongue lashing. So - I'd rather not take the chance...... 'nuff said.<br />Remembrances - August 2000.<br />First day of summer camp.<br />I was worried about how I was going to remember all of the names and get to know players by myself in 10 days. I knew a slim few from coaching at Pottsgrove Soccer and a few went to our church. I was nervous as hell and they knew it.<br />A few of them, being high school seniors, attempted to help by organizing the players and telling me who was good and who was far from it. Of course, if they were friends and liked the other player - well then - they were a good player. If they did not like you - then you were bad. Period.<br />It took me until the second day to figure this out. There was one that kind of mocked me when I yelled at them by saying "sir, yes sir". This lasted about 4 days until I singled him out for a shooting drill. I also found out the he was the kicker for the football team. No wonder he could not put the ball in the net even with out a keeper. He always put it 100mph and 10 feet over.<br />Frank and I, later in that week, came to an understanding and was actually a good kid.<br />I think they all came to an understand when we did the spots never stop drill for 25 minutes non-stop. That got their attention quick and started to gain some respect.<br />More later.......OldsoccerFanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527211168048137110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338850326289419446.post-60869457835298762912008-10-20T12:34:00.005-04:002008-10-20T14:04:33.588-04:00Game Summary and Post Retirement<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Game Summary - Hill School:</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">L 9-0. Overall record: 3-15. League: 2-11.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Was this a fitting finale for 9 years? </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Yes it was. The usual. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Warm ups were slow and sloppy. Shooting started out good and finished with threat that if your shot was over - then you do not play today. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What did that get me? Shots at the keeper about 10mph. Typical..... </span>I then had to resort to 30 pushups.<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For the first few minutes we looked respectable - but the clue was no one talking except the Hill players and we were getting lucky. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Luck wore out and we let them run with the ball. Most times 1 on 1 which should had never been if we were a team. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Score at half - 7 to zip. More like a baseball score than soccer. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I attempted to be nice at halftime speech since this was my last, until the usual crap of someone talking in the group while I was trying to explain the usual of what was going wrong. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Then I kind of got mad. Again. I promised myself I would not let them get to me. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I told them that if this happened when I was in high school I would be embarrassed. I would be so angry at my team mates the I would have begged my coach to play for the whole team. I would have yelled at my friends to pick it up and do not back down after the first goal. I would have been so psyched that I probably would have been all over the field to cover who had that ball. I did not want it announced the next day or see it in the paper that we had lost so badly. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The rest is a blur. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We did play better the second half but not up the way we know how to play. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We had chances but made it easy for the keeper. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">At the end after the handshakes the Hill coach thanked me for the years of coaching at Pius and that most would not have lasted as long. I knew exactly what he was talking about. But I'm not about winning. I am about playing your all. Giving me all that you have. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">As I walked over to the bench, everyone was busy getting changed. Why? Who know. They could do that on the Bus. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Kane sat on the bench and said "yo - sit down. Are we having our post game speech?" I asked John why? What is there to talk about? </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">As I walked off the field carrying my bag for the last game, I looked around and took it all in. For this would probably be the last time I did this. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I thought back to the first Hill game when it was a battle in the first half. We were losing 1-0 at the time. I remember pulling Lauro and Kelleher out to show them the space they were giving us in the middle and designing a quick play for them. I subbed them both back in and seconds later Kelleher gets the ball and Lauro makes the run. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Perfect. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Kelleher puts the ball right on Lauro's feet making the run. Lauro steps on the ball and snaps his ankle. Bad. </span><br />Real bad. To the hospital bad.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">As I got on the bus the usual mayhem ensued. I yelled for them to put all varsity uniforms in the bag. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The bus pulled into the Pius parking lot and it really felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders as this was the end. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The bus stopped and as usual they all start to get up and I have to yell for them to sit down and close the windows. You think they might have gotten used to that. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I tell them that it was an interesting season. To keep playing and have a great life. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">That's it. </span><br />I started packing my car when Mr. Rodriguez came over to thank me for the season. I told him that I was done too. This came as a surprise to him.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Two players did come up to me and personally thank me. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">They made it difficult for me to hold it together.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Rapp came up to me first and shook my hand and thanked me for everything . </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sein-Lwin came next about a minute later. Shook me hand and said "Thanks coach. We are going to have a great team next year. Sure you don't want to coach us?" </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">That was hard enough for me to keep it together.</span><br />I had a few beep and wave from their car.<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Rapp and Sein-Lwin are class acts. They will go places in life and I'd bet on that. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In the future I'll post some other memories that I have of the years at Pius. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span>OldsoccerFanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527211168048137110noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338850326289419446.post-65724309238859279192008-10-17T07:08:00.004-04:002008-10-17T09:00:09.340-04:00Last day of Coaching<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Today I am resigning.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Today is my last game.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I have always thought about this day and when it would happen. It has happened sooner than I expected.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">And - not on my terms. I expected to leave with a solid foundation built for the next coach.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I have been head coach in one form or another for 17 years, since the spring of 1992. That is longer than most of my players have been alive.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I have coached at Pius since 2000.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I have packed my last change of clothes. I have packed my last trunk full of equipment.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I have hit the snooze button at 4:45 for the last time.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This day is my last long day of my soccer career.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I wish to thank the people that supported me and helped any way they could.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You know who you are and a very heart felt thank you.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">After my first year, I had set some goals for the team. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I wanted to beat Great Valley, OJR, Pottsgrove and Perk Valley. After Great Valley left our league and was replaced with Boyertown I wanted them the most.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Last year we came close.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Tied Boyertown 1-1 in double overtime.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Lost to OJR 1-0 in the last 5 minutes. Does not get better than that except for a win.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Came close to Pottsgrove in 2006 3-2 (Hill and Cocci scored) but lost to them later that year 3-0. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This year we came oh so close to Perk Valley and left them off the hook 3-2. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">To those that criticized, undermined, and complained behind my back because THEY did not have the courage to talk to me face to face, I also say thank you.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You are giving me my life back.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I know who most of you are.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Now is the chance to put your time where your mouth is. Now is your chance to step up and do your duty. Come on now - please, step up and YOU take the coaching job. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">All of your cackling, whispering, and complaining out loud to each other about the coaches DOES affect the way your son plays the game. It affects the other parents too.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">And that spreads like a winter virus.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Do you have any idea of how much time it takes to be a head coach at the high school level?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Please step up to the plate to find out.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">How about the off season stuff. Practices and coordination for indoor soccer.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">How about the Sunday games.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">How about the Open House at Pius and other meetings that you have to attend.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">How about the Rules meetings and PAC10 meetings.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">And don't forget dealing with the press. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Step up now and put your application in and also organize the indoor sessions for the boys.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Some parents and changes in the players are the reasons for me leaving.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Some players are there strictly because of a social thing.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Still some are there because of their parents.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Others are there that truly love the game, want to learn, and care if they win or lose.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The big changes I have seen in the players are:</span><br /><ul style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><li>Desire (lack thereof). This comes from within. </li></ul><ul style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><li>Respect (of teammates and coach). This starts at home. I had a player mouth off at the last practice. I was ready to walk off and leave until some of the seniors intervened. They actually wanted to make the offending player kiss my shoes. Why did this player even have to open his mouth?<br /></li></ul><ul style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><li>Concern/Caring. (again - lack thereof. Some don't care if they lose 10-0).</li></ul><ul><li>Team Work.(What? Working together? <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">T</span>ogether <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">E</span>veryone <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">A</span>chives <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">M</span>ore). If a player tells another player what to do during a game - they either get offended, ignore them or better yet, I have seen parents yell at the players because player told their son what to do. What kind of team is this?<br /></li></ul><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Come on parents and players. Are you guilty of any if these?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">If so - fix it now so the next coach can have some success.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In closing I will miss most of this.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I was looking forward to interviewing for the coaching job at the new school. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Wow, I’d be able to pick and choose my players if I got the job, build a competitive team, and coach players that truly love the game.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I will miss coaching at Pius. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I will miss the interaction with the boys. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I will miss those little moments when they get it, and you can see it in their face. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I will miss those little victories when they score a goal or make an incredible steal.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I will miss that look on their face when I take them aside and tell them of the great job they did and what they can do to be better.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I will miss the players now on the team that love the game of soccer. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I will miss the excitement of each game. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I will miss some of the stories that I bring home and tell my wife and children.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I will truly miss coaching at Pius.<br /><br />Good luck and God Bless to the real players and parents.<br /><br />Lastly - how come no one ever posted any comments?<br /></span>OldsoccerFanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527211168048137110noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338850326289419446.post-38614548540753032012008-10-15T09:24:00.004-04:002008-10-15T09:42:15.017-04:00Uniforms and stuff for the end of seasonHome uniforms will be collected at practice on Thursday.<br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">For the Hill School on Friday - there will be NO notes for rides home.<br /></span><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">Everyone will ride the bus back to Pius on Friday.</span></strong><br />Away uniforms will be collected on the bus on Friday.<br />If you are absent on Friday - you must deliver your uniform to my home by Wednesday. The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Athletic</span> Director will not accept your uniform.<br /><br />Game Summary - Penn Wood<br />L 4-0. Overall record: 3-14. League: 2-11.OldsoccerFanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527211168048137110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338850326289419446.post-16105325611348354052008-10-10T13:16:00.002-04:002008-10-10T13:44:53.520-04:00Game Summary - Phoenixville<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What is there to summarize that we already do not know? </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Like I said - at half time - we did not step to the ball. They won 90% of any balls.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We waited for them to make the trap and then watched them dribble away. Can't win games that way.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The exception was the defense and Budnick. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Budnick had 4 chances to score and missed. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We had the chances but once again either wide or over.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We had other chances but nobody listened to the guy behind you calling for the drop or telling you what to do. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Did you? </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The exception was Cocci.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">He did what he was told most of the time. He also pressured people on the ball. Slow sometimes but he is starting to get it. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Did you? </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">YOU have to want it.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">YOU have to want to play.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">YOU have to want to work at.</span><br />YOU have to DO. <br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This was a very disappointing season. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Congrats JV- you tied 1-1. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">** Tuesday vs Penn Wood 4:00 - Dismis: 2:00 Bus: 2:10</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">** Friday vs Hill School 3:45 - Dismiss: 2:30 Bus: 2:40 </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">** Varsity will be at the track. JV will be at the far fields.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">L 2-0. Overall record: 3-13. League: 2-11.</span>OldsoccerFanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527211168048137110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338850326289419446.post-83672751524650251082008-10-08T13:29:00.003-04:002008-10-08T13:48:07.359-04:00Game Summary - Pottstown<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Varsity - No practice today - Wednesday.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We need 1 pac10 goal to tie our most pac10 goals (21-2005). Two for new record. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> We need 3 goals to break our overall goals (32-2006).</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Can you beat your overall wins from last year? </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You now need to win 2 of the 3 to accomplish that feat. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You MUST win against Phoenixville to <span style="font-weight: bold;">equal</span> last year's league record.<br />Otherwise you will fall into the "2" win league record as they did in 2004. FYI - 2003=1, 2002=0. </span><br />Also in 2004 they allowed 112 goals, beat Pottstown twice and Glen Mills.<br />Lost to Phoenixville 7-3 and 6-3. Your first game this year against them was 8-1.<br />How are YOU going to play against Phoenixville? <br /><br />Gray and Cocci are starting fowards tomorrow.<br />Budnick - attacking mid. Meszaros - sweeper.<br />Everyone else is up for grabs.<br /><br />Penalty kick by Kane breaks the ice for 1-0 lead.<br />Perfect cross from Gray to Caffarello's head on far post for goal number 2.<br />Quigley racks up second shutout. (same team).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">W 2-0. Game grade C - Overall record: 3-12. League: 2-10.</span>OldsoccerFanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527211168048137110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338850326289419446.post-23322943580845980302008-10-06T18:12:00.003-04:002008-10-06T18:27:10.138-04:00Pottstown Game - Varsity ONLY<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The time has changed to a night game.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Game time is 7:00.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Bus will leave at 5:15. Warm ups at 5:45.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Senior Night Agenda:</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">5:45 - Teams take field for warm ups.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">6:15 - Teams clear field (call parents down to field)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">6:20-6:35 Announce St. Pius Seniors. Have students and parents stay on field.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">6:36-6:50 Announce Pottstown's seniors</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">6:51 - Announce starting line ups and National Anthem </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">7:00 Game time. </span>OldsoccerFanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527211168048137110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338850326289419446.post-78443208998676619592008-10-06T07:57:00.003-04:002008-10-06T08:47:00.958-04:00Game Summary - Pottsgrove<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Housekeeping:</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You will wear your </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">AWAY</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> (<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Blue</span>) jersey for the rest of the season.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We will be collecting all HOME jerseys at practice on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday </span>for varsity. Maybe sooner for JV depending the results from the UP incident. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Observations from the bench: </span><br />Why did they beat us 7-0? </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Here are the answers, you can call them "The Coaches' top 10":</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">1. They played as a team.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">2. They talked to each other.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">3. They listened and did as each were told.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">4. They supported each other. They had minimum 2 on the attack and at least 1 defensively.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">5. They stepped to each ball.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">6. They knew what they were going to do when they got the ball. (Okay - but most of the time).</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">7. They crossed the ball.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">8. They wanted to win. They work at winning. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">9. We held the ball when on the attack.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">10. We shot the ball directly at the keeper if it did not go over. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Positives: </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"> We have only been shutout 3 games of the 14 so far. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"> We need 3 pac10 goals to tie our most pac10 goals (21-2005).</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"> We need 5 goals to break our overall goals (32-2006).</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"> 6 consecutive games that were scored. Last was 2 - multiple years. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Something to Contemplate: </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">There are 4 games left, two are league games.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">My question to you: </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Can you TIE last year's record? </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">At this point you cannot beat your league record from last year.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Can you beat your overall wins from last year? </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">You need to win 3 of the 4 to do that. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">You MUST win BOTH games this week to equal last year's league record. Otherwise you will fall into the "2" win league record as they did in 2004. FYI - 2003=1, 2002=0. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">L 7-0. Game grade D - Overall record: 2-12. League: 1-10.</span>OldsoccerFanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527211168048137110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338850326289419446.post-3192021073910561062008-10-03T08:50:00.004-04:002008-10-04T09:48:46.694-04:00JV Problem<span style="font-weight: bold;">Real good impression</span>.<br />It seems that some JV players were making a spectacle of themselves during the varsity game against Upper Perk.<br />It seems that these nice catholic school boys were cursing up a storm, running around chasing each other and trying to hit each other with the ball.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Real good impression</span>.<br />All the while shouting "F" bombs, references to the gay community and other organs<br />You get the picture.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Real good impression</span> especially when Pottsgrove soccer teams were coming out to begin their practices. You know - young kids, 7, 8, 9 and 10 year olds that just might look up to you seeing you in uniform and playing a sport they are trying to learn.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Real good impression</span> when at least one parent confronts them and asks them to stop.<br />What do they do?<br />One or two make apologies BUT there are others standing in the background laughing, snickering and making rude and crude remarks.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Real good impression </span>for the school, the soccer team and your coaches.<br />What kind of jerk do you and all of St. Pius now look like?<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">So here is the deal:</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">The players involved with this will turn yourself in to Principal Hoban before noon on Monday or the whole JV team gets shutdown for the rest of the season. </span><br />The exceptions will be the ball boys (Perry, McKeon, Grajewski, O'Conner and Syrylo)OldsoccerFanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527211168048137110noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338850326289419446.post-55697928020930156392008-10-02T14:24:00.003-04:002008-10-03T08:49:58.809-04:00Game Summary - Upper Perk<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What can I say?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I can say that we played pretty good because of the conditions.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I can say the we pressured more than 90% of the time.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I can say that we won 95% of all balls.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I can say we controlled the game. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I can say I was happy with the way we played. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We out shot them. Problem was that we shot at the keeper. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong>What killed us was 2 big mistakes that should not have happened. </strong></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Very good effort for all of you that played yesterday. I was proud of your play especially due to the conditions. </span><br />L 1-2. Game grade A- Overall record: 2-11. pac10: 1-9.<br /><br />JV<br />They were actually making good passes to each other instead of the other team.<br />They are starting to show some progress.OldsoccerFanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527211168048137110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338850326289419446.post-42609382405802593012008-10-02T14:17:00.004-04:002008-10-03T08:46:47.247-04:00Rest of the season - game changesDue to the poor condition of Gerald Richards Park field that we play our home games on, the rest of our home games will be away.<br />Friday vs Pottsgrove 3:30 start, dismis: 2:00 Bus:2:10<br />09 OCT Phoenixville (at the Vo Tech center) 4:00 start, dismis: 2:10 Bus 2:20OldsoccerFanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527211168048137110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338850326289419446.post-28357649432955324362008-09-30T09:16:00.003-04:002008-09-30T11:00:10.470-04:00Interesting factsTable for goals scored and goals allowed Pac10. <table str="" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 227px; height: 284px;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><col style="width: 48pt;" width="64"> <col style="width: 66pt;" width="88"> <col style="width: 56pt;" width="74"> <tbody><tr style="height: 64.5pt;" height="86"> <td style="height: 64.5pt; width: 48pt;" width="64" height="86"><br /></td> <td class="xl26" style="width: 66pt;" width="88">Goals for PAC 10<br /></td> <td class="xl26" style="width: 56pt;" width="74">Goals against PAC10</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 16.5pt;" height="22"> <td class="xl25" style="height: 16.5pt;" height="22">2008</td> <td class="xl27" num="">17</td> <td class="xl27" num="">52</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 16.5pt;" height="22"> <td class="xl24" style="border-top: medium none; height: 16.5pt;" height="22">2007</td> <td class="xl28" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">19</td> <td class="xl28" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">37</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 16.5pt;" height="22"> <td class="xl36" style="border-top: medium none; height: 16.5pt;" num="" height="22">2006</td> <td class="xl29" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">19</td> <td class="xl29" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">48</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 16.5pt;" height="22"> <td class="xl37" style="border-top: medium none; height: 16.5pt;" height="22">2005</td> <td class="xl30" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">21</td> <td class="xl30" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">61</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 16.5pt;" height="22"> <td class="xl38" style="border-top: medium none; height: 16.5pt;" height="22">2004</td> <td class="xl31" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">16</td> <td class="xl31" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">86</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 16.5pt;" height="22"> <td class="xl39" style="border-top: medium none; height: 16.5pt;" height="22">2003</td> <td class="xl32" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">10</td> <td class="xl32" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">78</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 16.5pt;" height="22"> <td class="xl40" style="border-top: medium none; height: 16.5pt;" height="22">2002</td> <td class="xl33" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">8</td> <td class="xl33" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">70</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 16.5pt;" height="22"> <td class="xl41" style="border-top: medium none; height: 16.5pt;" height="22">2001</td> <td class="xl34" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">3</td> <td class="xl34" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">78</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 16.5pt;" height="22"> <td class="xl42" style="border-top: medium none; height: 16.5pt;" height="22">2000</td> <td class="xl35" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">16</td> <td class="xl35" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">74</td> </tr> </tbody></table><br />Overall including league games:<br /><table str="" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 201pt;" width="268" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><col style="width: 48pt;" width="64"> <col style="width: 51pt;" width="68"> <col style="width: 51pt;" span="2" width="68"> <tbody><tr style="height: 64.5pt;" height="86"> <td style="height: 64.5pt; width: 48pt;" width="64" height="86"><br /></td> <td class="xl28" style="width: 51pt;" width="68">Goals for Overall</td> <td class="xl29" style="width: 51pt;" width="68">Goals against<span style=""> </span>Overall</td> <td class="xl28" style="width: 51pt;" width="68">Goal Ratio PAC10</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 16.5pt;" height="22"> <td class="xl25" style="height: 16.5pt;" height="22">2008</td> <td class="xl55" num="">27</td> <td class="xl26" num="">70</td> <td class="xl31" num="3.0588235294117645">3.1</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 16.5pt;" height="22"> <td class="xl24" style="border-top: medium none; height: 16.5pt;" height="22">2007</td> <td class="xl56" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">31</td> <td class="xl27" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">53</td> <td class="xl33" style="border-top: medium none;" num="1.9473684210526316">1.9</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 16.5pt;" height="22"> <td class="xl48" style="border-top: medium none; height: 16.5pt;" num="" height="22">2006</td> <td class="xl57" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">32</td> <td class="xl34" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">68</td> <td class="xl35" style="border-top: medium none;" num="2.5263157894736841">2.5</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 16.5pt;" height="22"> <td class="xl49" style="border-top: medium none; height: 16.5pt;" height="22">2005</td> <td class="xl58" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">29</td> <td class="xl36" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">84</td> <td class="xl37" style="border-top: medium none;" num="2.9047619047619047">2.9</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 16.5pt;" height="22"> <td class="xl50" style="border-top: medium none; height: 16.5pt;" height="22">2004</td> <td class="xl59" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">20</td> <td class="xl38" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">112</td> <td class="xl39" style="border-top: medium none;" num="5.375">5.4</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 16.5pt;" height="22"> <td class="xl51" style="border-top: medium none; height: 16.5pt;" height="22">2003</td> <td class="xl40" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">10</td> <td class="xl40" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">82</td> <td class="xl41" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">7.8</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 16.5pt;" height="22"> <td class="xl52" style="border-top: medium none; height: 16.5pt;" height="22">2002</td> <td class="xl42" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">10</td> <td class="xl42" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">86</td> <td class="xl43" style="border-top: medium none;" num="8.75">8.8</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 16.5pt;" height="22"> <td class="xl53" style="border-top: medium none; height: 16.5pt;" height="22">2001</td> <td class="xl44" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">4</td> <td class="xl44" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">105</td> <td class="xl45" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">26.0</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 16.5pt;" height="22"> <td class="xl54" style="border-top: medium none; height: 16.5pt;" height="22">2000</td> <td class="xl46" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">27</td> <td class="xl46" style="border-top: medium none;" num="">118</td> <td class="xl47" style="border-top: medium none;" num="4.625">4.6</td> </tr> </tbody></table>Do we see a nasty pattern?OldsoccerFanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527211168048137110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338850326289419446.post-44121871437411367372008-09-30T07:58:00.004-04:002008-09-30T10:56:50.275-04:00Game Summary - Methacton<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"></span>I held off posting this because we were oh so close in 3 games last week. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Where do I begin?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We score first. Then they score 3 and are winning at half. 3-1.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Surprise, surprise - we show some real character! We score 3 in the next 10 minutes of the second half to take the lead 4-3.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">They tie it up just a few minutes later 4-4.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Both teams are back and forth for the next 20 minutes - scoreless.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Then all of a sudden - someone hit the switch.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The switch that turns everything off.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Turns off our movement off the ball.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Turns off our stepping to the ball.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Turns off our talking and listening.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Turns off our desire.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Like Deer in the headlights. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You get the picture.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">They score 5 goals in the next 10 minutes. That is one goal every 2 minutes on average.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">And I can not figure it out. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I made changes last week.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Kane and Kelly to the outside. </span>Strawley<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> to the middle. Alec back to play.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">It did work.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In all 3 games last week we had the lead for a considerable time.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Then someone does something dumb. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why? Heck if I know.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why don't we recover from that mistake?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">It's called leadership and character. It is missing. Someone needs to step up on the field.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Here is an idea: How about you all take that leadership role for your position?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Let's see how many players ask me about this. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">How about you care how you play? You should be so tired when you come off the field that you do not feel like talking or fooling around. Even on the bus ride home it should be relatively quiet.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">But it's not.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Don't feel you get enough game time? Ask yourself these questions:</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">How about running hard to and off the ball instead of jogging? </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">How about going up for a head ball with your eyes open? </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">How about showing for the ball ALL of the time? </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Are you listening AND doing what your teammates tell you on the field? </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">3 weeks left. 6 games. 4 are </span>pac<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">10 games. Can you beat last years record? </span>4-12 & 3-10<br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">L 9-4. Game grade B- (for 80 of the 90 minutes) Overall record: 2-10. pac10: 1-8. </span></strong><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Housekeeping:</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Notes for going home with parents after an away game:</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Due to players not being able to follow a simple rule of giving the coach the note before getting on the bus the following is now in effect:</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">If anyone attempts to give the coach(es) a note after the coach is on the bus (either written or via email) all privileges of riding home with your parents will be revoked for the whole team for the rest of the season. No exceptions. This has gotten to the point of being out of control. </span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-weight: bold;">JV Game:</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">I talked, harassed, </span><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">encouraged</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> some of the </span><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">JV</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> players to do better when they came off of the field. Told them what they need to fix.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Did it work? For about 2 minutes when they went back into the game. The same old stuff.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Where is the <span style="font-weight: bold;">desire</span>? </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Where is the <span style="font-weight: bold;">want to win</span>? </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Where is your first <span style="font-weight: bold;">thought </span>on the ball? Where is <span style="font-weight: bold;">spac</span>e? Where are my <span style="font-weight: bold;">teammates</span>? </span><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Where is the other team? </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">None </span>of this happens. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">We still <span style="font-weight: bold;">panic </span>when we get the ball.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">You passes are either so <span style="font-weight: bold;">slow</span> or like <span style="font-weight: bold;">rocket blasts</span>. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">You <span style="font-weight: bold;">STAND</span> and watch after passing the ball instead of supporting the </span><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">receiver</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Run</span>? Running on JV is slower than me. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">For those that want to continue to play, think about this:</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Not next year - but the year after, there will be a ton of boys looking to play soccer at the new school PP2. If you do not fix these things now - guess who will not be playing soccer in high school in 2010? </span>OldsoccerFanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527211168048137110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338850326289419446.post-43188561939173136412008-09-26T11:52:00.002-04:002008-09-26T11:54:30.659-04:00Next weeks ScheduleWe are home for Wednesday (Upper Perk) and Friday (Pottsgrove).<br />Dismiss for both at 2:30. Bus: 2:40.OldsoccerFanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527211168048137110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338850326289419446.post-21094241554794312662008-09-24T20:24:00.003-04:002008-09-24T20:53:26.744-04:00Game Summary - Perk Valley<span style="color:#000000;">It's amazing what we can do when we want to do. Truly Amazing. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">This was only their 3rd time over the half way in 6 minutes... and they score. They score first - why? Players standing and watching instead of doing in the 6th minute.</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">But we did get 3 shots off before they had one. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">We come back in the 18th minute on a shot from Kane with assist from Picardi. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Okay - we have a game. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Oh - did I tell you that in 16 minutes they were in our half only 7 times?</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">In the 24th minute we take the lead with a shot from Caffarello and assist from Strawley. We were in their half 30 of the 40 minutes. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Half Time - we are leading 2-1. We are CONTROLLING them. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">I know their coach was really worried according to my spy at halftime. He told his team that we suck and that we only beat Pottstown. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Well part of that is true. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">We did beat Pottstown and we do NOT suck. I thought that we were a superior team today - for the most part. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">It takes PV 59 minutes to tie us. And we still controlled them. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">They win in the 81st minute - overtime because simply we can not take charge on the field. We got lazy in the last 20 minutes and started to stand and watch instead of do. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Let's all say a prayer for #3 of PV that was taken off the field via ambulance. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">We are a young team. I am happy as long as we build on something after each game.</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">You saw that you can control a team. This will continue as long as you win the ball, cover each other, talk and do instead of watching. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Watching = losing. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Players of the day: Kelly and Strawley.Honorable mention: Meszaros, Shainline and DeLeo (This was very tough decision today)</span><br /><strong><span style="color:#000000;">L 3-2 (OT). Game grade B+. Overall record: 2-9. pac10: 1-7. </span></strong>OldsoccerFanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527211168048137110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338850326289419446.post-23020644356306809022008-09-24T12:31:00.004-04:002008-09-24T13:01:57.750-04:00Game Summary - Church Farm School<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I thought I saw just about everything in 9 years of coaching high school.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I was wrong.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">During the game here are some of highlights of what happened:</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Opposing team coach said to one of the referees during the game and I quote "Sir, you are an idiot".</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The referee responds by handing him his whistle and said "Here, do you want to call the game?"</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">And the referee walks back on the field. No card.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Go figure. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Same coach was also taunting the and questioning every call. Again - no card.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Go figure. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Our sweeper tackles the forward as the forward runs into the sweeper. Sweeper wins the ball. Forward falls over the ball because he loses it - Forward awarded penalty kick and scores.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Go figure. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I have 2 of my players pushed, not shouldered off the ball 3 times inside the box and fall to the ground, NO call. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Go figure. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In the last 5 minutes of the game we were on the attack. There are 3, count them 3 hand balls in the box - 2 by the same player within 10-15 seconds for the first 2 and the last about 20 second later. No call.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Go figure. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Also in the last 5 minutes of the game, yellow carded player enters field BEFORE his 5 minutes are served (Thanks to Mr. Kelly for catching that). I point it out to the ref and they find it is true. Player sent off again. They waste over 45 seconds on clock and only put back 22 seconds. No soft red.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Go figure. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Two of their goals were offsides. Not by a little. Close to 10 yards. That's 30 feet. Big difference. I think the officials got tired calling them offside. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Go figure. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">They are yellow carded 4 times. Wonder why? </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This was the first game I can say was lost by the referees. I have had some bad refs but this one really took the prize. I hate to bad mouth refs because most of them really do try. But this one was so bad I would have trouble letting him call a U8 game. I am sorry that I said that. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">It was a good effort by most yesterday. We pressured and won balls. Still some backed off. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Welcome back Alec. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Goals by Kelly, Gray, Shainline and Picardi. Good effort. Need lots more from where that came from. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Players of the day: Meszaros, DeLeo and Shainline. The defense is STARTING to work together. Reilly for giving his all. </span><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">L 5-4. Game grade B-. Overall record: 2-8. pac10: 1-6.</span></strong>OldsoccerFanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527211168048137110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338850326289419446.post-85939382973184490712008-09-22T09:01:00.002-04:002008-09-22T09:24:50.485-04:00Game Summary - BoyertownYou should be embarrassed. I am.<br />I can not make you step to a ball.<br />I can not make want to win a ball.<br />I can not make you support your team mates.<br />I can not make you talk to your team mates.<br />I can not make you RUN off the ball.<br />I can not make you listen to your team mates when they finally call for a drop.<br />I can not make you call for the ball when two of you are going after it.<br />I can not make you want to play.<br />The two most vivid memories of the last two games:<br />OJR - when I asked who was ready to play, play hard and give me 100%. The bench just looked up and said nothing.<br />Boyertown - when one of our players attempted to tackle, missed, had 2 in support of him, and all three ran away from the ball carrier. Chased him. Behind him. That said it all for that game.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">NO Varsity practice on Monday. I will be spending my time with the JV.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Player of the day: Meszaros - for consistently doing his job even when he is tired and frustrated. Honorable mention: Sein-Lwin for effort. Keep trying. Maybe it will become infective. Shainline for the killer shot that I don't know how the keeper saved. </span><br /><strong><span style="color:#000000;">L 7-0. Game grade F. Overall record: 2-7. pac10: 1-6.</span></strong>OldsoccerFanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527211168048137110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338850326289419446.post-40951448757113031062008-09-18T11:10:00.003-04:002008-09-18T11:32:13.027-04:00Next Weeks Schedule<span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Monday- Practice- Bus: 2:50</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Tuesday- Church Farm-3:45 Dismis: 2:00 Bus: 2:10 </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Wed - PV (Home) 4:00. Dismis: 2:30 Bus: 2:40<br />Thursday- Practice- Bus: 2:50</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Friday - Methacton 3:30 Dismis: 2:00 Bus: 2:15. Games will be back to back. Varsity first. JV at 5:10. </span>OldsoccerFanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527211168048137110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338850326289419446.post-5545914103724306842008-09-18T07:29:00.004-04:002008-09-18T11:24:03.905-04:00Game summary - OJR<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Well at least we did not get shutout. They did score a bucket full of goals. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">My wonderful wife of 28 years came to watch the game yesterday. She has seen many of the SPX games in my 9 years here. This was her first view of us this year. She was appalled at the way we played.</span> That is putting it mildly.<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Her answer was simple: </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">OJR came to play - we did not. TRUE.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">OJR wanted the ball - we did not. TRUE. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">She also said that she saw only a few players that were playing hard. She could not believe the number of times that we jogged to a ball and of course we got beat. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">She asked "Why do they do that?"</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">She thought that the referee was going to eject me when I asked the bench "Does anyone want to give me 100% when they play today? Is anyone ready to play that way?" </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">She was stunned that the bench just looked and no one responded. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Well - yes one did respond. Eggplant (O'Conner). </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A freshmen JV player. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">He had the guts to say "yes coach, I'll play". </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A freshmen, a JV player that was the ball boy at the time.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">And play he did. Duckey (DeLeo) give him his varsity jersey and Eggplant went in as a defender.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Yes - he made some mistakes, but you know what? He played his little heart out and ran hard every play. He did a good job. Thank you O'Conner. Nice job. I'll remember that.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Wow. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Imagine that for a minute if you will. Draw that mental picture.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I moved a JV player up to varsity permanently yesterday - DeGregorio. Ball skills are not the best - but he tries his hardest on just about every play. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">He plays with desire. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Another freshmen. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I moved another JV player player up about 10 days ago - Sein-Lwin. Good player. Nice shooting skills. Needed confidence. Backed away from larger players. Guess what he fixed and now gets a good amount of playing time. He is in my top 4 go-to players when I need one. Sure he makes mistakes and is learning to play his POSITION.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">He plays with desire.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">He is a freshmen. Loves the game. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">One more thought .... ah.... Question.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">How come no one listens when a sophomore talks? Talks on the field? </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Please help me understand why no one listens to him and does what he he tells you to do. He is absolutely correct most of the time. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Is anyone else taking a leadership role on the field?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This same player (Reilly) tries to do it all, gets tired and then starts doing cheap stuff like playing the body instead of the ball. Reilly - this cheap part has got to stop too. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">He is trying to do it all. Is anyone helping him? </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">When are we going to start playing with heart? Desire? </span><br /><br />District play is fading away.........<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Players of the day: Venezia, Sein-Lwin. Honorable mention: Strawley (for being honest about the way he was playing), Reilly (mr. cheap) and Kelly(for the 2 assists). Thumbs up to DeGregorio and O'Conner (No O'Conner your not varsity yet).<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;color:black;" >L 7-2. Game grade F. </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >Overall record: 2-6. pac10: 1-5. </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">We are at the halfway mark for the season.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">JV Game:</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Not bad. Need support in every sense of the word - meaning there is just about none. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Most of the players truly played with desire. The effort was there. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Some players held the ball too long (Chesney). Others seems to want to get rid of it quickly (Copley).</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Please get the arms out and use them for balance and space. (Gama, Syrylo, Nester, Schival)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Thumbs up to Logue, Rapp, DiDonato and I have to learn how to slide Shoemaker. </span>OldsoccerFanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527211168048137110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338850326289419446.post-63479076987604419862008-09-17T12:19:00.002-04:002008-09-17T12:33:46.195-04:00Home Game Information<ul style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><li>Home field is Gerald Richards Park (GRP). Directions can be found at : www.pottsgrovesoccer.com<br /></li><li>Entrance to the game field is via the path to the gate in the middle of the field.</li><li>Fans and parents should be use the stand located at that gate. Do not come over by the team.<br /></li><li>Dismissal on home games is at 2:30.<br /></li><li>There will be a bus to bring you to GRP if you do not have a ride.<br /></li><li>Do NOT climb, jump or vault over the fence. You MUST use the gate.<br /></li><li>Varsity: You are to be at the field at 3:00 dressed and ready to warm up.</li><li>Varsity games usually begin at 4:00pm unless otherwise noted. </li><li>JV: You will play after varsity. Usually about 5:30 your game will begin. Please take the time to do your homework. You are to stay at the field and not roam around. You can volunteer to be ball boys for varsity (four are needed). Two will be inside the fence and two will be outside the fence.</li><li>JV games will usually end around 6:30. The game maybe shortened due to weather or referee availability.<br /></li><li>Rest rooms are available in the building instead of using the port-a-potty. </li><li>All players are to be picked up at GRP - not at Pius within 15 minutes after the end of the game.<br /></li></ul>OldsoccerFanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527211168048137110noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338850326289419446.post-90481665416294163832008-09-17T07:45:00.002-04:002008-09-17T09:57:22.822-04:00Game Summary vs Spring FordWhere oh where do I begin?<br />Let's start with their first goal in the second (2) minute from just outside the six. Why did that happen? It takes another 24 minutes for them to score again, in which they score about every 4 minutes for a while. <br />We do get off 4 shots in the first half, making the keeper make 2 saves. And granted - they were good shots except they were not on net.<br />I have been harping about the lack of support and team work.<br />I bring up a JV player - freshmen(DeGregorio) because I have 2 players sick and another that is as pail as the line paint and Alec is still out with mono.<br />First play after the freshman is in, Spring Ford is on the attack. My left defender steps up to make a tackle and the freshmen runs behind him for cover. Wow..... This kid does it most of the game.<br />I tell the bench and they just look. Look like deer in the headlights.<br />Am I speaking another language?? Must be. Have to be. <br />Because when they are subbed in - do they do it???<br />If you answered yes to that <span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: arial;">question</span> </span>- I have a bridge to sell you. Cheap....... <br />Score is 4-zip at half.<br />I am <span style="font-family: arial;">disgusted</span>, frustrated and most important disenchanted by this time.<br />I am angry too - to say the least.<br />I had told them about pride, respect, and about giving up in the pre-game speech.<br />They gave up again. I ask why? You might have thought I asked them about nuclear physics.<br />Second half - little better but not much. Lasts for 9 minutes when SF scores again.<br />At this point it's time to make massive replacements.<br />Keeper, inside mids and defenders. I guess that worked because SF only scored 2 more goals. Could be too that they replaced all of their starters with second and third team players.<br />At the end of the game I am livid and practically foaming at mouth.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I can see losing to a better team. They were not.</span> Sorry and no offense to SF. <br />The only team I have seen that was better than us was Palmyra.<br />So why is our record now 2-5?<br />List of still nots: (meaning - we are still NOT doing this during a game)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Stepping to ball.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Running off the ball.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Having 3 in support.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Cover all of the time. </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Accurate passing</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> </span>or as it is better known as make the correct pass. Did you know that in the second half alone we have 38 turnovers just because of bad passing?<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-family: georgia;font-size:130%;" >Working as a team</span><br />This used to be fun. Now it's more like work.<br />Are we a High School team or intramural?<br />It's like someone wiped away all of the things that we worked on in camp.................<br /><br />What team is going to show up and play today against OJR?<br />Last year we lost 1-0. Game was scoreless for 75 minutes.<br />What are you going to do this year?<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Players of the day: Meszaros and Miller. Honorable Mention: Sein-Lwin. Thumbs up to DeGregorio.<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: Arial; font-size: 100%; color: black;">L 7-0. Game grade F. </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Overall record: 2-5. pac10: 1-4. </span>OldsoccerFanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14527211168048137110noreply@blogger.com0