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!!