Game Afterthoughts

A fitting way to go on mid season break with a comprehensive victory showing that last weekend's game wasn't a fluke. Normally after an impressive game there is always a low, however, Woodbridge Strikers Boys didn't fall victim to that trap in today's encounter against Tecumseh. The first quarter saw the players being rather cautious on both sides. This being the first ever match up for both opponents and neither wanted to make any early errors. It proved to be a day of first as Dreson was seated amongst the injured players and Luca had to be called up from the 06 team as replacement goalie. The resumption of the second quarter saw the introduction of Mr. Energy, Damiano, who almost with his first touch nearly scored. The pace quicken substantially with lots more ball movements by Strikers resulting in a barrage of shot attempted. Damiano opened the scoring with a superb strike proving too hot to hold by Tecumseh custodian. Anthony, another of the second quarter sub

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

There're so many things I used to take for granted, but with the invention of new and improved technology some things are now becoming obsolete. Video taping of games are the new norm and we all have to keep current and trendy. So this is my final afterthoughts blog post as now everyone will have access to the video and can formulate personal opinion without any interference. Being plausible can also be interpreted as being controversial.... either way it's a matter of opinion. For those who are not familiar with the game of cricket, let me enlighten you all. The West Indies team dominated from the 70s to 80s for ten years straight they won all there was to be won. In the process producing world class bowlers, batsmen, fielders and boast the two best wricket keeper batsman still to this day in the world. By now I am assuming that everyone must be wondering what is Presley alluding to. Two of those gentleman authour a book called, God's opening for a team of gods. In the b

Injury reserves were more than actual reserves able to be substituted into the game. It was disappointing seeing Fateh asking to be substituted off after a very involved start linking up play with defense and forwards. The defensive unit now seems more adaptable in the three man defense...tighter together, shifting in unison and more verbal echoing beginning with Dreson in net. Both Tayvin and Marco now appears as if they have read and fully understand the defensive midfielder's manual as demonstrated with on field performance and Tayvin netting a brace. The offense today played with a democratic style of freedom which became quite evident in a ten to one defeat of London TFC. From the onset Anthony and Isaiah set the tempo in midfield by winning the tackles and spraying passes like a sprinkler on a lawn. Jordan came off the bench and in so doing registered a hat trick by cutting inside of the wing allowing Amrit or Luka space for overlapping runs. These overlapping runs were ti

Truly a very competitive game today between Woodbridge Strikers and Oakville both exhibiting different styles of playing. Oakville sitting back waiting on the counter attack, while Strikers are willing to move the ball from side to side until the opening is available for a telling through ball. Strikers started off with a 1-3-1-4-2 formation giving starts to Marco in the holding midfielder role, Anthony attacking midfield and Damiano outside winger. The boys began tentatively only making horizontal passes showing apprehension in attacking the space given by Oakville because they were just sitting back in a ten man defense. The intensity escalated seeing Strikers starting to dictate tempo with more searching forward passes resulting in early corner kicks and free kicks being won. Oakville almost got caught out on one of the corner kick... Strikers let them off the hook. Interchanging of position was noticeable amongst midfielders and the striker at times which helped build players co

I will not utilize this platform to speak on the poor refereeing displayed infront of all spectators present at today's game who are unbiased. "IT JUST GOT TO STOP" I do know for a fact that the referees don't care one heck who wins or loses, but they have to call the game more consistently even. Furthermore, I would strongly recommend to the coaching staff to have a talking drill, a shouting competition and a screaming match --- with the purpose of getting these boys to start communicating on the actual field of play. Damiano showed how one plays when they come off the bench...lots of effort and high octane energy plus using his "Voice" to call for the ball, giving instructions to teammates of man coming and to make a pass. There were indeed a few players who attempted and there were those who continued talking throughout the entire game when on the pitch. Communication creates cohesion and cohesion brings success. After watching practice on Saturday an