Season Ending Loss

This blog is my toughest one yet.  Some weeks ago and with 4 games to play in the A10 we had our chances to get back to the A10 tournament all in our own hands.  Today our season ended on senior day as we failed to beat LaSalle and make it into the top 8.  Despite getting 4 results, three of them being on the road, 2 ties and 2 wins wasn't enough and our home form wasn't enough to get us over the finishing line. 

After Fridays poor performance I could not have asked for a more committed and hard working display today and after going down to 10 men after a second yellow to Rannalli meant he was red carded, much to the disbelief of us all, we still looked like getting a goal.  For me, when you play well and lose it harder to accept.  We had our chances today but our goal scoring ability has left us these past few games and as we battled to the end it was a tough way to end the season and for our seniors their last collegiate game.  

Much was asked about the officials today and I cannot blame them and refused to get into a debate about them.  One thing I will say is anytime an official is getting talked about more than what was a great game of soccer disappoints me.  

A great crowd today pushed the players all the way through the game so a big thank you to our parents, fans and game day event staff for all their support.  Thanks also to my coaching staff who have been through this roller coaster ride with me and experienced all the highs and lows of the season.  

Despite improved performances in the A10 we came up just short but we're certainly moving in the right direction.  All our returning players will learn from this weekends games and use that experience to help the program continue to make strides in the right direction and get to a position where we are competing for A10 championships. 

 Lastly, a great big thank you to my seniors.  Abdul I have known and coached since he was about 12 years old so it'll be odd not to have him and his family around.  The rest of of guys I have known and watched develop into great people over the past 4 years and I hope they have enjoyed it as much as I did.  May I be the first to welcome them to being a GW soccer alum and you're all invited to play on my team next Fall in our alumni game. 

I will be continuing the blog throughout the Fall and Spring semesters but now on a weekly basis so keep reading every Friday moving forward. 

Raise High Moment of the Day

Our senior class, Ranalli, Hinners, Sandland, Shaban and Solorzano  

Bad day at the office

The day started with Dylan waking and seemingly getting better from the way he was running around the house but unfortunately Cerys took the sickness over so neither would be able to watch the game today.  Pre game meal after a visit to the gw bookstore with Liz was a half smoke each just like when we were both in college at gw but certainly not the healthiest choice.  

Todays game could not have gone any worse.  After starting the game well and then allowing the ball to bounce in our 18 yard box off a long throw and then concede a goal we did exactly the same at the start of the second half when again we started brightly only to have a defendsive mix up that cost us another goal and now we were 2 down.  The day would not get any better when 6 minutes later we found ourselves 3-0 down and any chance we had of getting back in the game quickly faded as the game wore on.

With everything in our hands going into the weekend to qualify  for the A10 tournament we now, at the time of writing, have to rely on other results going our way and us bouncing back to win on Sunday against a very good LaSalle side.  Cant begin to tell you how disappointing todays result was as I felt we beat ourselves and for the first time accepted defeat despite a late goal from Farhan Khan. 

We have to find a way to bounce back for Sunday as all is not lost and its Senior day so a win would be nice for our 5 seniors. 

Raise high moment of the Day

Half smokes with my beautiful wife

The Big Weekend

Last night I found myself watching an MLS (major league soccer) playoff game New York red bulls v Houston Dynamo.  After losing interest in the playoff race partly sure to DC United not qualifying I was interested in watching NYRB and if the team with the best record in MLS this season and winner of the supporter shield would finally get their hands on the MLS Cup after years of promise playing in one of the biggest soccer markets and being backed by endless cash streams from Red Bull it has again came up short.  Despite the likes of Henry and Cahill the Houston dynamo franchise knows how to win in the playoffs and once again as a so called underdog they won to advance to the next round.  Happy to see my old housemate Bobby Boswell still playing for Houston and what could be another trip to MLS Cup for him and Houston.

Last session today before our must win game tomorrow v St. Joes.  Scouting reports seem to have gotten shorter at this stage of the season as we know teams have changed and will be doing anything they can to win games so very often how you want to play and how you play are two different things when winning is the only thing that matters.  The league is so open right now that one thing i can guarantee about games this weekend is that we will not know the 8 teams going to the A10 tournament until after all the games are played on Sunday.  Some teams will know before Sunday but no matter what our result on Friday we are going to be in that pack that will be waiting until the final ball is kicked on Sunday so cant get anymore exciting than that.

Back to practice and what started out to be a fun day of shooting and crossing was spoiled at the end with one of our guys getting injured with just a minute to play.  A sad ending to what was a up lifting session and I hope they players can put that disappointment behind them and use it to fire them up for the game tomorrow.

A while back after chatting with a good friend of mine Bill Kelly watching some soccer games over a beer he began to tell me about his involvement with the Arlington Veterans of Foreign Wars.  Seemed a perfect way for me during Veterans Day Weekend to recognize all our veterans and the numerous student Veterans at GW and other local colleges at our game tomorrow.  If you are at the game tomorrow and see me wearing a poppy and camouflage OHT baseball hat then its just a small way to show my and the programs appreciation for all those who served, currently serve and all those who we have lost in the call of duty in our armed forces.  Thank You.

Raise High Moment of The Day
Feeling the build up for the game tomorrow within the group.

Big Weekend Coming Up

Just 2 days away from our biggest weekend of the season so far and it was back to practice after our off day yesterday.  I thought it was a good time to remind everyone what being a teammate is all about as we'll need everyone pulling in the same direction this weekend and everyone will play their role whatever that may be for each individual.  So, we started with a brief video "anatomy of a teammate" which after learning about it this week seemed something we could relate to as we plan for both games this weekend. 

Onto practice and after a team warm up we were into a 11v11 game.  Feeling we just needed the guys to play freely we let them go with no stoppages just letting them play and enjoying doing so.  After the first 20 minutes players started to settle down and we saw some moments of attacking quality that to be honest we've lacked the past 2 games.  It was nice to see the guys playing freely and creating chances but also we had the intensity that showed me players are pushing each other for starting spots and playing time this weekend.  We finished the session with a shooting competition hopefully to encourage us to do the same this weekend.  As I always say, if you don't shoot you don't score and if you don't score you don't win.  

Heading home early today to watch some champions league football and working from home, honest, my boy Dylan was there to greet me.  Unfortunately he's sick and has been really uncomfortable the past few days with a virus so sleeping is at a minimum but I guess I'm used to that by now with young children and going through this season.  

Raise High Moment of the Day

The DC weather, what a beautiful day today. 

Monday Blues

It was tough getting up today a very cold morning and still feeling the loss from yesterday but today's another day and I knew this week was important to get us mentally and physically back on track as we push to qualify do the A10s.  For the players it was a recovery session for most with a little soccer olympics and a little harder session for the guys who didn't get the playing minutes this weekend.  For me it was our final meeting of the semester for our coaches leadership academy so missing most of the session I was able to catch the end of the lift as the guys were put through a tough workout finishing with an intense core workout.  Tomorrow we will be off so treatments only for the guys and no blog.  

Tonight was also the last of my u10 girls clinic that I have been doing the last couple of weeks.  How different thy are from the ODP and college players I work with but certainly a lot of fun.

Lastly wanted to wish and pray for the continued improvement and recovery of Dan Black.  A part of our GW Athletics Strength and Conditioning staff and family he was involved in a traffic accident last week and has been hospitalized since.  He really is a atrong character and will need all his strength and our support as he continues his fight. 

Raise high moment of the Day

???

Game Day

With a chance to go one step further toward making the A10 championships with our game against Mason today we unfortunately came up short.  Goals in both halves would give the patriots a 2-0 win and put them tied for first place in the standings.  

After a good week of practice I was really looking forward to the game today as the players seemed sharp te past few days.  It wasn't the case on the field as we struggled first half playing against a strong wind and a fired up Mason team that started strongly and put us on the back foot.  A couple of defensive mistakes gifted Mason their opener and despite not playing that well first half at 1-0 we were still very much in the game if we could play better and settle down a bit.  

We did just that second half with a better performance and sparks off the bench from our underclass men helping us rally and go in search of the equalizer.  It was not to be as we pushed numbers forward for an equalizer we conceded a second goal in the last minute to lose 2-0.  

On a positive note our women's team got the win they needed to qualify for their A10 championships and we will look to follow suit at home next weekend for our final 2 regular season games. 

Raise High Moment of the Day

Women's team win over Richmond

Saturday Practice

After attending the GW volleyball game and win last night with Cerys it started the weekend off right.  A Colonials win on what is a busy sports weekend, as I mentioned in yesterday's blog, made me excited for practice today.  Watching the first half of Chelsea v Newcastle before I left the house I already had Dylan kicking the ball around before 8am much to my neighbors annoyance I'm sure.  Anyways, it was off to Mount Vernon and onto practice. 

Usual team meeting in our locker room before we got on the field to go over some final details for the game tomorrow.  A warm up by yours truly including a freshman dance off was followed by a shooting competition with the squad splitting into 2 groups.  How appropriate that we had a tie with 2 pairs of seniors going into sudden death in my group.  Shooting from outside the box on the dribble Solorzano started the sudden death shootout with a goal followed by Ranalli then Sandland then Hinners.  All 4 scoring taking it into round 2 of sudden death.  With someone blasted high into the tennis courts (you know who you are) it was left to Ranalli to just get in on target to win but he finished in style curling one into the upper 90.  To finish we ended with a 11v11 game and as we've down so many times this season we made it OT 20 mins or first team to score. After a entertaining 5 mins it was left to freshman Grevelink to get the winner and not sure if that's gonna count toward shaving off his beard as he waits for his first goal this year but it was awesome to see him score and the celebration that followed. 

After practice it was back home for arsenal v Liverpool and more exciting for me a late afternoon with the family and the mall.  After a power nap from both kids starting our adventure the afternoon became  early evening and then dinner before Dylan and Cerys started to get a little cranky (and me for that matter) it was time to go home.  

Southampton tied their game but gw volleyball won again to continue their great A10 season campaign so hopefully all teams participating tomorrow can continue the winning ways tomorrow.  Kick off High Noon hope to see you there

Raise High Moment is the Day

Freshman forward Jopus Grevelink's winning goal, the first of many as a Colonial 

Friday almost the weekend

Upon waking this morning my bedroom was still dark and for a moment I thought it was still the middle of the night.  With Dylan running around and a quick look at the clock I knew it was my normal wake up time but the rain and mist outside had brought a dark start to the day.  It reminded me of when I was a kid and hated getting out of bed in the ose dark wet winter mornings in Wales.  Once I got up I was looking forward to getting to practice but bad weather usually brings bad traffic even so the morning commute couldn't bring me down as it's Friday and the weekend is here.  More importantly the weekend means game days and it's a busy weekend at GW. 

Women's soccer has 2 games and on Sunday playing at 3pm after our game at noon the chance to qualify for the A10 tournament.  With 6 games left Volleyball has 2 home games and has its destiny to qualify in their own hands (no pun intended) as they entertain Dayton and Duquesne.  Women's and men's basketball opens their seasons with scrimmages on Saturday and Sunday respectively and last but not least our game v Mason at noon on Sunday as part of a soccer doubleheader.  These are just the home games so good luck to all the teams competing this weekend. 

By the time practice started this morning the heavy rain had stopped and the temperature was nice and cool as we started our warm up.  With the surface slick from the rain it was a great day to ping the ball around and after some possession we did just that in our 11v11 game.  Building on yesterday we wanted the guys to get the ball moving quickly and enjoy the running and supporting each other as we look to improve our fluidity and communication.  It's great to have the numbers for a full 11v11.  This time last season we didn't have enough fit players for a 7v7 so it certainly helps the group as we set up or team for the game this weekend.  My worry for Sunday is still our reluctance to take shots and being decisive in front of goal.  We are getting into good spots and now I want to see players taking decisions on themselves and getting into the stats column and box score.  One more session tomorrow before the game and we'll be making some tough decisions with the starting line up for Sunday after tomorrow and seeing some guys come through a full session.  

Just as important as winning games to me and the program is our performance in the classroom.  I'm pleased to say that senior forward Tyler Ranalli was named to the Capital One Academic All-District first team and now qualifies for the national ballot and possible Academic All American.  My first official recruit to come to GW seems so long ago but kudos to Tyler as he continues his great Fall season.  The article can be read here

http://www.gwsports.com/sports/m-soccer/spec-rel/103113aac.html

Raise high moment of the Day

Team Co-Captain Tyler Ranalli 

Halloween

A full session today with everyone taking part was the first bonus of the day.  A sharp warm up by Irizarry was followed by  lsome possession with Coach Ouimet and finished off with a 11v11 game.  The game was enjoyable to watch as the guys looked sharp and their heavy legs and tiredness seemed to be a thing of the past.  

After leaving work a litttle early looking forward to spending time with Cerys and Dylan asking strangers for free candy, I mean trick or treating.  I hope the weather and rain to be specific holds off till later this evening. 

After arriving home I was lucky enough to discover that I only had the bottoms to my halloween outfit so you can imagine my disappointment at not being able to dress up as I walked the neighborhood with the kids.  

Kinda taking part in Halloween u know who you are!

Raise high moment of the day

Halloween 

 

Accolades and Practice

After the tough weekend of games and travel I felt it necessary to give the players off practice both Monday and Tuesday this week.  With many guys having little strains, tightness and overall soreness it has been essential the past 2 days that they received treatments and hit the dreaded ice baths as they try and recover.  Hopefully the extra day off will serve them well as we prepare this week for the visit of George Mason our NEW Atlantic 10 local rival and the start of our Revolutionary Rivalry between our schools.

Before we get to practice alot has happened these past 2 days and another reason to be proud of the team this Fall.  Firstly, Eddie Painter after his heroics on Friday night scoring the game winner in OT was named GW Colonial Athlete of the week.  A short interview with Eddie can be found here on RaiseHighTV Interview  Eddie is the 3rd GW Mens soccer player to receive the award this Fall, so far.  Secondly, Tobi Adewole has continued his great season by receiving his second Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week Award after his first collegiate goal on Friday night tied the game and then getting the assist for the winning goal.  The A10 article can be read here Rookie Award or visit our website.
Lastly, the University paper featured a story on goalkeeper Luke Farrell after his impressive displays over the last few weeks and that can be found here Hatchet Story

Okay, back to today and after the weekends results the competition to get into the A10 championship tournament is wide open with every team still in the hunt to qualify so its going to go all the way to the final weekend and probably last day.  For us, we know that we have to get results in all our remaining 3 games to be sure of a place in the top 8.  Anything less and we then leave it to other teams and results to dictate or path so we certainly don't want that to happen if possible.

With injury concerns after the weekend today's session was a chance to see how far those players are away from returning or more positively in some cases seeing them return today was great.  A FIFA 11+ warm up some fitness and possession and we were done for the day.  Not quite they got a light lift in with our strength and conditioning coach.

For me, in between my daily office routine and work I got a great email that informed me a recent parking ticket had been voided and all the hours waiting on the phone had paid off as I won my appeal.  Seems small but anytime you can win when the odds are against you makes me even happier and $30 to the better.

Raise High Moment of the Day
Even though it wasn't officially today that it was announced I gotta give it to Eddie Painter and Tobi Adewole on their weekly awards.

Road trip ends with a Loss

After waking this morning for our team breakfast at the hotel the mood had calmed from the euphoria of friday and players seemed a little more relaxed uet focused. After breakfast we were in to our pre game talk and starting line up for the game.  With the ride to UMass 30 minutes from the hotel we left about 11am for our 1pm kickoff.  With Newcastle playing at 930 we had some sorry faces by 1130am as they lost to their arch rivals Sunderland which started the day on a sour note.  

A cold windy day set the mood for how our game would eventually finish.  With 3 changes to the starting line up and a need to start the game better than Friday we did just that.  Early pressure and a great move down the left handside involving Shaban and Valencia resulted  in a cross being deflected straight to Valencia on top of the 18 and he hit it first time to get his first collegiate goal.  We would battle through the half and unfortunately we would concede a free kick on top of the 18 with 4 minutes to half time.  It would prove costly as a wicked deflection saw Farrell do well to get the original shot but they were quicker than us to follow up and got the equalizer.  Terrible time to concede a goal and not only that surrender our lead. 

Second half was a cagey encounter with both teams playing different styles trying to get the breakthrough goal.  Already having some injury concerns from Friday as the game wore on we looked like that game had taken its toll both physically and mentally and with just 4 minutes to go UMass with find the winner.  A half clearance found a UMass player on the top of the box and he hit it first time out of the air on the volley and into the back of the net.  It you gonna get score on leg it be a wonder strike as opposed to giving goals away.  With a faint glimmer of hope that we could again come back all was lost as our last few chances were wasted on poor service in to the box and as the clock trickled down to zero our unbeaten A10 campaign and chance to top the league came to an end.  All attentions now turn to next weekend and a home game v local rivals George Mason.  With other results today the final standings will be determined on the very last day as things are so close right now. 

A Long trip back to DC and after today's road bump we'll bounce back next week

Post game interviews http://t.co/miUyXnj1Jr

http://t.co/LXMJhojtO6

Raise High Moment of the Day

Valencia's first college goal, great strike!!

Saturday travel Day

This morning the atmosphere at breakfast was great as the players and staff were still on a high from the victory last night.  With about a 2 hour ride ahead of us to UMass we had our team breakfast at 9.30am and straight after we were on the road in our mini van convoy.  Great that we had 4 mini vans as it gives us the flexibility to move around when we want but also gives me a chance to review 4 different styles of mini van should I choose to cave in and get one for the family.

With an early start for me watching Arsenal secure a 2-0 win and stay top of the premier league we were unfortunately on the road driving for the most important game of the day.  For those of you thinking that's the El Clasico, Barcelona v Real Madrid which kicked off at noon you are sadly mistaken as at 12.30pm Southampton played Fulham and a 2-0 win for my Saints saw them rise up the table to third in the league. 

An entertaining van ride with Ranalli, Hinners and Alexandersson (Adewole was in my van also but was fast asleep the whole time) pasted the time away.  With Hinners playing quiz master the 4 of us preceded to put our minds together to answer the numerous and diverse questions that he threw at us.  there was a little language barrier with some of Alexandersson's answers but we quickly overcame that to get the answer right.

When we arrived at Umass a very windy day greeted us at the practice field and after an hour of practice a post session chat with another reminder to the players that last night is in the past and it was time to get our feet back on the ground and mentally get ready for another road war tomorrow.  Back on the vans for a very short trip into Amherst, a nice little town but still 30 minutes from our hotel so it was a quick stop before we finally got to our destination and checked in.  I took advantage of the downtown before dinner to get a work out in and for the 3rd day straight I have run at least 2 miles which doesn't sound like much, and if you looked at my waistline it didn't do much to improve that, but for me its a lot believe me.  A sauna afterwards got me feeling great and ready for our team dinner in downtown Springfield, MA.

Back at the hotel I got a chance to sit down and relax and take in the past few days.  After staying to routine and following my superstitions i am not expecting much for the pregame meal tomorrow as my order for our meal Friday was missing my soup and the sandwich was poor so hopefully i'll get short changed again.  I can take the hunger pains if it brings us another win.

Raise High Moment of the Day
My van ride with the players

Post Game Blog Awesome Win

After getting in late last night it would have been nice to get a sleep in till 930am with a late breakfast at 10am but with 2 kids the body clock wakes me at 7am latest everyday.  It was another restless night for me in our hotel in Rhode Island I got to sleep late, woke early and made the most of it by getting up and getting the day going.  Finalizing my notes for the pre game talk and meeting and returning all emails and catching up on the daily news I was ready for breakfast at 10am.

After our 12.30 stretch and study hall I had some time to kill before our pregame meal at 3pm.  After trying to find a nice route for my usual game day jog I was disappointed that most roads had no pavements and without wanting to risk it I decided to get my    miles in on the tread mill at the mini gym in the hotel.  Got to be honest the 40 degree weather outside had a major part to play in me running indoors today.  Feeling refreshed after the workout it was onto the pre game meal and pre game talk and kick off got closer and closer.

After leaving the hotel for the very short trip to the field the weather man certainly got his/her forecast right as the cold air hit us as we left the bus.  With an estimated temperature at kickoff of 40 degrees some of of guys felt at home notably our Icelandic and UK contingent and probably the majority of our east coast guys except Adewole. 

First half started with URI coming out strong supported by their home fans for the first time this season in the A10 and looking for their first conference win.  We on the other hand started the game slowly and all credit to URI they never allowed us to get out of the funk and continued to put us under pressure.  Their opening goal after just 15 minutes was well worked and we found ourselves on the back foot for most of the first half and to be quite honest I was happy to see the half time whistle and be only one goal behind.

Second half we started better but still struggled to complete that final pass or serve to really create any clear cut opportunities.  As the half wore on we were well in control of possession but were still looking for that equalizer which I thought would never come.  I have to credit my assistant Coaches for some ingenious decisions with players as the game wore on and we threw everything at them to try and score.  Taking their advice the decision to put Tobi Adewole higher up field paid off as with just 40 secs left he rose above everyone at the far post after a super delivery from Hinners to head home the equalizer.  We were once again in overtime and my word, this game is making me grey this season.

The first half of OT came and went with no significant chances for either team so it was on to the second period and the hope we could finally win a game in OT.  A long ball over the top from Adewole to find Eddie Painter on his run was collected on the bounce and with probably still 30 yards to goal and a lot of work to do to score it finally came.  Just as the URI defender drew level with Painter in the box he faked and cut back onto his left foot and just when I thought the chance was over struck the ball into the roof of the net from 10 yards out.  Absolute pandemonium ensued with the bench cleared to race to get to Eddie first and celebrate a great road win and one that I will remember for a long long time.  I've been waiting for a chance to pull a Jose Mourinho and slide on my knees in celebration and tonight was the night.  Well done to the players on a great team performance

Raise High Moment of the Day
Both goals today giving us the Win

Back on the Road for a big Weekend of Games

For me it was good to be finally back on the practice field being in the thick of the action and watching the guys get ready for the weekend.  A cold morning in DC greeting the players as they left the locker room but we can't complain too much as the Fall weather so far has been rather mild.  Hope I didn't just jinx it.  As always the last session before a game day has been generally lighter and shorter where we are just getting the fast twitch muscles firing and fine turning some areas of preparation.  A warm up with Coach Irizarry with the GK's getting ready with coach Pasquinelli and we were into a shooting game and finishing with 15 mins 11v11 and the practice was over.

With our flight leaving later this evening the players got a chance to go about their daily routine and hopefully today not missing too many classes due to travel.  With the forecast for the game on Friday to be very cold I was to go home and pack the winter jacket and gloves.  To my despair I couldn't find my GW bobble hat but luckily Liz soon saved the day by finding it and relieving my anxiety.  After having to change some flights and add some new ones to our travel party I found myself traveling alone to Providence as the team flew out of Baltimore and I was out of DCA.  Felt a little weird not travelling with the group but as I write my blog here at the airport I definitely got more work done.

With a 7pm kick off tomorrow at Rhode Island the players will get a chance to sleep in a little after the travel late this evening.   After midday snacks its then onto our usual routine of pre game meal about 4 hours before and getting to the field about an hour in advance.  Game preview csn be seen here from our GW Sports website and sport media staff Weekend Preview and you can follow our live stats during the game and catch up with my post game comments through our social media outlets.


My brita filtered water bottle is certainly value for money as I once again fill it up after security check point saving me $3.50 for a bottle of water (day light robbery)

Raise High Moment of the Day
Not getting pulled at security, seems every time I travel alone I get picked for a routine/random search but not tonight!! Happy Days!!!

oops And Liz finding my GW Hat

Player Selection / GW Sports relaunch

Unable to attend practice today due to some prior commitments it was left to Coaches Ouimet and Irizarry to oversee practice.  With the off day yesterday it was the first chance we had to assess some of our potential injuries and start to finalize our travel roster for the weekend.  Not travelling with all the players on the roster, the day before we leave for our road trips or the day of in tomorrows case, is a difficult day for me as the news is broken to some players that they will not be travelling.  Injuries can make the decision for you but this season we have been fortunate so far that our injury list has been minimal so some tough decisions have to be made.

Aside from practice it was a chance for the staff and I to finalize the travel itinerary and make sure everything is in place for the trip as we leave tomorrow night.  Another improvement to the program this year has been the ability, with our increase in budget, to fly to places that in the past we have chartered a bus for in the past.  (Just so we're clear we don't fly everywhere and have been on some pretty long road trips this year already.)  Tomorrow's trip to Rhode Island is a perfect example where 2 years ago we travelled by coach taking over 8 hours and quite tiresome as you can imagine especially when you play the next day.  Hopefully we will at least be a little fresher after flying but any road game is difficult and all forms of travel take their toll on your body.

It seems that this weekend is a BIG weekend for most GW fall sports.  Volleyball have started A10 play 5-1 and lie 3rd in the standings with a match up against 2nd place Duquesne and local rival Mason this weekend.  Womens soccer lie 7th but tied with five other teams on 7 points so they'll be hoping to take advantage of being at home for 2 games.  For us, we need to get some more wins but know it'll be even harder on the road this weekend but hopefully we can take another step forward.

Raise High Moment of the Day
The Launch of the New Look GW Athletics website www.GWsports.com

Easy like Monday morning

Keeping to our usual schedule, todays session was more of a recovery/regeneration session for those that played substantial minutes yesterday and a harder work out for the non players followed by everyone at our strength and conditioning session in the gym.  With the tough game yesterday we had some players sitting out the session as a precaution with injuries and after treatment we hope to reevaluate them on Wednesday.  With tomorrow being an off day for the players we have 2 more sessions before we leave for Rhode Island and UMass on Thursday for our games on Friday and Sunday.   Every game now is going to be a war as teams scrap for points with the top 8 qualifing for the A10 tournament everone still has a chance after only 3 games.  URI has yet to win in the A10 so an obvious incentive for them to beat us in front of their own fans.  UMass won this past weekend so a win for them Friday and Sunday will put them in a very good position.

After practice it was time to review the video from the weekend and set the plans for the rest of the week.  That included not just the training sessions but also our travel itinerary with flights, buses, hotels and meals to deal with on a 4 day road trip in can be quite a challenge coordinating everything.        When the guys have the day off tomorrow the staff will be finalizing our plans for the trip and hopefully I'll be getting out a little early to pick up the kids from school.

In between the soccer and planning I made the trip to our local post office for our passport appointment for Dylan's first passport.  Pretty strict rules with both parents having to be there and the necessary paperwork that accompanies it.  The family in front of us did not fill out the paperwork in black ink so we sent away to redo it which allowed us to get in early.  The passport lasts 5 years and if its like Cerys' the photo now looks nothing like her.

Raise High Moment of the Day
Could have been watching The Wizard of Oz for the fifth time in 2 days with Cerys in charge of the TV but I think not.
Gonna have to think about it!

Game Day and Post Game Comments

Last night I seriously considered getting a hotel room ready for our game today.  Not that i dont like my house or family but due to the fact that I'm superstitious and a believer in routines that work.  With us losing our last 2 home games and starting the A10 with 2 ties on the road I wanted to keep my preparations just like a road game.  I already had the same warm up pants, socks and polo ready to wear.  I did wash them so I'm not too crazy.  Anyways, after deciding against that, probably more to do with the price of a room I'd have to pay I actually got a good nights sleep at home. 

I was very thankful of a little sleep in as Liz saw to the kids and the rest of the morning I relaxed catching up on UK news and college soccer scores from Saturday.  I left the house 1130 knowing I would get to the field about 1150 just like a road game.  With our team briefing yesterday all that was needed was a quick recap of our strategy and the guys would be into their warm up.  

The first half was a cagey affair with Fordham coming out strong and trying to put a lot of pressure on the ball and getting in behind our back four quickly.  We started well also and some good offensive play was not rewarded with at least a shot on goal as we seemed reluctant to shoot even from the top of the box.  The closest either team came to breaking the deadlock fell to the Rams as Farrell seemed to stumble when retreating back to his line but somehow kept the ball out of the goal with a double save from his backside. 0-0 at the half and just as I thought it was gonna be a tough game to win and the first team to score would probably win it by that lone goal.  

With a couple of minor adjustments we were ready for the second half.  Jonny Forrest starting the Second half after a good spell coming off the bench in the first would prove significant.  A positive start was rewarded on five minutes with a goal from Forrest.  Great serve from Shaban off the free kick and Jonny was there to nod home and get his third goal of season.  After missing some games due to injury it was good to have him looking back to 100% but unfortunately he would leave the field later with what we hope was a little cramp and tightness from his time on the sidelines.  The rest of the half we defended well and without looking in too much trouble we continued to turn the ball over and concede way to many corners and throw ins which continued to put pressure on us and Fordham started to sense we may cave in after a good 10-15 minute spell from the Rams.  We were able to ride the storm out and as the clock ran down we scored again 5 minutes from the end.  Great decision  from Valencia to press high forced the turn over and Summerlin scored to get his first collegiate goal and give us a little cushion to see out the game.  

Great win and a much needed 3points in the A10.  I'm very happy for the players as they've worked extremely hard the last few weeks to correct some mistakes both individually and collectively so tonight they can know that the hard work paid off.  There's a lot of soccer to be played and we need to get some results on the road next week to keep pushing for a spot in the A10 tournament.  Tomorrow it's back to the field planning for next weekend and a 2 game road trip 

Raise High Moment of the Day

Getting the win on a great team performance

 U

Fordham tomorrow / Family time

Another early Saturday morning with a cup of coffee on the couch and the BPL early game Liverpool v Newcastle on the telly.  Entertaining first half with Newcastle playing well to deny Liverpool time and space on the ball and holding onto a 1-0 lead before the mini magician Luis Suarez gets free and draws a penalty and subsequent red card for the Newcastle defender.  Stevie G scored the PK and his 100th premier league goal. A good week for him after scoring for England and qualifying for the world cup.  Not that he needs the money but he really should buy a lottrey ticket today the way his weeks going.

Onto practice and a brief scouting report and chat got the session started before we hit the field.  I was rather excited to take the warm up as I cannot remember the last time I took one, probably way back in preseason.  The warm up can set the tone for the whole session and the players have to be mentally and physically ready for the next stage.  Today it was 3 teams winning team staying on with resting team providing service from the outside.  After I called the crossbar rebound and volleyed in to score I felt on fire so was pleased to step in for the yellow team as they were a man short.  Unfortunately I couldn't replicate my crossbar challenge form and was rather non existant in the games but enjoyed it all the same.  A cool down and the players were done for the day.  Emphasizing the need to rest, eat right and get plenty of fluids in the build up to the game tomorrow the session was over and it was time to catch the end of the BPL scores.

Just when I thought my fantasy team would be a disaster this week, Ramsey came off the bench to score another goal for Arsenal and Ozil got his second.  More importantly Southampton who were trailing 1-0 at Man Utd got a late equalizer which made my day.  No other major surprises so I was home in time for the West Ham game.  

this Afternoon was with the family kicking a ball and some shopping and then we were home for Cerys to watch our newly purchased movie "The Wizard of Oz".  Just to clarify, The original movie not the poor remake.  

Great day spent watching, coaching and playing soccer followed by some quality time with the family.  Good results for Southampton and Swansea now I need a good result for GW tomorrow. 

Fordham preview http://www.gwsports.com/sports/m-soccer/spec-rel/101713aaa.html hope to see you at the game 1pm kick off.  

Raise High Moment of the Day

Spending the afternoon with the family 

End of the Week Game Day Sunday

Its the end of the work week unless you're a coach in season which means everyday is a work day.  A lighter session today as we scale down the workload for the game on Sunday meant the session was short and sharp and the guys were done a little early.  I cant say too much about Coach Oumet's soccer ball cleaning invention as its still in the infancy stage with patents pending I'm sure but it was quite a sight to see the players scrubbing the balls clean.  Almost medieval looking with a fair bit of labor going into the process produced an almost new looking ball so theres no excuses now for the goalkeepers or players not being able to pick the flight of the ball up quickly.

Having the opportunity to play a longer 11v11 game today after the warm up and shooting exercise we were able to let the game flow more and allow the players to get into more of a rhythm.  I find myself stuck in the middle of the free flowing game always with a ball underarm ready to bark some instruction but today the moment never really came.  (which is a good thing!)  Some slight adjustment here and there and a quiet word with one or two guys was all that was needed as I stood back and enjoyed the moment.  Two days from now the calm and peaceful mood I felt today will be long gone as we enter the battle of another A10 game.  I must average 20 cups of water during a game as I stand on edge thinking and kicking every ball tense yet mentally sharp for 90 minutes or as of late 110 minutes.  No complaints thought I love what I do especially when we win.

Wanted to give a shout out for a good friend of mine Davie Butler who at 1.30pm today was officially sworn in as a US Citizen.  Hopefully he will grace us with his presence on Sunday for the game unless he's already started a run for office.

Thats it for todays Blog.  I gotta get going, pick up the kids from daycare, clean the house as my wife returns home after a week long convention, get ready for Colonial Invasion, change my BPL fantasy League team, get dinner at some point and then hopefully have a good nights sleep.

Raise High Moment of the Day
Nils Elwing screamer of a goal from the top of the 18 which flew into the top corner past Hinners token gesture full stretch dive.  The celebration which followed was even better with Arsenal apparently winning the Champions League with that shot.  You Beauty!!!

Jorge Campos / Tree Climbing

Another great weather day in DC leading up to practice and knowing how important the game is this weekend made it another day that I was really looking forward to getting on the field.  As normal our 15minute warm up by Coach Irizarry ran closer to 30 minutes so the players were definitely ready for the next part of practice and the GKs got an extended warm up with Coach Ouimet.  Luckily for Coach Irizarry the need for him to step into the goal today saved him from being fined for going over on the warm up and his display once again left people wondering if he really played in a National Championship in center midfield.  Staring to remind me of Jorge Campos for those of you who know he is?

The next part of practice was onto some crossing and finishing and I took the shooting group. Firstly though I have to tell you that today was another example of how players can take what you say verbatim.  Firstly the GK's in their warm up after I told them there was no need to use Coach Pasquinelli's equipment proceeded to then not use any of the numerous cones we have available and I saw 4 shinguards on the ground that they were using for their warm up.  Luckily they had decided to use some of the balls.  Then in my shooting after telling the players they had to get their own ball no matter where it went, the first ball had gone probably at least 30 foot over the crossbar and lodged in a tree.  To my amusement and obvious worry for his safety, I then saw a player climbing a tree behind the goal to try and retrieve his ball.  Awesome!!!

Anyways, I know on my end the players looked good in the shooting and as we moved into a game to finish the session, the intensity they had brought yesterday and today was evident as we played for just 15 minutes as I felt that was enough and we finished on a high with a goal from Valencia rounding off a nice passage of play.  Two more sessions before the game Sunday, a big weekend at Home before we leave on the road again the following weekend.

Raise High Moment of the Day
Bailey Hinners from the tree top to hitting a 30 yarder, 2 shots one into a different zip code the other breaking the goal net!!

World Cup/ Wales / USA / YouTube

With our off day yesterday it gave me a chance to follow the days entertainment which for me was the World Cup qualifying final round of games.  With England finally stamping their ticket to Brazil next summer I'm sure all press will now turn from how bad they were in qualifying to how they can win the World Cup.  Me on the other hand, I thought they did rather well in qualifying and expectations can be as a quiet outside shot.  Not sure the last non South American team to win the World Cup in South America, if there is one, so anyone outside of this region will find it hard to win.  Europe's usual powerhouses  have qualified with Spain, Germany, Italy, Holland already going and France and Portugal in the playoffs.  Not taking anything away for the other teams that qualified but I will be cheering for Iceland in the playoffs and I hope they can get there.  For me the biggest shock probably came at the hands of the USA.  Already qualified with ease despite early doubters which baffled me as to why? the USA then proceeded to score 2 goals in injury time to win their game v Panama and hand Mexico their arch rival in the "HEX" a lifeline into the playoffs when they were on the way out.  Oh the heartbreak of qualifications! the ups and the downs, coaches fired, bad officials and all this is unless your from Wales.  After 3 games theyre already virtually out of it so no heartbrake at the end or jubiliation just the misery of watching a whole campaign already planning for the next with optimism until we've played 3 games again.  Can't wait for the Euro Qualifiers.

Back to today and it was back to the field for the players.  Our Fifa 11+ warm up followed by some defending.  Despite our great efforts over the weekend we are still only 8th in the A10 and a long way from getting into the A10 tournament the first of our goals.  With a home game this weekend we need to get the win and so todays session was about our individual defending and the hard work it takes to be successful in all 1v1 battles.  Finding that perfect distance that invades a players personal space enough to get his head down and let him make a mistake is an art form that I believe is getting forgotten. As the media and TV continues to glorify the attacking side of the game and individual moves that look great but have no outcome or end product or what I call "the Youtube Nation" games are still being won on good individual and collecting defensive balance that allows teams to express themselves offensively.  Anyways, a shortened session on the field due to our lifting session with coach Spellman put the players through a tough workout and hopefully set the tone for this weeks practices and preparation for our next A10 game.

Raise HIgh Moment of the Day

Coach Ouimet and I in the ravine looking for our lost ball and just before giving up, there it was.  Search over and back to the office.

Post Game thoughts / A10 rookie

After getting back from St. Louis with no delays for the first time I've travelled there  the bus picking us up at BWI airport was late to take us back to DC.  It finally came which was good and I walked through the door at home at 2am.  I can never sleep straiht away when i get home from a road trip probably due to the fact that ive had 8 cups of coffee throughout the day and the 15 minute drive from the office wakes me up so im a little wired. With early meetings this morning for our staff Leadership Academy there was no sleep in or rest for me so it was back to business. 

After getting home it was a chance to reflect on the game yesterday and how well we did to achieve the tie.  Being behind on the road and finishing as strong as we did after equalizing was quite a display and one that I was proud to be a part of.  

First half 

After absorbing long periods of st louis possession we were happy to let them have the ball so deep in their half and when we did win it back we attacked with purpose.  The best chance of the half fell to Ranalli but the keeper denied him another chance to add to his goal tally and then McQuitty was denied from a close range header.  Then at the worse possible moment, 2 minutes before the half we gave away a sloppy goal after losing our mark in the box. Dagger blow as we found ourselves 1-0 down at the half. 

Second Half

After a slow start to the second half we pushed hard for the equalizer in the final 15 minutes and just when it looked like it wasn't going to come we scored.  A quality service from Forrest was headed in by Hinners with just 3 minutes left. Another overtime would follow for the players but they somehow found the strength to get through it and after Farrell had saved us with a good double save in the first period of OT we would end the game strong.  The game ended 1-1 another tie on a very difficult weekend against nationally ranked teams and 2 of the A10 favorites. 

Today it was back to practice and after starting a little later I took the guys on a light jog.  Not letting the government shutdown deter me I took the guys from Foggy Bottom campus to the monuments through the barriers around the reflecting pool and back to the Charles E Smith Center.  The weather was great and it reminded me of the old days when we actually had to practice on the mall and running round the monuments was a weekly occurrence. After the stretch the players left and with an off day tomorrow they'll hopefully get their legs back for Wednesdays session and the preparation for our home game this Sunday v Fordham. 

Raise High Moment Of the Day

Tobi Adewole A10 rookie of the Week

Heading Home unbeaten on the road

Arriving last night to our hotel in St. Louis we were greeting by the numerous fans leaving the St. Louis Cardinals playoff game which was across the street.  When I say greeted, I mean they stumbled upon us as we entered the hotel and the sea of red shirts in the hotel lobby bars told me they must have won the game (they did 1-0) as they atmosphere seemed very jovial.

The guys got a sleep in this morning after our travelling yesterday.  Our pregame brunch at 10.30am at the hotel was follwed by our usual pregame talk and line up and then it was back to the hotel room to start preparing mentally for the game at 2.30pm.

Full game thoughts will follow tomorrow when I finally get back to DC and out of another airport.  By the way we tied 1-1 another solid performance and deservedly got a point some could say we dropped points but St. Louis away from home ill take the tie

Raise High Moment of the day

Bailey Hinners Goal 

Back in St. Louis

What a game to be involved in.  Last nights game was a rollercoaster of excitement and what the A10 conference games are all about.  Its not often we start league play against a team in the top 20 away from home but that just added to the intensity and whats on the line for both teams.  Every team in the A10 wants to get off to a winning start and then as the game wears on into overtime there comes a point where you ask yourself would you settle for a point at this stage rather than lose the game??  For me it was the same message throughout OT, we would have at least one chance and we had to take it.  Unfortunately a great opportunity with 1min 13 sec left in the game from inside the 6 yard box could not be taken and our miss hit shot would end up being cleared and the game would finish 0-0. 

For the second time this season we have taken teams in the top 20 to overtime and come away winless.  The first time we lost and last night we tied so i hope we play another top 20 team to get the win lol.

Today was about getting to our next destination St. Louis and the 3rd time in the last 3 seasons.   Current A10 champs and coming off a 2-0 win v Fordham their confidence will be high and they'll be pumped up to play another home game in front of their fans.   Preseason polls picked them to repeat their A10 championship from last season so we know that we once again go into the game knowing that we're in for another battle and maybe a point to prove after a 6-0 drubbing last year in St. Louis. (Still not sure how we again travel back to St. Louis for back to back years for a game in our scheduling?)

Finally arriving in St. Louis I hope that I am not stuck here after tomorrow.   My previous 2 trips here have seen me stuck for an extra day and 2 days last season when Hurricane Sandy hit the east coast so fingers crossed we'll get the result we want and get on that plane.  I've seen the Arch many times and from many angles after my previous extended visits here so tonight I was happy to stay at the hotel for dinner and chillax in my hotel room.

Raise High Moment of the Day
Luke Farrell performance yesterday, first start this season and a clean sheet.

A10 starts

After a much needed sabbatical from the blog in an effort to recharge my creative writing skills or find some writing skills I'm back today as we start our Atlantic 10 Conference season.  With 8 games to go in the season we really have been given another opportunity to get our season back on track and earn a place in the A10 conference tournament.   After being picked to finish 9 from 12 teams in the preseason polls if the season ended today based on overall records we would finish 10th.  Dayton would finish 1st and St. Louis our current A10 champions would be 3rd so a very difficult start playing both teams away from home in the first weekend of play.  Fortunately that is not the case and we start with a clean slate and begin our challenge for an A10 championship tonight.

As we left DC yesterday the area was getting hit by heavy rains and storms so it was a pleasant surprise when we got off the plane in Dayton to find it bright and Sunny.  We start tonight against Dayton the only unbeaten, untied team in the country with a perfect 10-0-0 record and currently ranked #19 in the country.  We got a chance to practice on grass yesterday for an hour so the players can get somewhat used to the difference between our field turf (artificial) and natural surfaces.  The players have had a great week of practice so far so yesterdays session was a final tune up and a chance to get the travel and flight tiredness out of our bodies.  I took it upon myself to get my cleats on and after hitting the crossbar from every angle and then the half way line at the first attempt I decided to call it a day and offered my cleats to anyone who wanted to use them as they were obviously on fire. 

A team dinner last night and a walk and stretch this morning broke up the day well from sitting in the hotel all day waiting for the 7pm kick off.  Just about to head for our pregame meal so the rest of my blog will probably be done post game. Looking forward to getting on the field with the lads and getting off to a good start.

Games over 0-0 tie great fight and spirit and Could have won it at the end but I'll take a point on the road, post game thoughts tomorrow 

Colonials v Colonials

forgot to mention this in the blog yesterday but if you ever buy a restaurant gift certificate for $20 and the value is $50 please read the small print.  Sounds like a great deal but upon looking at the full essay of small print you had to spend $100 to get the gift certificate discount.  Still sounds like a great deal especially if your eating dinner with friends but try spending that kind of money in a sushi restaurant with your spouse and two children (3 year old and 1 year old).  Food was great though.

Today's session was just about getting the players some final prep for the game tomorrow both on the chalk board and on the field for a short sharp session.  Coach Ouimet took the guys through their 4 goal game and with Coach Irizarry now becoming a goalkeeper I seized the opportunity to get in and play.  Irizarry despite being somewhat unorthodox technically for a goalkeeper continues to amaze us with his performances between the sticks.  I on the other hand had a difficult baptism to my entry into the game with my team losing both rounds I competed in.  Not only that but some missed chances by me personally weighed heavy on my mind as we finished the game and Lopez the goalkeeper who taunted me afterwards would get his feet set firmly on the ground in our post session shooting competition.  Too eager to taunt he fell into the trap of giving himself a situation he couldnt walk away from and with 10 chances to score from the top of the 18 I knew I could get at least one goal.  No warm up and the taunt of pulling a hamstring from Lopez was not enough for me to try my whole repetoire of shots from the top of the box.  The side foot curler, laces down the middle for power and then on the knuckle ball it happened and a ball which was surely flying over the bar found its way into the upper 90.  Outside fade crashing against the post and in and pure power off the right foot saw me score three goals and a bad day at the office for Lopez.  Never a good idea to call out the coach, i used to play a little ball myself.

I personally have never played against Robert Morris but I know they will be a tough opponent for the game tomorrow.  Coming into the game on a three game winning streak and out scoring their opponents 10-1 in these games their confidence will be sky high.  The scouting reports tell us they're a good side and I expect a very close game which we will have to fight tooth and nail to win.  Its a battle of the Colonials with Robert Morris sharing the same nickname as ours so I strongly recommend you do not cheer for the Colonials tomorrow.

Have to say another thank you to the GW Alumni Association for sponsoring our Alumni Event tomorrow and with the forcast great I hope to see a great crowd cheering us on.

Raise High Moment of the Day
Coach Jones 1st goal into the upper 90, pure genius even if i say so my self.

Family Dinner / Alumni Event

After being on the road for last weeks game I unfortunately missed most of the University Alumni events but this weekend we have our annual Fall alumni event.  An alumni world cup 6v6 tournament followed by GW v Robert Morris game and an evening reception/ happy hour make is a great Saturday for all involved.  For me its a chance to catch up with my fellow alumni but also to showcase the team who now proudly wear the GW uniform.  For the players it will be an opportunity to talk to others who have walked in their steps previously and get a glimpse into the successes they can expect after college when they graduate.  The usual banter will be in play with alums telling how hard they had it, how things have changed and how lucky the current players are with the facilities and resources they have today both athletically and academically.  If the players can take anything away from the day I hope its is the connection and great memories these alumni bring but most importantly how fast their time will go and to play every game like its your last.  I realized that too late and before you know it, its all over and your college career rolls into an alumni career.  I hope when this happens for our current players they have no regrets and can look back and know that they gave everything they had and hopefully can wear a championship Ring or two, three, four back every year.

Enough of the sentimental chat.  Practice was good again today and I'm still trying to gauge how that will play out for our games on the weekend.  I see players who don't practice that well during the week but bring it for the games, players who practice great all week but cant quite find that form in the game that weekend its a mystery I'd love to solve.  One things for sure, the only thing you can control is your effort.  Passing maybe off, shooting maybe off, tackling maybe off but give me 100% and I can accept that.  We all have bad days I just hope that we have more good days than bad.

Haven't even mentioned what we did in practice today but I feel there's no need to do so, we're working hard and improving our strengths and limiting our moments for weakness so one more session tomorrow and its game day.  The weather is meant to be awesome on Saturday so I hope to see a great crowd and give them a game to remember.

Raise High Moment of the Day
Sushi night with my number 1 fan and daughter Cerys, my always supportive wife Liz and the Kraken, Dylan tearing up the restaurant.

DC United / Sunny DC

It was another great weather day in DC with the sun shining brightly and the sun block being used for the morning session.  The past few days have been beautiful and it seems like we're having a final push from the summer suns before they give way to the colder Fall days and nights just in time for our A10 play. 

After a hard physical session yesterday it was a shorter field session today as we finished with a lift.  With everyone taking part to some extent in todays session we started with a fun warm up to get the guys moving   With the intensity and heat taking its toll yesterday, today was about getting the guys moving again and injecting some life into those aching legs and minds.  The warm up seemed to get the guys going and plenty of shouting and celebrations showed they were into the soccer handball game.  Main topic of the day was shooting and crossing, Is there a better way to get the players buzzing again when they're feeling a little tired?  Coach Ouimet our goalscoring/attacking  took the guys through some  exercises before we got into a 11v11 game to finish the field session.  Our new strength and conditioning coach Mark Spellman has been pushing the guys hard in the gym for our lifting session and I look forward to seeing the results in the spring when we really increase our strength and conditioning program.

With the players finally getting a water bottle for practice it was almost too much excitement for one day as some already forgot to pick them up or left them in the gym after the lift.  On a side note, Shaban came into the office pre practice to give me some grade updates but more importantly we discussed the win by DC United last night in the Open Cup.  As one article noted, DC United is currently the worse team in the MLS (overall record) but that didnt stop them winning and lifting the trophy last night and a place in next seasons CONCACAF Champions League.  Congrats to Benny and Chad Ashton and all the other staff and players at the club.

Raise High Moment of the Day
The goal from Farhan Khan to end practice.  A great move in the 11v11 game to be finished off with a strike into the upper 90 from the top of the 18 yard box.  Lets have some more tomorrow please.

Tuesday

After Monday off for the players it was back to the practice field today and what was planned to be, and was, a tough session.  After starting with our injury prevention warm up it was time for me to take over and get the guys working up a sweat.  What I originally had planned as a possession session turned into a 1v1 wars with possession combined through overloads and numbers up scenarios.  For those of you who don't coach the previous sentence probably didn't make much sense with all that coaching jargon but don't worry because I do coach and it didn't make much sense to me.

Anyways, the players worked very hard and we had some very tired legs in between each repetition as they gasped for air in the hot DC sun trying to get some energy before they started the next set.  Talking about the sun, it was another glorious day in DC with me having to delay putting the sun block away for another week at least as the forcast looks good. 

After the possession it was time to get into a 6v6 tournament with three 5 minute games to decide a winning team.  With injury numbers low, playing numbers are high so I have found myself on the bench throughout the Fall so far and Coach Ouimet and Irizarry taking the field to make up the numbers we need.  I think its time I got on the field because what I've seen from the staff so far has not been of the highest standard.  Let me correct that last statement, this is referring to my outfield staff as Coach Pasquinelli not only took his team to the winners circle but saved the last penalty in a PK shoot out to get his team the win.  It was the only penalty he dived for so I guess he was saving the best for last, no pun intended.

Tomorrow its practice and lifting sessions as we continue to prepare for Robert Morris and our Alumni Game.

Raise High Moment of the Day
PK save by Coach Pasquinelli, rolling back the years !!!

Winning and Moving Forward.

Another week over and another winless week.  at least on paper thats what it seems but for me its been a winning week in terms of how the group has trained and played, answered some questions we had and achieved some goals that we had set.  That being said we still have questions and areas of improvement and we're far from a finished article.  A new playing style and formation has been an adjustment for returning players and an adjustment to our new players as they each played different styles before they came here.  One things for sure we're alot better today than were were back in August.  I fully believe that we cam push on and as we reach the half way mark of the season put ourselves in a position that we can go into each game knowing what our strengths and weaknesses are and know we can win each game.  By being honest and brave enough to know our weaknesses both individually and as a team we are able to play to our strengths and keep improving them to improve the overall collective performance of the group.  Its tough to focus on your own weaknesses as a player and as an individual but you dont get better by only improving what your good at because thats the easy part of being successful.

A light session today followed by our lifting session kept to the same routine that we have folllowed throughout the season.  I once read a book by Brian Clough a charismatic and successful manger/coach in the UK and he said the one thing he did for his players was to keep things simple, keep to the routines that you start at the beginning.  The players have enough on their plates with academics and outside influences to deal with so i try and keep soccer simple and not to stray from the norm to throw another curve ball their way.  This could be the kiss of death but so far its helped with keeping guys healthy and on track and after seeing Ranalli running today after a possible hamstring injury yesterday and Spencer and Jonny Forrest close to their returns from injury its been a big difference from our nightmare last season with injuries.  I hope the players are more relaxed asthey prepare for each game week to week and the only thing they have to worry about is being on time as all the other items are taken care of for them.  Keep it simple and be consistent!!!

With it being an off day for the players tomorrow I actually would love to be on the field practicing so luckily I will be coaching a first through third grade clinic and 10 year old girls clinic to keep me on top of my game lol.  No Blog tomorrow but look forward to seeing the guys on Tuesday as we start preparing for Robert Morris and a home game next Saturday.  Its our alumni weekend so i'm gonna have to get a couple if runs in this week to play some ball before our game with my fellow alums and then let them enjoy the game as i stress out on the sidelines.

Raise High Moment of the Day

Having no player sitting out. 

Post game thoughts

After a disrupted week of writing the blog I was hoping to have a memorable night writing this one but unfortunately it wasn't to be.  After practice yesterday I left work to spend the remainder of the day in bed with what was a 24 hour bug of some sort with an excruciatingly painful headache and upset stomach I was worried I may miss the game totally if i woke up feeling the same way.  Fortunately I woke up feeling much better and with my body and mind feeling much better was looking forward for the game this evening.

Again it was another day of watching the premier league on TV and my Saints winning again.  Watching the big teams lose made me even more confident that the game tonight could be one that we would win and I haven't got this excited for a game since i was nine.  Not that I'm a betting man but if you looked at the form book we were playing one of only 2 teams in the nation that had a perfect record 8-0-0 and so on paper were would have been long shots and under dogs for the game.  Knowing if we played to our strengths and continued the hard work and performances we are capable of I was very optimistic that we could win and approached the game in that manner.  Not content just to be out there, sitting back to defend in numbers and hopefully get a goal from somewhere we played to win, pressed and got numbers forward every chance we would get.

First half started and after only 2 minutes a half chance would go wide from UMBC which was a warning sign that we would be in for a long night if we kept giving them too much space in our defending third.  The response was brilliant, confident to try and play and get on the ball we utilized our wide guys and created the best chance of the first half after Heine had beaten his man a superb cross found McQuitty unmarked 6 yards from goal but unfortunately his header went too near their keeper and he was able to make the save.  It wasn't until almost the end of the first half that UMBC had their best opportunity but again the shot was straight at JP and he easily made the save.  A scoreless first half but one that gave the group belief that they could win if they didn't quite believe it before.

The second half started the worse possible way as we conceded after only 5 minutes from a good move that we failed to clear and the ball was scrambled home from 7 yards out.  UMBC were one of the highest scoring teams in the nation and so after getting the goal the next 5 minutes were crucial that we didn't concede again and lose our discipline and shape.  As a coach you know the game can go either way and this point, you can crumble and lose the belief or you can hang in there and turn things around.  We did the latter, after continuing to try and play and not panicking we got a sublime equalizer from Hinners who after wining the ball took one touch with his chest and shot from the top of the 18 leaving the keeper no chance.  With 30 minutes left on the clock there was still a lot of soccer to be played and we defended well and got forward well when our chances came but neither team could win it in regulation.  

The first period of overtime saw us have a free kick from 20 yards that Sandland hit to find the side netting and for a split second I thought it had gone in and was just about to run home to Foggy Bottom but it wasn't to be.  It took another 10 minutes and into the second period of overtime for UMBC to get the golden goal.  I'm always disappointed when calls don't go our way and what seems insignificant would lead to us conceding a free kick that would result in their winning goal.  No excuses the service was great and found its target at the far post.  End of sports.

Disappointing way to end as I thought we had done enough to at least get a tie but when your 8-0 (now 9-0) you have the confidence and what seems like luck to get those goals.  I don't believe in luck or should i say I think you create your own luck and good teams on a roll like UMBC find a way to win.  A credit to them I certainly can see why they're unbeaten so far and wish them the all the best as the season goes on.  For us its back to the practice field but with a stronger belief and desire to win the next one and get ready for the A10's.

Raise High Moment of the day

Hinners Goal, an absolute beauty!!!

Sept 25 finally back

It's been a hectic couple of days with Monday being an off day and meetings most of the day Tuesday for me it wasn't until yesterday that I got back on the field so it's been a couple of days rest from the blog but watching the last 2 days on the field have been good.  With a win last night against Mason, our opponent on Saturday UMBC stays undefeated with perfect 7-0 record and ranked NAtionally #11 by the NSCAA and #8 by top drawer soccer.   Having lost to UMBC last season we are familiar with how they play but stopping them from doing it will be a tough ask.  Obviously their confidence is soaring high where as we are looking to bounce back and get back to winning ways. 

After getting ready to get fully into Todays session I thought it would never happen as getting stuck in traffic for an hour for the last 2 miles of my trip and knowing the guys would be in the same traffic due to major traffic problems coming into the Georgetown i wasn't sure if we would be able to practice.  luckily with no lifting session today we had some time to play with and after the guys had finally arrived in dribs and drabs we were able to get going and get a good session in planning for the weekend.  We have another session tomorrow for some final preparation and then its waiting for Saturday night.  The weather has been a little cooler this week and its finally feeling like Fall although not sure if the heat has totally gone.

 With the annual University alumni weekend falling this weekend it will be a busy time on campus and with our Mens Soccer Alum event next Saturday its added to the planning and meetings this week so I'll be happy when this week is over.

Raise High Moment of the Day

Finally starting practice after huge delays

Game Day - Saints Win / GW Lose

Well, how quickly your fortunes can change from a great start to the day to a terrible end.  Starting the day at home watching my beloved Southampton beat Liverpool on the TV an upset in many peoples eyes but well deserved after watching the full 90 minutes.  A morning at home with the family some breakfast and premier league soccer what more do you need?  Then it was on to Mount Vernon for a local match up v Navy which we knew going in was going to be a tough game and wow did that come true.

The first half we never really got going and if I was honest we were lucky to be losing by only the one goal.  A technically poor performance and inability to keep the ball kept the pressure on our back 4 and we were never able to recover.  One thing you can control even when your having a bad game is your effort and workrate and I think that many of us today lacked whats needed to be successful as an individual and a team by not quite pushing themselves this in turn gave the opposition more time and space and really forced us onto the back foot.

Having got through the first half 1-0 down I was optimistic for the second half knowing that we could only improve on our performance and with a little luck we could easily get ourselves back in the game.  An improved second half saw us at least compete better and pressure the opposition but Navy goals at critical times put an end to any comeback that we may have had.  Both second half goals came at a time when we were probably having our best spells which was an even bigger blow to take.  As much as it hurts to say it, it was plain to see that today we were outplayed in every department.  Teams can have off days and today we chose to do just that against a well organized team that punished us for doing so.  Not only that but it poured down most of the game so I couldn't even enjoy the weather.

Today is certainly a day when I reserved my post game comments to the players until I have a chance to absorb what just happened and tried to get some positives from the game.  Its back to the drawing board tomorrow and next week I hope to see a response in practice from the players as we prepare for our next game against UMBC. 

Raise High Moment of the Day
Southampton beating Liverpool.

Soccer Tennis / Mind Games

Todays session was again shorter than normal but more intense to get the players ready for the game tomorrow and make sure that our bodies are firing again after a lighter session yesterday.  Main topic was trying to work on some transition play and getting the guys to focus mentally.  Proper preparation for games is paramount to success and as much as we try to prepare our players on the field with technical, tactical and physical aspects of the game, mentally its up to them to get their minds ready.    Pregame rituals differ for each player with what to eat the night before, pregame, sleeping times, superstitions and these are the areas that we as coaches have limited control over.  At this stage of their collegiate careers the players themselves have to know what works for them and have to make sure that when the whistle blows for the kick off tomorrow they are ready to compete.

I know none of our players would do the following but thought it really emphasizes how each individual prepares for games and this is probably one of the weirdest pre game rituals Ive experienced, not that he did this when he was a pro but i think its a great story.  Believe it or not I played on a team with a retired Bulgarian Soccer International who also played in a World Cup Finals.  After showing up for our local amateur men's team he refused to play until he had a Heineken beer and cigarette.  That day no one had picked up some Heineken's for post game refreshments so he left and returned 20mins later with the game already started, drank his newly purchased Heineken and entered the field of play.  Not that I am encouraging this behavior but he was one of the best players I ever played with.  True story!

To promote the game tomorrow I thought it would be a good idea to play a little soccer tennis on the Foggy Bottom Campus right in front of the library.  Obviously with everyone studying before the weekend people coming in and out of the library and the central location it seemed like the perfect idea.  It was a perfect idea until we were kicked off the area for apparently not reserving it.  Reminded me of the old days when I practiced on the polo fields down on the national mall where we would occasionally get kicked off by the Park Police.  We've come along way since having to practice there without a permit 

Hope to see you at the game tomorrow 3pm kick off and free BBQ for all attending.

Raise High Moment of the Day

Soccer tennis on Kogan Plaza

Recovery Day / Ranalli Video

Todays training session was once again split into two groups with our guys who played over 45 minutes yesterday having a lighter re generation session and the other group getting our FIFA 11+ warm up followed by a 30 minute small sided game.  With the game v Navy on Saturday its a quick turnaround and while one group is trying to get their legs back the other is trying to keep the game sharpeness they will need when their chance comes.

After joining the re-gen group for their light jog which so happened to cover my one mile for the goal the guys scored yesterday I then got a chance to focus on the other group see the other guys play a 6v6 game.  Its a chance for me to see these players and how close they are to breaking into the starting line up and if they are doing that extra work to maintain their fitness.  With Coaches Ouimet and Irizarry in the line up it was always going to a memorable game to watch with the big bear posting up like Shaquille O' Neal and Irizarry zipping around like a trapped firefly.  Goal of the day may have gone to Irizarry after his long distance strike and best battling performance to Ouimet who terrorized the defenders with his movement off the ball and ability to hold off 3 defenders at one time. 

With the session being a little shorter it gave the players a chance to relax a little more before classes but some players again stayed behind for some extra work.  Probably seeing how it has paid dividends for Ranalli this season as he is constantly hitting extra balls I hope it has the same return for them in the upcoming games.  For me it was back to the office and catching up on some emails and projects, most importantly our Alumni event October 5th.  I hope to have a good turnout for our alumni game in the am followed by our game against Robert Morris and evening reception.



Raise High Moment of the Day
Meet Tyler Ranalli Colonial of the Week Video

Game Day Blog St. Peter's

The game of soccer can be very frustrating on times and today was one of those times.  After making the trip to New Jersey yesterday on our off day we played a St. Peter's team that was searching for their first win although their record was a little decieving given the teams they had played against and each game was a single goal loss or tie.

With almost everyone fit and available for selection just picking the starting 11 has become difficult.  I'm not complaining as its a good problem to have when everyone is healthy and there's competition for places and the group knows that each game we have rotated guys in to try and keep the high energy and commitment.  Whether guys start or not, when they are on the field they have to be ready and contribute to the team because we have the next guy waiting for his chance.

The first half was a close affair with both teams struggling to find any kind of rhythm and goal scoring chances limited to set plays and speculative shots on goal.  A worrying trend for me was our inability to recognize when to try and play and when to put safety first and make their back 4 turn and defend balls over the top.  In games where our width has created chances by our ability to switch the play diagonally quickly we lacked that today for most of the game and it would cost us in the second half. 

After a scoreless first half it took only a minute into the second for St Peters to find the back of the net. Mentally we were still in the lockeroom and another silly foul and the quickly taken free kick to get the ball out wide found us slow to get there and a service into the box found a player all alone to tap home from 6 yards.  The worst possible start to the second half and as we tried to find our way back into the game we again conceded a goal that we had as much to blame for rather than them earning it.  You can't give goals away and expect to win games and its hurt us both times for our games here in New Jersey. (staying in the same hotel that we stayed at against NJIT was probably a mistake on my part considering we lost that game and I'm very superstitious about these things)

I did admire the fact that we never gave up and after Ranalli blasted home from inside the 18 yard box to make it 2-1 we were in for a 5 minute finale that we would push forward but come up just short.  The goal was a sign of confidence and the extra work he has been doing with coach Ouimet has certainly paid off the last 2 weeks so all credit to Tyler I hope he keeps his run going.  

With the final score 2-1 it was another long ride home.  Back to work and Practice tomorrow as we have to keep our heads up and get ready for a quick turn around and game Saturday v Navy.

Raise High Moment of the Day

Goal from Ranalli or Angel's shorts post game.  The vote goes to Ranalli !

Tragedy hits DC

Practice today saw us open the session for any walk on tryout participants so it was a chance to unearth any players who could add to the squad.  The players went through some 1v1 exercises then into some small sides games and into a full 11v11 game.  It was a good session for the players to work on quite a few aspects of ther games but also get some sharpness for our next game on Wednesday v St. Peter's in NJ.  IT was also another lifting day which saw the guys move straight from the field into the gym. 

Unfortunately the day in DC was dominated by the news pictures and radio coverage on my drive into the city of the tragedy that would enfold throughout the day.  As more and more details became available you couldn't escape the news and horror that happened at the Navy Yard in DC.  Despite being almost 2+ miles from GW the uncertainty and not knowing what was happening in a different part of the city added to the anxiety throughout the day.  No city is totally safe from attack but I felt reassured how quickly the various federal and DC agencies engulfed the scene and secured the area that DC is one of the safest cities. 

As thoughts go out to all those effected by today's tradegy it's also a time to thank all the members of the law enforcement agencies who run head first into these situations and risk their lives while saving others. 

When events like todays happen especially so close to home it really puts things in perspective.  We won't let these acts stop us from achieving our goals and living our everyday lives but today it stopped us for moment and then I knew I couldn't let it defeat us. 

Determination / No Excuses

After yesterday's win it was back to the practice field for a recovery session and some injury prevention exercises and treatments.  An earlier start than usual due to our GW student athlete retreat saw us on the field at 830 but all done by 915.  No additional or new injuries from the game so we appear to be doing well in keeping the guys healthy. 

Our annual GW student athlete leadership retreat started with all our athletes meeting at the smith center and assigned to teams either  Buff or Blue.  After a brief welcome it was down to Constitution ave and 23rd for a series of team games including relays, tug of war balloon toss to name a few.  My team was 5-0 before our last 2 events where we were blatantly cheated to finish 5-2   a solid performance but we wouldnt be representing the Blue team in the grand finale. 

The highlight of the day, apart from the free lunch was our guest speaker, Kyle Maynard.  I encourage you to google his name and learn some more about the person who really brought home the theme of the day "DETERMINATION" and something I often ask and tell athletes "NO EXCUSES"

Raise High Moment of the Day

Being surrounded by and spending time with our GW student athletes

Game Day Comments

After waking up to another treat of live premier league soccer it was off to Mount Vernon for our home opener.  The DC weather certainly cooperated and it was the perfect day for a game.   It was great to be playing at home in front of a good crowd.  Many thanks to the GW student athletes who came out to support the lads and all the other families and supporters who made it a great day all round.  Special thank you to the U8 boys from Bethesda soccer club for coming and playing at halftime and cheering the players on.  Also to Cerys Jones my number one fan.

After losing to VMI last season and with it being our home opener that should have been enough of an incentive to make sure we started the game strong and quickly dictated the tempo that we wanted to play at.  It was under five minutes when after good pressure on the VMI back line we were able to force a turnover by Ranalli and he continued to goal to coolly slide the ball past the oncoming VMI Gk.  The perfect start to the game and one that not only gave us the belief that we could score more but set the tone of how we wanted to play and pressure the opposition.  A couple of half chances and we were well on top but still not able to get that second goal.  With McQuitty entering the game he made an immediate impact, winning a long ball from JP and flicking it into the path of Ranalli who again kept his composure to make it 2-0 and it would stay that way until half time.  A good first half performance but at 2-0 we knew the job was only half done and we needed to keep pressing for that third goal to give us a cushion that we would be able to kill the game off.

The second half started much like the first with the players hustling the VMI players and forcing turnovers but also we were not able to keep possession better and moved the ball quicker.  A great move saw the ball eventually find Farhan Khan in the 18 yard box who coolly beat the last defender  and sweetly struck his left foot shot into the upper ninety.  3-0 and one more would definitely allow me to relax a little for the first time this season on the sideline.  It wasnt  long in coming, another flowing move down the right hand side and who else to finish it off but our senior captain Ranalli.  A hatrick for Ranalli and an assist on Khan's goal game him 7 points for the day which already has surpassed his total from last year.  A great team performance all round and another shut out for our defensive unit.  As the game wore on we were able to make some changes and rest guys that had some minor injury worries more for a precaution knowing we play again on Wednesday.

Overall a great day for the players and certainly one of my most enjoyable coaching moments.  Its been a busy week Birthday greetings to Coach Irizarry, JP and Abdul who all celebrated being 21 this week (Coach Irizarry is slightly older but he's as fit as a 21 year old) and tomorrow its practice followed by our GW Student Athlete retreat on the national mall.

As always you can visit www.GWsports.com for highlights, box scores and game reports.

Raise High Moment of the Day

The Hatrick from Tyler Ranalli