Practice today saw us play Team Europe (plus rest of the world) v Team USA in our big Ryder Cup game at the Vern. Unfortunately my team lost but mainly due to the non Europeans / American players we had acquired to even the numbers so there was obviously some shenanigans going on. I hope the Europe Golf team fares better this weekend.
Saturdays game v Longwood 2-7-1 will be another tough physical game. Similar results to ourseleves so far a little up and down but I know Coach Atkinson well and they will be ready to compete and will fight for everything. A very successful season last year saw them enter the Big South this year and a tough schedule both in and out of conference will have put them up against some tough opposition so far this year.
Same story for us, can we dictate the tempo and keep the ball longer with more passes going forward. I will once again be waiting until the last minute to name the starting line up as players fight against the clock to recover from injury. I hope tomorrow we take more that 3 shots for the game, if not I hope those 3 shots are the most perfect shots and lead to goals.
A good friend Ade Parrish has been reading the blog so thanks for the support. I now know one person outside my family and GWU players are reading it lol. As Youth Soccer technical director for the State of Kentucky its about time he got me some players. He definately owes me after all the times I bailed him out playing together in DC some years ago.
Cant wait for he Alumni Events tomorrow
10AM Alumni game
1pm Game v Longwood
4.30pm Athletics Reception Smith Center
6.30pm F Street Bistro Soccer Alumni Reception
Magic Moment of the Day
Talking with many of our Alumni today
Follow Head Coach Craig Jones through the GW Men's Soccer Fall 2015 season
Friday, September 28, 2012
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Advisory Counsel, Lidster and More
Practice was short as we recovered from the game yesterday so some light jogging, ball work and for those returning from injury and making themselves available for Saturday some short 4v4 games. Then it was time to watch some video which I managed to cut on imovie and show the guys. Not easy to watch but you have to use the information and see where you make mistakes to hopefully correct them going forward. We've certainly upgraded from me fast forwarding and rewinding the game on DVD to at least just getting some clips good and bad to show the players.
I felt the group was still a little flat from yesterdays game and defeat so its up to me and the coaching staff to get the lads back up and buzzing for tomorrows practice and ready for the game Saturday. I may have to show clips from Braveheart or Gladiator tomorrow to get them lifted again but I think an appearance in the practice game tomorrow and a 50/50 tackle with Irizarry enough to make the earth shake should do the job. If you are reading this Coach Irizarry don't injure me cause I got the alumni game on Saturday morning.
This evening I was fortunate enough to be part of the opening event for the Inaugural GW Athletics National Advisory Counsel. Surrounded by Alumni, Athletic Staff, Student Athletes, President Knapp and Provost Lerman if was a great night as we raised high the Buff and Blue. I look forward to seeing many of the Counsel over the next few days and spending some time talking about the great tradition and future we have as GW sports. In addition to Counsel members and Staff, on my table were Student Athletes Rudolph, Solorzano, Womens Soccer Jane Wallis and Womens Lacrosse Caitlyn O'Brien (the only non soccer play on our table but I officially made her an honorary member of mens soccer) who made the night a success. Like the current US President it made me want another term/four years of eligibilty to play, its a great time to be a GW Colonial.
Lastly, a shout out to Former Coach and close friend George Lidster. He told me he reads the blog at breakfast with his cup of coffee. Its nice to see that in his retirement hes finally learnt how to use a computer. Send me a photo of the catch of the day and be safe on the boat.
Magic Moment of the Day
Inaugural GW Athletics National Advisory Counsel Dinner.
I felt the group was still a little flat from yesterdays game and defeat so its up to me and the coaching staff to get the lads back up and buzzing for tomorrows practice and ready for the game Saturday. I may have to show clips from Braveheart or Gladiator tomorrow to get them lifted again but I think an appearance in the practice game tomorrow and a 50/50 tackle with Irizarry enough to make the earth shake should do the job. If you are reading this Coach Irizarry don't injure me cause I got the alumni game on Saturday morning.
This evening I was fortunate enough to be part of the opening event for the Inaugural GW Athletics National Advisory Counsel. Surrounded by Alumni, Athletic Staff, Student Athletes, President Knapp and Provost Lerman if was a great night as we raised high the Buff and Blue. I look forward to seeing many of the Counsel over the next few days and spending some time talking about the great tradition and future we have as GW sports. In addition to Counsel members and Staff, on my table were Student Athletes Rudolph, Solorzano, Womens Soccer Jane Wallis and Womens Lacrosse Caitlyn O'Brien (the only non soccer play on our table but I officially made her an honorary member of mens soccer) who made the night a success. Like the current US President it made me want another term/four years of eligibilty to play, its a great time to be a GW Colonial.
Lastly, a shout out to Former Coach and close friend George Lidster. He told me he reads the blog at breakfast with his cup of coffee. Its nice to see that in his retirement hes finally learnt how to use a computer. Send me a photo of the catch of the day and be safe on the boat.
Magic Moment of the Day
Inaugural GW Athletics National Advisory Counsel Dinner.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Post Game Groans
The weather was great at Mount Vernon today for us to take the field for the game with NJIT. I knew we would have to reshuffle the pack and losing our starting center back to a pre game fitness test didn't help matters. As I said yesterday it gave some players the opportunity to step in and stake their claim for positions.
As promised, the game was a physical encounter with yellow cards to show for it and plenty of stoppages which disrupted the rhythm of the game. The first half saw NJIT have the best chances to score and we had the upper hand on corners and set plays but neither team were able to convert. I'm sure the half time team talks were somewhat similar and I knew the first goal would be critical on the outcome of the game.
The second half was much like the first with both teams trying to gain the upper hand and with NJIT not afraid to shoot on goal they probably looked the more dangerous. The goal came with under 10 minutes to go and it was a goal typical of school boy defending. With our players switching off and stopping, NJIT took a quick free kick and they were running through on goal unopposed from the half way line. Almodovar got a hand to the play but it wasn't enough as the ball crossed the line. Unfortunately its been the same story this season as we only managed 3 shots without their keeper making a save. Not a good stat if your trying to win games. I have tried many things to change the mentality and get players shooting and now my last resort could be a hypnotist.
With Longwood coming up on Saturday theres not much time to dwell on the game which could be a good thing. After finally getting an instant copy of the game thanks to Coach Irizarry we can watch some video tomorrow then its back to the training ground and planning for Saturday. Its going to be painful to watch the game again but Ive been here before and know we can benefit from me doing so.
Magic Moment of the Day
Getting my new work computer. Change that. It doesn't have IMovie so can't cut the video on it.
Cerys using her potty for the first time.
As promised, the game was a physical encounter with yellow cards to show for it and plenty of stoppages which disrupted the rhythm of the game. The first half saw NJIT have the best chances to score and we had the upper hand on corners and set plays but neither team were able to convert. I'm sure the half time team talks were somewhat similar and I knew the first goal would be critical on the outcome of the game.
The second half was much like the first with both teams trying to gain the upper hand and with NJIT not afraid to shoot on goal they probably looked the more dangerous. The goal came with under 10 minutes to go and it was a goal typical of school boy defending. With our players switching off and stopping, NJIT took a quick free kick and they were running through on goal unopposed from the half way line. Almodovar got a hand to the play but it wasn't enough as the ball crossed the line. Unfortunately its been the same story this season as we only managed 3 shots without their keeper making a save. Not a good stat if your trying to win games. I have tried many things to change the mentality and get players shooting and now my last resort could be a hypnotist.
With Longwood coming up on Saturday theres not much time to dwell on the game which could be a good thing. After finally getting an instant copy of the game thanks to Coach Irizarry we can watch some video tomorrow then its back to the training ground and planning for Saturday. Its going to be painful to watch the game again but Ive been here before and know we can benefit from me doing so.
Magic Moment of the Day
Getting my new work computer. Change that. It doesn't have IMovie so can't cut the video on it.
Cerys using her potty for the first time.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Tuesday Timeout & Game Preview
Tomorrow sees us Kick Off at 3pm at the Mount Vernon Athletic Complex against NJIT who are coming off a road win against San Jose State and are currently 6-5-0. The game will be a physical encounter and I hope we can find our rhythm and passing game early to dictate the tempo and how we want to play. After today's practice and fitness updates it seems we will have to make some adjustments to the line up that started the last game but it gives some players the opportunity to step up and stake a claim for a starting spot for the games ahead.
GWSports Game preview
Practice was longer than planned today after working on some set plays and restarts so hopefully we will see some reward in the game tomorrow. Some of the keys to the game tomorrow: dictate the tempo and possess for longer periods, match the work rate and physical challenge of NJIT and lastly score more goals than they do. Simple! After losing our last two games its very important we give a strong performance tomorrow and get back to winning.
Running a 9 year old girls clinic this evening, a favor for a friend, I was able to step outside the college game, take a timeout and get back to grassroots soccer. I enjoy working with younger players and have encouraged many GW alumni to get involved locally with the various clubs. Its still soccer and the girls just understand things quicker and are better behaved. Just kidding lads!
Magic Moment of the Day
Could have been Rudolph's toe poke to the upper 90 or Saints winning again, 2 games on the trot
GWSports Game preview
Practice was longer than planned today after working on some set plays and restarts so hopefully we will see some reward in the game tomorrow. Some of the keys to the game tomorrow: dictate the tempo and possess for longer periods, match the work rate and physical challenge of NJIT and lastly score more goals than they do. Simple! After losing our last two games its very important we give a strong performance tomorrow and get back to winning.
Running a 9 year old girls clinic this evening, a favor for a friend, I was able to step outside the college game, take a timeout and get back to grassroots soccer. I enjoy working with younger players and have encouraged many GW alumni to get involved locally with the various clubs. Its still soccer and the girls just understand things quicker and are better behaved. Just kidding lads!
Magic Moment of the Day
Could have been Rudolph's toe poke to the upper 90 or Saints winning again, 2 games on the trot
Monday, September 24, 2012
Magic Mondays
A busy week ahead with games Wednesday and Saturday plus our Alumni weekend meant it was a fully packed day with practice and preparations. Its seems we have come out of the weekends games more banged up than I thought with numbers low for the session today. With the day off Sunday and the extra rest for some today I hope to get a better idea who's going to be fit for Wednesday after the session tomorrow. For those who were able to fully participate the small sided games and shooting activities seems to work to get everyone going and some of the much needed sharpness for the upcoming games. I felt the need to get a 15 minute jog on the treadmill while the guys lifted just to make sure I got the recent sickness out of my system nothing to do with the upcoming alumni game.
I'm looking forward to the next 6 days. With 2 games to be a part of, Advisory Counsel Events and Alumni events all weekend it will be a great time to catch up with people, play some soccer, watch some GW women's soccer and coach some soccer. Plus I'm sure I'll find some time to watch some premier league games in between.
I forgot to mention yesterday that at the closing of the Student Athlete Leadership retreat along with Gymnastics Head Coach Foster-Cunningham we were asked to speak briefly to all our student athletes on behalf of our coaching staffs. Being so pleased at almost being done with my few words I managed to ask everyone to rise and on 3 say Go Colonials! To the approximate 450 student athletes and staff the words that came out sounded like Go Conolials. Many theories have come since but the answer is:
a. I decided to rename our nickname
b. I got a little tongue tied
c. I was overcome with emotion
d. Technical difficulty with the mic
e. None of the above
The answer is e. I wish I could blame the teleprompter but there wasn't one so I will have to say that it was my Welsh accent coming out that pronounces certain words a little differently. Honest ;-)
Articles from the weekends Game (didn't make the Washington Post again lol)
GWSports
GW Hatchet Newspaper
Magic Moment of the Day
Getting back on the field getting after it at practice.
I'm looking forward to the next 6 days. With 2 games to be a part of, Advisory Counsel Events and Alumni events all weekend it will be a great time to catch up with people, play some soccer, watch some GW women's soccer and coach some soccer. Plus I'm sure I'll find some time to watch some premier league games in between.
I forgot to mention yesterday that at the closing of the Student Athlete Leadership retreat along with Gymnastics Head Coach Foster-Cunningham we were asked to speak briefly to all our student athletes on behalf of our coaching staffs. Being so pleased at almost being done with my few words I managed to ask everyone to rise and on 3 say Go Colonials! To the approximate 450 student athletes and staff the words that came out sounded like Go Conolials. Many theories have come since but the answer is:
a. I decided to rename our nickname
b. I got a little tongue tied
c. I was overcome with emotion
d. Technical difficulty with the mic
e. None of the above
The answer is e. I wish I could blame the teleprompter but there wasn't one so I will have to say that it was my Welsh accent coming out that pronounces certain words a little differently. Honest ;-)
Articles from the weekends Game (didn't make the Washington Post again lol)
GWSports
GW Hatchet Newspaper
Magic Moment of the Day
Getting back on the field getting after it at practice.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Weekend thoughts
Our game yesterday saw us play some of our best soccer of the season and definitely score our best goal of the season so despite the 2-1 loss there was many things to be positive about. I felt our first half performance deserved more than the one goal we got and we certainly tried to dictate the tempo after a shaky opener couple of minutes. Our freshmen coming off the bench all made an impact on the game which was great and Sousa played the whole 90 minutes so we continue to see our underclassman playing substantial minutes under the guidance of our upperclassman. Next game is Wednesday so we are back on the field for practice tomorrow.
Today I was fortunate enough to be part of the leadership retreat for our student athletes which took us to the national mall to the FDR, Jefferson and MLK memorials and partake it some fun leadership/group activities. It was also the day that the athletes signed the Colonial Constitution a first for the department and something I was proud to be a part of. Overall, it was a great success and it was great for me to spend time with student athletes and coaches of all the other varsity sports at GW.
I am glad I made it through the weekend. After waking Saturday feeling ill and 2 hours before kick off being violently sick I was able to suck it up and despite feeling somewhat better today I am looking forward to going to bed early and hopefully getting back to 100% for the week ahead.
Today I was fortunate enough to be part of the leadership retreat for our student athletes which took us to the national mall to the FDR, Jefferson and MLK memorials and partake it some fun leadership/group activities. It was also the day that the athletes signed the Colonial Constitution a first for the department and something I was proud to be a part of. Overall, it was a great success and it was great for me to spend time with student athletes and coaches of all the other varsity sports at GW.
I am glad I made it through the weekend. After waking Saturday feeling ill and 2 hours before kick off being violently sick I was able to suck it up and despite feeling somewhat better today I am looking forward to going to bed early and hopefully getting back to 100% for the week ahead.
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