Game Afterthoughts

From the parking lot cheers of goal could be heard.. . not knowing which team had scored I hurried my approach. Upon arrival at the field it became known that Tremaine had converted a "PK". This game served as an ideal situation for some players who got their opportunity of starting in their prefered position because of rotation, injuries and absent players. Not trying to infiltrate the minds of coach Chris and coach Joe, but I wonder if anyone of the new starters impressed enough to become a starter going forward. Again I reiterate my personal sentiments that some teams are not worthy of playing in the OPDL; no disrespect intended to any kid on the opposite team. In my opinion, based upon Saturday's performance the Woodbridge Strikers U13 boys didn't exert 100 percent in the game. It's no longer beneficial just to win if it's not competitive within the competition. Case in point, we have an excellent goalie in Cristian but if not tested, he will only bec...

I can only imagine how excited the newly formed Woodbridge Strikers team must have been in facing Vaughan at the OSA field (stadium) for the first time this season. The game had a real professional feeling about it, seeing both set of boys coming out from the OSA building looking very organized. During warm up the boys even appeared different in comparison to  previous games. The  Vaughan supporters out numbered the Strikers supporting faithful. The referee carried out the formalities between players and coaches whilst everyone present, neutral spectators included eagerly awaits the start. With Maximas away, Amrit and Anthony unavailable because of injuries the coaches had to reshuffle playing positions and starters. Vaughan had the first kick off and immediately it became quite obvious that all there plays would be going directly through their number 67 player (quite good I might add). Their front line players kept switching position in the hope of getting an ad...

The rain prevented a game, but not the togetherness of parents, coaches and players. I  have to start by saying thanks to the Frasca family for opening up their home to the entire Woodbridge Strikers OPDL U13 family. It should have been the annual father and son soccer game followed by a BBQ. Nature intervened in the form of thunderous showers of rain...prayed for by the boys, knowing fully well they would lose. Not even Ron Howard could have scripted it any better with all the vibrant, educating and empowering conversation that ensued. Topics included politics, economy, jobs and yes sports as well. There were three main group of adults, a set of ladies in the kitchen, the combined group located under the Woodbridge tent and there was a set of men perched around in the gazebo in front of the TV, (not watching the Blue Jays lose). While the boys were down stairs competing in Ping Pong and PS4 games. The array of food beautifully laid out on the table brought to memory a weddin...

Today, August 11, 2018 we witnessed the true brilliance of Christian as a goal keeper and all that were spoken about him so notoriously. The game started off at a frantic pace with both teams trying to establish control and eliminate the rust gathered from two weeks off in the sweltering heat. It became apparent that some players didn't miss a beat while few exhibited sluggishness. Our opponents came out with all intend and purpose to prevent  the Strikers from scoring, demonstrated by some wonderful individual defending as well working steller in the team concept of defense. It was short lived as a solo run into the penalty box by Fateh came to an abrupt end...him being fouled, resulting in a penalty shot. Marco, the "PK" specialist calmly stepped up and slotted into the back of the net. Putting the Strikers in front and supporters into jubilation. Woodbridge Strikers showcased an array of passing , moving the ball around quickly at times plus hitting the person runn...

Recently Alphonso Davies story dominated all aspects of media... print, radio and television about him being signed by Bayern Munich in the German Bundesliga for a whopping $23 million (US) dollars plus add-on estimated to increase the amount to $30 million for five years. With the season restarting in the form of training today, our boys should be willing to challenge themselves and improve upon what they have already accomplished in the first half of the season. Will there be any new addition to the squad as on a number of occasions there were new players training with the regular squad. Furthermore, the coaches by now must be aware of their best starting eleven as well as who to introduce in an attempt to create a spark off the bench at what junction. I had previously mentioned on April 08, 2018 factors to consider for success:  Type of formation Players playing in their best position Tactics by coaching staff Confidence of team Seeing what has transpired in the first ha...