STRENGTH IS IN THE SUPPORT

I came to the game pondering about potential sluggishness and disastrous touches because of the two weeks break. All of that was none existing. Woodbridge Strikers Boys started off with some silky smooth passes. Quick switching from left to right. The team looked menacing.

I would like to outline some opinionated thoughts on the possibility to prevent incidents. Lets address the first item on the agenda. It was hurtful, scary and concerning hearing and seeing Luka lying on the green grass in agonizing pain with the referee totally unaware that a player was down and seriously injured. It took the yelling and screaming of on lookers and parents to draw the referee's attention to said incident.  It was shocking that the ambulance took almost one hour to arrive, taking into consideration the physio was unable to render any physical therapy because this particular case warranted at least a paramedic.  However, maybe the OSA (OPDL organizers) can look into today's incident and put things in place after reading the match report. The only thing that won't be in the report is Luka's bravery which he exhibited.

Second item, I have read coach Julian's after game comments and it's not that I don't agree, but there's a but. Just to refresh memory, Lionel Messi, got three months suspension and fined $50,000.00 for comments made about bad officiating affecting their game(playing for Argentina) outcome. Not saying that these officials were biased or had ulterior motives. However, when an obviously clear penalty call was totally not acknowledge by the referee even though his line woman did her job by raising her flag in response to the infringement. The referee in the middle could not keep up with the pace of the game therefore was unable to make calls that could possibly affect the outcome of the game either way. The players and coaches cannot be held accountable for their actions and nothing is done to the officials for their lack of commitment and professionalism. I would never advocate for someone not make extra money, but please in the process do the job at hand.

Lastly, I believe the thought of Luka's situation affected the Woodbridge Strikers Boys far more than it did the Oakville players. Strikers started playing tentatively... not wanting to get hurt themselves. Oakville had a twenty man squad for the game which included a 05 goalie who plays up with the 04 team.  That alone tells the story of how they (Oakville) viewed today's game by bringing him to play knowing he would be playing immediately after for his own team.

Furthermore, resorting to a defensive formation did not aid Strikers if anything it benefitted Oakville. They, Oakville started having more of the ball and with that confidence started building.   The quick substitutions carried out by Oakville was entirely to pressure Strikers legs. Game management is something that needs to be instilled into our boys going forward. Watching pro games in all genres you see coaches from either sidelines or on the chairs doing just that.

Nevertheless, I must add that it was a great game  barring the unforeseen incident and a great free kick goal scored against Woodbridge Strikers to tied up the game.

Acknowledgements and appreciation goes out to the Oakville parents who showed genuine interest, support and encouragement after realizing that it was a serious injury situation. At the end of the day no one wants to see a child get hurt no matter how we all act verbally while the game is being played.

My thoughts and prayers goes out to Luka for a speedy recovery. Today you were my HERO!! See you on the pitch soon.