As the dark clouds loomed overhead and the threat of more rain was seen on the horizon our team prepared for its game against Milton Chrysler at Kinsmen park.
Last weeks game was called off due to lightning and it looked like we might suffer the same result but the clouds began to break as the game started. Madison took to the net for one of her first times in goal and looked ready to go.
The game played on and as I was running up and down the field with our team barking out commands, I noticed our team was ready. Matthew was highlighting his skills making sure he kept the ball in the field and running quickly up the field. Nicholas and Ethan were great on defense and as the other team tried to make it towards our net, they quickly kicked the ball away and gave our team another chance.
Sunju showed grit as he made amazing improvements with running the ball and making sure he stayed open in front of the net. The goalie for Milton Chrysler (I didnt get her name off the game sheet) did an amazing job stopping hard shots from Katie, Nathan, Matthew and Sunju.
At half time we were only down by one goal and Madison made her way from the net up to the front. Anthony showed risk taking abilities in the second half by diving out into the crowd to get the ball. A few of his saves made some of the parents (including myself) gasp in the hope he didnt get hurt, but he made the key saves when they were needed.
Jordan and Madison did another great job on defense and kept our team in the game. Matthew scored a couple of quick goals on key passes from Ethan and Nicholas that was the deciding factor.
Both teams played a very spirited game and each time I called out and asked if they were having fun, both Milton Chrysler and Team Chudleighs screamed out “YAAAAAAAAA!”
As a coach, Im quite proud of the team. Not for the win, although it was a good game, but for the fact theyve learned and are now applying the things both Gary and I have taught them about positioning and passing the ball. They improve with every game and I feel guilty that Im probably having more fun then they are.