Monday morning report: April 26

The energy returned to AC D.C. during the last five minutes of Sunday's game. Could this be the turn-around of the season?

For the second week in a row, we needed some emergency recruitment as developments early in the weekend altered our planned roster. A twenty-mile jaunt fatigued our midfield maestro (you think?), so we thought it was prudent to rest him for next week. Captain Matt and I both found new male recruits, and we were eager to test them in a game. This seemed to be a good, albeit last minute, opportunity to see what they've got.

We started the game as poorly as we ended the game strong. Although we can all see the logical pass, we always seemed to hesitate 1-2 seconds too long, and when the pass is made, it is too late. The moment was over. Either our teammate has overrun the pass, or our opponent cut it off. This lack of confidence made the game much more difficult than it had to be.

Energy was low, as evident by their goal in the first half. Their attacker strolled with the ball along the goal line, hardly challenged, and then put the ball past Robb who had little chance. We played as if we had no intention to win the game at all, against a team with an ensemble of strong, fast and fit players who kicked with confidence.

The second half was about the same, with some heroic defending from our back line. (We came precariously close to an ejection but the ref correctly kept the second yellow in his pocket.) Then, everything changed. In the last 7 minutes of the game, we went to three defenders so that we could go 5 in the midfield. That seemed to energize the whole team; the sense of urgency became evident. With 2 minutes left, we mounted a concerted attack, which ultimately led to a beautiful cross from the right from Matt (Welch) and a brilliant run and finish by Parham. That was a good fight.

Although a 1-1 draw is nothing special to celebrate, it was the gutsy finish, contrasted to a lackluster start, which was remarkable. Hopefully, we can take that energy at the finish into the weeks to come. What of our fatigued midfield maestro? Well, several of us tried to fill that space, but it felt like there was a big hole in the middle of our team. There was also another old-boy missing. At the game's end, someone (I think Parham) said, "We really need Jeff in the middle to win head-balls on goal kicks." To which, Imi replied, appropriately I thought, "Who?"

How were the new guys, you ask? Well, they were diametric opposites. One was a highly skilled and experienced player who needs to work back into game fitness, and the other is supremely fit and young, but tactically a bit inexperienced. All-in-all, it was great to meet players who are so eager to play with us and joined us even at the last minute.

To end, I'll post another "rule." In general, when the manager makes a mistake like knee the ball into our own net, it is not so nice to mock him (Alex!). Plus, it's not like last Sunday's game was the semi-finals of the Cherry Blossom Tournament 2008 (when it happened also). So, be nice to the old man.

Y'all have a nice week.

Monday morning report: Friends first, footballer second

Sunday's game was remarkable. For the first time in recent recall, we went through our whole 40-person roster and were still one man and one woman short at game time. We had to recruit from teams who played before us. Oh, did I mention that we were playing against varsity men's players from VTech who are huge, skilled and fast?

A heartfelt thank you to the brave 10 who scratched and clawed for the whole game (Alex, you were a god-send; Nicole, you shouldn't feel bad). You understand the true meaning of playing for a friend, and the courage you showed out there today was outstanding in our unfortunate 0-2 loss. You fought with each other until the end.

Since a 40-person roster clearly is not enough, the best we can do is to go out and recruit more players who are capable of understanding the core values of ACDC. We play for our brother or sister.

Earlier in the weekend, a depleted men's squad fought to a nil nil draw with Ugly Mug FC. We have to continue to believe....and the victories will come.

roster rules

Since it's inception, AC D.C. has had a roster consisting of "core group" players who pay dues and play regularly for the team, and a non due-paying, "reserve group" players who are no less important for the team's success.


Whereas AC D.C. players are encouraged to stay fit and play football often, the team must also safeguard its roster for its own integrity and competitive health, in addition to preserving the sense of community. Players for our team can play for other teams, of course, but they must also recognize that playing for AC D.C. is a unique privilege, as the management spends extraordinary effort, money and energy to create a fun and tight-knit community, to share the passion of footballing with friends. With privilege comes certain sacrifices that we each have to make. In order to avoid the danger of ever being short of players for competitive weekend matches, and any fractures "split-allegiance" can cause our cohesion, the leadership of this club considers its roster "proprietary," and here are some rules to preserve it.


1) Due-paying members invited to play in the "core group" of AC D.C. must be available for all AC D.C. games, Saturdays and Sundays, unless there are family, work, religious, health or personal conflicts. No such restrictions will be applied on week days.


2) When invited to join this core, players will be asked about their affliliation to any other sporting enterprises.


3) If such an affiliation exists, core group players must choose to play for AC D.C. when there is a schedule conflict with the other team on weekend games.


4) Players who are unable to do so will not be asked to pay dues, and will be considered "reserve" players for AC D.C. (unless special arrangement is made with AC D.C. management). This rule applies to any player during their entire tenure with AC D.C. such that a core player may revert to "reserve" if his or her affiliation changes at any time.


5) Players in leadership roles for AC D.C. must have primary allegiance to our club over any other sporting enterprises. She or he must not be in any position in which a conflict of interest, loyalty or allegiance can be suspected, insinuated, or considered.


For following these rules, the management pledges a safe, well-organized, cohesive and fun environment to share with friends the passion of competitive and recreational footballing.

Monday Morning Report: April 12

Thanks to Jeff for hosting the Luge party on Friday night. Though it was smaller than the last two (and no cops!), it was fun time. Thanks also to the folks who participated.

Sunday was the co-ed season opener. The "original" AC D.C. squad was in action. Many things this weekend reminded me that before our team split into many squads, this squad WAS the one and only AC D.C. Apropos to that, the three oldest players (me, Carlos, Parham) all played major roles. They also played with our newest players: Neil and Krissy.

With outstanding, fluid passing, AC D.C. dominated our decent opponents, FC Hammer. Most impressive was how we engaged our outside defenders in the attack. At one point, Jeff was powering down the left and Matt hit him with a brilliant long pass, over their entire defense. If Jeff could have one-timed the ball into the net, it would have made ESPN highlights. As it was, he barely missed.

Our goal came from Paul, who played outstandingly as the "quarterback" of the whole game. Robb hardly had anything to do and touched the ball twice...if that much.

So, a great win for the opener. Hopefully, more to come....

Monday Morning Report April 5

The goofy picture you see here is from last week, when Jeff and I hopped the pond to the Arsenal / Barca game. Well, it was more like an epic, but you all know what happened already.

If you haven't already done so, please respond to the Friday party evite ASAP. It's not fair to the party-organizers to guess how many will show up until the last minute. Please help them.

It's always a bit dangerous to write a "state of the club" blog after a loss, which is what happened on Saturday in WISL. But it was a game in which we played well.... just got horrendously unlucky to come away with a loss.

This is mainly a financial statement. As you know, AC D.C. functions on a deficit every season. Because we have so many players with restrictive work schedules, by necessity we carry a lot of reserve players who do not pay dues. Well, the club is getting even bigger, and the financial situation even messier.

Whereas previously we've had a lot of men playing both games on WISL and co-ed on the same weekend, there will be very few people playing both games this season. Again, this is because of the size of the club right now. We will ask the guys to play on Sunday if they are un-used on Saturday. Neither group would be a "b squad." We'll simply tailor the rosters to who's available when. Of course, this looks good in theory...I'm sure it'll be messier in practice.

With this new scheme, no one will be asked to pay 2X or 1.5X dues like before. Everyone will pay the same. Those who are due-paying members will receive a notice from me not too long from now about the amount. If this is too much for you, talk to me. If you can afford more, please send a donation for the deficit. Reserve players will continue to play for free.

If there are any questions, please feel free to contact me.