GAME ONE : COACH's CORNER

A GOOD EFFORT FROM THE LOSS

The Baron Says:
"Quitting is a natural reaction to the animal mind. A player must discard the thought of seeking the easy way out...embrace the challenge posed against you!"

POST GAME ANALYSIS:

The Good

We played more as a team this game, reducing our rabble content. When we flowed, our team owned possession and the GAME

Kris' eight shots at and on goal created numerous opportunities in which to win. As we progress, these chances will bear fruit.

Mike's kicks from the fouls were again very good. Again, three excellent attempts!

The Bad

At times we looked very disorganized. Was it due to a lack of subbing? Did the lack of playing experience between our team mates result in a misfire of sorts? Each of you will need to resolve that within your own minds.

The Ugly

One of the worst things a player can do is QUIT. I realize that things may look bad. You coughed up the ball, and in a fit of emotional turmoil, you make that critical decision.
ENOUGH!
The true measure of a man's worth is how he confronts failure. While you consider why you failed, chase after the opponent. Make them feel your weight bearing down upon them. Many times they'll get nervous and lose their own concentration.

At one point, late in the first half, our adversaries eluded the defense, of which I was a part, and headed in upon our Net Minder. John covered the angle, and left the attacker with but a small chance of hitting the twine. The ball hit the goal post and came out. Luckily the defenders had spurred themselves to be present! The ball was cleared, and we reformed to lead an attack of our own.

STATS:
Kris (G)
Adrian (A)
Kris (G)
Adrian (A)
 
MAN OF THE MATCH:
John

COACH's CORNER: EXHIBITION GAME

The Baron Says:
"Putting four different teams under one banner is easy. Getting them to play as a team is the difficult part"

ANALYSIS

I'm not at all surprised on the results, although the game was much much closer than the goals dictated.

First two goals were simple bad luck. Plain and simple. Many of us have come from the indoor arena, and to play outdoor for the first time brings in new dimensional challenges.

Third goal was good. No argument there.

Fourth goal came from a blatant foul, and I'm not even considering it as a goal. Our player was pushed off the ball as if this were some Australian Rugby match.

The fifth goal was a beauty. Even so, a half second slower would have been the difference between that great diving save attempt.

Our goals were a large part of team work. No questions. And more could have been scored if the grass hadn't been six inches high.

Another big part of growing up in this league will be to know each other. It was definitely evident that we needed to approach things a little more delicately.

SUNDAY's MATCH

Formation:
We'll stick with a 4-4-2.

Goalie
Sweeper
2 x Defenders
Stopper
Outside Right Midder
Inside Right Midder
Inside Left Midder
Outside Right Midder
Forward
Striker

Communication:

Your homework for Sunday is to memorize your number. That is, the number on the back of the jersey. What I like to do is call out my number in front of the mirror and then turn around to see if I got it right.

Until we get faces to names (and vice versa), we need to communicate via numbers. Now some of you know each other, so use names. Call out your intentions. Call out what you want to do. The opponents may react, but it may also confuse them.

Don't discount Communication's Worth. When we were doing it on the pitch, we were doing VERY well.

Substitutions:

We are only allowed to substitute on our goal kicks and throw ins...or piggy back on the opponent's changes.

Given those parameters, please don't let your team down by playing to exhaustion. Even if you don't feel it, please substitute to give your TEAM MATES a chance to play. Nothing harbours dissention more hogging precious playing time.

Final Thoughts:

Play with fun and zeal, but also as a team. A bad team will always play better than a good bunch of individuals.

SPARTAN HONOUR TO BE DEFENDED

HATED RIVALS DURHAM UNITED STRIKE CHALLENGE

What started as a friendly rivalry between fans quickly became a matter of honour for the Captains of both Durham United and the Fan faves Spartans.

"You blighters don't have the stones to meet us on the pitch on the Queen's first hurrah!"

"I won't stand for this outrage," retorted Captain Baron of the Spartans," the Queen was actually born in the wee hours of the 24th. SO much for Durham United's ability to research historical fact."

Many on the team were revealed to be ho-hum about the impending clash of soccer super stars.

"Play soccer with the guys or spend time at home, BBQ'ing, drinking beer and watching the game...it's a tough choice," stated Assistant Captain Anders."But Baron said something about beer so I'll be there. Or was it be there?"

With so many new faces, including the vaunted ex-Galaxy mid-fielder known as Mr. Ajax, the Spartans are sure to ruffle the feathers of the bookies this year.

"Last year no one would bet a pony on them," confirmed Jimmy the Fish,"and this year will be the same."

Durham United Challenge
1800h (be on field at 1730h for uniforms and such)
Format to be announced - Friendly game
Darlington Arena

ONE WEEK TO THEIR FIRST GAME

WILL NEW PLAYERS HERALD NEW SUCCESS?

I'm often asked if this season will be better than the last. Will the Spartans make a run for the cup, or lose players to injury and end up running out of gas.

It's a tough question to answer. We all want to win. But most of all, we all want to have fun. Why else do we leave our homes on a Sunday night to run after a ball?

With new players comes new potential. But it can also cause miscues and miscalculations. Be patient with your fellow team mates. Don't be worried to make those errors. But worry about learning from them. The worst thing a player can do is not learn from experience.

NOTES:
We are playing under the lights for our first game. I would advise you to bring insect repellent. The Mosquitoes will eat you alive as the sun gives way to the stars.

Since a team will be playing before us, it's critical that we get our uniforms on and hit the field as soon as we can. Goalies will need to warm up!

UNIFORMS:
They are now in.
Please email The Baron to pick up your jersey.
They are rather smart, of good quality and will serve you well for years to come.
The shorts and socks may not fit your requirements.
Keep in mind that you can use your own socks and shorts if the ones provided can't fit.
First come, first Serve. I cannot reserve your shirt.

STRATEGY:
Since we haven't played as a unit, but many of us have played together, I want to play with a more defensive laden formation.

3-2-5-0

3 x Defenders will consist of left and right defenders and a Sweeper.
2 x Centre Backs, which act as offensive defenders
5 x Mid-Fielders, this gives us presence in the midfield and allows natural forwards to emerge.

Remember that we sub...I want clean runs and work, and then sub off to recuperate.
No man should play the entire half without subbing at least once.

Initially I won't assign positions to players.
Last year we assigned: Defensive unit, Mid Field Unit and Offensive Unit
This year I want a few games for everyone to try out positions and work to know each other.
You will eventually gravitate to a position where you are strongest!

Email me should you have any questions or concerns!
If you'd rather speak to one of my assistants, they can relate information to me as well.

OUTDOOR SEASON SOON TO BEGIN

HIGH HOPES FOR THE NEW SPARTANS!

Greetings my fellow Spartans.

It's with a certain amount of excitement that I greet each and every one of you.

For some, it'll be the resumption of the usual team. For the most of you, it's a new beginning with a team that has been steadily building. I see great things with the mates assembled for this summer.

I, The Baron, will be your Captain, carefully guiding you on this journey. Let's make having fun the priority, but let's never lose sight of victory where it can be attained. Perform your duties with heart, and remember that SPORTSMANSHIP is the greatest skill.

At my side will be the indomitable Anders, a veteran of many campaigns. His speed and German talent will no doubt astonish you!

My other Assistant will be Tyler, one of the best Defenders the Spartans has come to have. From humble beginnings, he has shown his worth, and sweated out many situations where we should have been down a goal.

Team jerseys and schedules will arrive soon. I shall contact you when they do.

To the summer!