Day 4 Preseason

After purchasing a bike this summer and getting talked into paying too much money for one I finally decided to ride it to work today.  The final hill climb from canal road up foxhall road to the Vern was brutal.  I thought about the Tour de France, Bradley Wiggins and how easy it looks on the TV but 9 miles later needing oxygen I was finally at the Vern and ready for practice.

Once again the lads didnt let the standards drop and picked up where they left off yesterday with high energy and commitment in both sessions.  We did see Coach Irizarry make his preseason debut on the field this morning but to the disappointment of his loyal supporters he was second best to Khan who shone throughout the day and dominated the midfield area.  Lunch was probably the highlight of Coach Irizarry's day as he once again supplied a splendid spread for the lads to enjoy.

Between sessions we saw the Men's Olympic Gold go to Mexico which was a shock certainly to me having watched Brazil many times I thought they were certain to win.  Just goes to show anything can happen in soccer and results are never guaranteed.

The second session was once again enjoyable to watch as the players worked each other hard until the final whistle went.  JP claims to have a double clean sheet for the day but I will have to review the video to confirm that. Todays senior is Seth Rudolph who keeps claiming hes thinking a lot more this season, lets hope he doesn't use up all those brain cells before the semester starts

Magic Moment of the Day
Marta breaking down the morning session. Hopefully the players wont keep her too busy in the training room

Day 3 Preseason

A rainy morning session greeted the players for the first session of the day and made our english contingent feel like they were back home playing at the local park.  It was without doubt the best session of the camp as we put the players through some high tempo exercises and they responded by giving everything they had.  With odd numbers for the game at the end of practice yours truly switched from coaching the session to playing.  The fans were not disappointed when within 3 minutes of playing I banged one in from 35yards. If only we had been taping the session.  Second thoughts maybe not as the actual distance may have only been 15yards.  Some testing in the weight room after practice earned a well deserved muscle milk shake from our strength and conditioning department and coach Felix brought the lunch from Jimmy Johns.

After lunch we met with our sports psychologist for the first time and its the quietest Ive seen the players so they must have been paying attention (not sleeping).  The staff and I were excluded from most of the session and afterwards the general feedback from the guys was all positive.  Another new addition/idea to the program that I hope the players will take full advantage of.

Brief highlights from this afternoons session saw Bezirdjian hit a brick wall named Sandland but bounced straight back up to the relief of everyone.  The goalkeepers engaged in some goalie wars which looked fun but were then crushed conceding 18 goals in the final game.  I should add that they had to defend 3 goals and to the amusement of some of our players they probably had more running to do than the outfield guys.

I wanted to give you the chance to get to know some of our players better so with Felix on lights, Irizarry on the mic and me on video our amateur production company taped some interviews with our senior class. Follow each day for a new video!!

Magic Moment of the Day
Too many contenders and dont want to leave anyone out

Day 2 Preseason

Firstly, you can check out some video from yesterday's post-session thoughts http://www.gwsports.com/sports/m-soccer/spec-rel/080912aaa.html

The weather was just right to start the day for our first session at 7am.  Everyone arrived and was in good spirits and not too sore after the previous evening session.  After a  group warm up we moved on to the main part of the session with the goalkeepers benefiting from working with the experienced and very youthful Coach Felix.  Didn't see any demonstrations from Felix in the goal but maybe he's saving that for later in the camp.

Irizarry still seemed to be struggling with his foot injury although we did see him lace up the boots for the PM session only to take them off early doors and put an end to the rumor he was going to join in the shooting today.  Probably for the best after seeing him shoot at camp this summer.

More importantly, the players looked sharp in both sessions despite the high afternoon heat.  The games slowed at times but there were moments of great soccer and some good goals to show for it.  Abaie almost shocked the crowd (Marta, Danny, Matty, the passing Vern express and overhead airplane passengers) by almost scoring with a header.

Rudolph scared the staff limping off at one stage but to the relief of all he just needed his shoe lace tied by Marta.  Who needs goal line technology when you have Ripperger-Suhler running the sideline (actually standing) and Almodovar in goal having another solid display the senior class had a great day at the office and led by example.

Tomorrow is already lining up to be another great day.  Will Holleran finally score?? A return for Irizarry? Rumors of Coach Jones making his preseason playing debut?? Lunch from Jimmie Johns?

Cannot end the day without saying congrats to the USA Womens National Team on their 2-1 win over Japan and another Olympic Gold.

Magic Moment of the Day:
Coach Felix technical warm up and demonstrations
"Chop Chop", "Roll Roll", "slide touch slide touch"
Do I see dancing with the stars in the near future??

Day One Preseason

Today was the first day of preseason and since last Fall we have seen some changes to the program. In February Coaches Jim Felix and Danny Irizarry joined my coaching staff and I have already seen the good things they have brought to the program and continue to do so each today.

We also saw our new incoming class begin their GW soccer careers as they participated in their first practice.  Dare I say they beat the upperclassmen in our small-sided games? I just did!  

One thing that hasn’t changed is the DC weather this time of year.  A very hot late afternoon start to practice (during which time we were doing our fitness testing) changed to a cooler early evening as we finished practice. Typical!  The overall fitness levels of the group were good and a testament to the hard work the players have put in over the summer.  Another piece of good news was the fact that the only new injury was Coach Irizarry who mysteriously picked up a foot injury knowing the fitness test was today??  

Will he make a miraculous recovery when we start the shooting tomorrow? We shall see.  

After the great session today I’m looking forward to getting back on the field tomorrow.  It’s an real early start and by the end of the day we will have completed 2 sessions so I need my rest.

Magic Moment:

Conversation between 2 players after player 1 tried on his new cleats

“My cleats don’t fit”

Reply

“Well don’t wear them”

GENIUS!!!!!