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Monday, September 20, 2010
Monday Morning Report: September 20
At Saturday's game, during which our men's squad fought to a hard-eanred 1-1 draw with a pretty decent "Sportsfriends" team, we heard a steady refrain from the sideline and from our forwards, "Back line, push up! Push up!" The thought was that, when the ball is on "their" side of the pitch, pushing up the back line would eliminate the gap between it and our midfielders.
The place to set the defensive back line is a tactical decision that should be set by the manager or the captain. Conveniently, our captains are usually on the back line itself. It is not always true that the back line should be set high and tight against the center circle.
With a high back line, our team eliminates the gap, or space between our defense and midfield, in which the opposing strikers can freely maneuver. Conversely, if one sets the defensive back line further towards one's own goal, the opponents' midfielders also has more room to wander, and if they are good, they can really pick you apart with incisive through balls to their forwards, in between our defenders.
The biggest drawback, however, of setting a high back line, is that if the opposing forwards are really speedy, they can easily beat your trap. The defenders can be burned by their speed, and sitting close to the center circle, can't recover in time if the attacker takes the ball straight to the goal. Our goalkeeper would be faced with one-on-ones constantly.
So the tactical decision of where to set the back line has much to do with our own defenders' pace, the passing skills of the opposing midfielders and how speedy our opponent's strikers are. If our defenders are faster than their strikers, it is usually smart to set a high line to take away the space in which their offense can maneuver. This was the case yesterday.
Many thanks to Justin ("The Boss") for helping out with the tactical management yesterday, despite the wrecked knee. If nothing else, the bickering on the sideline was pretty entertaining. As usual, everything I say or do seems to be wrong, and I usually listen to The Boss :) Imi had the goal which was pretty much a solo effort, and he also had a beautiful chance near the end with a header off a corner. Only a brilliant save from their keeper prevented us from taking home the "win."
We played much better than last week as a team, a unit. Everyone did a better job keeping the ball, and finding the "open man." If we concentrate more on that, and less on creating miracle goals, we'll play a methodical, effective game.
Be patient, and find the open man if you have the ball. If not, then move into open space and make the run for your teammate.
Hoping for more improvement next week. Yippee....
The place to set the defensive back line is a tactical decision that should be set by the manager or the captain. Conveniently, our captains are usually on the back line itself. It is not always true that the back line should be set high and tight against the center circle.
With a high back line, our team eliminates the gap, or space between our defense and midfield, in which the opposing strikers can freely maneuver. Conversely, if one sets the defensive back line further towards one's own goal, the opponents' midfielders also has more room to wander, and if they are good, they can really pick you apart with incisive through balls to their forwards, in between our defenders.
The biggest drawback, however, of setting a high back line, is that if the opposing forwards are really speedy, they can easily beat your trap. The defenders can be burned by their speed, and sitting close to the center circle, can't recover in time if the attacker takes the ball straight to the goal. Our goalkeeper would be faced with one-on-ones constantly.
So the tactical decision of where to set the back line has much to do with our own defenders' pace, the passing skills of the opposing midfielders and how speedy our opponent's strikers are. If our defenders are faster than their strikers, it is usually smart to set a high line to take away the space in which their offense can maneuver. This was the case yesterday.
Many thanks to Justin ("The Boss") for helping out with the tactical management yesterday, despite the wrecked knee. If nothing else, the bickering on the sideline was pretty entertaining. As usual, everything I say or do seems to be wrong, and I usually listen to The Boss :) Imi had the goal which was pretty much a solo effort, and he also had a beautiful chance near the end with a header off a corner. Only a brilliant save from their keeper prevented us from taking home the "win."
We played much better than last week as a team, a unit. Everyone did a better job keeping the ball, and finding the "open man." If we concentrate more on that, and less on creating miracle goals, we'll play a methodical, effective game.
Be patient, and find the open man if you have the ball. If not, then move into open space and make the run for your teammate.
Hoping for more improvement next week. Yippee....
Monday, June 28, 2010
Monday Morning Report: June 28
For the last game of the up-and-down Spring '10 season, AC D.C. hit all cylinders. It was unfortunate for us that some of these cylinders went missing much of this spring, but it was nice to finally find them for the finale. In blazing hot temperatures (even at 8:30 am), we went on the pitch and passed the ball in circles around our opponents. The opener came off Alex's left foot and it was a cracker. Wow.
Our defenders kept up the scoring, as Matt, Brian and Chris (PK) all added to the tally. The lone goal from a forward was Matt Welch's brilliant header off a corner kick. All-in-all, the offense was outstanding yesterday.
Capt Jeff played keeper (even though Robb was present)....hey....why not? It was Chris' last game with AC D.C. and we'll be sad to see him leave. It has been a good four years!
As many of you know, Jeff and I are leaving for South Africa tomorrow. We'll meet up with Justin in Cape Town and, unless we get put away for unruly behavior, plan to attend the QF and SF of the World Cup. We are also planning on diving in a cage with Great Whites off the Cape. I don't know how I got talked into this, but these two bozos both want to do this.....enthusiastically. Pray for my life.
If I survive the dive and Jeff Cruz with his vuvuzela, I'll update the blog regularly (daily?) and also use Facebook for updates of our trip. Look for the pictures.
Summer work outs will start in July. Til then...
Our defenders kept up the scoring, as Matt, Brian and Chris (PK) all added to the tally. The lone goal from a forward was Matt Welch's brilliant header off a corner kick. All-in-all, the offense was outstanding yesterday.
Capt Jeff played keeper (even though Robb was present)....hey....why not? It was Chris' last game with AC D.C. and we'll be sad to see him leave. It has been a good four years!
As many of you know, Jeff and I are leaving for South Africa tomorrow. We'll meet up with Justin in Cape Town and, unless we get put away for unruly behavior, plan to attend the QF and SF of the World Cup. We are also planning on diving in a cage with Great Whites off the Cape. I don't know how I got talked into this, but these two bozos both want to do this.....enthusiastically. Pray for my life.
If I survive the dive and Jeff Cruz with his vuvuzela, I'll update the blog regularly (daily?) and also use Facebook for updates of our trip. Look for the pictures.
Summer work outs will start in July. Til then...
Monday, June 21, 2010
Monday Morning Report: June 21
This Father's day, with a near noon kick-off and temperatures in the 90s found ACDC with substitutes (thank goodness) against a mediocre HTOS squad.
Despite having a very solid new addition in goal (thanks to Lisa for filling in), a back line defensive gaff allowed their striker to have the ball at his feet with a one-on-one with the goal keeper to put them up 1-0. A free kick just outside our 18yrd line allowed our opponent to tuck the ball into the top corner of the net, out of the reach of our goalkeeper to put them up 2-0 at halftime.
In the second half, we conceded a PK in the box that the striker had no problems converting to conclude their scoring 3-0. Certainly not an outcome that should have occurred against this club - but it occurred none-the-less.
Defensively we should have been tighter in the back and not comitted fouls. Offensively we lacked any real threats and didn't really position ourselves (due to lack of simple passing) for real short range opportunities. These are things ACDC is capable of doing, but did not execute on.
I believe we have one more game this year and, unfortunately for ACDC this year, playoffs look to be an unreasonable assumption. I hope we can get some weeknight practices going this summer to help work on our team commitment and passing.
Despite having a very solid new addition in goal (thanks to Lisa for filling in), a back line defensive gaff allowed their striker to have the ball at his feet with a one-on-one with the goal keeper to put them up 1-0. A free kick just outside our 18yrd line allowed our opponent to tuck the ball into the top corner of the net, out of the reach of our goalkeeper to put them up 2-0 at halftime.
In the second half, we conceded a PK in the box that the striker had no problems converting to conclude their scoring 3-0. Certainly not an outcome that should have occurred against this club - but it occurred none-the-less.
Defensively we should have been tighter in the back and not comitted fouls. Offensively we lacked any real threats and didn't really position ourselves (due to lack of simple passing) for real short range opportunities. These are things ACDC is capable of doing, but did not execute on.
I believe we have one more game this year and, unfortunately for ACDC this year, playoffs look to be an unreasonable assumption. I hope we can get some weeknight practices going this summer to help work on our team commitment and passing.
Monday, June 14, 2010
So Long: Nicole and Chris
AC D.C. took time out on Friday to salute two friends who are leaving us this summer. Chris played with us for four years and will be starting his career as a radiation oncologist in Kansas City this summer. Nicole has played with us for five years, and she'll be returning to Pittsburgh where she will begin her career in otolaryngology. Both of them have been invaluable members of our team, consistently dedicated, tenaciously competitive, dependably loyal and outstanding on the pitch. We will miss them tremendously on and off the field.
As the picture above clearly shows, we had a great time at the going-away party. Whether you attended the party or not, please consider chipping in to defray the expenses. Each year, we spend a lot of effort and resources to organize these parties in order to build team morale and cohesion. AC D.C. doesn't "hire" players who are soccer mercenaries, and there is no cost too high when we can find a group of friends to share the passion of footballing.
It has recently been brought into sharp focus, that a handful of you play for other teams outside of AC D.C. No matter how great our parties are, and whether we are successful on the pitch or not, this probably won't change. It is understandable, when one considers that most of you are young athletes in your sporting prime. But whether do so or not, and no matter how many teams you play for, I hope that you will always consider AC D.C. "home."
As the picture above clearly shows, we had a great time at the going-away party. Whether you attended the party or not, please consider chipping in to defray the expenses. Each year, we spend a lot of effort and resources to organize these parties in order to build team morale and cohesion. AC D.C. doesn't "hire" players who are soccer mercenaries, and there is no cost too high when we can find a group of friends to share the passion of footballing.
It has recently been brought into sharp focus, that a handful of you play for other teams outside of AC D.C. No matter how great our parties are, and whether we are successful on the pitch or not, this probably won't change. It is understandable, when one considers that most of you are young athletes in your sporting prime. But whether do so or not, and no matter how many teams you play for, I hope that you will always consider AC D.C. "home."
Monday Morning Report: June 14
For all who missed out on the team unity celebration / going away party taking place on Friday night at RiRa in Arlington for Nicole and Chris, you truly missed a great team bonding - and an excuse to drink. We had cameo visits from Graeme and Kelly (the former from London and the latter back from Australia).
I know I speak for the team saying that we'll be very sad to see Nicole and Chris go, but we're excited we get a couple more weeks with them each on the Co-Ed side and happy that they, themselves, are excited about their new beginnings. You all are always welcome back for a weekend game or two.
On what had to be the hottest, nastiest, and muggiest conditions year to date, we took on the Portsmouth of Sleagues (they're likely to drop down next year according to grumblings on their sideline). They had yet to pull a win this season and we did well to ensure that they didn't; knocking in several goals (that someone else will need to comment on because I missed half the game due to World Cup alarm clock snafu). Although it was a weak opponent, we needed the win and it did some good to boost morale as we've been having a tough season.
Enjoy some world cup games and stay hydrated if you're playing mid-week...we're in for a scorcher next weekend.
I know I speak for the team saying that we'll be very sad to see Nicole and Chris go, but we're excited we get a couple more weeks with them each on the Co-Ed side and happy that they, themselves, are excited about their new beginnings. You all are always welcome back for a weekend game or two.
On what had to be the hottest, nastiest, and muggiest conditions year to date, we took on the Portsmouth of Sleagues (they're likely to drop down next year according to grumblings on their sideline). They had yet to pull a win this season and we did well to ensure that they didn't; knocking in several goals (that someone else will need to comment on because I missed half the game due to World Cup alarm clock snafu). Although it was a weak opponent, we needed the win and it did some good to boost morale as we've been having a tough season.
Enjoy some world cup games and stay hydrated if you're playing mid-week...we're in for a scorcher next weekend.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Monday Morning Report: May10
By Luis Campillo
The wind blew in both directions for AC DC this weekend… This past beautiful yet windy Saturday afternoon, the men’s team was back at Bishop McNamara HS. For the first minutes of the game our team did a descent job at distributing the ball but did not create many offensive opportunities on the attacking third. While the defense held its own, a strange “ball over the shoulder” turn allowed the opposing attacker to get a decent shot off that sneaked past the juggernaut keeper. Despite the goal, the team maintained its composure. In the second half, with the wind on our sails, AC DC made a number of runs at goal. The equalizer came via a deep ball from Lasershot Lominska to Speedy Mumbs who raced past the last defender to float the ball over the keeper. While the momentum of the game changed with our goal, Paul’s knee injury and the lack of subs took its toll on the team; an error in the back led to their second goal…the third goal came on a breakaway towards the end of the game when we were pushing up to even the score.
On Sunday, under similar condition the Co-Ed team took to the field at Dunbar HS against OpNet. Both teams started the game with 10 players as both were missing a female player. But even before our fashionably late Morgan jumped into the field, AC DC dominated much of the passing thanks to Krissy and Imi in the midfield, and with the full eleven we created a number of clear opportunities on goal. Nonetheless, it was a tied affair by the end of the first half and a controversial handball by one of their defenders that prevented Opus from taking a shot of a beautiful crossed ball by Matt W. In the second half, with the wind on our face and a couple of injuries already plaguing the team, we continued the runs at goal. One of these dashes by the injured juggernaut midfielder resulted in a corner kick that led to a powerful header by Justin that was slowed by the keeper but put in the ol’ onion bag by yours truly---sweet! The second goal came in a nicely coordinate breakaway by Imi and Justin. Kudos to Anna for being her usual solid self in goal and to the defense that repelled the many attempts by our opponent to score towards the end of the game…particularly with four injured players on the field and no subs.
This weekend demonstrated that despite the difficult playing conditions and personnel issues, AC DC is still a contender. The rest of the season will not be smooth sailing and we need to continue on a winning course to avoid decession (Men’s) and have a shot at the postseason (Co-Ed). If we play for each other and remain determined, we will reach both of these objectives.
The wind blew in both directions for AC DC this weekend… This past beautiful yet windy Saturday afternoon, the men’s team was back at Bishop McNamara HS. For the first minutes of the game our team did a descent job at distributing the ball but did not create many offensive opportunities on the attacking third. While the defense held its own, a strange “ball over the shoulder” turn allowed the opposing attacker to get a decent shot off that sneaked past the juggernaut keeper. Despite the goal, the team maintained its composure. In the second half, with the wind on our sails, AC DC made a number of runs at goal. The equalizer came via a deep ball from Lasershot Lominska to Speedy Mumbs who raced past the last defender to float the ball over the keeper. While the momentum of the game changed with our goal, Paul’s knee injury and the lack of subs took its toll on the team; an error in the back led to their second goal…the third goal came on a breakaway towards the end of the game when we were pushing up to even the score.
On Sunday, under similar condition the Co-Ed team took to the field at Dunbar HS against OpNet. Both teams started the game with 10 players as both were missing a female player. But even before our fashionably late Morgan jumped into the field, AC DC dominated much of the passing thanks to Krissy and Imi in the midfield, and with the full eleven we created a number of clear opportunities on goal. Nonetheless, it was a tied affair by the end of the first half and a controversial handball by one of their defenders that prevented Opus from taking a shot of a beautiful crossed ball by Matt W. In the second half, with the wind on our face and a couple of injuries already plaguing the team, we continued the runs at goal. One of these dashes by the injured juggernaut midfielder resulted in a corner kick that led to a powerful header by Justin that was slowed by the keeper but put in the ol’ onion bag by yours truly---sweet! The second goal came in a nicely coordinate breakaway by Imi and Justin. Kudos to Anna for being her usual solid self in goal and to the defense that repelled the many attempts by our opponent to score towards the end of the game…particularly with four injured players on the field and no subs.
This weekend demonstrated that despite the difficult playing conditions and personnel issues, AC DC is still a contender. The rest of the season will not be smooth sailing and we need to continue on a winning course to avoid decession (Men’s) and have a shot at the postseason (Co-Ed). If we play for each other and remain determined, we will reach both of these objectives.
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