Game Afterthoughts

A synopsis of the last two games played from reliable sources. They were hard fought games. On Wednesday, the first quarter started off with both teams trying to establish control of the midfield  battle, Which was eventually won by the Strikers even though the opponents took the lead.  Amrit leveled the score after some superlative defending by our tried and proven defenders. Our boys pulled out a last minute beauty with a sublime chip ball over the North Mississauga goal keeper. Resulting in a win for the Strikers. Today, Saturday against our arch rivals Richmond Hill Raiders, the Strikers took the lead with Daniel slotting home a well placed pass from Marco. In the last minute of regulation time a shoulder to shoulder challenge within the penalty area was deemed a foul by the referee and awarded a penalty. It was converted thus tying up the game at 1:1. Credit must be given to the players of today's game for a splendid performance taking into consideration that four playe...

SC Toronto came with a planned strategy to play long ball over the Strikers defense. It almost materialized on a couple of occasions if it was not for some individual brilliance by Chris and Amrit who made direct goal saving plays to stifle the opponent's attempt. The starting unit was impressive from the get go with Isaiah sending through passes and switching the play immaculately out of central midfield. Chances upon chances were created but failure to convert had been the team nemesis in a number of games. A wonderful planned free kick came off the forehead of Maximas only to whistle inches past the opponent's upright stopping the Strikers fan in mid air of celebrating a second goal. Thankfully Tremaine had converted in the first quarter making certain that our boys didn't lose two in a row. There was a moment when Woodbridge Strikers style of playing impressed us all where every out field player had a touch on the ball. Simply amazing. Not our best performance toda...

I hope everyone has arrived home safely after the long drive. Just like we have witnessed in the World Cup, totally dominating possesion of the ball does not necessarily represent winning.  The first quarter of the game against Ottawa South United was truly a master class game played by Woodbridge Strikers. Our boys were completely in control and had their ace player well wrapped up by Tayvin. It was actually more exciting than watching TFC play lately. We knew the possibility exist that eventually our boys might lose a game. Games in team sports are not won by one player and neither are games lost by one individual. My personal opinion is that every player gave their best possible effort and we cannot underestimate the heat out there on the turf field. There were some brilliant individual display of skills demonstrated that had both sets of fans in total amazement of the artistry with the ball. Again, the Strikers were denied a wonderful free kick goal because of too much...

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...