Our first team win

Last week was a hard week to take. I was mad and upset. I thought we were a better team than the Clash was yet we could not win a single game yet. There were missed opportunities and we could not beat them. I was so mad, I couldn't blog about it. and I spent the most of the week trying to figure out what we can do to make my team better.

So I decided that I needed to lead this team. This was the way it was going to go. i was going to rejoin the team on the field and take it to the other team. I was going to push my skills and LEAD this team.

But as it turned out, I didn't need to lead the team on the field, but lead the team while in goal. but first the game details. Everyone stepped up and improved their game. Jen came in and played a great defense. She didn't let anyone get to the ball. Sandra and Norma also stepped up big. They took up being a defender, and played a great game. Adrian, Steve, and Ed all stepped up too on Defense. They switched around abit, but they had great step ups on the D. Adrian had some good moves amd moved the ball around great. Brandon and Candice has given this team a huge talent boost. They are able to pass and shoot and set and example for others on the team. I think the team gets inspired and want to do the same.

Steve, Sandy and Brandon all scored for us. steve finally got that elusive goal to tie Sandy in the number of career goals. But Sandy stepped up and scored her 2nd goal of her career. Brandon tipped in a hard work goal to finish it off.
I didn't think it was a big moment, but I brushed it off ready to go to the next one. Apparently there was a huge shot and i quickly got my hand up and knocked it away. The bench and crowd were cheering the great save. Some thought it was going in, but I took a huge save.

I was extremely proud of this teams effort. And I think building on this win will boost this morale. I know I was relieved to have the big "monkey" off my back with our first win. And now its on to anothter team that we can take it too and beat.

Indoor Soccer Week 3; vs Superbad

Week 3
This last week we went up against the other half of "Cave Dwellers" called Superbad. Unforetunately, it didn't turn out any better. We ended up losing 9-4. But I think this team is significantly better than us. They are the top of the divison, whereas we are just getting started. They had more speed more skill more everything... except players. They had go into the stands to pull people to play with their team. I think 1/2 the team wasn't even on their team. As for us I asked 3 people to replace those who were injured. And this happened way before the start of the game.
I tried my best, but again, the talent level over there is greater than the talent on my team. They should really be called Rudy and whoever wants to play with him. Rudy once again, played the entire game. And with 3 guys on the bench, I doubt everyone played enough in the game. I think I am already seeing chunks of this team falling apart too. One of their players is looking to join a 3rd team. Why would you do that? oh yeah you're not getting playing time. Gee, I think I was on the same page. and a few of the other players on my team were feeling the same way.
In any case, that team is the top tier, and we are starting out. Hopefully this will improve. But this was the most fustrating game. It was probably because Rudy's highschool team was out-playing agaisnt us.
In the end, we only play them once, so who cares. It's just one game. Of the 3 games, we have enjoyed the 2 not against Rudy. The team needs to brush this off and move on. THere are other teams where it will be alot more fun to play and enjoy. Where the skill level is about the same and we can enjoy our time out there.

The Truth about "No F In Talent"

As my new team comes together, the truth comes out about my 1st former team. After I was kicked off the team, it subsequently fell apart. It all started from the return of the Manager's Wife. MW came in and decided that there needed to be changes. First, she wanted her nephew/Godson to come play with them. But that was at the expense of my team membership. That was the last that I had heard from the team. Other than saying hello from time to time, I had no contact with the team. And after that season, the team disappeared. It didn't come back for the season after.

So now the truth has come out. Apparently MW had some deep rooted jealousy issues. When she came back, she realized the team had changed. The group that was there had bonded together and, because she wasn't there, she felt left out (too bad she kicked me off. 1st time she came out with us, I went up to her and introduced myself. I tried to make her welcome.). And/or, it is possible, my removal had drawn tension within the teammates. I know some people were upset, confused, and disappointed about me being not allowed back.

She started making demands. She wanted to kick off 'this person' and 'that person' because they were too close to her friends. Then finally, half way through the season, she decides that "she is done" and took her husband (the best player and manager) away from the team.
The rest of the team is now divided. There are the ones that were her close friends. And then the people who were friends of friends. How do you decide which side, or better yet, how do you stay neutral?

The team went on to win the division, but the drama didn't stop. The day before the new season was to start, MW (and husband) decides to disband the team. The DAY BEFORE. Ironically, that is exactly what happened to me!!! This time, they are kicking EVERYONE off the team, with no way of recovering the team or holding on their spot. They took away everything, standing in Strikers Den, jerseys, fees, etc. If they wanted a team, they would have to start at the bottom as a brand new team.

Now there would be a time when the team would not come back together. Its progress. People have kids, and families, and the economy all progress to the end. However it's the way that this happened that really left a bad taste in everyone's mouth.

In the end, their disbandment is to my advantage. I'm now picking up some of the players to play with me.

The funniest fallout was on the first game. Victoria was asked "Are you going to walk the bench and make demands?" Victoria had a funny look, and said "No way," We didn't know the full story. But we do now. And in the end it turned out better than expected. I got on a championship team; and now I run my team with some of the players and we're having lots of fun.

So here's to a negative turned positive.

Indoor Soccer Week 2

This week we worked on positioning. And while we lost, we played alot better. I know I'm improving as a goalkeeper. I still have those moments where I don't know if I should engage or allow the defender to take the ball.

This was a tough week too for attendees. We had alot of absences: Rob, Matt, Hugh, Tonya, Eliza, though she made it right before game time. That's almost half the team. So we called in a few favors and ended up with Brandon and Jen from my former No F In Talent team. I had forgotten how good they are and they showed it. They definitely boosted the talent level on the team.

However everyone had a good game, especially Steve and Adrian. These two were so close to getting the goals. Steve had some creative shots and some creative passes. He's stepped up in winger and defender.
Adrian has improved his ball handling and it showed. He is starting to move through people, something that I haven't seen from him. I'm was getting impressed by him.

I think as people learn the system they will get into better position. I know 2 people who didn't completely understand the system. I think they stayed back too far, especially when the action is on the other end. I'll have to work with them and try to get them to realize that they can provide more support if they are in position.

All in all, I think everyone got a good workout in. No one loves losing, but people are having fun and stepping up and out of their comfort zone and it is improving their game.

On to Week 3!

Indoor Soccer Week 1

Week 1 was in interesting week for me. Everyone was excited and the buzz was great. But to say we had it easy is an understatement. Being a new team, we were placed in D6 division. and our first opponent was a D5 team dropped down to D6. Not a good matchup. But we went out there anyways and worked hard.

We ended up playing Mario, who was Ricky and Lori's nephew/Godson. AKA, the guy who came back on "No F In Talent" and got me kicked off. Oh well. that seems like ages ago.

The game was a blowout of course. A D5 team vs a new team who should be in D6 = our 9-1 loss. Worse, Matt got hurt 7 minutes into the game. He twisted up his knee and couldn't put any weight on it. It shortened our bench. Hopefully he'll recover for his next game.

All in all, we had a crappy game. But it was expected since it was our first game together and we didn't know our streangths and weaknesses. But we'll learn together and play together. We worked hard, and that's what I can ask of my team since we are new. in 1-2 seasons together we'll start racking up the wins. Until then though, Hard work and good work ethic will be our motto.

Due to our blowout loss, they pushed us into D7. So that's good news. The competition will be lighter and more even this week. If we can make it through the week. We will have alot of absenses, and I don't know what replacements will be on hand. So I hope it works out.

The New Soccer Season Beings

Yesterday I realized that this Soccer team is really coming together and really becoming real. The jerseys were delivered to me. It is amazing. Not so much that they are here, but because it is something I didn't realize I was going to do. and suddenly here it is.

I've been itching all day so far to get otu of work and go play. I can't wait to use my new skills. I took Goaltending class on Wednesday. It was alot of fun and I learned alot. but I came out really sore. My hamstrings are hurting badly. They were used in ways they were not used to. Even today they still hurt, just not as badly. I'll have to find a way to get them in shape for goaltending.

Sarah Txtmsg me today. She wanted to know $ for jerseys and color socks. heh. I'm happy to see Sarah again. she was my closest friend on the team. I think we connected because we have alot of similarities. She was planning her marriage and so was I. We both have kegerators. It was cool.

Sean Wolf and The Body Restoration Clinic sponsored my team, and purchased the jerseys. It was a big step for me, and something i am glad Sean wanted to do. I always try to get him new business. I hope that this venture of ours will get him new business.

Matt also txtmsg me today. He's ready and waiting. He's sitting at home on vacation. probably eating bon-bons watching soap operas, instead of ingesting healthy gameday food. hahaha. just kidding. Matt's my goalie brother, so I hope he's ready for this. If he does half of what I did on Wed, he'll be sore.

I've been training with Hugh. He's new at this. Doesn't know what he's getting into. hahaha (shhh don't tell him). But it has been alot of fun training with him. I've taught him alot of things and in turn re taught myself. I hope that he will be able to incorporate those items into his game. I do not expect much in skill and talent. But I know he is going to give it his all. And when he does that, he will make up for his inexperience. And as he gains experience I will watch him evolve into a good player.

Lastly, Victoria, my fiancee. What can I say. I know she was mad at me about playing time and getting into the game too much. But she knows it is important. She sees this new team as a leadership thing for me. She has told me how proud of me she is that I started this team. When she says that, I am so happy and thankful she is supporting me. I know that I am doing the right thing.

To my new and old teammates. I am happy that you have joined me in this adventure. I will take the lead and take you guys to a new dimension. Thank you all for putting your trust in me. I pray that I will not let you down. We will have fun this year. and we will play our hearts out. And in the end, there will be "punch and pie" or better "beer and pizza".

Come on down and watch us. I'll post the game times as they come around. It'll be fun.

Indoor Soccer Division Champs

Friday night, we went out and dominated our opponents. And we became the Friday Night Coed Divisoin 7 Champions!! it was a good battle. We had lots of fun. The downside was we had alot of people show up. If you were on the roster and you heard we were in the championship game, you showed up. Another disadvantage of the house team.

After the game, some of us realized that this was the end of this team.

Myself, I only got to play 7 minutes in the 2nd half. I didn't even play the first half. There were so many guys that showed up. And that is the main reason why I'm leaving the team and starting my own. We can't have this influx of players in and out and not knowing what will happen who will play. I would rather have alittle more control over it. So here we go with our new team.

I enjoyed the people who came and played on this team. There were all sorts of people and players. Good bad, beginners, veterens, youth and experience.

But I look forward to playing on my new team with familiar players. People who will play for me and with me. It is an adventure that I look forward too.

First win with new team!

Here's alittle bit of news.  My Soccer team, the house team, won its first game.  We played hard and out worked the other team.  I don't think I played my best game, but I had a few blocks and an assist.  We ended up winning the game 8-2.  

At the end of the game I also discovered that Debbie is going to manage the team.  So we're not a house team any more, we are an official team.  We have to decide what roster to have though.  Players have come in and out and we need to figure out who should be here.  I think we have the core players, the players who come every week (so far).  Then we have players who have come time to time.  Also we need a goalkeeper.  I also told Debbie that she needs to establish the character and direction on this team.  She wants to manage she has to decide how this team will be run.  She points in the diretion and we will follow that direction.  Hopefully she'll take my wisdom and experience as guidence.  I'll follow her lead.  And on we go.  Next season should be alot better now.

Cut from Soccer Team

While on vacation, I recieved an e-mail from the team "secratary" (she handles all the coordination).  In it was my pink slip, my cut form, my "wishes in all your future endevers".  

I was shocked to know that I was being cut from the team.  Apparently there were 2 "returning" players.  And they had "senority" to the team so they started cutting the new players.  And because "S" came before "T" I was first cut.  Hope Travis knows he could be next. 

To hamper the situation, they informed me on the day before the season started.  And to make matters worse, I was out of town. It appears I can not join another team this season.  So I'm really screwed.

I really enjoyed playing soccer again.  I was looking forward to new opponents and new challenges this season.  

I will have to be processed in the free agent process in order to get onto another team next season.  That's in 10 weeks (now 9).  But here's what I'm going to do.  I'm going to get better.  I'm going to join some classes that Strikers Den offers.  This way I can get more practice and learn some new moves.  

Hopefully, I won't play against my old team soon.  You get the revenge factor going and then you play alittle more aggressive than you really want to.  Then things are done, words are said, and it's all over.  

Now I know how it feels on pro teams. ha.  Somewhere there's a silver lining.  I'll have to find it.  Hopefully I can get onto a new team and play next season.

Indoor Soccer; Versus Gladiators

Gladiators was the team last season that defeated my team "No F In Talent." So when this matchup came around again, we were excited and determined to play a good, fundamentally sound game. As it turned out, we ended up leaving blood sweat and tears on the field.

The intensity was clear right from the start. lots of arms flailing and kicks to the legs (rather than the ball). There were alot of fouls in the game, more than usual. But for the most part we were able to take the game to them. We frustrated them. and jumped out to a good lead going into halftime.

Then it all comes crashing down. With 15 minutes left in the game, our Captain, Rick, runs over one of the other teams best players. It sparks a lot of harsh words and challenges. 2 guys tried to challenge Rick to fight. I ran over and pulled back our keeper and tried to pull back our teammates. Rick was ejected from teh game. We knew now we had to play our best defense. Rick is one of our best players. and with him gone we knew offense was going to struggle alittle. but our D had to be strong. So we went out and proved it.
Fortuneately for us, the 2 guys wanting to fight Rick also got carded, yellow carded. so they were on time out. it was 5 on 4. Very unusual for that matchup. Our team came out and played some very good defense. We bent, but didn't break. We let some in, but we didn't let them take the lead. It came down to 6 to 5 on the scoreboard.
With 1 minute left, the other team kicked a 3 line pass, which is illegal, so the ball came back. And Koens took a 1/4 field shot for a score, making it 7-5. The game ended. Our team knew we had played and conqured the other team.

The schedule get alittle easier. Well of course, we just played the BEST team in the league and now everyone else is not the same calibur. But the trade off is that we are losing some players. Jobs change and some of them have to move on. I am no where near the calibur of these players. I, personally, will try my best to push forward and get better. They took me onto this team. And now it is time to show my worth to my teammates.

Time for Soccer! 1st Game Back.

Friday I made my re-debut. Repackaged. Rededicated. I was ready for my first soccer game in some 13 years.

I arrived at the arena ready to go. I was told we were short a few people too. So I was told to get ready to play. I ran out to the field ready to go.I looked at a few jerseys but I wasn't happy until I picked up #12. I thought... "Patrick Marleau. Sounds good enough." I warmed up with the team and took a few shots.

I think I did pretty good. I mean I scored 3 goals! Unbelievable. I don't know why or how but I was on FIRE!!! The first and 3rd goals I scored were crosses. Somehow, I was maneuvered around to the Left Wing. I "drove the net" and the passes were there for me to capitalize on. The 2nd goal was a "out-work" goal. The opposing team's defenseman said "here goalie" and passed it back to him. Well I was already headed to the net. So I ran to the ball, sidestepped and stole the ball from the defense-woman, and softly tipped the ball past the goalie into the short-side corner of the net. Like I said, Outwork the other team. Pay attention to the little details.

With every high is a low. 2nd half of the game. I was gased. I was going to do a kick in from the side. and I misfired. I'm already on the side, and I kicked it into the opponents bench. I was embarressed. I'll rack it up to excitement and exhaustion. To make matters worse, the other team kicked in and immeadiately went down and scored. Now my stupidity led to a goal. I'm going to have to work on this.

By the end of the game, my legs were tired. sometime between the 30-40 minute mark I was tired. my legs couldn't move. I couldn't maneuver. And I had to get to the end at 50 minutes. The first 20 minutes I was fine. I rotated in and out with the bench as well.

OK. Here's the truth about the game. Before the game started the Referee came over and told us that the other team was not ready by Start Time. That means they forfeit the game. This was now a scrimmage. So all those goals I scored... they don't actually count. But I think it was good for me to gauge exactly where I am in my training.

I'm going to have to work on my stamina. Keep running for me. Also I need to work on passes. and shots. I'm going to need someone to help me with that. If it's a 50 minute game. I need to be able to maneuver for at least 40 minutes. That's my goal. Run and stop for 40 minutes. I figure at least 10 minutes will be used on the bench. I want to be able to give 100% during the first 20, and last 20.

But in the end: 3 goals. Not to bad. First time in 13 years. And after thinking of it, that's the first time I scored a multi-goal game. And dad said he doesn't remember me scoring 3 goals in my career. So I hope I made a good impression on my teammates. And I hope that they'll let me play next week.