Saturday, October 6, 2012

Pre Game Thoughts

Well todays practice went well with the usual aches and pains of the coaching staff being helped by the morning coffee and diet coke.  Just kidding, the guys aches and pains were worked out as best we could with a re-gen session with lots of stretching and movement but nothing too strenuous as we plan for tomorrow.  Except for Shaban who possibly broke his nose with his brave header late in the game to save a certain goal everyone else came through the game and practiced today.  A tough decision tomorrow with more guys showing they are available to play but a selection dilemma I would love to have every game as competition for places is a healthy process to have.

Tomorrow's game sees us visit VCU and another trip to Richmond VA.  VCU are coming off a great 4-1 defeat of 14th nationally ranked Charlotte on Friday night so they will be on top of the world right now.  With only one other loss this season they have proved that their addition to the A10 conference is only going to strengthen the soccer conference further.

For us it was the end of a 4 game losing streak and possibly the hardest victory I have been involved in.  We should be going into the game with a high level of confidence ourselves after that win and knowing the goals we scored we top class.  We know what we do well and I know from Fridays win the lads realized what other things we can do well and what we can achieve if we have the desire to play this way every game.

Magic Moment of the Day
Seeing the players to congratulate them for the last time at get them back to earth for tomorrow


Friday, October 5, 2012

Post Game Blog

The start of A10 play saw us make the trip south down 95 for an evening game v Richmond.  After our previous trip traveling south on 95, a brutal traffic experience trying to get to ODU, we once again set off early to allow for possible Friday traffic and after a good start I was worried this could be deja vu after we grinded to a halt.  Luckily the lanes eventually opened up and we were able to get to our pre game meal stop at 3.30pm just 20 minutes from Richmond University.  Kudos to Coach Irizarry on the selection which seemed great but by half time with 5 people complaining of stomach pains I began to doubt it.   Rudolph seemed affected the most and couldn't start the second half and continued to struggle post game.

After taking in some of the women's game before ours we set off to the locker room to start getting ready for the game ahead.  The players each had their scouting portfolio and formations to review on the bus so it was a just a matter of naming the starting line and assigning set play positions in our pre game talk.  A quick reminder of what to expect and the importance of competing for every ball and we were out for the warm up.

The game started and we were able to dictate the pace of the game and kept possession well with penetration on both flanks.  In the early exchanges we were able to see that our opposition were going to be extremely direct and this would be a night that bravery and resilience would come into play at some point with us having to deal with long ball after long ball into the box and back line.  Then against the run of play Richmond were awarded a Penalty for a dubious handball on Shaban and scored the resulting spot kick to take the lead.  Despite our strong start we were one down and I knew that on a 3 game winning streak and with their noses in front it would be tough to get back in the game.

The tying goal came from freshman Higgins who got in front of his marker to finish with a header from a  great Abaie service and good build up before that.  For the rest of the half we once again dealt with Richmonds attack and build some pretty good moves that created chances and gave us the confidence and belief that we could go on and win it.

A slow start to the second half put us under early pressure and just when it looked like we had weathered the storm and started to get a hold of the game Richmond were awarded another PK this time for a handball on Alexandersson.  I have to say that apart from dunking the ball after he double dribbled it, it was clearly a PK and a good call from the ref.  This time the PK was hit slightly higher and with Almodovar going the right way his one handed save tipped the ball onto the crossbar and out.  Great save and kept us all level.

With just over 20 mins left the introduction of Hinners from the bench proved to be pivotal.  After be denied a penalty of our own Richmond failed to clear the ball and from the resulting throw in another freshman Forrest picked up the ball turned and played a great ball for Hinners to be brave enough to get his head on the cross before the keeper and we took the lead.  This would prove to be the game winning goal.  What followed was some desperation defending on times and guys putting their bodies on the line to not concede another goal.  Rudolph known for his goal scoring twice had goal line clearances and Shaban and Alexandersson held the ship steady to see us through.

If things stay the same with the news that Richmond will drop Mens Soccer it was great to see over 2000 fans there to support their program.  I can tell you it made for a great soccer game with the home fans raising their team time an again with the noise and support that made this Friday night game one to remember.

Magic Moment of the Day
The final whistle and a great team performance to get us off to a winning start in the A10.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Last Session before A10 Opener

The title of todays blog leads me into the practice session today and the good news that apart from some long term injuries which are ongoing everyone else participated in the session and will look to play some part in the games this weekend.  Its been a tough few weeks with injuries so credit to Marta for getting the guys fit and credit to the players for keeping with the rehab and extra sessions to get them back on the field quickly.

The session was upbeat with the buzz on the field that was missing on Tuesday but came back yesterday and today to let me know we are ready for the games this weekend.  After a brief talk in the locker room and white board it was onto the field to continue the theme of the week and get a good work out before tomorrow.  Not sure how my red team lost the shooting challenge at the end but I have to question Coach Irizarry's counting of his Buff teams goals.  Anyways it was a good end to the session with some nice goals to watch and the competitive nature coming through from the players and their desire to win.  I will have a chance to review some of the goals tonight thanks to Matty Scott filming on the IPad.

Tomorrow we travel to Richmond for our opening A10 game and both teams will be wanting to get off to a good start in conference play.  After winning their last 3 games Richmond are on a high so go into the encounter the team on form.  Its up to us to stop the momentum as quickly as possible in the game and dictate the tempo as quickly as we can.  After a full back page article on senior Captain Rudolph today in the GW Hatchet Article he will want to live up to his preseason All Conference first team award.  NO pressure !!

The A10 will be a great soccer conference this year as we have already seen with teams ranking nationally throughout the season so far and individual player of the week honors nationally.  Theres no better thing to be a part of than conference play.  Knowing every game counts it will go right to the very end as teams compete to get into the top 8 and an A10 Championship berth and automatic NCAA berth for the winner at stake.  Good luck to all the teams this year and I look forward to seeing you on the field.

Magic Moment of the Day
Seeing the boys buzzing around and showing the belief, desire and confidence ready for tomorrow.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

BLOGS BACK

After 4 days off with writers block I'm back to keep you up to date of the goings on of the Men's Soccer Program.  Saturdays game saw us going down 3-1 to Longwood despite taking the lead and being more productive in the final third we couldn't quite convert the chances we created and gave up two sloppy goals second half.

The only thing to keep me sane over the weekend after the loss was our alumni game and events on Saturday.  Once again it was great to see the many alumni who support the program and those who couldn't be there we hope to see you next year.  The Saturday evening event was another success and I hope we can continue this tradition and build on it each year.

Back to the team and after 2 days off we were back to practice on Tuesday.  At the start of practice it was well and truly bucketing it down and the only thing missing was the mud to accompany the heavy downpour.  We managed to get through the session without getting swept away and the players enjoyed the rain and slick surface to ping it around.

Today session went well and the focus now is starting Atlantic 10 conference play strong as we look to repeat as regular season champions.  Richmond will be our first opponent away from home at 7.30pm on Friday night so its not too far a trip providing DC traffic doesn't rear its ugly head.

Unfortunately Richmond recently announced they would be dropping their men's soccer program which was a huge shock and they we joined yesterday rumor that Towson Men's Soccer would be doing the same.  Such sad news for 2 programs with a strong history and both teams have been a regular fixture for us over the years.

Magic Moment of the Day
Gallelli's goal to end the attack v defense activity.