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...
Monday, June 28, 2010
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.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
