IT'S A LEARNING PROCESS

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 must point out from the intimate position of  watching these boys longer and formulating a comprehensive understanding of their respective strengths and more familiar with their capabilities as demonstrated blisteringly in previous games. Notable some of these attributes were missing along with some players.

The reality of the situation are not the missed players or calls by the referee and crew nor the goals being scored on Strikers. Simply stated... the boys are beating themselves. Priority number one is communication or lack thereof ...these boys are too silent on the field.  Number two is positioning, closely followed by supporting the play.

How can this be corrected?  Maybe by us as a team making a decision to get video recording of the games so the coaching staff can then visually go over the positives and the areas that will need improvements and also having game strategy for upcoming games. I believe that's what North Mississauga FC did and were able to target specific players and their tendencies.

A remarkable gesture on the coaches part to allow the boys to self reflect among themselves before entering the change room to debrief. Huge positive... will only allow them to get better when they can identify and rectify self.

Lastly, Woodbridge Strikers cannot continue playing great soccer and out shooting opponents but not scoring. Let us get behind the Woodbridge Strikers Boys 05 team and give our full support especially when they don't start as we are accustom to. A lost not deserved, but it happens to even the "BEST".

Fantastic approach by coach Julian today at practice having one on one verbal communication session with each player. They will only benefit from the learning and strive forward with a positive attitude.

Looking forward to some clinical finishing in front of goal come Sunday against London Whitecaps.