Game Afterthoughts

Awesomeness could be used to describe the boys performance over the two days Futsal tournament . Saturday had its highs and lows but knowing the Woodbridge Strikers OPDL 05 Boys that didn't faze them. They were anxiously awaiting Sunday to resume defending their trophy. Knowing full well that their missing players would be available for participation. Tremaine, Ethan, Tayvin and Isaiah were expressed in a Mercedes Benz driven by Jacquie to get them there on time for the start of Play after giving their all at provincial tryouts. Cristian also made the trip with dad to give moral support. The Whitecaps London team didn't pose the challenge Strikers had previously anticipated and quite quickly it became evident that our boys could win convincingly without exerting one hundred percent. The game ended with a win for Woodbridge setting up a confrontational semifinal against Prostars FC.  Proclaimed by their coach yesterday (Saturday) that his team is the best 05 in ...

Being in the Media does come with its privileges. One of which allowed me to watch the game as a blogger. Present but unable to participate due to injury were Luka and Fateh. It's was almost the story book ending when Jon-michael shifted the ball from left boot to right with intent on slotting it in the open net. He would have been the ideal candidate to win the game for Woodbridge Strikers. The game started off briskly by TFC Academy trying immediately to utilize all areas on the playing field. In all honesty Woodbridge Strikers took a few minutes off the clock before settling down. Eventually after they did we started seeing Anthony and Isaiah getting more and more on the  ball in the opponent's half making their intentions clear that they were not going to be intimidated by the physical playing style of the opposition. From all indications every player came to play. Yes TFC had lots more possessions which is quite understandable taking into consideration they are accus...

A first look at the team for majority of parents in a competitive atmosphere. Two friendlies completed and two impressive performance with some individual stand out plays. It was great seeing Nicholas and his parents as he now plays with Oakville FC. Just as delighted also in reconnecting with the parents of the boys doing training at TFC. The Oakville facility just 10 years old is very impressive but could use a few upgrades. Wonder if and when Woodbridge SC will boast something similar. With Christopher absent there had to be a reshuffling within the defensive structure. Tayvin was slotted into the central role between wing back and Marco given the opportunity as holding midfielder. The start was a bit wobbly with some errant passes and ball control from Isaiah one of the mid field general on the team. He was pulled aside by the coach and I assume given some encouraging  words... thereafter his play improved. Improvement was quite evident from the Thursday's game against TF...

Push-ups, jumping jacks, sit ups, words of encouragement and experience shared through wisdom. Train harder in practice and the actual game becomes easier. "The most glorious moments in your life are not the so-called days of success, but rather those days when out of dejection and despair you feel a rise in you to challenge yourself in practice beyond comfort and the promise of future accomplishments are then formed mentally.” – Gustave Flaubert 1842 There weren't a lot of parents present watching practice as normal...four boys away on training... three were unable to participate but present and one unavailable. The weather outside was bitterly cold reminded me of been in Chicago 1988. To the best of my knowledge I have not written about a practice session therefore making this a first. It began with the boys playing a basketball game where the concept was high press  and don't allow turn and pass. It's other function was that of getting them warmed up and thinki...