Game Afterthoughts

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...

The boys rightfully should have been at home  preparing for bed instead they were assembled for a 9 pm kick off start against North Mississauga FC. It showed that their coaches actually do watch the game video as told to me by a parent friend. North Mississauga FC came fully prepared to dismantle the Woodbridge Strikers game plan from the onset. The first game against them their coaches were silent as a Lamb...but not in Thursday's game, they gave instructions none stop like a talking Budgerigar. On the referee and lineman: Again suffice me to say, that the officiating was found to be questionable on certain occasions... denying Strikers a penalty and on the flip side allowed a foul play committed by opposition to continue resulting in a goal for said opponents. I have read the feedback written by coach Julian as it relates to the observations of the invited visitors, whom I will assume are professionals in the discipline. I concur with majority of their observations, however, I...

The sun was out in its radiant light, but so too was the defiant northeastern wind... with a cool chill. It appears that the coach lived up to his statement that he doesn't select the team based on favorites or designated player with the omission of regular starters seated on the bench for the first quarter. Daniel and Marco both got their start and rewarded the coach's trust with a goal each.  Using conversation from a group of Brampton parents who decided to remain and watch the Strikers because of the hype they've been hearing of how impressive the team plays. Their credentials are all immaculate as soccer juggernaut because they all lived in Europe and one boast a son who plays for England under 18. "They spoke of the positioning, imagination and creative execution by Strikers. In addition, they made distinguished reference to a number of players on their reading of the game and ball mastery". After all such euphoria of compliments I reverse into a exacerba...