I Like it!

Not only do I like the new logo but I also like how we played last night. Well played everyone!

this week

All,I don't know what to say about that second half yesterday. We played decently in the first, created several good chances and moved the ball around. In the second, we played kickball. I know for a while I didn't have my head in there and I'm sure I'm not alone in that. Oh well. Another chance next week. The next game is Sunday at 3pm at Redland high school. Remember - another short, narrow field. There are at least a couple of players I know of who won't be there, Jim and myself, but if I'm not mistaken, Dil and Mounir will return.Good luck and have a good week,jc

last game, practice, next game

All - it goes without saying that our performance yesterday was pretty good. We did not sink to the other team's level, created numerous chances, and defended well. We also found a bit of the short game, though not as much as we'll need this upcoming week.
The next game is Sunday, 3pm, at Harrisburg Christian School against Londonderry. You will remember that although we beat them in week 2, they created multiple chances. I don't expect they'll create as many this week.Many kudos to Coach Gary, who should have a license by the way, in that his formation change really worked for us. Let's stay with it and develop some chemistry out there. I'm curious to see how it works against better competition.
Friday practice this week - say 5.30 or 5.45 - what is a good location? We need 7 to commit. I'm in, I'm sure Marat is in. Who else?Have a good week,jc

next game

Sunday, October 14, 2007, 1pm, CD East. See you at 12.30. Let everyone know if you can't make it.

this week

Gentlemen and Gary, let's ignore all of the bullshit associated with the officiating, the other team's likeness to fish out of water, and focus on how we played. We demonstrated a great will to win. It was this will, and will alone, that won us the draw. I don't know if it was that we had too many subs or what, but we reverted back to the type of play we showed in the first game: disorganized, a lack of shape, a lack of short passing, a lack of focus. I speak for myself as much as anyone when I say these things, and I'm frustrated at our collective reversal. I realize it's recreational soccer, but it's worth pursuing excellence at any level. I don't want to get all Aristotle on you, especially after playing the Greeks, though it must be said that life is what you make of it and why not embrace the idea of improvement? I realize I'm preaching to the converted, just felt like reminding ourselves that we can do so much better, and have done so much better. Let's remind ourselves out on the field as we convene to escape the rat-finkness of everyday life.
There is no game this upcoming Sunday. Anyone up for playing then? Anyone up for Wednesday?

Last Game, Next Game

Well, how 'bout them apples? We're going to feel good this week. For those of you who weren't there, here's the report:
Started the game with 8, moved quickly to 9 and Marat made it 1-0 shortly after stepping onto the field. Not long after that, we reached 11 players and defended exceptionally well throughout the half, launching very effective counters. As Dilwyn put it, we discovered yesterday that we're a counter-attacking team. Great individual efforts by Sam and Jim gave us a 3-1 lead, I finished a nice collective move with a nice dish from Marat and we ended up winning 4-2. Let me tell you, everyone had a great game yesterday. Mark B and Matthew ran the wings and shut down numerous attacks. Dil and Mike owned the rear middle third and Chris and Kurt defended exceptionally - perfect positioning on many occasions. We passed well, almost exclusively on the ground, showed for each other and defended as a unit. All in all, exceptional work, especially with no subs. Or maybe because we had no subs we slowed things down and played a nice, precised short-ball game. Hmm...
Anyway, enough gloating. Let's get ready for our next game, Sunday the 23rd, 3pm at Redland High School. I'm sure most of you remember the fiasco in the Spring when our field was usurped by a bunch of middle-schoolers and their parents, so be aware.
Let's play Wednesday at 6.30 at Fiala.
Again, great work and see you this week.

Boots for sale

Before I put them on e-bay, I thought I'd offer you the chance to buy some lightly used boots. Let me know if you're interested and I'll bring them to one of the games. The boots and sizes are:
Adidas predator pulse sg size 8
Adidas world cup size 8
Adidas copa mundial size 8
Nike total 90 supremacy fg size 8.5
Adidas predator absolute fg size 8.5
The pulse and world cup are screw-ins, the others the regular molded type. The copas are well-used and will be dirt, dirt cheap. The world cups were given to me, so I'm not sure they've ever been used.

last game, next game

The result yesterday, we all agree, was horrific. However, we can take a lot of positives from the experience. We played the ball on the ground, did not resort to long ball, and despite being down to ten men, dominated with pressure in the second half. A lot of good work out there. I will appeal the red card against Chris, though I'm not optimistic about this league's ability to reason. Some others will miss the next week and/or two weeks. Please send your status asap.Let's get together Wednesday, 6.30, at Fiala. Please respond if you can make it so we are sure of numbers.Next game is Sunday the 16th at 1:00 at CD East against Londonderry. We'll wear the new shirts. Here are the final numbers on the fees: $50 for the shirt, $50 for the rest.I'll see you all Wednesday and/or Sunday,Jeff

Roster for Sunday

Our first game is Sunday, September 9, 4pm at Fiala. Right now we're looking a bit thin. Like Supermodel thin.Here's who I believed is confirmed for the game:
1.Sam
2.Mounir
3.Dilwyn
4.Nick
5.Chris D
6.Marat
7.Jeff
8.Matthew
9.Sean
10.Kurt
And no goalie.

Possibly attending are:
11. Mark Bryan (yes a return of the non-stop engine perhaps)

Definitely out are:
12. Jim
13. Mike
14. James

Haven't heard from, so I'll assume out until we hear otherwise:
15. Steve
16. Gary

According to the website, the following have not registered: Matthew, Steve, Gary, Marat.

For those coming, bring at least the $50 for the jerseys. We won't get to wear these jersey's Sunday as Camp Hill wears white. Bring your old red shirts. I'll calculate the remaining fees once we see how many sign up.

Also, we still don't have a dedicated keeper. If anyone is willing to step up for Sunday, let me know. Otherwise it's the last one who shows up.The forecast is for thunderstorms Sunday. Stay tuned.Take care and I'll see you Sunday.

Wednesday

All - Wednesday is a go - see you there around 6.30, earlier if possible. I haven't heard anything about a field or time change for this upcoming Sunday, but stay tuned. The keeper I was working on has still yet to commit - any ideas? Does anyone know George Book well enough to talk him into coming out?
See you tomorrow,
Jeff

Update

All - just a couple of things. The league schedule isn't up yet, but as far as I know, our first game will be Sunday, September 9. I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything for certain.Only Kurt has registered so far. Please remember to do so by the end of next week.This Monday marks the last Monday kickaround (the following Monday is Labor Day, the next week is in-season). If you can, please try to make it at 6.45/7 (due to earlier darkness) at CD East. Should we try to set something up for next Wednesday at Fiala? We need at least 10 guys to show. Respond if you're up for it (and for Monday as well).The first batch of jerseys arrived this week. The rest are scheduled to arrive Monday, so I will bring them then. Cost is $50, and let me tell you, it's worth it. They're beautiful and I think you'll hang on to them for a long time.Have a good weekend, and I hope to see you Monday and Wednesday.jc

It's a Wash

Well, fellas, the rain seems poised to continue. I say call it a washout this week - even if the rain lets up, the odds of enough people showing are slim. See you Wednesday,

more thanks, this week's practice, registration

All,
Once again, another thank-you is in order. Please express your gratitude to Chris Dawson when you see him as he has secured CD East as our home field for this season. That took a lot of time and effort.
Also, as far as I can tell, we will still have a kickaround tonight (7pm, CD East) barring any heavy rain. What does everyone think about that?
Finally, we can now register for the fall and spring seasons on the league website. Please do so by the end of next week, if possible.
Thanks, see you tonight and Wednesday,
jc

Say Thanks

the next time you see Matthew. He volunteered to go to the meeting tomorrow night and represent us, in the sense of rep-re-sent.
Guess it helped to promise strippers and free beer.

Practice Tonight, Field, Meeting

7pm, CD East. Last week was great. Bring anyone you can.

Right now it looks like CD East is going to be the home field again this season. Let's play on that bottom field as much as we can and see if there is any possible way to get used to it.

No one has said they can make it to the meeting Thursday night. I will see if the league will exempt us from its attendance requirement this time around. I'll let you know...

Practice Monday

Let's do it - Monday, 7pm, CD East. Bring anyone you can. See you then,

jerseys et al

1. Ordered the jerseys last night. They will arrive at roughly the beginning of August. The picture illustrates a suggested uniform. I'll let you know what the cost is once I divide up shipping, customization, etc.

2. Chris D has been searching dilligently for a new field. Right now our only offer is at Gelder Park in Hummelstown. This field, which I know well, is pretty much crap, is unlined, but is huge. I would like a second opinion before turning this down. If we do turn it down, we might very well be 'homeless' this fall. Any problems with that?

3. I guess we should start up the Monday night pickup. Anyone up for starting next week?

pick a jersey

Ok, apparently I have to order these soon so we have them ready for the fall.

Below are some options from soccer.com. To get a ballpark figure for the price, click the "quanity pricing" link. We get the goal club price, which is 10% off. Also remember that adding numbers and a logo adds about $10-15 bucks to the price of the shirt. Since there are no sponsors yet, we will each have to pay for our shirt. I'd say we should get a few extras for future members.

So here we go. Let me know your vote for style and color (and that's a pseudo-democratic vote, by the way). The important thing in my opinion is to get something in a moisture-wicking fabric that will hold up for a couple of years of indoor and outdoor seasons. We don't have to order from here - if Angelos has something, that would be fine, and if anyone knows anywhere else, that would be good. An old team of mine once ordered kits from Ireland - really nice and not expensive, believe it or not.

http://www.soccer.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=1262&pcount=&Product_Id=217418

http://www.soccer.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=1262&pcount=&Product_Id=217403

http://www.soccer.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=1265&pcount=&Product_Id=212897

http://www.soccer.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=1265&pcount=&Product_Id=217395

http://www.soccer.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=1265&pcount=&Product_Id=212916

http://www.soccer.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=1271&pcount=&Product_Id=213054

http://www.soccer.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=1316&pcount=&Product_Id=252725

was there much of a turnout last night? i caught tied up with my kids & couldn't make it.

i just found out pick-up at in the net won't start until september (the manager will let me know when they start - she's expecting to post it in august & she's considering having pick-up next summer since there have been alot of people calling) / they don't do any men's tournaments - only kids / & the cost to rent their outdoor field is $75/hr in the spring & $100/hr in the fall (so unless everyone wants to chip in towards $750 in field costs in the spring & $1,000 in the fall in the net is not a good option - the indoor field is $360/hr!!!)

i'm going to try & make it to hershey's pick-up tomorrow evening.

End of Season / Summer / Next Season

All,

Thank you all for a fun season. We started well, and although our results fizzled a bit, we certainly played better over the last three games. That's something to build on for the fall.

Summer pickup - I propose starting next Monday, July 9, at 7pm at CD East, then Wednesday, 7pm at Fiala in Camp Hill. The only way these pickup games are going to work is if we have at least 6 guys every time. We need to post here or send out an e-mail each week. I'll copy this post to an e-mail and see what response we get. These are great ways to get touches and keep your fitness up over the next two months. Plus you get to abuse Gary and Nick by slide-tackling them as often as possible. The league also sent out an e-mail reminding us that there are also pickup games Sundays at Linglestown Jr. High between 4 and 6. Those of you who've been there know what that's about, others, well, go and find out for yourself, if you dare. Also, there are still games Wednesdays at 6.30 at the Hershey Med Center.
Let me begin the response by saying that I'm 50/50 for Monday and out most Wednesdays (I'm going to stick with the Hershey game as the numbers are pretty much guaranteed, unlike our 2v2 Wednesdays that happened quite often in the past).

Fall - the season starts Sunday, September 9. We need to accomplish three things: 3 new players, a new home field, and new jerseys (too many guys in t-shirts).
I may have a keeper for us. Nick has at least 2 leads. Anyone else?
Anyone have a suggestion for a home field? Preferably something with grass or field turf that isn't as demoralizing as CD East.
I will order jerseys the beginning of August. This time I'm not going to go bargain basement hunting, so we'll be able to get the sizes we need (you're welcome, Chris Dawson). That said, it will cost a bit more than last time, but hopefully we'll get something that will last for 2 years. If you can't commit for 2 years, no problem - the team will buy the jersey back from you. Do we still want red? We had to use a different color for 40% of our games, so maybe we want something we can wear every time out, like black.

This leads to the next issue - are you in for the fall? Please let me know by the beginning of August. Also let me know your jersey size and the number you want. I will post 'claimed' numbers as I receive the requests. I hope all of you will continue on with us.

Thanks, and have a great summer. See you out there for pickup.

Jeff "big industry" Cothren

Last Game and Last Game

All,

The game on Sunday was our best effort of the year. The result sucked, but such is the game. It's great to see how we've improved over the season and are definitely a better team than we were during the first week.
This Sunday we have one final chance to put it together before the summer break. 3pm, CD East. See you there.

jc

article

it's been a slow day - here's an article about the US soccer teams' "uniform crisis"

http://www.slate.com/id/2168476/fr/rss/

Yesterday's Game, Next Game, Pickup

1. To everyone who played yesterday, great job coming back from 3-0 down. They scored good goals, so we can't take anything away from them. However, we fought hard in that second half. Five more minutes and we would have had them for sure. For those who weren't there, it was a 3-2 loss. I haven't heard from Marat, but he needed at least 10 stitches I would guess (being rather experienced in that field). Again, and this was echoed by EVERYONE, we are unstoppable when we play the short game. We picked those guys apart once we played the easy ball on the ground.
2. Our next game is Sunday, 1pm, against Lower Dauphin: NOTE - FIELD CHANGE: GAME IS AT KELLER FIELD. CHECK WEBSITE FOR DIRECTIONS. This will be a tough game, but a fun one, so let's get our positive energy up and ready for it. Let us know if you will not be there.
3. With only a couple of votes, the trend for summer pickup is to retain our schedule from last year - Mondays at 7 at CD East, Wednesdays at 7 at Fiala in Camp Hill. Any other suggestions?

by the way

Nick's new nickname is "triple espresso."

Rescheduled Game

All,

Just received word that the rained-out game against Lower Dauphin has been rescheduled for July 1 (same time and location). Let me know ASAP if you would be available on this date. I can't make that date, and I'm sure there are at least one or two more. If enough people can't make it, we could possibly reschedule again - Lower Dauphin might have similar issues. Let me know.

Apologies, Next Game, Summer Pickup

I greatly apologize for yesterday's debacle. I'm especially sorry to Gary and Kurt, who showed up for the game, but at different times and different locations. Both of you get a refund for this past week.
Here's what happened: we showed up at Redland High School for our 1:00 game. A youth game was taking place on the only available field. The Redland captain explained that we just got booted because of a scheduling conflict with the kids. The Redland team had no prior knowledge and neither did the refs or the league. So a couple of guys on the Redland team went to the Redland soccer club to see if there was an available field. At around 1:00, they returned, said the field was available, and we headed out in a caravan to the field. I tried calling Gary, but had an old, inactive number. Tim tried Kurt, but had to leave a message at his (Tim's) house for his wife to call Kurt. Tim also volunteered to hang around a bit to see if anyone else showed. No one did, so he came to the Redland complex. Meanwhile, I found out later, Gary had headed to Redland high school, didn't see anybody, so returned to his house to double-check the schedule, then ended up back at Redland high. He called my wife, who only had the info that the game was at the high school. Meanwhile, back at Redland soccer club, we started the game at around 1.40, played 2 30-minute halves, and ended at around 2.45, winning 1-0 thanks to a great goal by James. Again, sorry for not being prepared with current numbers. Sorry to Gary for having to endure that BS.
Our next game is Sunday the 17th at 1:00, at CD East, against Londonderry. Nick and Mike will not be there. Anyone else? Last time we played them, they outhustled us, and that's the only way they beat us. Not this time, right? Let's be ready to play harder, faster and more physically than they do.
Now is the time to start thinking about a day and time for summer pickup. Last summer we played Mondays at CD East and Wednesdays in Camp Hill. Attendance was generally pretty good, and obviously picked up in August. I'd like to propose having one game on either Saturday or Sunday and trying to get everyone out for that. Any votes for a day, time and location?
I've removed all the restrictions, so now you can comment on this post without logging in. Publish the comment anonymously and sign your name in the comment itself.
I'll repeat this message on e-mail.
Later,

next game

good work in the second half on Sunday. how does our game keep turning out so ugly? we need more aggressiveness, more ball winning and quicker passes. believe me, i'm looking in the mirror on this one.
our next game is against Redland, Sunday at 1 at Redland high school. Directions are on the website. Do we wear red or blue against them? I don't remember. Bring both unless someone lets us know.
pickup tonight at Hershey Med, 630.

Next Game

Sunday, June 3, 3pm, CD East against Hellenic. Remember, they gave us trouble even though we ended up winning comfortably.

Let everyone know your status by commenting here or by sending out a blast e-mail.

Reminder that there is pickup tomorrow night at Hershey Med Center.

Anyone want to play over the weekend?

Sunday or Monday? Time and place? Anyone?

Yesterday's Game

Before this day gets any nuttier, I just wanted to let everyone know I thought we did a great job yesterday securing the win. We started very strong in the first half and may have played our best half of the season. What made it work? We played the ball on the ground, we switched the field and used the width, through-balls were on the ground, we won the second ball. In the second half I thought we succumbed to our long ball habit a bit too often, but still had great chances. Our defense did a tremendous job - three at the back is tough, but you guys read the game and our opponents perfectly. Any win when you only have 10 is a good win. Again, great work.
There is pickup this Wednesday, as you all know, at Hershey Med, 615pm or so.
There is no game this upcoming Sunday because of the holiday. Is anyone interested in kicking the ball over the weekend, Sunday or Monday? Please post here or start an e-mail.
Take it easy,
jc

Next Game, etc

1. Next Game: Sunday, May 20, 1pm, at CD East. We play Camp Hill (again). If you can't make it, please let everyone know ASAP.

2. Fees: You must pay this week. That's it. If you don't pay, you don't play. It's not fair to those who fork over the cash. You know who you are.

3. Again, pickup tonight at the Hershey Med Center, 6.30pm.

Tactics 3

The other day I came across a document I'd printed out a few years ago on the fundamentals of soccer tactics, broken down by positions and offensive/defensive responsibilities. I thought it might be useful for each of us to take a look at them. I'm going to break these into three posts: defenders, midfielders, forwards, but we should read all of them - you never know when you'll end up in a strange position AND we need to function better as a collective unit. So here goes:

Forwards as a group

Defensive
§ Transition to defending (psychological aspects)
§ Integral part of collective team defense
§ Make play predictable, steer opponents according to defensive philosophy
§ Playing low pressure
§ Playing high pressure
Offensive
§ Know when to hold ball and when to lay off
§ Ability to beat opponents; dribble and combination play
§ Ability to create space for self and teammates; mobility
§ Finishing; with all surfaces, from all areas and angles
§ Proper attacking runs in the box, timing
§ Ability to play together, shape

Central forwards
§ Compact the central covering system; push up to the sweeper, stretch the opponents in depth, position of stopper will dictate forwards’ play
§ Pull apart the central covering system
o Diagonal runs into spaces on flank
o Withdraw to meet midfielder
o Show for combination play with wingers
o Bending runs away to create space for winger
o Constant attempts to get behind defender
§ Finishing

Tactics - 2

The other day I came across a document I'd printed out a few years ago on the fundamentals of soccer tactics, broken down by positions and offensive/defensive responsibilities. I thought it might be useful for each of us to take a look at them. I'm going to break these into three posts: defenders, midfielders, forwards, but we should read all of them - you never know when you'll end up in a strange position AND we need to function better as a collective unit. So here goes:

Midfielders – as a group

Defensive
§ Work to get goal side at instant of transition
§ Proper angles of recovery
§ Delay attacking progress of opposition (pressure points, pressure pockets)
§ Keep ball in front of midfield
§ Provide cover and balance
§ Understands man to man, zone and combination defending
§ Win 1v1 duels
Attacking
§ Link between backs and forwards; support behind and in advance of the ball
§ Switch point of attack, rhythm of play
§ Penetrate with or without ball; creating space, combination play
§ Finishing, long range shooting

Flank Midfielders
Defensive
§ Defend the flank
§ Proper recovery runs from flank
§ Understands man to man, zone and combination defending
§ Provide cover and balance
§ Track players to goal
§ Delay and contain attacking team
§ Skillful in air and tackling
§ Ability to win 1v1 duels
Offensive
§ Ability to patrol entire flank
§ Ability to play as a winger
§ Establish width in the attack
§ Create space for teammates
§ Ability to penetrate with dribble and combination play
§ Overlapping runs into advance positions
§ Support central midfielders, forwards and backs
§ Ability to service attacking spaces in the box early
§ Finishing

Defensive Midfielder
§ Organizes midfielders and forwards
§ Provide cover to pressuring midfield players
§ Provide balance in midfield
§ Mark attacking midfielder of opposite team
§ Zonal play; laterally across the field
§ Pressure the ball, slow down the attack
§ Ability to double team
§ Ability to win 1v1 duels
§ Communication

Organizing Midfielder
§ Support in advance of ball
§ Support behind the ball
§ Dictate rhythm of play, vision
§ Maintain possession
§ Penetration with or without ball
§ Finishing

Attacking Midfielder
§ Play in advanced areas, close support of forwards
§ Make runs in advance of forwards
§ Penetrate defense with the ball, combination play
§ Receive balls to start counter attacks
§ Finishing

Tactics - 1

The other day I came across a document I'd printed out a few years ago on the fundamentals of soccer tactics, broken down by positions and offensive/defensive responsibilities. I thought it might be useful for each of us to take a look at them. I'm going to break these into three posts: defenders, midfielders, forwards, but we should read all of them - you never know when you'll end up in a strange position AND we need to function better as a collective unit. So here goes:

Organization of Back Players

Sweeper

Defensive
§ Play behind or in front of back line
§ Organize the team defensively, communication
§ Establish and control last line of defense and rate of retreat
§ Offside considerations
§ Marking responsibilities
§ Stepping up
§ Deny through balls – interception
§ Skillful in the air and tackling

Offensive
As a free player, attempts to start counter-attacks
§ As a support player, dictates rhythm of play (vision)
§ As a penetrator, with and without the ball

Marking Backs

Defensive
§ Mark central forwards; when to deny, contain, tackle
§ Mark ball side in the central areas, starting positions
§ Proper angles of recovery
§ Understands man to man, zone and combination defending
§ Understands offside trap
§ Skillful in the air and tackling
§ Proper decisions on when to attack the ball
§ Provides cover
Offensive
§ Proper decisions on distribution of ball (safety/risk)
§ Establish width in the attack
§ Overlapping runs into advanced positions
§ Able to maintain compactness in attack
§ Support player

Outside backs

Defensive
§ Deny penetration on flanks
§ Marking responsibilities, starting positions
§ Provide cover
§ Provide balance
§ Skillful tackler
§ Tracking down according to defensive philosophy

Offensive
§ Provide early outlet after ball is won
§ Establish width in the attack
§ Overlapping runs into advanced positions, timing
§ Ability to play as winger
§ Maintain compactness in attack
§ Provide support

As to yesterday's game, that pretty much sucked harder and longer than a crazed hippy with a breast fetish at a grateful dead show. I thought we would get them in the second half, especially after we started it so well, but we reverted to long ball again and that did us in as it will every time. It also helped that we gave them too much time on the ball. Once we actually put the ball on the ground, we created some chances, alas, to no avail. But let's forget and move on to the next game, which is in two weeks time, and without checking the schedule I believe it is against Camp Hill.
As always, Wednesday pickup in Hershey, 6 0r so, at the med center.
Later I will publish the list of those players who have not paid yet. Because I have been screwed before, and as Jim, who ran indoor this year will attest, this is not fair to those who have paid. I'm hopeful that public humilation will get you to pay. However, if you do not pay by or at the next game, you will not be able to play until you do.

pick-up

made it to pick-up at hershey med shortly after 7 last night & played in a 9v9 game for about a half an hour - beautiful night, too bad no one else showed. see everyone sunday.

Game on 5/6/07 and summary

We play Londonderry on Sunday May 6th AWAY (Harrisburg Christian School - see league website for directions) with kick-off at 3pm. Please show up at 2:30 to warm-up. Londonderry is tied with us, having a record of 3-0 (10 for/5 against) - beat Lower Dauphin 1-0, beat Camp Hill 5-3 and beat Hellenic 4-2.

Present status for Sunday (5/6)
YES (12): Jeff, Jim, Marat, Hector, Tim, Chris, Mike, Alex, Matthew, Gary, Dilwyn, James
NO (3):Nick, Steve, Kurt
??? (3): George, Sean, Buddy
*Please post to the blog if your status changes for Sundays match.

MATCH SUMMARY: (vs. Redland)
We won the match 3-2 with goals from Jim 2 and an own goal - that I believe we said we'd give to Dilwyn. In what is becoming our anthem for the season, we had moments of cohesive play, but on the whole didn't play as well as we could have - this goes for everyone. We need to utilize our wings more, as with Hellenic, our wings were wide open most of the time but we only seemed to use periodically. This was another one of those annoying matches were our touch was off often, however, the two goals we did score were gorgeous......goal one was a run up the wing by me, a sharp cross to the penalty spot, a step over by Marat for Jim to drive into the the lower corner. The second goal was essentially a solo effort by Jim, who almost ripped a hole in the back of the net. The only other observation is an obvious one, we made plenty of opportunities but were putting them wide. If we put in even half of our attempts, the score would have easily been 7-2.

NEXT WEEK:
Next week's opponent now gets elevated to the status of toughest match of the season thus far, looking to hold their undefeated record. If you recall, this team has a few decent players (the bald defensive guy for one), but otherwise bring nothing special to the pitch. New guys, make sure you either get directions to this field from the league website or call Jeff.

PICK-UP:
Don't forget, pick-up footie in front of Hershey Medical Center at 6pm on Wednesdays.

Game on 4/29/07 and summary

We play Redland on Sunday April 29th at HOME (CD East) with kick-off at 3pm. Please show up at 2:30 to warm-up. Redland is 1-1 having beaten Hellenic 9-1 and losing to Lower Dauphin 1-2.

Present status for Sunday (4/29)
YES (14): Jim, Marat, Hector, Nick, Tim, Kurt, Chris, Mike, Alex, Matthew, Gary, George, Dilwyn, James
NO (3):Jeff, Steve, Sean
??? (0):
*Please post to the blog is your status changes for Sundays match.

MATCH SUMMARY: (vs. Hellenic)
We won the match 6-1 with goals from Jim 1, Tim 1, Hector 1, Jeff 1 and Steve 2. We had moments of cohesive play, but for the most part (and everyone agreed at the end of the match) that we didn't play well. Saying that, we pulled out a victory. I understand that the pitch didn't help, however, we have to learn to adapt our play based upon a) the conditions and b) the opponent. There were moments of players talking to each other, intricate passing (few) and movement on and off the ball (fewer). They had a few handy players (including a Greek orthodox priest!) but otherwise didn't bring much to the pitch.

NEXT WEEK:
Next week's opponent will be the toughest match of the season thus far, having defeated us at the end of last season 2-1. If you recall, they celebrated like they had won the world cup when they defeated us, so lets take it to them. From what I recall, they have 1 handy midfielder and a quick striker.

PICK-UP:
Don't forget, pick-up footie in front of Hershey Medical Center at 6pm on Wednesdays. Jeff and I went last week and it was about 10 v. 10. Jeff and I will try to be there this week.

Next Game

All, we play this Sunday, 5pm, at CD East. Please be there at around 4.30 and bring your $$$ if you have not done so already. A few of you have told me you won't be there this week and I appreciate the advance notice. The weather should be beautiful on Sunday, so let's play hard and focused and put the opposition away early.
See you Sunday.

ps - the pickup game at Hershey Med was quite nice, and in lieu of setting up practices which no one can attend, I'm going to posit this game as our midweek venture.

PRACTICE CANCELLED

Due to a lack of turnout, practice for tomorrow is cancelled. For those of you still interested in playing, there is a pickup game (or has been in the past) at the Hershey Med Center field starting at around 6pm. Generally there is a good turnout and the play is decent at times. To get there, get on 322 in Hershey - you can't miss it: right in front of the med center and across from the Hershey Lodge. Hope to see some of you there,

Wednesday Practice

6.30pm, CD East, on the field between the middle school and high school. Same place we kicked around last summer. If you know anyone not on the team who wants to come, that would be great. See you then.
Any questions, e-mail me at : cothren@verizon.net

Game Cancelled

In case you didn't get the message and happen to check here for news, which you should anyway, the game for today has been canceled. I'm told the field is underwater. Anyone up for Wednesday?

Game 2

All - our next game is this upcoming Sunday, April 15, at 3pm, at CD East. We play Lower Dauphin, who handled us well last season. Let's not allow for any repeats of those fiascos. Please let everyone know if you cannot make it - otherwise we'll assume your happy faces will be there half an hour prior to kickoff. If you did not pay, please bring your $$$ this week.
Any thoughts on a good day and time for a mid-week practice?
Have a good week and I'll see you on Sunday.
jc

Game 1

All,

Really, really great work yesterday. Good movement off the ball, good use of limited space with that tiny field, attacks from the outside backs, well-worked substitutions. Absolutely tremendous defense. Hope everyone went home feeling good because you deserved it.
Now, we do not have a game this coming Sunday. How about getting together for a kickaround either Saturday or Sunday? I have been asked to use CD East (home field) for these sessions. What day will work? If I say Saturday at 3, can we get at least 6 guys out there?
Also, can we consider, now that the daylight is lasting longer and longer, holding a regular midweek session, say on Wednesday evenings? Give it some thought.
Take it easy,
jc

Roster + Game 1

All,

The first game of the outdoor season is Sunday, 3pm, against Camp Hill at Fiala in Camp Hill. Please arrive at 2.30 so we can get things sorted out and warm up before kickoff. If you are not going to be there, please let the team know as soon as possible.
Here is our updated roster. Aside from the injured players, we have a maximum of 14 for each game. I'd say we need two more players - did I miss anybody who was going to sign up?
In any case, if someone (say, Jim, maybe) could send this by e-mail again, that would be great.
See you Sunday. Wear red shirts. Bring your money. Oh, and bring your money.

1. Tim Bentz
2. Marat Bogdanov
3. George Book
4. Hector Bueno
5. Jeff Cothren
6. Chris Dawson
7. Robert "Buddy" Hart
8. Dilwyn Knott
9. Sam Kpakiwa - injured
10. Mike Labe
11. Jim Leslie
12. Jeff Schmidt - injured
13. Nick Stapp
14. Gary Suchy
15. Kurt Twiford
16. Jim Zasadni

Update

1. Could someone, or all of you, please send this post around via e-mail, especially to our new players. I won't have access to my e-mail list (which is on my home computer) for a couple of days yet - meaning that it will be a while until I am at my computer and actually remember to send the e-mail.
2. First game is Sunday, April 1, 3pm, at Fiala field in Camp Hill against, oddly enough, Camp Hill. Please let everyone know if you'll be there or not.
3. I'd like us to kick around before the game, but that may not be possible on such short notice. Originally we weren't going to have our first game until April 15, but Tricounty dropped out of the league and the schedule was changed. Are there at least 6 of you who would play this Saturday, 4pm, at CD East?
4. Fee: $70, once again. And that's US Dollars, not Canadian, Gary.
Ok, if nothing else, I'll see you Sunday, April 1.

Outdoor Roster Update

Here's where we are right now:

Kurt Twiford
Tim Bentz
Jim Leslie
Nick Stapp
Mike Labe
Gary Suchy
Jeff Schmidt
Chris Dawson
Dilwyn Knott
Jeff Cothren
Buddy Hart
Jim Zasadini

Hey - we've got a sub. Keep working boys, we need about four more guys.

funny umbro ad

Let's see how many people still check the blog....my guess is Jim, Jeff and myself?

Check out this funny umbro ad, it's safe, no worries.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A20tQ7vZNnk

Spring Season, part 1

Ok, Bitches, and Gary,
Since there were no takers on my offer to manage the team this Spring, I'll do it again. Dammit.
Meeting is this Monday night where I'm sure I'll receive all kinds of informative tips. Of course I'll gladly pass them on to you.
I will assume that those of you who offered to help out on an as-needed basis will be available for certain tasks. Beer retrieval is top of the list.
Anyway, stay tuned for more info.
We really need some solid players, so if you can put the word out, please do. I'll see about an online presence.
Later,
jc

Questions and Pleas for Outdoor

All,

First of all, the Spring outdoor season will be upon us shortly. The organizational meeting is to take place in just over two weeks and the first weekend of April hosts the season opener.
Second, are you planning to play on ES this Spring? We have only lost one player from the fall as far as I know, though we can always use a few good players. Know any?
Third, can someone please, please take over running the team for a while? I've done four seasons, and am maxed out.
Please let me know the answers to all of these questions by Feb. 16 so I can get an idea of what's happening for the Spring.

Thanks,

I know it's early, but....

Outdoor does start in a couple of months, and I want to put the bug in everyone's ear as far as deciding whether or not you plan to play this Spring and to assist all of us in finding a couple of new players. Don't rush into any decisions just yet. We've got some time. It would be nice to start kicking around before the start of the season, which right now is scheduled for the first Sunday in April. We've lost Mark N, but should have Chris Dawson back. Any thoughts from anyone? Just let me know.
Oh, and Jim Leslie wanted me to plug his new tax preparation service. Refund GUARANTEED.