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.