10/17/09 Crusaders vs Phoenix Ole

Crusaders 2 vs Phoenix Ole 7 (at RSA)

(No mistake there, we scored!!!)

Captain: Declan

After no games last weekend (due to illness), we actually had all twelve players ready to play against the unknown Ole from Phoenix. The sun was out right until kickoff, and then it poured! Mild temperature and rain, great weather for soccer!

I thought the team played well. I know that we are capable of a bit better though. There is always room for improvement. I would like to see more passing. The weather made it difficult for good passing this game though. It was wet, muddy, slippery...tough conditions for control. We also need to always pay attention to who is around us. We need to mark players on defense and find open space on offense. We could communicate better too. Too many times we had two or three players going for the same ball. We are on the same team!

The real excitement was the two goals we scored. On both occasions, there was great teamwork. Raymon was able to receive a pass and get the ball past the keeper for the first goal. Declan made a good pass to Sebby, who worked hard to get the ball close to the goal and center it, while William was in the perfect position to finish it off for the second goal.

Great job team! Scoring a goal is the result of the team working together...teamwork.

Unfortunately, the flu bug found us and we were unable to field a team for Sunday's game at Ashland. I hope we are all healthy (Ashland too) so we can try again next week.

Declan chases down an attack with Cooper ready to support.

Austin uses his head! Super!

Cooper closes down on an attacker.

Hmmm, not sure about this Nolan. I am pretty sure we never practiced posing like this at practice. Interesting look...

:-)

Mark tries to move the ball upfield.

10/03/09 Crusaders vs Basin United

Crusaders 0 vs Basin United 6 (at Klamath Falls)

Captain: Nolan

The Klamath Basin greeted us with a crisp but sunny afternoon for a great day of soccer. We were at just eleven players again as Mark came down sick and could not make the trip. We missed you Mark! We got off to a bad start as Declan got injured in the warmup and was not able to join the game until several minutes after the start. Ten men against a tough team is not the optimum situation. The boys played well but Basin United was a notch better making the score at the half 5-0. Brodie made some great saves in the first half, even the BU coach was applauding his efforts.

With nothing to lose, we had a new line up for the second half to give everyone a chance for a fresh position. Cole played in goal and made some good saves and only allowing one goal (which was not his fault). Nolan flirted with scoring a goal a couple of times. I think his does this to get me really excited on the sideline. Declan had a couple chances to score as well but came up short. I have faith that a goal will come, with more to follow that one.

Sebastian took a really hard shot to the gut towards the end of the game. He had to come off the field, but I was proud of him, because he gathered himself and got back into the game.

We had periods where we played good soccer. I still think we have had steps of progression each game. I am most proud of this group of young men because of the way they play hard right to the end, regardless of the score.

This next week is important. We play Medford at home and away. I know we can beat Medford if we play really well. I hope we can have a good week of practice and get twelve healthy players ready to play hard this coming weekend.

Raymon and Declan look for the ball.

Brodie makes a stop and looks to make a quick attack.