WHERE WAS THIS BEFORE ?

The weather condition was very conducive for soccer. Did it materialized into a brilliant game of soccer especially in Woodbridge Strikers favor ? Playing against TFC OPDL boys from rumors one also has to contend with the referee's decision...we have witnessed it first hand.

The roar by Strikers is always a determining factor of their vibes if they are in for a good game and today's shout could be heard from far and wide. Strikers sent a verbal message before a ball was kicked or the blowing of the referees whistle. Even in warm up gave the impression of cohesion, professionalism and focus.

TFC came out from kick off as a rocket fired into space trying as best as possible in stopping Woodbridge Strikers Boys from playing out of defense. If that was their game plan Strikers quickly nullified it and laid it to rest. The saying goes don't give what you yourself cannot take.

Strikers reversed the role on TFC and started pressing them from the keeper makes the pass either to left or right...it paid dividends immediately, resulting in chance on opposition's net. The intent was obviously to get TFC rattled and like icecream melting in heat, so too TFC crumbled under the pressure applied by the more mature boys...quicker, stronger and wanting it more.

Going into today's game there were multiple factors that needed to be addressed by coaching staff and players with the positioning towards Charity Shield forefront and center pending on the result. Convincingly majority of those issues were resolved impressively with swagger.

The problem of off-side was basically invisible except on two occasions. A huge improvement and one the coaches can be proud of. The individual touches on the ball was artistry of the highest standards. Case in point, Tremaine demonstrated a touch in scoring his first of three goals that I never knew he had in his repertoire.

Ethan found his magic in playing and scoring goals again which was evident in the foray of runs he did on his way to netting four goals. Mom being utterly impressed refused to sit, whilst grandpa stood transfixed at the fence.

I totally disagree with a learned onlooker who said that he was not impressed with our style of playing... just long ball forward for the strikers to latch on to. I don't concur. Woodbridge Strikers Boys played with brilliance, expertness, flair and a level of expressiveness that all parents knew they possess but unwilling to showcase until today. Passes were intricate just as thread going through the small eye in a needle.

Jordan benefited from such eloquence of speaking with the ball after TFC was surgically ripped wide open on two separate occasions. Dreson decided to rival the midfielders with an assist of his own... however, today beyond doubt he truly inspired by making an unbelievable save off a PK followed by a stunning one handed diving save also.

The midfielders dictated the pace throughout the entire game slowing down tempo and increasing acceleration when necessary. Thus resulting in a penalty after Jon-Michael was bulldozer over inside the box and converted with venom by Marco. The defensive unit welcomed back captain and central defender Christopher in the line up...he did not show any signs of rust. Mark could be heard shouting out positive instructions to his teammates ( another positive response from last game). Well done Mark!!

It culminated into a no contest in comparison to the last game we played against them. If Strikers can continue improving and build on this success the team can indeed achieve their goal for the season. I must put a pin in the balloon nonetheless, there's far too much space behind midfielders and defenders... something for coaches to address.

The two players who played up from the 06 team contribution was fully appreciated in light of the 05 boys injury situation. Again it was great team spirit shown by the injured players on the bench in the manner of their celebration. Speedy recovery goes out to Damiano who always gives everything while on the playing field.

This is the only way to go Woodbridge Strikers if you truly want to be viewed as a top 05 boys team. For the players who did not get their names in ink you all did your part in contributing to TFC's worst defeat to date. In addition, letting younger 06 boys realize they are indeed junior to you 05 boys.

NB: This now makes the group looking like a swinging pendulum, we cannot become complacent.

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