Orangemen vs Internazionale Dec 2014

Orangemen played their last game of 2014 in fine fashion vs their arch nemesis, Internazionale...in fact Internazionale is everyone in the Grey Division’s nemesis.  It just seems like these guys have a style of play that goes beyond physical and treacherous, it’s down right organized and criminal.  From the use of hands to push and pull you off the ball, to their use of hands to direct the ball, it’s almost like they don’t know handling the ball is against the rules.  They dive at the slightest kick, and sometimes, it doesn’t even take a kick for them to go down.   I was watching John H run down a ball on the sidelines, one of their players was standing just off the field about 5 feet from the play, I was about ten yards further down the field looking straight down the sideline.  John kept the ball in with 6 inches of daylight between him and the ball, there wasn’t even a question as to whether or not the ball went out of bounds, but, sure enough the players hand went up to signal the ball was out of bounds.  The ref didn’t buy it, even though he was standing at midfield.  Just goes to show how egregious the attempt at gaining the advantage is to them.  But it gets worse.  They make their calls for offsides on every single through ball, doesn’t matter if a guy is off-sides or not.  Just like with their use of hands, fair play in whatever culture they grew up in, is basically whatever you can get away with.  And when a push or a handled ball, or a wrong call isn’t enough, they simply bring down their man.  Cris S was taken down 3 times, deliberately.  After the first time, the ref, to his credit, gave a yellow card the next three times.  Three Cris, and all just have Cris beat his man, and ran by the defender.  Rather than give chase.  The forth was Mike Z, running onto the ball and touching it by his defender, who rather than give chase, simply turned into Mike’s path and took him down.

Despite this style of play,  Orangemen, you all kept your heads.  Final score was (4) to 4 and a fight didn’t break out.  Clearly on another night, and with that kind of treacherous play going on, someone would have lost their head and starting fighting back.  Thanks for keeping it together and making it a very enjoyable evening.

Great goals and passing is to be applauded.  I’m gonna go ahead and count Mike’s Z’s final miss as a goal for us...given us a 4 to 4 tie.  Simply because the assist, was nothing short of world class.  Someone should have video taped that perfectly weighted ball through the center of the field, splitting the defenders and drawing the keeper into no mans land.  Z easily moved passed the defender, took the ball in stride, side-stepped the keeper, and simply had to roll the ball into the net.  Just like Wil H, did a bit earlier in the game.  We also had goals from Alfredo and Jose, and hit the post a least three times.  The game winner...in the last seconds of the game...sadly, deflected off of Cris’s feet...but was definitely headed into the low right corner of the goal.

Well played in 2014 Orangemen!  See you next year!.

Orangemen vs FC Valpo Nov 2015

First a word about sportsmanship.  Orangemen we have gone 760 days without a Red Card.  That's over two years Orangemen.  A fantastic record and symbolic of the great members of our team who come out to play rather than to compete violently!

Chilly night Orangmen in the Low forties...but not freezing cold.  Final score, about 3 to 5, FC Valpo.

We won the first half, with Cris scoring 2, and with opportunities for 2 more.  Bernie had as great opportunity in the first half as well but rushed the shot.

We controlled the first half extremely well.  FC Valpo was talking amongst themselves like they had forgotten how to play.

Second half they used their speed to come at us.  Our formation in the back was less organized than the first half as our stoppers were creeping too far forward on the attack.  The stoppers can’t stop too far forward as long as they are in a line with the two sweepers behind them.  No reason a five man defense can’t work at midfield as well as it does in the final third.  If the formation is not held tightly though, it all breaks down.  FC Valpo was able to exploit this breakdown on multiple occassions.

We did threaten in the second half.  Bernie had a tremendous goal and a thundering second shot that just went wide of the top corner.

Fun game...I’m glad we played even though the threat of a cancellation loomed large.

That was the last game of the season...a new season starts soon.

Orangemen vs Arlington Nov 2014

1st Goal from Bernie, Mooch play ball over the top

Lost 1 to 5.

Passing needs to come quicker...at least 5 players...all quality for the Orangemen, were caught in possession on multiple occasions.  You know who you are.

The distribution has to come quicker.  If you can’t fight the urge to beat the guy in front of you, then go ahead, and beat the guy, but then get the ball moving.  Don’t try to beat the second guy because the space you originally had has evaporated and the defense has closed.

Orangemen vs Springfield Nov 2014

At kick-off it was registering 31 degrees Fahrenheit, or just under 0 degrees Celsius.  The winter is officially here, although we didn’t switch to the winter ball!

Great responses to the SignUpGenius, no one seems to be having a problem with the process, except Alfredo, and I’m getting the word if you bail on Saturday (except Fabian and Steve H).

Line up last night was fantastic.  

Gene

John H

Greg Z

Karl

Josh

Matt

Tedd

Cris

Alfredo

Mauricio 1

Mooch

WIl

Jose

Pete

Sam

Final score was 4 to 4.  Both teams played very well, although I’m happy to report the Orangemen clearly had more of the position, reported to me by an independent observer, Kent, who braved the cold to watch us play.  Kent had aspirations of one day being an Orangemen Keeper, but alas foot and back surgeries have kept him on the sidelines for many years...the back and foot being important elements of an individuals well rounded game.

Best goal of the game goes to Wil for taking a perfect crossing ball at the top of the area and driving it low and hard with with a wicked curve that took it just inside the far post.  Assist of the game goes to Mooch who used the outside of his left foot to put the ball perfectly into the path of Cris who then side stepped the keeper and practically walked it into the net.

Jose also scored a great goal to beat the Springfield keeper on the near post.  I can’t remember our fourth goal scorer, my apologies, maybe Josh on one of his runs?

Truth be told we hit the post, perhaps 3 times, and had at least two incidents in the box which could have resulted in PKs on another night.  There is no doubt the ref last night was succumbing to the cold, as he was not moving much and making his calls from 30-40 years away.

We were passing well...the only critique I have on the night would be that we need a little more talking...passes that could have been made, were probably not being made, because the folks in position were not calling for the ball.  And, we played with 3 strikers last night, which means all three of them can’t be prima donnas and stand around waiting for the perfect ball.  All three have to be in constant motion...and that wasn’t happening as well as it should have last night.

All in all it was a great outcome on a cold night...Oh and thanks to Pete for playing for Springfield as well as to Alfredo for the shift he put in with them.

Orangemen vs Rowdies Nov 2014

We it was a fun game.  I think the ref robbed us of several fouls while placing several of our players in the book for protests.  No doubt Wil was taken down in the box.  No doubt the Rowdies were physical off the ball just out of sight of the ref.  No doubt, the ref missed holds, and pulls, and trips, in plain sight of the ref.  

That said, it was still a fun game.  Yes we lost 3 to 6, but we had our opportunities.  The wind worked against us in the first half. The second half the wind died down considerably and didn’t help us as much.  Two of their goals were soft.  And we had a number of close shots.

We started the game disorganized with only 10 players....12 were at the field but I gave two to the Rowdies to get started.  As their players and our players arrived we got Cris and Karl back and went to full sides.  Eventually we topped out at 16 last night.

Gene

John H

Peter

Karl

Greg

B

Bernie

Cris

Mooch

Forrest

Alfredo

Mauricio

Dave N

Wil

Sam

Matt

We should have done better with this side against the Rowdies.  Perhaps it was the wind but I didn’t see a series of more than 1 pass strung together last night.  I was mostly kick and run with some individual ball handling.  The exception would be our first goal where Mooch controlled a hopelessly fast ball, held it for a moment, then hit Bernie on the right wing who raced forward and got a great cross into B who was arriving into the box.  B had to control it, the defender thought he was gonna turn to his right with his back to goal, instead B turned to his left and easily finished to the near post.

Sam played some left halfback last night and was making really energetic runs of the left side creating all kinds of problems.

Maybe it was the wind, but I didn’t hear a lot of calling for the ball last night.  That could have contributed to our lack of passing.

That’s all I got for this weekend...see you next week and remember we tailgate after the games.

Orangemen vs One More....Drink? 18 Oct 2014

On a beautiful Fall night with temperatures in the mid 60’s and dropping, twenty (20) Orangemen gathered to play the Team Formerly Known as “The Great Pretenders” to play at Braddock Park, out near Centerville. No way I can remember everyone, but here goes…

Gene

John H

Karl

Greg Z

JV

Matt

Alfredo

Maurico 1

Mauricio 2

Daniel

Wil

Fabian

Mooch

Floppy

Scott Fearing

Cris

Fuz Kelly

Mick (Berbatov - With Mauricio 1)

Shaun (with Johnny H)

Mike (with Wil)

Whereas I alway welcome all players...and wish I would have collected fees on a night when 20 guys show up...clearly we’ve got to do better about communicating and signing up.  Everybody had fun last night, but some folks didn’t even get to play half a game, some even less than that.  What’s worse is five or our regulars were not even there last night...which would include Tedd, Dave, Forrest, Pete, and Sam...Twenty five players?  Yikes.  Seriously though, if we really have this number of players who are excited and want to play on a regular basis...this is a great success story...and I don’t want to stem the energy...particularly since the guys we have coming have been hand selected by each of us to fit the Orangemen profile...really good attitudes, sportsman, and there for the fun of the beautiful game.  If the same level of energy were to persist we could consider running two full Orangemen teams in the league...maybe for the first time we could field a team in the White division as well as one in the Grey Division.  But let’s just see what develops.

This morning you will see a new calendar eVite that will we will try out for a couple of weeks.  Hopefully, the sophistication of this new software will allow  for tighter control of our games...but more importantly simply allow for me to know who’s coming and who’s not.  I’ve tried it on both my computer and my Android and it looks pretty good.

The fact that we only had six confirmed on Saturday morning was unsatisfactory.  Under the new league rules I should have canx the game on Thursday to prevent a one game suspension had I been forced to canx the game on Friday or Saturday morning.  But I knew we would have some folks dropping in, as they always do. 

OK...onto the game.  We lost to the team formerly known as “The Great Pretenders”.  I think they are now calling themselves Uno Mas FC.  From the Urban Dictionary Uno Mas translates to One More...as in please stay at the bar and have “One More" drink.  Which is definitely the meaning they had in mind as most of their team stayed in the parking lot to celebrate their victory.  Of our twenty players who showed up last night, only three regular Orangemen stayed for the social...and two visitors...including our new friend from Bulgaria who I’ve nicknamed Berbatov after my favorite player.

We played a decent game last night.  We had moments of control and our passing was definitely working.  We were just a little bit unorganized due to the number of players switching in and out...but by the end of the game we really were starting to figure it out and were pressing Uno Mas.  Another 10 minutes and I think would would have had them.  Not unlike last week when we came from behind to win 5 - 4.  And the previous week, very similar.  Once we start to gel, things start to get rough for the other side.

One very important thing to point out from last night.  We have an incredible offensive strike weapon with both JV and Matt’s ability to throw in the ball.  If you think JV’s throws are amazing because they can reach the front post, Matt can reach the back post.  Two times Matt carried the crowd in the box to reach Mooch who was standing there looking like at the ball come in like a deer staring at the headlamps of a car.  Both times he was unable to play the ball into an open net...player of the match honors were his to claim, but instead he is awarded player of the match horrors...as in he had nightmares about those two wiffs last night.

Special thanks to Floppy, returning to the games and a special special thanks to Fuz who’s been on the Orangemen email for two years and finally made his first match!!

OK...let me know what you think of the new SignUpGenuis Software.

Orangemen vs Fairfax Lions Oct 2014

When I checked the calendar on Saturday morning and I only saw 7 signed up for the game I thought, this is gonna be a sad weekend.  Then I remembered that Season 5 of the Walking Dead would air on Sunday night.  So no matter what happened tonight, the weekend would be a time of celebration.  Those of you who don’t like soccer, probably hate playing soccer in the rain.  I however, like playing soccer in the rain, and as the downpour continued throughout the day, I was more and more encouraged that we would play the game under my field conditions so it would be a great match, regardless who attended.  As the day developed I got email from a few other players confirming their attendance, bringing our roster to what I estimated would be at least 12 , maybe one or two more.  By kickoff we had 11 and the rain had stopped.  In fact it was dry and clear.  But a nice temperature in the mid 60’s.  A perfect fall soccer night.

On the other half of the field, the Fairfax Lions assembled in their Azzuri blue jerseys.  Led by Rabih ( although Rabih didn’t attend) this is the Lions first season in the league, the first thing that we noticed, they looked very strong.  At to that, they all warmed up together.  Whenever a team warms up together it can always be intimidating.  And that’s the point.  They get in your head early.  They show teamwork, they show organization.  Since we know Rabih and that he is a great guy we knew he would put a great team together.  I also heard from the league that the Fairfax Lions have been a fine addition to the league.  From the looks of it they were here to play.

On our side of the pitch, I was starting to get nervous.  Since Tedd was out from surgery after having a fight with a car, I immediately thought I would play our Marine in mid-field.  Forest has the arguably the best fitness on our team and I knew he would work tirelessly.  JV, Pete, and Sam were on-hand, and all of them have a tendency toward defense.  This actually made my decisions easy.   I wanted a strong defense and I’ve also wanted to return to my 2-sweeper system I invented last year.  So placing Sam and Pete in the back as dual sweepers, I place three stoppers in front of them with Mauricio on the right, JV in the center, and Greg on the left.  Honestly, those five could have played the game alone and repelled the best many teams had to offer, but they were not alone.  With the remaining five I could fashion an offensive threat.  With Forrest in the middle, I place Wil the Dave N up top, with Alfredo and Mooch, running the halfback flanks.  Later Fabian would show, with his broken shoulder, and assistance on the attack.  And did he assist us.  Fabian would score three goals tonight...but I get ahead of myself.  Here is how the action unfolded.

The Lions attacked relentlessly for the first 20 minutes of the game  were back on our heels but the 5 man defense never let them get a good chance on goal.  But during that time we had several runs forward which threatened and proved we could do it when the opportunity presented.  I made sure the offense knew that with only five of us attacking we had to stay tight an attack as a unit.  If one of the attack drifted off, the attack would be isolated and out manned.  We need all five together which meant we all had to run and the far side halfback had to move to the side of the field were were playing on, leaving his position open.  It was, however, up to the outside full-back to step forward into that position to stop the ball if the Lions switched the attack.  It worked again and again.  Add to our credit, we drew first blood.  Off a corner kick from Wil there was scramble in the box and Alfredo was able to poke the ball in to open the scoring.

Then we went to sleep.  We were getting tired and we were getting sloppy.  We turned the ball over in a 15 minute period no less than ten times.  Tempers were flaring...mostly mine...and I was yelling at us to keep our heads and not turn the ball over.  I of course was also guilty of turning the ball over.  The Lions took advantage of us  punished us for the mistakes.  They scored three goals...and it was beginning to look like they found their form and a way through our defense.  I was convinced, however, that the system was working, we were simply giving the ball away too cheaply.   We still had our moments and we able to get forward and we forced a number of corner kicks.  Wil delivered another kick from the left side and the ball came across the box to Fabian.  He kept his head down, connected with the ball, and what should have be a goal came out off the post.  Fabian, didn’t give up, he ran forward, collected his own rebound and shot again.  This time he stretched the back of the net.  At the half the score was 2 to 3.  We had a fighting chance.

I kept our system of play alive and had a talk with the offense to stop quibbling, start passing, and run run run.  And get the ball to Forest because he is a tank and can run through their defense.  True to form Forest was a fitness animal, running end to end, breaking us plays, and continuously demonstrating how to step in, get a foot on the ball, and apply continuous play.  Stand up your player, so one of your teammates can make the steal.  We’ve been lacking a player that relentlessly steps in ever since Ben left us to play in Atlanta.  Forest would clearly be a candidate for man of the match...but once again I get ahead of myself.

Because we were still able to get forward and to press into their box early in the second half, the Lions took down one of our players in the box.  It looked like a Lion taking down a wildebeest on the Serengeti. The ref didn’t see the same infraction, but it didn’t matter, he awarded a PK for a handball in the box.  Wil stepped up and didn’t miss.  With his V. Percy jersey on we wouldn’t expect anything less.  We were tied at 3 apiece.

With our defense working well, we were able to continue to press forward.  We had several series where we passed and ran through their defense but came away without a goal.  The pressure on them was apparent, however, and they knew they were in danger.  A break came and Mooch found himself just outside the box and wondering what to do with it.  The ball was in the air and he heard members of his team calling to play it back.  If he was going to get his foot on it the only thing he felt he would be able to do is to play it back forward over his head...not an ill advised play, since we were in their half, but certainly not a high percentage play.  He looped the ball forward and it carried over the defensive line.  Fabian, ran up the left flank and the ball dropped over the defense and into his path.  He opened his body and shot the ball low and on the ground, across the keeper, to the far post.  The Orangemen had scored number 4 and were now in front.

With 15 minutes remaining it the game there was still plenty of time for the Lions to equalize.  It was time to play it safe.  I pulled Wil back to half-back and he wanted to win as much as anyone, and preserving our lead was in his vocabulary so he stepped back to shore up the midfield.  So we had Sam and Pete sweeping.  Maurico, JV, and Greg stopping in front of them.  Alfredo, Forest, Mooch, and Wil playing four across in front of them, and Fabian the lone striker.  That’s a solid defensive posture and we held.  With five minutes remaining, JV stepped forward to take a long throw in, which he seemingly could place in the box from midfield.  The ball came screaming in, Fabian got his head on it, and the Lions Keeper made a horrible error and spun with the ball as it entered his grip.  Without his body behind the ball, the ball slipped through his grip and into the goal  As soft hat-trick for Fabian but a hat-trick none the less, and some breathing room for the Orangemen to finish out this game with a victory.

The last four minutes were not without excitement, as the Lions valiantly tried to score again.  And they did so in the last minute making the Orangemen very very nervous.  Final score held though and the Orangemen had their first victory in their very first match over the Fairfax Lions.  Final score, 5 to 4.  After the game, man of the match honors were discussed and to a man, Forest was voted man-of the-match for his tireless efforts running end to end...from defense  all the way up to run the attack.  However, it’s almost impossible for me to award man-of-the match when we have a hat-trick at the game.  Fabian humbly conceded that Forest was man-of the match, and I would concede given his third goal was soft, and a goalkeeper error.  However, Fabian is also playing with a broken shoulder.  So for this match, I have no choice but to split man-of the match honors between Forest and Fabian.  Great game last night Orange...we are starting to believe again!!

Orangemen vs Chantilly Sept 2014

What a beautiful Fall night for a game.  The temperature was perfect with little humidity and the night was clear.  The. Orangemen assembled at Arrowbrook to play our longtime rivals the Chantilly Casuals led by Dick and John C.  We had a returning ref who has really been one of the best ref’s we’ve experienced in recent years and really  likes officiating at our games.  It's important to note that the Orangemen have now gone 700 days since the last red card.  Almost two years and close to 100 games.  That's a record of sportsmanship to be proud of Orangemen...thanks for keeping it together.  

Lineup for last night

Gene

Karl

Scott F

John H

Mooch

Tedd (½ game)

Forrest

Peter F

Mauricio

Wil

Fabian

Dave N

Jose

Tommy

Sam

Tedd wasn’t at full strength having just ridden his bike 100 miles in a race earlier in the day. But he made it back to the pitch just to show us he is Superman.  

We came out strong and in the words of Dick C...he thought his team was in real jeopardy last night.  However, Chantilly was really pressing us and we had a hard time getting out of our half of the field even though we were defending well and not allow them a chance.  Chantilly had a few early opportunities with Gene coming up big on what should have been the opening goal, reflexively dropping to the his left to block a hard and low shot with his arm.  Even Will called out loudly into the night, “That’s my goalie!” when Gene made the save.  Even Chantilly had to compliment him on the save.  We remained goalless until Mooch opened the scoring by making a diagonal run to the top of the 18 just in front of Forrest who play a perfectly weighted ball for Mooch to run onto.  With all the time in the world Mooch could think through his strike, get his feet right, get over the ball, and strike the ball across the keeper to the far post.  Playing it across his body was reminiscent of the goal Wayne Rooney scored earlier in the day for ManU.  Mooch, however, would not be sent off with a Red Card for ridiculous behavior as Rooney was in the second half.

Chantilly wouldn’t be out done and responded with two goals before the half...with their first being a soft opener and it dropped to Karl to clear but he was unable as he was mobbed in the box.  On a positive note the Orangemen opening up the Chantilly defense and threatening several times…

In the second half we again had multiple opportunities to score with Jose and Wil having multiple shots.  Jose and Wil both hit the frame and we were unable to capitalize on the rebounds.  Jose made it two about mid-way through the second half when a ball was played over the top.  The Chantilly defender looked to play the ball with his hand but it landed for Jose having advantage as he ran into the 18. The ref, seeing the advantage allowed play to continue and  Jose hit the ball with power and there was nothing the Keeper could do as the ball went straight to the top of the net stretching it high and wide.

Chantilly scored another two in the second half with one goal being a fabulous shot  from Alex who turned on it from outside the 18 and curled hit to the high right corner above Gene's outstretched hands.  This would bring their tally to 4 with the Orangemen still at 2 but threatening more and more often.  The Orangemen dominated the last 10 minutes of the game...with just another 5 minutes we were ready to score one or two more.

Nothing to be ashamed of last night it was a fabulous game.  

Orangemen vs Mt Vernon Sept 2014

Orangemen, nothing to be upset about last night...we played a good game and in effect carried Mt. Veron with two of our regulars and two or our visitors.  Final score was 3 to 4.  Highlights of the game included Wils hat-trick which we celebrated after the game with ShockTop in the parking lot and a visit from Fairfax’s Finest.  We passed well and really we able to control the ball well.  Matt made a return appearance after 5 months out for a broken clavicle.  As usual he  brought his family to play in the sprinklers and generally run up and down the side lines at full speed in burst of orange and white.

The lineup included

Gene

Karl

Greg

John H

Matt

Alfredo

Pete (Not Peter)

Tedd

Sam F

Wil

JV

Mooch

Fabian

Drew (John H’s friend)

Forrest

-----------the other team

Mauricio

Scott F

Cris

Mike

Mt Vernon played well...but I think we out played them.  As at least two of the Mt. Vernon goals I would consider very soft and although the ref had a good game from my perspective, Mt Vernon was aggressive and I counted at least three time when Mt Vernon left their feet to challenge for a ball that they won...were they slides, technically not, but they did leave their feet to lunge at balls which should be called in my mind.  Ironically the guilty parties included Cris and Mike...who btw...played very well for Mt Vernon...without Cris an Mike we definately would have defeated them.  I counted up the cash on hand for the Fall Season...turns out...with the exception of the final home game, the season is paid for...with $40 in reserve.  I think we need a new game ball so next game I collect should pay for the next home game and give us about $80 for a quality game ball.  I’m open for suggestions on type, etc.

Clearly Orangemen of the Match honors go to Wil for his Hat trick...which included a PK.  He also scored a fabulous opener from outside the 18 in the first five minutes of the game which went high and left and curled just inside the post to open his account and then during the second half positioning himself by charging into the box as the cross game in...from either Sam or Pete (can’t remember) to finish in style.  

Thanks to everyone for playing the positions I assigned during the run of the game...that makes my job much easier!

Orangemen vs FC Valpo August 2014

It was another solid Orangemen performance in challenging conditions.  The first challenge was to make it to the field - Fox Mill-Fred Crabtree is in the middle of nowhere Reston and various app maps take one to various park related destination, but seemingly few directly to the field.  Fortunately, by 6:30 we all made it (we think!).  At game start, we had 10, FC Valpo had 9.  Once we determined that the pitch was surfaced by what appeared to be living grass, and that it had been subject to a fair a mount of rain, we checked the field closure list on line and by phone, sent Jose to check the pitch, and, finding good grass with no mud puddles or other standing water, elected to proceed with the game.  

The Orangemen dominated for the first 45 seconds and then got a taste of FC Valpo's ball skills and passing.  We also learned that our defense (once we had a full compliment plus two subs) comprising George and John in the middle with Forrest and Greg on the wing backs (with solid participation from Mauricio and Kurt), could blunt the attack, win the ball, and start the counter attack in good form.  Jose Smith proved to be a much better keeper that we could have hoped, and he readily stopped the few attacks that got past the defense - either as a last defender, or proper keeper.

After 5-10 minutes of play, B, took a beautiful feed from Favian (as I recall) and drilled it from outside the 18 into the upper left 90.  Not too long after that Tom finished a solid Orangemen attack to put us up 2-0.  With determined effort from Scott, Alfredo, and I, we held that lead into the second half.  But the challenges overcame those efforts in the second halftone the final score was FC V 4, Orangemen 2.

During the second half the challenge of the field conditions, coming darkness, injury/cramping/fatigue, and persistent strong attacks from Valpo proved too much.  As one point a single Valpo player single handedly carried the ball from outside 40 to the end line and back to I front of the goal where he scored their go ahead goal.  They cracked at least three solid shots of the crossbar.

Not to long before their first goal, an Orangemen thrust was blunted when a Valpo defender sprawled on the ground grabbed the ball as our striker collected the ball and had free access to the goal supported by three other Orangemen.  The properly assessed red card, drew dissent from the FC Valpo manager, who with repeated dissent and foul language earned a red card of his own.  At that point, in an attempt to keep the game semi-sportsman like, I offered to let Valpo only play down one man.  I still think it was the right call, but apologize to those who disagree as it may have effected the final score.

With limited exceptions it was a safe, friendly, fun game in the face of substantial challenges.

Thanks to Tedd for running the team the past two weeks and  for this terrific Blog Post.

Orangemen vs Arlington August 2014

While Mooch is enjoying the beach (or perhaps the traffic!-), I'll send out this brief recap from today's game. With numbers short at game start, we began the game with one volunteer from Arlington and still a player short. We were out matched and on the defensive and we down 0-2 early - perhaps it was 0-3, but the final score was a very respectable 4-5. Solid defense by John Hamner (welcome back John!), Doug, Greg, and George, plus adding Rafael, Alfredo, and Steve H got us back on track. It was 4-4 until late in the game. Arlington had a skilled side. Rafael gets game honors with three (or four) well earned goals supported by rock solid midfield control by Michael and Mauricio. (John H a close second). Bernie kept the Arlington defense on their toes and got as close as one can get to a hat trick without scoring by knocking the ball off each post and the cross bar on separate offensive thrust. After the first ten minutes or so, we were that close to besting Arlington. Gene was his usual solid self in the net, but only saw modest action. Could have been the huge field - seemed like it took a long time to work from one end to the other. Well played - all. See you next week! Tedd

Orangemen Play Pickup

Nanney on Fire- Courtesy Floppy Studios

Orangemen Play Pick-up For two solid weeks in a row, as the never NVCL league play gets going, the Orangemen have been forced into short sided matches. Both situations have been forced on us by the City of Herndon closing Arrowbrook Park, our homefield for the Fall Season. They built an incredible soccer venue there in Herndon and to close it for other activity is just an amazingly example of classic weirdness by the Herndon City Council or whoever has made that decision. It's a soccer field, it was built to be a soccer field, soccer teams should recieve the right of first refusal on all events...it would be different if it was just a park, set up to be a park, and the soccer field was incidental. It is one of the only fields in the entire county of Fairfax, established as only a soccer field. There is already a shortage of soccer fields in Fairfax...it is inexcusable that a dedicated soccerfield is booked every Saturday night over the summer for a non-soccer event. This firmly establishes Herndon management as either asleep at the switch, or, more than likely, willing to bend to the wishes of those desiring to use the field for other purposes. When something this egregious is allowed to happen we need only look to the influence that's being weilded. A lounder and stronger voice, than that of a few soccer teams, is making it through. Typically that means...wait for it...yes that's right...money. OK...enough of my rant...there is more ranting to come but more related to the games themselves. In the first match both managers agreed that the field was Arrowbrook and the game time was 8 pm. At 4 pm on Saturday the email went out saying the match was moved to Lake Fairfax. With 4 hours to divert two teams the Orangemen responded and got the word out. That didn't happen for the Internationalze. In fact they canx the match for the stated reason, "His team didn't want to play at Lake Fairfax". That's got to be the strangest excuse in the history of excuses... At 8 pm the Orangemen assembled...and we had at least 16 players show. So we got started on a shorted sided, small field game, 8 v 8. It was awesome...we played for over 2 hours...everyone was tired at the end. Dave Nanney was on fire, and will be forever memorialized in the photo above. The very next week it was rumored that the field would once again be diverted. Mooch didn't want to add confusion to the set up but he wanted to get he word out on the game. So he set out the invite but made sure it was clear the field had not been selected yet. Options would be Lake Fairfax, or Herndon High School. To make matters even more confusing the manager of the Referees Assignors emailed to inform Mooch that he had scheduled a Ref for their game at 8 pm at Arrowbrook. I told him no...we would not be playing at Arrowbrook. Because the schedule went out with the wrong field, Springfield emailed to confirm the game at the wrong field. With numbers short, and not wanting to canx the game Mooch was busy drumming up numbers...it was a home game and the Orangemen would have to pay. The league didn't provide the field information until Thursday late morning...Mooch had a little over 24 hours to confirm at least14 to play, and to redirect the ref and the other team to the new field. From Mooch's perspective this was a managers worst nighmare week. Low player numbers -- and a last minute change of venue with both the other team and the ref thinking they are going someplace else. None of this caused by Mooch...just to be clear. The league published the wrong info and despite queries from Mooch, didn't respond until Thursday. With all this going on...and with Mooch getting more feeble in his older age...he sent out an email to his players saying we play at Fairfax High School in Herndon. And sent the link to Herndon High School. Only one Orangemen player, made the mistake and actually went to Fairfax High School. The ref and Springfield, went to Fairfax High School. Which to me, is very strange, because no question was raised...despite the fact that Fairfax High School has never, ever, been a league field. Well...long story short...the Ref came after Mooch for the money to pay the ref, even though they didn't play, citing all the regulations of the league, etc. Mooch sent this nasty email to the ref letting him know never to schedule a ref without his permission. Peter, No problem, I'll pay the fee, it was my mistake. However, as you recall there was tremendous confusion this week. Not the least of which occurred when you went ahead and scheduled a game for me in advance of my direction. Per your previous email...for whatever reason, you suggested we split the fee... I really didn't understand why...but your actions added to what was an already confusing situation with the league this season.. Also, neither the ref nor Springfield attempted to initiate contact with me...at game time. There is blame on all fronts here. I didn't have the assistant managers name or number, etc. And clearly he didn't have mine. But all managers should know who to call and the refs in particular should know who the home team manager is and have a cell phone number. I've been called when a ref is going to be late, for instance. This is two weeks in a row there has been serious league confusion...I should have just canx the game when we didn't have a field until Thursday morning. Thursday morning I had 2 players. I spent the next two days scrambling to get a team...I was paying attention to that...and not the other important details. But you can see how easy it is to go from Lake Fairfax or Herndon High School to Fairfax High School. However, I also said Fairfax High School to my team...and 16 out of 17 when to Herndon HS. I don't know exactly why...probably because Fairfax High School isn't a league field and Herndon is a league field...just say'n... I've attached your email where you offer to split the fee...it's pretty clear what you are saying...although I'm not sure why you even suggested such an arrangement. however, if your offer still stands I'm OK with that...or I'll just pay the $90 and be done with it. v/r Jim OK...enough of a second and third rant... So we played 8 v 8 again at Herndon HS. This time we moved the small goals onto the middle of the stadium pitch. Again we ran ourselve ragged and played for over 2 hours. Thanks for all the Orangemen who showed up...without 16 players we wouldn't have had such a great run on a great night.

Pinball Wizard Bags Three - Orangemen Defeat Mt. Vernon - July 2014

Ever since I was a young boy,

I've played the silver ball.
From Soho down to Brighton
I must have played them all.
But I ain't seen nothing like him
In any amusement hall...
That deaf dumb and blind kid
Sure plays a mean pin ball !

When Tommy stepped on the field last night he didn’t know he would be driving home with a hat-trick in his pocket and man of the match honors.  Due partly to Rancher Willie arriving late, having to drive to Alexandria from Gainsville, Tommy got the call to start up-top as a striker.  After a stern lecture at midfield for a three-touch game, all passing and no individual heroics, the first goal came in what can be described as Pinball.  The ball was passed forward, backward, and out the right flank, back to the center, then back out to the right again with George B providing the a final pass inside to Tommy who played it back to George, who scored the opening goal.  Text book...but with that assist Tommy was just getting started.  

On the field last night Tedd returned to the match after an long convalescent to run the midfield.  Gene was in net with Marcus visiting from out of town (George Guest) stepping if for Karl.  Jorge would come with Mauricio and play sweeper for us, running down every ball now that we lost Jan to the summer move cycle...Jan will be trying to play soccer down with the alligators and crawfish in Louisiana…not likely he will find a match.  Greg started as right fullback.  Luke arrived just at kickoff and had to wait his turn to enter the match.  George B started as right half-back, Alfredo was left half-back leaving Mooch to play in the mid-field with Tedd and Dave N to start up-top with Tommy.

Playing Mt Vernon is never easy, Jon and Tasso take the game seriously and you’ll never see Mt Vernon backing down from a challenge even though we did take the slide tackle off the table.  Their big defenders, including Alex, were all on hand for the battle.

Orangemen settled into the match and controlled the first 15  minutes with really good passing and then we got tired early or Mt. Vernon stepped it up.  They pressed hard for the next twenty minutes but were unable to break through our defense, in part because we let Luke join the game and he’s like a defensive Hoover Dam when he steps into a challenge.

But after those fifteen minutes of pressure Mt. Vernon backed off a little and we were able to break out of our end.  Tommy played a exceptional ball straight up the middle to Mooch who  found himself alone with the ball running straight at the keeper.  At the top of the box he looked up and saw the keeper still on the line.  He was still alone and had precious nano-seconds to make a decision.  Because the keeper was still on his line the entire far post was becoming so instead of throwing any feigns the keepers way, Mooch just put his head down and struck the ball far post.  The keeper read every intention and has sufficient position to make the save,  but only to block the ball down in the marauding straight line run of George, who unfortunately used is adrenaline to crush the ball high and over the net.  But the stage was set as Mt Vernon realized they would have to defend and couldn’t commit so many men forward into the attack because we were too strong through the midfield and could easily counter.

We continued to push forward and had several more breaks.  Another one came through the center with the ball being played forward to Wilie’s feet(who joined us from his ranch finally) and then back to Tommy.  Tommy had the option to play it wide to Mooch but choose instead to have a strike.  He played the perfect shot which he floated to the far top right post corner with most on the field thinking it would go over the crossbar, but it drop just over the keepers fingertips and into the back of the net.  Tommy would score one more just before half time, again with a series of passing that found in the box, his first shot the he scuffed, but the ball was deflected bounced into space, which Tommy found he had a second chance to finish, and this time he did.

Mt Vernon was able score their first goal before half-time but we took the break being up 3 to 1.

Second half Mt Vernon demonstrated they were not gonna go down without a fight and threw everything they had at us.  The bagged one off a set piece after a Luke left his feet and the ref felt he was sliding.  The shot came in and Gene deflected it and the Mt Vernon played scored an easy goal, however it was called back because the Mt. Vernon player was in an offsides position.  We got lucky on that one, but Mt Vernon wasn’t finished.  They clearly had momentum and we need to alleviate the pressure.  We had several opportunities but the goal came off a corner kick.  There was a scramble the ball came into Tommy at the top of the 6 yard box.  It bounced up and Tommy turned on it and buried it in the net.  Mt Vernon called out for a handball saying Tommy controlled it with his hand.  The Ref was hearing none of it.  Mooch who was looking straight at the play didn’t see Tommy control it with his hand but ran up to Tommy to ask him if he handled the ball given the thunderous appeal coming from Mt Vernon team members.  As Tommy was telling him that the ball brushed the back of his hand, and indicated that to the Ref as well, Tasso issued a few choice words out of frustration lodged at Mooch for his complete lack of integrity.  Mooch immediately turned to Tasso and told him what he thought in no uncertain terms.  The ref had to intervene, however made the decision that the goal would stand because there was no intentional handling of the ball, it was inadvertent and didn't change the direction of the ball, it was just bouncing straight up and even with no hands, Tommy was going to make that shot.   Tasso, apologized for his outburst and him and Mooch hugged into out as they went back for the kick-off. 

Orange was not up 4 to 1, but Mt Vernon was still not through.  They were coming for us and were able to score a second and then a third as the Orangemen committed numbers back to defense to try to preserve a victory.  Special thanks to Willy who recognized a tiring defense and came all the way back to help Jorge in the box.

When the final whistle came the Orangemen had defeated Mt Vernon on their home field 4 to 3.  A well fought victory which was a fun and fair match...which was even acknowledged by Mt Vernon in a very sportsmanlike manner.  Well done Orangemen.

Orangemen vs Braddock Road June 2014

Well Orangemen, it's rare that we are not on the opposite end of a game like this last one.  We beat Brddock Road by a score of 9 to 0.  Typically we are on the losing side of these routes.  Part of the problem was that Braddock didn't show up with a full squad, and those that did come were their older players.  That sounds familiar.  Meanwhile, we showed up with full strength including a Frank, a neighborhood friend Ben recruited, he's play with us before, to join the fun.

During this game Rabih scored 4 goals  making him the player of the match once again.

Mooch instituted and three touch rule during the second half to make it more challenging for the Orangemen and to work on our passing.  It was a good drill and I hope all Orangemen continue to think about a three touch limit...trap, make space, pass.  It's that simple.

Special thanks to the Orangemen who filled in for Braddock and had to take the thumping...including Gooch.

It was Ben's last game as he will be moving his family to Atlanta.  I'm glad that we went out winners for Ben's sake and the last game he will remember with the Orangemen is our domination.

Mooch Host's World Cup Party and Willie BBQ's the Meat!

Mooch hosted a World Cup party at his house so the Orangemen could gather to watch Team USA play Portugal.  Willie offered to bring the beef and we took him up on his graciousness.  At the time I was unaware that he also planned to stand over the grille and cook the meat for us.  He brought sausage, ribs, steak, and burgers and stood behind the grille from 4 pm to after 8 pm cooking a Brazilian style meat festival even though he hails from Bolivia.

Willy cooked and cooked and I believe there was no way we could get through the mountain of meat he brought...but somehow, he cooked it all.  And it all disappeared.  Most of us fell into a food coma later that night.  The soccer game was secondary to the amount of food that was available...there was also plenty of beer and wine.  Karl brought a cake from the Swiss Bakery that was also off the hook.

Orangemen friends and family who showed up for the party included the Luke T with his two oldest, Karl, Gene, and Dave N, Chuck, Steve H, Floppy, Jim L Sr, Greg, and the Gooch's, Mike and Anne, as well as Kent T.  The Booher family also showed up in force.  Mooch set up a TV outside so Willie wouldn't miss the action...but because the weather was so nice many used the deck as their viewing venue. Other's watched the indoor big screen.  Kids, too numerous to mention, were also on hand.  Most simply enjoying the petting zoo...and the rabbit's just hoping that Wil brought enough beef and no one would still be hungry and start looking their way.  All in all, despite the last second goal set up by Ronaldo, which tied the game for the US, the Orangmen had a great time and we will look for other opportunities to have this type of fun off of the pitch.

Orangemen vs Arlington 21 June 2014

Saturday was a beautiful night and we had a game scheduled against Don's Arlington side at Arrow brook.  It turns out Arrow brook is such a nice venue the City of Herndon has usurped it in June and July to conduct their Summer Concert series.  OK...let's talk about this a minute.  It's a soccer field with some added basketball courts.  There are rest rooms and picnic pavilion to support the soccer field.  However, someone had the bright idea that if they roll up a truck and a stage they can have concerts at the soccer field and kick the soccer players off the field.

As we rolled up we were not aware that we wouldn't be playing soccer at the soccer field.  We thought we would be serenaded with music...when there was no power to the lights we realized something was wrong.  Anyhow, the lights never came on...we played a good 45 minutes before the darkness really came...and the ref let us go another 15 minutes until we couldn't see a hand in front of our face.

So...I'll get to the game in the second...but first I will be writing to the City of Herndon to tell them that if they build a soccer venue they shouldn't be kicking soccer games off the field.  This is the stupidest move in in the history of stupid moves.  Or, at least, let the two events share the venue...it's not like the performance was on the field.  OK...maybe a one time special occasion, but to take the venue every Saturday night for the months of June and July is just a load of crap.

Onto the game.  The lights never came on and  we played 45 and then another 15 in the dark.  At half time we were up 4 to 2.  We wanted to stop, Arlington wanted to play on.  They got two back in the dark, but before we started to half I advised the Orangemen to lay back a little.  Arlington didn’t lay back, they came in hard in what was almost pitch black conditions.  

After they scored two and tied the game, all of a sudden they wanted to quit...fancy that.

Highlights...Alfredo scores a hat trick, but he third goal is called back on an off-sides.

After the shortened match we said good bye to Jan after many years as our sweeper.  He’s going down the the Bijou...he promised to return in a few years.

Orangemen vs Great Pretenders June 2014

Almost to the day, last year, June 9th, the Orangemen took on the Pretenders and the result was a 5 to 5 draw.

http://nvaorangemen.blogspot.com/2013/06/orangemen-vs-great-pretenders-right-on.html

This year we also played the Pretenders to a draw, except the score was 0 to 0.  We held a relentless offense scoreless while posting too many opportunities to count on their half of the pitch, we just failed to finish.  It’s important to point out that we were playing with 2 substitutes while they had at least 5.

First 15 minutes of the game we clearly were controlling the match.  Same for the first 20 minutes of the second half.  The Pretenders simply could get the ball under control and we could.

Gene made an outstanding save early in the game and then kept a clean sheet.  The team that responded to Mooch’s last minute call for players resulted in Steve H and Richard showing up.  Without the two of them, and our ability to substitute...let alone Richard’s outstanding brick wall in the midfield...the result quite possibly would have been different.

Johnny H
Dave N
Alfredo
Wil
Richard
Mooch
Greg
Karl
Gene
Steve H
Jan
Mike
Rahbi

We had more than our fair share of scoring opportunities.

John H had shots and hit the post
Rahbi had shots
Wil had shots
Mooch had shot
Alfredo had shot

Passing was terrific out of the back and through the midfield.  We even had some passing going on up top and the crosses that did come in were goal scoring opportunities.

Once again we stayed for red solo cups and post game recaps where Mooch apologized to the teammates who stayed around for the general yelling and screaming he did at them during the game.

We all played very well last night.  If I was leaning toward a player of the match it would be Gene for keeping a clean sheet...or Richard for his energy defending in the midfield and winning the ball back.

Orangemen vs Springfield Classico to Start the Summer Months

In a summer classico vs our long time rivals, Springfield, the Orangemen played a fantastic game, which, from at least one perspective was movement in the right direction. The game ended 5 to 5 with us being award a Pk in the last 10 seconds of the match. Winning the game was within reach, alas the shot when over the top.

However, we posted five goals against a very good side which also came at us and scored five of their own. Too almost win was positive because we are not going to change are stars, and move from a team at the bottom of the table, to at team at the top of the table, without moving through the middle of the table. And that means tie ball games. Almost winning, come from behind to tie games, and of course, hanging on for a result. If we keep up the hard work we will move the winning side of the table by winning, coming from behind to win, and hanging on to a lead. All of these things are not in our Orangemen legacy so they must be learned. We are making progress.

The reason the match was a classico was the amazing score line.

They scored 3 in the first half, but we scored 1 to go in at half-time 1-3. Then we made a come back going to 2-3 and to 3-3. Then we scored again to go to 4-3, and then one more to go to 5-3 to give us some breathing room. Alas they stepped on the gas and regain taking us to 5-4 and then one more to tie at 5-5. Then came the Pk in the closing seconds. It was a clear Pk, clear hand ball, no controversy what soever. Mooch looked away from the Pitch expecting Wil to step up and bury the ball in the net to win against our Springfield rivals. Alas Wil did not step up, and the goal was launched over the cross-bar. Almost Orangemen.

So here is the goal scoring and assist recap.

Jermaine scores two - with one great header off corner from Wil

Rahbi scored two

Wil scored one off a header from a Rahbi corner kick

Gregg played a great defensive game, perhaps the best game of his life.

George also plays great defensive game moving everywhere with speed.

With Rahbi up top playing in a attacking midfield role and Ben in the back of central midfield we had a strong presence.

Of course we had to start the game by giving Springfield John H, George, and Dave N to start.

B started with us.  Then we got John George and Dave back we swapped B for John to shore up our defense. That was a good move. But the best player move of the game was for Ben to switch with Jermaine in the sweeper position. Players against Springfield were:

Gene, Ben, Karl, Greg, George, John H, Alfredo, Kendal, Wil, Rahbi, Mooch, B, Dave N, Jermaine

I'm awarding Rahbi player of the game honors for his two goals and one assist.

Orangemen vs INTER MITENTE May 2014

Orangemen had their first encounter with Cris S’s team INTER MITENTE last night and perhaps, the name of his team rings true as Cris expressed to Mooch the frustration of being a manager.  The lack of funds coming in, having to pay for the ref out of his pocket, and the difficulty in getting 11 players to the match.  As well as the on-time arrival of the players, including the ref, the the inconsistency of the officiating.  Boy was he singing to the choir.  As Cris has never been dropped from the Orangemen roster perhaps he will return to our line-up in the fall.

We played at our old pitch, Bryant Alternative, on a beautiful May evening...although it was getting close to 9 pm before we kicked off.  Most of us were reminded of the reasons we really don't like playing at Bryant...even though it is very close to some of the players...Karl and Gene for instance...and Luke, although Luke failed to materialize.

Despite his troubles Cris has put a good team together, inclusive of his family, friends, and a few Brazilians.  The two teams were evenly matched last night and we went 2 to 4 at full time.  Although the Orangemen came up short we had plenty of opportunities to score we just couldn’t hit the back of the net.  In fairness to Inter Mitente, they had  a few more opportunities last night as well however Gene was on the top of his game.  On one particular save where a shot came in from out of nowhere, he dove to his right with nothing by instinct and made, from every vantage point a world class save.  Every player on the field applauded for Gene.  To see Cris’s team shouting out to Gene “Great Save” and to hear them applauding was an incredible act of sportsmanship and shows that the players Cris has recruited are not in this game to win the World Cup, they are in it for the Love of the Game.  I hope Cris can keep his team together because we need more teams like his in our league.  Too many teams have become combative and lack the Sportsmanship we have been renowned for since the 1970s.

Pete brought some visitors last night, which saved our match.  Without Mike running the midfield, Ike running the defense, and Pete running his mouth, the game would have been a bust.  We had 13 so two subs, but that included Dave N, who gave up 4 coolers of beer and roast lamb to be at the match.  As well as Karl who seems to have recovered from his groin injury.  Mooch is still playing lame, and might be at 85%.  Mauricio was also doing a lot of limping, but it’s not sure the source of his distress.  As we all train for the World Cup in Brazil in June, Mauricio might be doing some mountain rides in his off time to prepare for France in July.

Bernie was on hand to make some runs up top.  Alfredo,  Jorge, and George were there to play midfield and defense.

Mooch kept screaming and yelling about passing and the Orangemen actually did settle down and started passing very well.  We had numerous flurries of great passing and control.  When we simply made the simple pass to the open player it worked time and time again.  This culminated in a flurry from the back when Ike stated a run up the field.  I can’t remember the exact sequence but the ball changed hands at least four times, maybe five, before coming back to Ike as he ran into the box and finished far post with the outside of his right boot.  Ike also scored our second goal late in the second half with a blistering shot from the top of the box that the keeper put gloves on but just couldn’t handle.

All in all I was very proud of the Orangemen for staying in it and for the sportsmanship both sides showed one another all night long.  We finished the evening by drinking from a few red Solo cups in the parking lot after the game...a tradition that we our getting started once again.  Ike and his family stayed, as well as Johnny H, his daughter, and Betty the hunting dog.  Dave N, Gene, Karl, Mauricio hung around to Johnny H’s retelling of the day his foot was shattered and the medical assistance that was required.  I wish I would have been in town back then to have captured the details in writing.  I’ll need to hear the story a couple of more times before I can realistically and truthfully capture the events.  But his miraculous recovery instead of being sidelined for life shows a huge dichotomy in what modern medicine is capable of...between the have’s and the have nots…  More to follow on that front….  We also heard the Ike’s story...believe it or not Ike’s neck was broken in a car accident and he plays with his C6-7 fuzed, with plates on both the frontside and backside of his spine.  Incredible that he is still able to play.

Man of the Match last night will have to be split between Gene for his “Standing Ovation” worthy save, and Ike for scoring two goals and putting in a strong defensive presence.  But the way, in the absence of Jan, we reverted back to our two sweeper defense which I think we will roll out more during the Summer months.  With the W formation in the back, it really opens up our opportunities to pass through the midfield.

Orangemen vs Fairfax Juve - May 2014

We had a good side last night…

Gene in goal
Jan Sweeper
Goerge Stopper
Greg left back
Mauricio right back
Alfredo left mid
Rahbi central mid
Ben Central mid
Jermaine striker
Kendall striker
Mooch right mid/striker
Will H striker

However we were not able to overcome the speed of Fairfax Juve.  Goals on the night included a stunning post skimmer, low and hard, by Wil H.  And two tremendous strike  from Jermaine.  One a leaping volley on a bouncing over the top ball from Goerge, and a second well played header from Jermaine off a great corner kick from Wil H.

I threw down some criticize of our playing style last week...but failed to post the comments until this morning.

http://nvaorangemen.blogspot.com/2014/05/orangemen-vs-turtles-10-may-2014.html

Our game is starting to be characterized by the over the top ball to Jermaine.  Jermaine definitely has the speed to run onto it...and has been successful.  He has more success, however, if it’s not every ball.  However, last night we played perhaps a dozen over the top for a fast break.  Only one turned into a goal.  That is down from the Turtles game last week where we played more that 16 or so over the top and didn’t capitalize on a single one.

Instead, we need to concentrate on passing through the midfield...which means the strikers have to come back to midfield and assist the team.  First, when we lose the ball, the strikers need to turn defensive immediately, and pressure the ball, no matter where it is on the field.  Instead, last night, Jermaine and Wil were walking slowly back, sometimes when Juventus was playing the ball right behind their backs just a few feet off.  Second, the strikers have to run back to midfield, to take take a pass from the midfielders.  Sometimes the can make a break, but they should also be looking for the quick delivery and then the overlap of the midfielders.  In particular, Ben and Rahbi are more than capable of making that overlap and having the strikers then feed the ball through.  All too often the strikers are running away from the play when they should be running towards the ball.

Last night we were the victim of a series of wrong calls.  We lost possession of the ball on wrong calls a least four times by my estimate.  I appreciate everyone keeping their heads and just getting on with it.  The ref even complimented me after the game on our composure and sportsmanship.  I didn’t see Juve returning the honesty (they did once) but for the most part they were fighting for balls that clearly they knocked out of bounds.  As soon as they saw doubt in the ref they fought for the advantage...that’s the opposite of sportsmanship...that’s flat out cheating.  Again though...thanks for everyone keeping their heads.

I have to give game of the match to Jermaine last night for both of his goals...the strike from the top of the box was world class.

Tailgating.  We tried tailgating after the game last night.  It was fun.  As most of the other teams in the league do something similar I think we ought to give it a try.  It’s hard for everyone to jump in the car and drive to Bertucci’s so let’s try just hanging around in the parking lot for a while...see if we can drive participation in the after game up.

World Cup is right around the corner.  I’m working on venues to get together to watch some of the games.

Ben suggest the Old Brogue Irish pub in Great Falls, however on closer  inspection I didn’t see a TV screen in the entire place.

But there are a number of sports clubs in the area…

Brazil plays the first match at 5 pm on Thursday 12 June which is one hour ahead of us...so it’s 4 pm our time.  I suggest we pick a large sports bar someplace central.

Saturday matches start at 1600 and run through our game times.  We can get together a pub close to our field at 1600 and watch the games up until 8 pm when we kick off.

The first USA game is 16 June...Monday...at 6 pm.  My suggestion is for someone to host the the first game at their home after work…  I will host the USA vs Portugal on 22 June...that’s a Sunday...also at 6 pm.

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/