COACH'S CORNER

OBSERVATIONS FROM DECEMBER 9th GAME

Baron Says:
The key to playing largely superior teams is to worry less about the score, and worry more about not make the same mistake.

What Went Right:
In the first half, our team was only down by one goal. This means that there was good defensive work. The man was covered, enabling our goalie to cover the ball.

Jeremy's blast from long distance is a case in point. Don't walk the ball in. If you think you have the chance, take it.

What Went Wrong:
Wrong people for the right job. Don't  assume a role that you can't fill. Let someone on the field and leave your ego at the arena door.

Passing was just awful. If you're bringing up the ball, and there's two defenders in your way, probability states that you won't go through them. Pass to the clear man...who may have a shot.

Working on the rush. If we're rushing, our ball carrier needs options. Be the open man.

Play the second opening as the first. Lock them down, pay meticulous attention to the defensive.

December 16th:
We continue with the 3-3-0

We continue to stress defense first and foremost. Opponents will get frustrated when we play OUR game and not theirs.

The CB position isn't for everyone. I'll be watching closely and reassigning  the role as needed.

Don't wait to be in the 18 for a shot on net. Mix it up and test fate.

We don't need a Cherry picker...if they're on us, better to stop a goal than potentially get one.

This is the last game of the season. Play with some joy in your heart. Positive playing will generate chances. It sounds dumb, but it's true.

STATS:
Jeremy (G)

Man of the Match:
Ross

COACH'S CORNER

THIS WEEK: WHAT WE TAKE AWAY FROM DEFEATS

The Baron Says:

Winning is great. Losing sucks. But we learn more from losing than winning.

ON LAST NIGHT'S GAME:

There was a lot of improvement out there on the field.

- we did more close passing.
- we did more covering of opposing players.
- communication was acceptable

There were lots of weaknesses that only a stronger team could exploit. By getting drubbed, we can actually see what went wrong and improve.

- we didn't clear the ball in times of emergency
- we weren't covering opponents on the rebound
- we spent too much time chasing them over the field

What we should be doing:
1. Our entire team should be converging on their attackers. Covering players, chasing players who move into better positions (i.e. covering your man). Communicating so that if you see a man open, you let people know who's being covered. Covering the area of the pass. etc.
2. We can't chase them or the ball inside their half when we don't have a clear chance to get the ball. It opens us up by creating holes. We need to let those balls go, and stick with real chances.
3. Preserve the defence at all times of attack. When we're on the defensive, every man MUST get back and participate, or be ready to participate. When we have control, we can move it forward. Kick the ball out to gain time if you must.
4. Don't be afraid to challenge for the ball. Go shoulder to shoulder. Bump into your opponent. Keep fighting for the ball. Remember to keep it clean, but don't be afraid to get a little dirty.
5. No cherry pickers. We're not playing that style. If you're not covering a man, you're not helping.
6. Concentrating on set pieces to get our moments; free kicks, out of bounds kicks, goal kicks, corner kicks. There's enough of those to get goals. If, during normal play, you have a chance, take it!
7. Go with your gut. This might give you an opportunity to ignore the above rules. But I want each of you to trust yourself. Don't second guess your motives. Act with them.

Next Game:
We stick with the 3-3-0.

It's a team we haven't played against. So I advise more caution to defense until we "feel out" that team.

More smart playing. Be a participant, not an observer.

STATS:
Ross

SUPERSTAR JUSTIN UPSET

BOYCOTTS NEXT GAME DUE TO MAN OF THE MATCH ERROR

Justin Argues with Offical after Tyler gets the Credit

Angry words were spoken in the Spartan changeroom after Coach Baron had to separate Tyler and Justin after post game fistacuffs.

"I'm the one who won the game, and Tyler...TYLER of all people gets the honour?" Justin was heard yelling during the fracas.
"He's just a two bit hack."

"I may be a two bit hack," retorted Tyler, after accepting his man of the match bonus," but I"m the one that got the goals and hit it hard. Justin's just old and needs a cane on field."

Emotions rode high after the duo participated for a goal and assist each.

"It's like this," explained Justin as he got into his Porsche 911," I bring the Spartans hope. I come, I help them win, and this is how I get repaid. Just weak dudes, just very weak."

Coach Baron was not willing to play any games with his players. After a talking between the two, it was decided that Justin's contract would be frozen for a game.

"That's also BS...it was my decision to leave the Spartans. I'm busy that day anyways." Justin was quoted as telling reporters.