THE CURSE IS BROKEN

There were so many sub-plots leading up to tournament start, I could write a book:

• Isaiah almost didn't attend because mother had to have an emergency dental procedure done on the Friday morning. 
• Tayshaun Brown had to change flight so he could get a new passport on the morning of travel.
• The last tournament Cristian would be playing with the Woodbridge Strikers OPDL 05 Boys.
• Param's vehicle broken down en route to tournament.
• Strikers have to top their group for a chance of playing in the finals.

Traditional Team Bonding Dinner

Things got underway with a team dinner Friday evening that was well attended and from all verbal communications the meals were great eat for the stomach. We arrived simultaneously as the group was coming back from dinner.

Coach Julian gave direct and specific instructions to the boys on how operations would go. Breakfast precisely at a set time, what should be eaten followed by a twenty minute walk and after that back to their room intended purpose of relaxing their bodies and mind.

At the field Saturday.

1st game at 1pm

Woodbridge Strikers first game was against Washington Capital FC which kicked off the Elite Division group comprising two other team. From the onset it was quite evident that it was two contrasting style of playing. Strikers intended on playing on the surface of turf while Washington Capital FC was playing long ball in the air and their strikers gave chase. The Washington Capital FC boys had a more masculine physique in comparison with majority of the Woodbridge Strikers boys.

Woodbridge Strikers kept moving the ball effectively and with direct assaults on the opponent's goal but failed to convert on numerous occasions throughout the game. Coach Julian made a switch in defense and replaced Jordan with Tayshaun M.  who played one of his best game to date. The half ended nil nil without Cristian having to make a save.

Both teams resume the half playing in the same manner with the exception of Strickers increasing fluidity across the offensive third. This resulting in Washington Capital FC giving away free kicks in a more dangerous position towards their own goal.

The traveling fans from across the border was beginning to get restless in the boys failure to convert. With less than ten minutes to go Washington Capital FC defender gave away a foul atop the key. Marco, Anthony and Isaiah huddled together to discuss tactics and who would eventually strike the ball.

From all indications it appeared as if Isaiah drew the short straw and would take the shot. He expertly placed the ball, took his paces and curled over the players acting as wall into the net with the keeper looking hopelessly frustrated. The Woodbridge Strikers went into celebration as well as the parents. That would be the only goal scored in the game. Woodbridge Strikers won 1:0.

2nd  game 6pm

Bubbling with confidence from the first game Woodbridge Strikers were ready to face North Carolina FC. North Carolina FC style of play was very similar to the first opponents. However, by now Strikers were quite relaxed and comfortable playing against such tactics in the same manner the boys adapted to the weather conditions.

Woodbridge Strikers displayed a laissez faire attitude on the field of play which showcased itself in our boys playing some exquisite soccer. The ball was moved from flank to flank started by Cristian in net out-letting to either Amrit or Jordan.  All watching got spoiled by witnessing some elegant passing display accompanied with intelligent running off the ball and closing down their opponents.

Just like before the game was being dominated totally by Woodbridge Strikers with chances after chances not capitalized upon. The coaching staff kept encouraging the boys that the goal is coming. After some dazzling wing play involving one of many crosses into North Carolina FC penalty area Tremaine decided to tap one home and gave Strikers a deserving lead.

The Strikers were relentless pursuing another goal which never came. North Carolina FC went all out attacking with hope of securing a draw. One of their player scored a spectacular wonder strike... give him a million more attempts and he would never be able to replicate it. The game ended 1:1

So far all the boys who have been given playing time contribute either in making exceptional passes, making timely tackles, being in the correct position and moving without the ball.

Sunday

3rd group game.

Must win to advance into finals

Virginia Legacy was our opponents whom Woodbridge Strikers played against last year and won 3:1. Strikers started out of the blocks quick as a lighting bolt. The high pressure by Strikers caused Virginia Legacy to turn over the ball in their own half of the field. The one touch passes had the Legacy players chasing shadows. They simply could not get hold of the ball.

Strikers midfielders stifled out anything Virginia Legacy could think of and was buzzing with confidence like bees around honeycomb. Tayshaun B. gave a glimpse of what he can do by providing an assist and scoring from a delicate chip cross supplied by Anthony.

Luka got his first start of the tournament and didn't disappoint as Amrit sat out because of injury. His overlapping runs along with Jon Michael, Damiano coupled with Ethan and Tremaine proved too much to handle for Virginia Legacy players.

The dynamic duo of central defenders Tayvin and Christopher didn't allow Cristian any chance of making a save as everything was prevented from going pass them duly assisted by Jordan. Daniel and Fateh introduction on the field helped to open up play a plot deployed by the coaches thus allowing Isaiah, Anthony, Marco and Jon Michael more maneuvering in the middle of the pitch.

Ethan and Tremaine persistance and tireless efforts eventually blossomed into goals for them relieving their frustration. Anthony capped off his splendid effort with a goal.

Head Coach Julian was quick to respond to any weakness of the opposition and make significant changes to capitalize on it. In so doing Woodbridge Strikers came away with a resounding 4:0 victory. Not a true reflection of the amount of chances created by Strikers.

2pm Finals

Again our nemesis showed up (Injuries).

Injury Roster:
Amrit
Isaiah
Fateh
Tayshaun B.
Tayshaun M.

With a depleted bench this is where the coaching staff prove that their credentials are real.

Head coach Julian with assistances coach Chris and coach Joe formulated a new game plan with two starters out a key defender and a midfielder. Woodbridge Strikers cheer before the game sounded loudly emitting calm, composure and believe.

The weather conditions were more favourable to Strikers as the opponents are from  tropical conditions in Florida. That's the reason for warm gears and they utilized the needed apparels.

The game began in the usual fashion Strikers playing on the field surface and Ives Estate Thunder Premier (IETP) spraying long aerial passes. It was quite evident from the get go that both Anthony and Marco came to play. Play they both did.

Anthony was winning the fifty fifty balls in midfield, really stepping up his game looking like the Anthony of old, while in tandem Marco was tracking back and making impressive defensive tackles. It was no fluke... I don't know what was said to them in particular but their game had been elevated to the status I have always heard that they could perform at.

Standing beside two female parents I could hear the oohs and aahs in the near misses by Strikers. What wasn't saved flew over the horizontal bar and shaved the upright post. I was starting to wonder if IETP would get one chance and score after our boys kept missing numerous chances throughout the game. Cristian had to pull off a superb save just before half to keep the score at 0:0. 

The second half started in similar pattern Woodbridge Strikers in total dominance without a goal. Anthony and Jon Michael were creating brilliantly in the central midfield and Marco acting as the "Kante" infront of the defence. That move freed up Tayvin to make forward runs into the opponent's penalty area.

The set plays were creating problems especially in corner kicks and on one particular instance Christopher almost scored. 

Woodbridge Strikers intensity picked up tremendously and set up camp in the opponent's half of the field. The natives of Florida began shouting insults towards the match referee. On the other hand coach Julian was screaming "try it" when Strikers got a corner kick.

The constant attacking pressure finally paid dividends when Tayvin was fouled in the penalty area of the IETP box. Without any hesitation Marco gallantly with shoulders square and chest buff took the ball meticulously placed it on the designated spot. Like a soldier doing a drill parade....his steps were calculated on the worn out turf. 

   Mom panicking with video camera in hand afraid of the gigantic responsibility placed upon her sons' feet. She was reassured by a fellow nervous mom that " he got this".(continue)

The time appeared to stand still while the only audible sound was the fluttering of heartbeats. Marco seemed unphased by all going on around him only waiting on the referee's whistle to deliver. The whistle went and in one swift response the ball went flying through the air to lodge into the opponent's net and send his teammates and parents supporters into a frenzy celebration. Marco was literally mobbed by his teammates. 

     (Continuation)When the ball hit the net mom was elated screaming, "That's My Boy".

After the resumption of the goal being scored.  Damiano who was having one of his best game of the tournament on the wing got cramps after darting away from two defenders. Shortly thereafter the referee signaled two minutes left for the celebration by the Woodbridge Strikers entourage. The three coaches started the process of celebrating. 

Credit must be given to all the boys who played their role in this tournament win. There were great highlight moments and without a doubt stand out players and plays that everyone will cherish based upon preferences. Let us always remember that only eleven can be on the pitch at a time. 

The coaches will undoubtedly see the positives and the negatives and correct where necessary and appropriate. Well done Head Coach Julian,  coach Chris and coach Joe. There is an atmosphere of professionalism that is now being processed into this group of boys by the three gentleman who we call coaches.

This is what making sacrifices feels like when the boys win it's all forgotten. Parents continue to support, encourage and if possible watch them practice at times it does make a difference. 

To our goalie Cristian you did us proud being our custodian between the post. You know your stats with Woodbridge Strikers... continue to develop in your craft. For tournament three clean sheet/shutout. You will be missed!

   NB: During all the games that Woodbridge Strikers played the opponent's all expressed delight in their style of play and individual skill set. Funny enough as it might sound the Ives Estate Thunder Premier parents really lauded the boys with tremendous respect and dignity in Strickers superior quality. 

CONGRATULATIONS BOYS!!

🏆⚽🥅