Not a good day at the office. Probably one of the most disappointing losses of my entire time here at GW. Unfortunately we were once again unable to start the same back four in consecutive games and knowing yesterday we would be missing Sousa and with Shaban already out we were rocked when we lost Sandland to a freak injury before the game and JP in warm up. The versatile Holleran moved position again and found himself at left back and Farrell made his college debut in goal. Despite the scoreline and conceding 4 goals Farrell can still hold his head high as I thought he was one of few positives to come out of the game. That says it all with our GK conceding 4 goals and playing great and highlights some of the shambolic team defending that cost us goals today.
With us back on the field Sunday it gives us little time to prepare and for us it more like repair as we try and get guys fit. Like most games I try and get the positives out of losses but today the honest fact is we did not work hard enough and too many players went missing when we needed them most. Again it was a case of creating chances but not scoring in the second half and giving goals away from areas we had spoken about before the game.
For Coach Farrell of LaSalle whom I happen to like and have for many years it was his 200th career win so again congratulations on achieving that milestone. We had a good chat afterwards and I like the way he put the 200 wins in perspective "it just shows that you've been doing this a long time" Probably made it even more special as his son a freshman scored the opening goal for him.
The small bit of good news for me today was that Wales beat Scotland 2-1 in a world cup qualifier and despite having a long shot to actually qualify its a win that stopped a 4 game losing streak.
Magic Moment of the Day
Wales 2 - Scotland 1
Follow Head Coach Craig Jones through the GW Men's Soccer Fall 2015 season
Friday, October 12, 2012
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Clash of the Tartans and Pre Game
With todays practice focusing on sharpness and final preparations for the game tomorrow we started the day in the locker room talking over some formation and general tendencies of how we think LaSalle will line up. Gotta be careful how much you rely on scouting reports as college teams can change their line ups from game to game. Still, I think there is always information you can use and share with the players so after 20 mins we were out on the field.
After a warm up and some light ball work we were ready to get into a 6v6 tournament. With the teams selected by injured players Scott and Shaban the teams were announced and each team was given a Head Coach consisting of Abdul Shaban Wenger, Alejandro Almodovar Di Matteo, and Matty Scott Pardew. The guys were certainly sharp and began with a great strike and goal from Abaie after just 7 seconds on the clock. That certainly set the tempo for the games ahead and the players responded with a great 45 minutes of soccer. Almodovar Di Matteo came out on top after his team went 4-0 followed by Pardew and Wenger who struggled to get his team going.
Tomorrow we play Lasalle 3pm at Mount Vernon. Having played only one game in the A10 so far LaSalle find themselves on the same number of points as us after they overcame Fordham in OT last Friday. They will have had 2 extra days of rest and with an overall record of 7-2-2 they have shown so far that they are a tough team to beat and very capable of getting results. Its a rematch of last years A10 semi final game which went into overtime and don't expect anything different this time around as I feel its going to be a very close encounter. As always for our home games you can follow the live stats online or watch the live stream online if you cannot get to the Vern.
Have to mention its a great day for soccer tomorrow with World Cup qualifiers taking place in all continents and most importantly the highly anticipated Clash of the Tartans Wales v Scotland played in Cardiff. Both teams are struggling for form so don't expect a classic here but the result could see the end of either managers reign, end either teams hope of qualification and let one nation have the bragging rights until they meet again later in qualifying. Go On The Welsh!!!
Magic Moment of the Day
Irizarry nutmegs, classic
After a warm up and some light ball work we were ready to get into a 6v6 tournament. With the teams selected by injured players Scott and Shaban the teams were announced and each team was given a Head Coach consisting of Abdul Shaban Wenger, Alejandro Almodovar Di Matteo, and Matty Scott Pardew. The guys were certainly sharp and began with a great strike and goal from Abaie after just 7 seconds on the clock. That certainly set the tempo for the games ahead and the players responded with a great 45 minutes of soccer. Almodovar Di Matteo came out on top after his team went 4-0 followed by Pardew and Wenger who struggled to get his team going.
Tomorrow we play Lasalle 3pm at Mount Vernon. Having played only one game in the A10 so far LaSalle find themselves on the same number of points as us after they overcame Fordham in OT last Friday. They will have had 2 extra days of rest and with an overall record of 7-2-2 they have shown so far that they are a tough team to beat and very capable of getting results. Its a rematch of last years A10 semi final game which went into overtime and don't expect anything different this time around as I feel its going to be a very close encounter. As always for our home games you can follow the live stats online or watch the live stream online if you cannot get to the Vern.
Have to mention its a great day for soccer tomorrow with World Cup qualifiers taking place in all continents and most importantly the highly anticipated Clash of the Tartans Wales v Scotland played in Cardiff. Both teams are struggling for form so don't expect a classic here but the result could see the end of either managers reign, end either teams hope of qualification and let one nation have the bragging rights until they meet again later in qualifying. Go On The Welsh!!!
Magic Moment of the Day
Irizarry nutmegs, classic
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Family Shout Outs
Apologies to my millions, maybe just a handful, of my blog readers for the past couple of days silence and no updated news from GW. I have to make the excuse that I have been extremely busy and whilst I enjoy writing the blog at the end of the day at home late at night I have been finding myself putting Cerys to bed and falling to sleep also. NOT today, a cup of coffee after a very late lunch/early dinner has given me the energy to stay awake beyond 10.30pm so lets hope I have something exciting to tell you?
After the split weekend in opening A10 play we were off from practice on Monday for a much needed rest and treatment day for the players. Coach Irizarry and I reviewed the video from the weekend and the disappointment of losing is helped by getting a night to absorb what you think happened on Sunday and then seeing there were many positives from the loss that we will take to practice this week. Then it was a rainy night in Rockville to watch a High School game as we look for the next GW Colonials. At this point I would like to thank my wife Liz for understanding my mood swings and putting up with me during the season.
With 2 days down of practice this week the group have looked refreshed and despite what is a busy academic time for the guys the energy and enthusiasm has not diminished on the practice field. News today that Shaban will need a face mask to possibly play this weekend after a confirmed nose fracture has me thinking of Phantom of the Opera and the possibility that he will sing the national anthem before the games this weekend donned in face mask and GW cloak.
I believe that you have to push yourself as a coach to make sure that each practice is a little bit different. Even when addressing the same themes/topics there has to be some part that is new and engaging and keeps the session from becoming routine and mundane for the players. (not sure if thats the correct use of mundane here but I'm going with it) Its a challenge that I take into every session and planning becomes stealing and using others ideas that I have watched to put my own spin on and make it better. I can feel the players enjoying practice and thats the best part of my job.
Before I end the blog I want to share the words of my good friend Ian Jones who I know stole this from someone else "Trying is looking good while failing, those that win never say they tried, but those that failed do"
Magic Moment of the Past Few Days
Dylans laughter and not knowing why he's laughing
After the split weekend in opening A10 play we were off from practice on Monday for a much needed rest and treatment day for the players. Coach Irizarry and I reviewed the video from the weekend and the disappointment of losing is helped by getting a night to absorb what you think happened on Sunday and then seeing there were many positives from the loss that we will take to practice this week. Then it was a rainy night in Rockville to watch a High School game as we look for the next GW Colonials. At this point I would like to thank my wife Liz for understanding my mood swings and putting up with me during the season.
With 2 days down of practice this week the group have looked refreshed and despite what is a busy academic time for the guys the energy and enthusiasm has not diminished on the practice field. News today that Shaban will need a face mask to possibly play this weekend after a confirmed nose fracture has me thinking of Phantom of the Opera and the possibility that he will sing the national anthem before the games this weekend donned in face mask and GW cloak.
I believe that you have to push yourself as a coach to make sure that each practice is a little bit different. Even when addressing the same themes/topics there has to be some part that is new and engaging and keeps the session from becoming routine and mundane for the players. (not sure if thats the correct use of mundane here but I'm going with it) Its a challenge that I take into every session and planning becomes stealing and using others ideas that I have watched to put my own spin on and make it better. I can feel the players enjoying practice and thats the best part of my job.
Before I end the blog I want to share the words of my good friend Ian Jones who I know stole this from someone else "Trying is looking good while failing, those that win never say they tried, but those that failed do"
Magic Moment of the Past Few Days
Dylans laughter and not knowing why he's laughing
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Pre Game Thoughts
Well todays practice went well with the usual aches and pains of the coaching staff being helped by the morning coffee and diet coke. Just kidding, the guys aches and pains were worked out as best we could with a re-gen session with lots of stretching and movement but nothing too strenuous as we plan for tomorrow. Except for Shaban who possibly broke his nose with his brave header late in the game to save a certain goal everyone else came through the game and practiced today. A tough decision tomorrow with more guys showing they are available to play but a selection dilemma I would love to have every game as competition for places is a healthy process to have.
Tomorrow's game sees us visit VCU and another trip to Richmond VA. VCU are coming off a great 4-1 defeat of 14th nationally ranked Charlotte on Friday night so they will be on top of the world right now. With only one other loss this season they have proved that their addition to the A10 conference is only going to strengthen the soccer conference further.
For us it was the end of a 4 game losing streak and possibly the hardest victory I have been involved in. We should be going into the game with a high level of confidence ourselves after that win and knowing the goals we scored we top class. We know what we do well and I know from Fridays win the lads realized what other things we can do well and what we can achieve if we have the desire to play this way every game.
Magic Moment of the Day
Seeing the players to congratulate them for the last time at get them back to earth for tomorrow
Tomorrow's game sees us visit VCU and another trip to Richmond VA. VCU are coming off a great 4-1 defeat of 14th nationally ranked Charlotte on Friday night so they will be on top of the world right now. With only one other loss this season they have proved that their addition to the A10 conference is only going to strengthen the soccer conference further.
For us it was the end of a 4 game losing streak and possibly the hardest victory I have been involved in. We should be going into the game with a high level of confidence ourselves after that win and knowing the goals we scored we top class. We know what we do well and I know from Fridays win the lads realized what other things we can do well and what we can achieve if we have the desire to play this way every game.
Magic Moment of the Day
Seeing the players to congratulate them for the last time at get them back to earth for tomorrow
Friday, October 5, 2012
Post Game Blog
The start of A10 play saw us make the trip south down 95 for an evening game v Richmond. After our previous trip traveling south on 95, a brutal traffic experience trying to get to ODU, we once again set off early to allow for possible Friday traffic and after a good start I was worried this could be deja vu after we grinded to a halt. Luckily the lanes eventually opened up and we were able to get to our pre game meal stop at 3.30pm just 20 minutes from Richmond University. Kudos to Coach Irizarry on the selection which seemed great but by half time with 5 people complaining of stomach pains I began to doubt it. Rudolph seemed affected the most and couldn't start the second half and continued to struggle post game.
After taking in some of the women's game before ours we set off to the locker room to start getting ready for the game ahead. The players each had their scouting portfolio and formations to review on the bus so it was a just a matter of naming the starting line and assigning set play positions in our pre game talk. A quick reminder of what to expect and the importance of competing for every ball and we were out for the warm up.
The game started and we were able to dictate the pace of the game and kept possession well with penetration on both flanks. In the early exchanges we were able to see that our opposition were going to be extremely direct and this would be a night that bravery and resilience would come into play at some point with us having to deal with long ball after long ball into the box and back line. Then against the run of play Richmond were awarded a Penalty for a dubious handball on Shaban and scored the resulting spot kick to take the lead. Despite our strong start we were one down and I knew that on a 3 game winning streak and with their noses in front it would be tough to get back in the game.
The tying goal came from freshman Higgins who got in front of his marker to finish with a header from a great Abaie service and good build up before that. For the rest of the half we once again dealt with Richmonds attack and build some pretty good moves that created chances and gave us the confidence and belief that we could go on and win it.
A slow start to the second half put us under early pressure and just when it looked like we had weathered the storm and started to get a hold of the game Richmond were awarded another PK this time for a handball on Alexandersson. I have to say that apart from dunking the ball after he double dribbled it, it was clearly a PK and a good call from the ref. This time the PK was hit slightly higher and with Almodovar going the right way his one handed save tipped the ball onto the crossbar and out. Great save and kept us all level.
With just over 20 mins left the introduction of Hinners from the bench proved to be pivotal. After be denied a penalty of our own Richmond failed to clear the ball and from the resulting throw in another freshman Forrest picked up the ball turned and played a great ball for Hinners to be brave enough to get his head on the cross before the keeper and we took the lead. This would prove to be the game winning goal. What followed was some desperation defending on times and guys putting their bodies on the line to not concede another goal. Rudolph known for his goal scoring twice had goal line clearances and Shaban and Alexandersson held the ship steady to see us through.
If things stay the same with the news that Richmond will drop Mens Soccer it was great to see over 2000 fans there to support their program. I can tell you it made for a great soccer game with the home fans raising their team time an again with the noise and support that made this Friday night game one to remember.
Magic Moment of the Day
The final whistle and a great team performance to get us off to a winning start in the A10.
After taking in some of the women's game before ours we set off to the locker room to start getting ready for the game ahead. The players each had their scouting portfolio and formations to review on the bus so it was a just a matter of naming the starting line and assigning set play positions in our pre game talk. A quick reminder of what to expect and the importance of competing for every ball and we were out for the warm up.
The game started and we were able to dictate the pace of the game and kept possession well with penetration on both flanks. In the early exchanges we were able to see that our opposition were going to be extremely direct and this would be a night that bravery and resilience would come into play at some point with us having to deal with long ball after long ball into the box and back line. Then against the run of play Richmond were awarded a Penalty for a dubious handball on Shaban and scored the resulting spot kick to take the lead. Despite our strong start we were one down and I knew that on a 3 game winning streak and with their noses in front it would be tough to get back in the game.
The tying goal came from freshman Higgins who got in front of his marker to finish with a header from a great Abaie service and good build up before that. For the rest of the half we once again dealt with Richmonds attack and build some pretty good moves that created chances and gave us the confidence and belief that we could go on and win it.
A slow start to the second half put us under early pressure and just when it looked like we had weathered the storm and started to get a hold of the game Richmond were awarded another PK this time for a handball on Alexandersson. I have to say that apart from dunking the ball after he double dribbled it, it was clearly a PK and a good call from the ref. This time the PK was hit slightly higher and with Almodovar going the right way his one handed save tipped the ball onto the crossbar and out. Great save and kept us all level.
With just over 20 mins left the introduction of Hinners from the bench proved to be pivotal. After be denied a penalty of our own Richmond failed to clear the ball and from the resulting throw in another freshman Forrest picked up the ball turned and played a great ball for Hinners to be brave enough to get his head on the cross before the keeper and we took the lead. This would prove to be the game winning goal. What followed was some desperation defending on times and guys putting their bodies on the line to not concede another goal. Rudolph known for his goal scoring twice had goal line clearances and Shaban and Alexandersson held the ship steady to see us through.
If things stay the same with the news that Richmond will drop Mens Soccer it was great to see over 2000 fans there to support their program. I can tell you it made for a great soccer game with the home fans raising their team time an again with the noise and support that made this Friday night game one to remember.
Magic Moment of the Day
The final whistle and a great team performance to get us off to a winning start in the A10.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Last Session before A10 Opener
The title of todays blog leads me into the practice session today and the good news that apart from some long term injuries which are ongoing everyone else participated in the session and will look to play some part in the games this weekend. Its been a tough few weeks with injuries so credit to Marta for getting the guys fit and credit to the players for keeping with the rehab and extra sessions to get them back on the field quickly.
The session was upbeat with the buzz on the field that was missing on Tuesday but came back yesterday and today to let me know we are ready for the games this weekend. After a brief talk in the locker room and white board it was onto the field to continue the theme of the week and get a good work out before tomorrow. Not sure how my red team lost the shooting challenge at the end but I have to question Coach Irizarry's counting of his Buff teams goals. Anyways it was a good end to the session with some nice goals to watch and the competitive nature coming through from the players and their desire to win. I will have a chance to review some of the goals tonight thanks to Matty Scott filming on the IPad.
Tomorrow we travel to Richmond for our opening A10 game and both teams will be wanting to get off to a good start in conference play. After winning their last 3 games Richmond are on a high so go into the encounter the team on form. Its up to us to stop the momentum as quickly as possible in the game and dictate the tempo as quickly as we can. After a full back page article on senior Captain Rudolph today in the GW Hatchet Article he will want to live up to his preseason All Conference first team award. NO pressure !!
The A10 will be a great soccer conference this year as we have already seen with teams ranking nationally throughout the season so far and individual player of the week honors nationally. Theres no better thing to be a part of than conference play. Knowing every game counts it will go right to the very end as teams compete to get into the top 8 and an A10 Championship berth and automatic NCAA berth for the winner at stake. Good luck to all the teams this year and I look forward to seeing you on the field.
Magic Moment of the Day
Seeing the boys buzzing around and showing the belief, desire and confidence ready for tomorrow.
The session was upbeat with the buzz on the field that was missing on Tuesday but came back yesterday and today to let me know we are ready for the games this weekend. After a brief talk in the locker room and white board it was onto the field to continue the theme of the week and get a good work out before tomorrow. Not sure how my red team lost the shooting challenge at the end but I have to question Coach Irizarry's counting of his Buff teams goals. Anyways it was a good end to the session with some nice goals to watch and the competitive nature coming through from the players and their desire to win. I will have a chance to review some of the goals tonight thanks to Matty Scott filming on the IPad.
Tomorrow we travel to Richmond for our opening A10 game and both teams will be wanting to get off to a good start in conference play. After winning their last 3 games Richmond are on a high so go into the encounter the team on form. Its up to us to stop the momentum as quickly as possible in the game and dictate the tempo as quickly as we can. After a full back page article on senior Captain Rudolph today in the GW Hatchet Article he will want to live up to his preseason All Conference first team award. NO pressure !!
The A10 will be a great soccer conference this year as we have already seen with teams ranking nationally throughout the season so far and individual player of the week honors nationally. Theres no better thing to be a part of than conference play. Knowing every game counts it will go right to the very end as teams compete to get into the top 8 and an A10 Championship berth and automatic NCAA berth for the winner at stake. Good luck to all the teams this year and I look forward to seeing you on the field.
Magic Moment of the Day
Seeing the boys buzzing around and showing the belief, desire and confidence ready for tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
BLOGS BACK
After 4 days off with writers block I'm back to keep you up to date of the goings on of the Men's Soccer Program. Saturdays game saw us going down 3-1 to Longwood despite taking the lead and being more productive in the final third we couldn't quite convert the chances we created and gave up two sloppy goals second half.
The only thing to keep me sane over the weekend after the loss was our alumni game and events on Saturday. Once again it was great to see the many alumni who support the program and those who couldn't be there we hope to see you next year. The Saturday evening event was another success and I hope we can continue this tradition and build on it each year.
Back to the team and after 2 days off we were back to practice on Tuesday. At the start of practice it was well and truly bucketing it down and the only thing missing was the mud to accompany the heavy downpour. We managed to get through the session without getting swept away and the players enjoyed the rain and slick surface to ping it around.
Today session went well and the focus now is starting Atlantic 10 conference play strong as we look to repeat as regular season champions. Richmond will be our first opponent away from home at 7.30pm on Friday night so its not too far a trip providing DC traffic doesn't rear its ugly head.
Unfortunately Richmond recently announced they would be dropping their men's soccer program which was a huge shock and they we joined yesterday rumor that Towson Men's Soccer would be doing the same. Such sad news for 2 programs with a strong history and both teams have been a regular fixture for us over the years.
Magic Moment of the Day
Gallelli's goal to end the attack v defense activity.
The only thing to keep me sane over the weekend after the loss was our alumni game and events on Saturday. Once again it was great to see the many alumni who support the program and those who couldn't be there we hope to see you next year. The Saturday evening event was another success and I hope we can continue this tradition and build on it each year.
Back to the team and after 2 days off we were back to practice on Tuesday. At the start of practice it was well and truly bucketing it down and the only thing missing was the mud to accompany the heavy downpour. We managed to get through the session without getting swept away and the players enjoyed the rain and slick surface to ping it around.
Today session went well and the focus now is starting Atlantic 10 conference play strong as we look to repeat as regular season champions. Richmond will be our first opponent away from home at 7.30pm on Friday night so its not too far a trip providing DC traffic doesn't rear its ugly head.
Unfortunately Richmond recently announced they would be dropping their men's soccer program which was a huge shock and they we joined yesterday rumor that Towson Men's Soccer would be doing the same. Such sad news for 2 programs with a strong history and both teams have been a regular fixture for us over the years.
Magic Moment of the Day
Gallelli's goal to end the attack v defense activity.
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