Game Afterthoughts

Coach Joe gathered all the parents that were present because he wanted to share some information. It was relating to the outcome of the assessment carried out by the OSA representative done on June 14th practice session and June 16th match game. Coach Joe started off by asking if we remembered seeing the representative at the practice and seated beside the bench on game day.  Then he stated that the boys were being evaluated and the coaches assess. I will not use the cliche, they passed with flying colors. Instead I will quote coach Joe, " The observer, who was doing the assessment said that never before had he seen anyone gotten a deserving one hundred percent, until now." By then Head coach Chris Shelton had entered the gathering and was basking in the achievement, yet looking very humble. To reiterate coach Joe's sentiments that the Woodbridge Strikers OPDL U13 boys are lead by a coach who is dedicated, a visionary as well as being passionate about the sport plus ...

Firstly, let me extend congrats to coach Joe and coach Marco for the splendid job in the absence of coach Chris. Honestly, I don't know where to begin as it was highly entertaining and exciting in the same breath. The first quarter was totally Ethan's show, speed, quickness and deadly finishing only to be missed by mom Mavis. Coach Joe realized that the opponent's challenge was not forthcoming, so he decided to experiment with formation and players in different positions. Tayvin was slotted into the center forward position. Seeing him in a break away heading towards goal our contingent of supporters started cheering loudly for him to score. The moms went wild when he eventually did. While, dad Delroy tried to hide his excitement by keeping his head held down. Seeing how the boys are interchangeable between position tells me how versitile the squad is... for example Gianluca playing as a left defender. Our domination was evident based upon the score. Is it because the opp...

Today our boys were in a soccer game that was really competitive...it could have rival any of the World Cup Games played so far with the exception of Portugal verses Spain. In the first quarter both teams were busy figuring  each other out  just like boxers do in the ring. With the inclusion of some new players on to start the second quarter, momentum picked up a few notches for the Strikers. Quickly resulting in a beautiful team goal. Of all previous five games played before, today our goalie had the most touches on the ball. Cristian demonstrated that his defenders can count on him to make the saves if the ball does get through. That he did in superlative fashion and not wanting to say who was the best, I will just say that the opponent's goalie coach stated, he could be a shoo-in as the provincial keeper. He further stated that we have a very good team and that we just handed them their second lost and they're now 4:2. The boys maturity in switching play especially out o...

With the successful bid to host the 2026 world cup... Canada, USA and Mexico's future is definitely looking brighter. But as a parent of a young soccer player in Canada I would like to put the focus on Canada right now. Hopefully Canada is seeing this as their opportunity to rise to the occasion, but to get there, they now need to get serious about training our youths for the task ahead. It would be truly embarrassing if we are hosting and cannot attend our own party with a good showing. Most likely some of the selection for the team will come from the age groups 2005, 2004, and 2003 who at that time will be coming into the peak of their abilities on the playing field. Lets be futuristic thinkers and analyze our boys for 2026 based upon how they are playing now and with improvements can they make that 23 man roaster. The answer undoubtedly is a resounding "YES". As I have always stated that a win is great but I appreciate more so how the team wins. These boys are playin...

Our boys receiving the Championship Trophy The very elated Champions The moms had to be reminded that the medals were not theirs. The dads on the other hand were so excited they decided to toast our first tournament win.

It was great seeing more dads out today than  moms for a change. Firstly, let me commend coach Chris and coach Joe on working around the injury bug that's plaguing our boys. The starting eleven had not been used before. I had the privilege of conversing with Fred last night, who is the head coach of Whitby. I was informed that they won the AIM Cup last summer in Buffalo, NY. He further stated that they play a decent level of soccer.  From the onset it was quite evident that their style of play was going to be of a physical nature. Our boys were not rattled, because last game they were subjected to said style of treatment. They were prepared. Woodbridge Strikers played out from the back started by Cristian in net, through to Tayvin who at times was the primary distributer. Seeing the ball switch from side to side by our boys was nothing short of mesmerizing quality. We out sprinted, out ran, and out hustled them in all departments of the game throughout the four quarters. W...

Seeing Chris and Jordan actually participating physically in practice yesterday was a pleasing sight. They didn't miss a stride in the cardio workout. The coaches must be super happy to finally have a eighteen man squad in which to select their starting eleven without juggling players around. Great to have you back boys!! ⚽🥅

The Canadian U21 team should be very proud of its achievement in their first ever Toulon Tournament in France. Seated with past winner of the tournament Portugal and regular participants like Turkey and Japan completing the group. They impressed everyone at the tournament with the fluency of their playing style. Also, individual talent was visibly on display at times, most notably  is Liam Millar of Liverpool U23 team (formerly of Brampton Youths). In the games played in the preliminary round they beat Turkey, tied with Portugal and tied with Japan without suffering a defeat. Narrowly missing out on the opportunity to play in the semi final round. Huge accomplishment for a debutant team. Hoping that the powers will see and realized that it's only beneficial for all involved that our Canadian players can compete with the best if allowed or given the opportunity to do so on a regular basis. Lets believe that one day in the very near future our boys can participate in that tournam...

Today proves to be a continuation of the ongoing battle for domination between Woodbridge Strikers and Richmond Hill Raiders. As stated in yesterday's blog this game was an assessment of the entire team. The Raiders came with their game face on, ready for a win and yes the game started as we expected it to, with them pressing Woodbridge player for player, they were on our boys like white on rice. The Raiders dominated the first few minutes of the game with most of the plays centered in our half of the field as if they thought Cristian needed to be warmed up some more. The Strikers however, were able to put a stop to that by engaging in their style of soccer...slick quick passes and got the game back into motion in the opponent's half of the field. Not to the Raiders liking, they resorted to playing a more physical game of soccer.  Making dangerous slide tackles, football tackles and of course tripping.This got most of the parents concerned as none of us wanted to see any of ...

You can say whatever you want, but everyone involved will be scrutinized. The coaches, players, style of play and formation. On Saturday we will be going up against Richmond Hill who is presently coached by  Woodbridge Strikers former head coach along with a number of ex- Striker players who didn't want to remain or even try out under the new head coach. On our way to winning the Ontario Futsal Cup we defeated them in the semi-final.They also played in the Umbro Cup without registering a win, while the Strikers won the tournament for that age group. Those who were at the practice sessions this week must be wondering the reason for the coaches being so military on the boys while trying to perfect every drill they conducted. I had to laugh when I heard, " If you do that in the game Saturday I am taking you off". From all indications if the Woodbridge Strikers can replicate seventy five percentage of their training they should be able to dominate and win. I have not se...