Gentlemen, Nick, and Gary,

Now the experiment really begins. For the past few months we've worked at building a team in terms of talent and spirit, and we've succeeded quite well. We had some success, worked through a real rough patch, and now we're playing better than we had before.
Now we are bringing on some new players, and will have to adjust to them, as they will to us, along with playing outdoors - which is of course what it's all about. The outdoor game suits our style, I think.
For those of you concerned about the lightness of our roster, I can only say, don't worry. The numbers are coming together. True, this week may be physically challenging, especially if we only have one or two subs. But enjoy this, enjoy the fact that after two or three games, you'll be back to game shape. If we're tired, rotate between up top, the midfield and defense. We've created this team by picking players capable of playing anywhere, so let's use this to our advantage (and the benefit of our lungs).
Let's keep playing the collective game, passing and moving. And take chances out there, experiment, fight hard, and we'll have a blast regardless of the result.
For those interested, come early to the game this week. At around 2 we're going to start warming up and going over some "strategery".
See you,
jc

Sundays directions

First here is how we stand:
Jim L, Mike L, Chris D, Steve G, Sam K, Jeff C, Nick S, Kurt T, Mark N, Marat B, Billy M, Gary S, Tim B, and Dilwyn K are now officially rostered. -14 (minus 2 for this Sunday's game).
Billy is still working on one guy, Chris is too. I emailed Dawit and am waiting response.

The game is at 3:00 *** DON'T FORGET THIS SUNDAY IS DAYLIGHTING TIME CHANGE!!! ***

I'll also email these directions to the addresses that I have (please forward if you notice I missed someone).

Take Route 11 South from Route 11 and Route 114 intersection in Mechanicsburg. Follow Route 11 south past Cumberland Valley High School and take the right at the next light. This is Ridge Hill Drive. Take the next left on Burnheisel Bridge Road and proceed to the park 1 mile on right. Field 1 is the first field on the left entering the park. Cars MUST park in the designated areas.
Note: If you are coming from 81...you would take Rt 11 North...take a left onto Ridge Hill Drive (at the Hess Station at the light before CV High
School) and proceed from there....

ES Roster

The following people were transfers/added to the ES roster: Jim L, Mike L, Chris D, Steve G, Sam K, Jeff C, Nick S, Kurt T, Mark N, Marat B. - thats 9 (not including Steve).

Gary, you didn't register in the fall so you must do so for the spring. - 10.

Chris, have your guy register online notifying me when he is done so I can add him. - 11.

Billy, you must register also. - 12.

Jim, I added Tim Bentz, can you notify him? Have Dilwyn Knott register and notify me when he is done? Is Mark Browning a definite? He is still under Angelos. - thats 14 (maybe 15).

Dan and Val, we could really use you both. Plllleeeaasse - with sugar on top.

Did I miss anyone?

All, you can see the roster, see the schedule, do registeration here:
http://www.sportsmanager.us/capitalareasoccerleague.htm

It's official

It's official... our home field in CD East Middle School. If you are unfamiliar, it's not a bad pitch - we've definitely played on worse.

Jeff is ordering jerseys very soon. Game one might require old t's and taped on numbers, but what do you expect from a team that is called Ethereal Silence.

We are still waiting on the league so we can transfer everybody.

Cost for this season is going to be about $70 (plus an additional $20 for those that didn't play in the fall).

Finally... Steve have a good, safe trip.

spring update

Here is the league website, just click schedule and use the filters at the top.
http://www.sportsmanager.us/capitalareasoccerleague.htm

I will be transferring all the fall players from River City to ES in the system later this week. We will need the new players to register after that.

Spring Outdoor

The offical schedule is not posted yet but it looks like we play April 2nd at 3:00 versus HMMS at Berheizer field (sp?).

Past, present, and future

Good effort last night beating TSI handedly. We tried something... it didn't work - lesson learned and we move forward.

Remember we need a couple players for spring outdoor. If you know someone let us know.

No game Monday, but Tuesday at 8:30. This is for an undefeated season and the SC Cup. Our opponent recently beat TSI and Londonderry. I'm sure they would love to knock us off too. Come focused and energetic.

FYI

----Original Message-----
From: Matt Crist [mailto:mcrist@twinponds.com]
Sent: 14 March, 2006 12:36
To: Matt Crist
Subject: Twin Ponds Soccer Tennis Tournament

Twin Ponds is hosting a Soccer Tennis tournament to close out the Winter II
season. Come to Twin Ponds, work on your soccer skill and have fun playing
soccer tennis!! Bring a friend, bring your whole team, this is a great way
to work on soccer skill while having competitive fun!!

Twin Ponds Soccer Tennis Tournament
March 25th 12-6pm - Mega Field
Divisions:
Adult/Youth
- Youth U13 and Below – Boys and Girls
- Youth U14 and Up – Boys and Girls
- Adult Male / Female and Coed Divisions
- Groups may be combine depending on signups
Field:
- Teams will play in a 20x10 area with a net (or something) in the middle
- Lines are ruled as in bounds
Rules:
- Played similar to tennis
- Ball has one bounce per side (two bounces for U13 and below)
- Each player has a max of two touches
- Players must work together to send ball back and forth
- Players may pass to one another in the air as long as they do not exceed
their two touches
- Scoring like in Ping-Pong will be used
- Must win by two
Tournament
- Each division tournament will consist of round robin games to seed teams,
then an elimination style tournament to crown a champion.
Cost
- $25 per team - advanced registration / $30 per team - registration at the
door
- Guaranteed 3 games
- Register Online or by contacting Matt at 795-7663 ext 25 or
mcrist@twinponds.com
- Prizes for the winners
- Music, Food and Lots of FUN!!

**Early in the morning, Ronaldinho has been spotted running on the Barcelona
beaches and then has been playing soccer tennis or soccer volleyball gearing
up for Brazil's unprecedented sixth World Cup title run.
More information at Twin Ponds and on our website at www.twinponds.com.

Registration is now taking place. Hope to see you on the 25th!!
Matt Crist
Director of Turf Sports at Twin Ponds
717.795.7663 ext 25
mcrist@twinponds.com

Several Items

1. Tonight's Game: This should prove to be one of our more challenging games. This team is very good on the ball. When defending, be careful not to jump in too quickly. Pressure hard. Let's rise to the occasion like last Tuesday.

2. Outdoor: There are several issues we need to address as the season will start within the next month or so.

• Organization: for the forseeable future, Mark and Nick will be running the team while I deal with a newborn (scheduled delivery of 3/20) although I will continue to play. They will do very well, as you will see, and I will assist as I can. So, if you've any issues, know of any players, let them know as well as me and please feel free to provide them with all the sarcasm you can muster.
• Players: right now we have 10 confirmed players for the fall. They are, if I am not mistaken, Billy, Mike Labe, Sam K, Kurt T, Chris D, Mark, Gary, Jeff, Nick, and Jim. We need at least seven more. If you know someone, let us know. If you are listed as "committed", and are not, please let us know that as well.
• Schedule / Division: Mark will attend the league meeting this Thursday and will let us know what results. We think we'll be in first division, but haven't had a firm committment. Mark should also know the schedule at this point.
• Field: we've yet to receive a firm committment on the use of a field, so you if you know of one we might use, let us know.

On another note, I'm sad to learn that Steve won't be on the roster for the outdoor season. He's done very well at leading us on the field. That said, he certainly will be an excellent coach. He'll always have a place with us when he decides to return.

Later,

jc

For The Record

This is the only reference to the word "slide" or "sliding" in Sports City's rules:

RULE 3: SLIDE TACKLING
3.1 Slide tackling is not permitted whether or not it would have been a legal slide tackle outdoors. A violation will result in possession changing at the point of the tackle. A slide tackle for the purpose of this rule is defined as an attempt by a player to gain possession of the ball from another by tackling in such a way as to cause a knee or other part of the tackler’s body (other than the feet) to touch the floor before, during or immediately after the tackle. A limited exception to this rule is permitted for goal keepers if they are within the penalty box and in the opinion of the Referee the slide tackle is not a “dangerous play.”

I think it is quite clear from this that sliding is permitted in all cases except when tackling. Luckily for us, the ref got it wrong on Tuesday.

Spring Outdoor

Well, I just found out I won't be playing outdoor in the Spring. I made a promise a few years ago that if my daughter wanted to play I would coach her team. She wants to play, CASA has a vacancy, and they needed a coach. They want me even though I'll miss the first three games. The games are on Sunday afternoons. :-(

It WILL be fun to coach again, though. I'll just have to read the blog to keep up with what you guys are up to.

Tonight's (7.March) Game

Wear blue shirts - but bring red just in case. Apparently there's superstition a brewin...

Easy: magnified

Jeff hit it square on the head, it is a joy to play... and I would take tight games like last night over a 20-3 trouncing anyday. But I too had some late night ponderings, sadly, not over any soft porn. Here's 3 items to consider...

1. I think we all understand the check to the ball principle, but what I think is lacking more is simple movement off the ball. When someone makes an ill-advised pass, dribbles that extra step, forces something: most of the time that is caused by lack of options. Example, if Steve is making 2 moves with the ball just to clear attackers before playing a long ball into the corner, I have personally failed (no matter where I am on the field) to provide Steve options. We as a team need to understand that at our skill level, keeping the game simple and supporting each other's play is what wins soccer games. Our attitude and actions when we do not have the ball at our feet dictates how the play will evolve. Think about this, you spend 80-90% of your time on the field without the ball. When the ball is 20+ yards from you is not the time to relax your brain or your feet. Waiting for the play to come to you is REACTIONARY. It's a trap that we all fell into the last 2 games.

2. A shorter game opens up the quick transition or long strike, not vise-versa. Long balls are easy to defend because the time it takes to play the ball gives defenders time to react and read. Retaining possession is harder and strings out our midfield making a counteract much easier for the other team. At TPW, the narrow field and lack of walls make playing that switch the fields ball very tough, you have less margin for error. Support each other by providing options in 10-15 yard increments, then play the quick strike ball.

3. Energy... Hustle and Flow. Up until the last 2 games, ES has had 1 person bring energy to the field throughout the game. We've all shared that role. Now I ask you, who will it be tonight? I hope every one of you answered, ME.

Easy

After last night's game, as I sat on the couch in front of the tv with a beer, surfing for soft-core porn, contemplating Gadamer's claim that the fundamental ontological condition is that of play, it struck me. We talk about not moving off the ball (and I beseech Sensei Gary to provide us with the "check to the ball" mantra), creating angles, etc., but maybe all we need is to raise our intensity a little. And, above all, enjoy playing. I mean, how fun is it that we get to run around like kids a couple of times every week, forget all the other bullshit in life, and just enjoy ourselves. Don't you feel great after performing a nice give and go, making a solid tackle, putting the ball in the net? Let's pursue that feeling and let the results fall where they may. I, for one, can't wait to get out there and run my ass off, feel that tiredness ache deep in the muscles, sweat like mad. It's beautiful, it's simple, it's easy.

Play like the Brazilians

Ethereal Silence Soccer

Here is an interesting article:
Coaching Corner: Angle Passing By Jeff Tipping, NSCAA Director of Coaching Education

One of the classic features of Brazilian soccer is angle passing. Watching many Brazilian teams play resembles zigzag soccer. One of the passes that we discourage is a straight pass to a straight run vertically down the field. If a central midfield player is checking straight to the ball, which is being passed by a central defender straight down the middle of the field, the midfield player has no idea where the defender is and frequently only has one passing option - which is to pass the ball back to the defender. If on the other hand, the ball is passed at an angle from the fullback to the midfield player, a number of important technical and tactical options are available to both players.

Soccer has been called a sideways on sport and that image is exemplified in Brazilian soccer. When players receive the ball on an angle pass, they are already halfway turned hence are able to see the opponent as well as the ball. Being half way turned also enables the player receiving the ball to either play a double pass with a deep support player, a one-two pass with a player in advance of the ball or a receive the ball and face up against the defender and to dribble and beat the defender.

Being at an angle to the ball also enables the midfield player to read the distance to the defender. If the defender is too tight the pass can be made behind the defender. If the defender is too loose, the ball can be passed to feet.

A great exercise for teaching angle passes and receiving the ball sideways on is a vertical zone exercise. In this 6v6 game the field is divided into three vertical zones with two players from each team in each zone. There is a goal at the end of each zone and each player is restricted to his/her zone. When passing the ball forward, a player cannot pass the ball straight ahead in his/her own zone. When the ball goes forward it must be passed into a different zone, however the ball may be passed straight back in the same zone. Players are allowed to move anywhere inside their own zone and this kind of passing movement sets up a series of zigzag passing, which is the preferred kind of passing in Brazil.

Straight Pass Angle Pass Pass Behind

Game on 2/28

Frickin ick. Oh well. Let's not dwell on it, but enjoy the fact that we had Dan to score for us and Billy to keep their shots out. Way to step up. It was said many times last night that good teams win ugly, and that certainly was an ugly game. I feel like I spent more time on my knees than a white house intern.
The last ten minutes of the game, however, weren't that bad. This is when we entered our nice, swift passing game.
What I have noticed is that we have started every game this season like we're frantic sprinters who've dropped the relay baton somewhere. People move around at different speeds and soon we're completely fragmented with no cohesion. This leads to a lack of passing options, and we wear ourselves out when we don't have to. My suggestion is that we focus on moving as a team, opening up on offense, consolidating on defense, but passing quickly and trying to maintain an even pace (except, obviously, on breakaways, counters, etc.). Does this make any sense?
Anyway, our next few games will test us. Personally I'm anxious to see how we bounce back after last night.
What was really positive about last night - despite our bafflement, overconfidence, frustration, we never took it out on each other. We remained positive with each other. I've seen and been on other teams who vented their frustration on each other. Well done.
best,
jc