HALF TIME FOR ORANGES

BARON DETAILS THE THUMBS UP AND DOWN OF THE 2013 SPARTANS

I can't believe that the summer is winding down (September 21st is the official end of summer) and so is our outdoor season.

When I look back at what where we started, I think that we've done remarkably well. We were the only team that incorporated five different sides and players!

Here's a look at what was done right, and wrong in the first half.

THE GOOD:
We started to communicate more. This led to some good chances. Our team still needs to talk more, to let our players know where we are, if there's a man on, etc, but we have the foundation...which was the hardest part.

Simple passes progressed as we got some games under our belt. We still have some players who feel unease when handling the ball, and boot it up for a dump and chase. What we all need to do is give each other confidence. If the play is muddled, be there for support.

Having started the season taking shots from wherever, and then developing a "walk it in" mentality is never good. I'm glad that we're starting to take those long shots. Our team has come a long way in rethinking strategy in order to get that wee ball to the big wide open net.

THE BAD:
Substitutions are terrible. Subbing is NOT about being tired...although if you're exhausted get off the field. Even if you think you're okay, the whole idea is to let others have a chance to play. I'm tired of seeing people off for 10 - 15 minutes at a time. That's not team mentality. So...let others have a chance to play!

Selfish plays are also pretty common in our games. Though this is less a priority than it was a month ago, it's still prevalent. Don't think that you can become Gerd der Bomber Mueller. Don't go hog the play, thinking you're going to change the momentum by yourself. Pass to others that don't normally receive the ball. How are we going to improve as a team if we can't follow simple team work? Are you afraid that the play will result in a lost opportunity? Well, considering we only have two wins, it seems we need to revisit this avenue of thinking.

One of our weaker areas seems to be defense. We need to cover the opposing forwards, and have an extra man that can run for the pickup and return to the mid fielders. I'm not sure what we can do to strengthen our defense up. This is not to say that the Defenders aren't doing their job. As a team, each goal we let in is a problem for the team.

THE UGLY:
Discipline. I've said it before. I'll say it again.
We get down, and we lose our focus. We taunt the REF, we forget that there are others on the team and go solo. Recipe for a losing season it is, should we follow on this undisciplined path.

WHAT I WANT TO LOOK AT GOING FORWARD

Our mission is to win three games out of the five.
Secondary to that is to lose ANY game by no more than one goal.

I want to have fun doing it. No use in losing if we can't have a bit of fun. I know this sounds weird, but think about it.

I want more throw ins, kicks, etc done by ALL of us. I'm sure that we have many players who want a crack at a free kick, or a throw in, etc. Let's all remember that as a team, we're supposed to be there for each other.

And again, if you're worried about losing...well, what we've been doing is not winning. Try something new, something brave, and learn from the result!

STATS FOR GAME 10:
Tyler (A)
Noah (G)
Mike A (A)
Tyler (G)

MAN OF THE MATCH:
TBD