La Maquina 1 - Lakehill Red Bulls 2: another great Darby game!

Well, I gotta tell you that despite our loss today, I am actually quite happy with the way you played. I saw an improvement from last week's game. 

Although we started off slow, we began to work hard and stand our ground and in the end, you came close to tying the game up. I think we have to recognize that the Red Bulls have a team that has depth, strength and confidence. They are a very good team who by all accounts has been dominating the league and we should give them the credit they deserve. 

For our part, we struggled to come back from a 2 - 0 deficit, but it was clear that in the second half, we had the run of play and took the game to them. In fact, I heard a few of the boys in their team recognize our talent and skill. In other words, there is a level of respect that is growing between our teams and I am nothing but happy about that. They were unfortunate to not find the back of the net twice in the second half, but we had more chances and were unfortunate as well not to find the back of the net three or four times. 

I was also very impressed with the heart that you guys showed today. 

Boys, losing is tough, but losing when you do your best and leave it all on the field should give you a sense of pride and satisfaction. I am actually happier today, even though we lost, than when we tied to Gorge last weekend. 

In other words, I am very very proud of all of you.

There is one piece of sad news that I do need to tell you about: today I learned that Chase will be moving to the U13 Silver team at the re-start of the season in 2011. The U13 Silver needs a good solid player who can help them do well ~ Chase is someone that can boost that team enormously.  Chase, you will be missed but please do not think for one moment that I do not appreciate what you have done for our team. Just know that I have seen you do well and I am convinced that you will be a phenomenal addition to that team. As far as I'm concerned though, you will always be a part of La Maquina.  Enjoy the rest of the season and do your family proud Chase - thank you buddy.

Now, I want to quickly address the issue of playing time. I know that some of you are feeling hurt and upset because you are not playing as much as you would like.

Now that we have this Christmas break, I urge all of you to take some time and look at your work on the field objectively and honestly. Ask yourself: what are my strengths? what are my weaknesses? What areas of my game do I want to improve? What do I do to improve them? I am sure I speak for David and Jake when I say that our goal is to help you achieve those goals and that we will do all we can to do so ~ but you must also work on your own to achieve those goals. If skill is an issue, get yourself a small soccer ball and practice juggling at home. If fitness is an issue, go swimming, cycling, running, or cross train. You will be happy you did.

I also want to clarify my philosophy when coaching. Throughout my time as a coach, I have always worked hard to instill a clear objective in each player ~ that in soccer, each player needs to recognize that they are in a team, not in an individual sport. Each player must understand that they are part of a team and that the goal is to have a team that performs well, game in and game out. No, this does not mean that I am going to ignore a player's desire to play more or that I will not do my best to get ALL the players involved. But in each game, I have to look at how the team is doing and based on that, put players where they best contribute to the team. I also look at each player during practice ~ it is here in fact where we assess who is improving and who can deliver from game to game.

Inevitably, this means that if a player is having a difficult time in a game and/or during practices, that player may not get as much time in games as he wishes. Is that fair? I suggest to you that YES, it is fair. But more importantly, we need to understand that at the Gold Level, that is the way it is. Equal time can be achieved but it is not just given in the same way that Silver and Bronze teams run. At the Gold level, each player must demonstrate, understand and believe that what matters is the team. By doing so, each player will instinctively work hard to gain more time, to be at every practice, to follow the coaches' instructions, and ultimately to excel as player who strongly contribute to the team's success.

Boys, as you take this well-deserved break, please remember that this soccer season is not about individual players: it is about a team, YOUR team. Also remember that we still have the entire second part of the season to go. So, when we are back in January, I ask you to come back with a renewed attitude and stronger desire to play. Remember that you are part of a great team.

To the parents, I ask that you remember that your son is getting consistent training and that even if your son has not played as much as he would like, he is still improving as a player.

Parents, I understand if you feel frustrated ~ and I absolutely hear you. It is hard to get up early every Saturday, only to have your son play for 10 minutes in a game, and then have that ride home with his sad little face. Yes, I would be upset too.

But I ask you to talk to your son and ensure that he understands that they are now in a higher level of soccer, where each boy must work hard and do their best, every minute of the game, no matter how few those minutes may be. By doing so, you will be instilling a sense of responsibility that they will carry on in other aspects of their lives. As these boys begin their run into the teenage years, the lesson of "I must work hard to reap great rewards" is one that will be used over and over again. And in the end, isn't that what we as parents want? I suppose one can make the argument that equal playing time for all is the best at this age. But I suggest to you that this might dangerously short-sighted ~ just think of this: if your son works hard and at the end of the season he ends up playing at least 30 minutes during games even though at the beginning he was only playing 5 minutes, how do you think he will feel at the end of the season? I suggest to you that his growth and improvement in soccer will be mirrored in other aspects of your his life.

So, with that, I say thank you to all of you. I know some of you may feel frustrated but I ask you to trust us ~ we want the best for the team and each of the boys. But that has to be balanced. Put your confidence behind us and give your boy the support and belief they need so that they become convinced of the idea that if they work hard, they will succeed. 

I truly believe that each one of them can do so.

Thanks again and have a great Xmas.

Sincerely, Coach Roberto

La Maquina 2 - Gorge FC 2 ... way to fight back boys!

High fives all around after an arduous fight ~ Vamos Maquina...PODEMOS!

 What a tough game we had this weekend, eh?! Although we started off with a wonderful goal created by a wonderful one-two pass between Diego and Chase, finished with class by Jesus, we struggled to get our game going and it wasn't until Diego's solo strike to the bottom right of Gorge's goal that we once again saw our quality come to light. 

I must tell you that as I watched the game from the sidelines, I felt concerned by our lack of ease when coming out of our area. Even when making good passes out, we were too slow in receiving them, soft on shielding the ball and seemed to be freaked out by Gorge's physicality. I did see displays of the passing style we have shown in our past games, but it was clear that we were not on our game for much of the middle of the game.

So what happened? Two things: we were out-muscled and two, I failed to give you proper instructions on how to deal with the physicality of our opposition. I saw our game slowly become suffocated by Gorge's aggressiveness and this showed in the insecurity of our passing. Most of all, it was clear to me that we felt intimidated and frustrated, to the point that it took away from the rhythm we so often establish against all the teams we play. We started off well, but succumbed to the choking grip of hard tackles and pushes. Yet, you fought hard and did your best to claim a tie when the wind did not seem to be blowing our way. Finesse, rather than force, won the day. But hey, it was rough!

Boys, my responsibility is to ensure that our team's mentality addresses the opposition we play, game in and game out. This time around, I think my directions were so focused on ensuring our positioning that I did not get you to be stronger on the ball and/or when being checked. Instead, we became reactionary, giving Gorge too much of the ball, sometimes by turning it over, and other times by allowing them to simply run through the heart of the midfield in order to set up an attack.

Diego on the break that led to the equalizer!

In hindsight, I also believe our formation, for this particular game, should have been different. Our defensive stance, combined with hesitation brought on by their physical game, created a scenario where Gorge began to take control of our midfield to the point where neither of our centre backs nor our outside defenders could come up and join the attack effectively. Boys, with physical teams like Gorge we CANNOT allow them to intimidate us. We must play our passing game BUT ALSO be hard and strong. Our fore-checking was not all there and our ability to read their plays was slow. Again, I take blame for this because I should have given you clearer instructions on how to stifle their attacks and take the game to them.

Yet, I gotta tell you that I did see some great things: our free kicks were dangerous. Our centre backs did their best to hold the fort. Our goalie was on fire (yes Georgie, you were amazing!). Our wingers were a force going up and created the two goals we got. Our outside defenders did their best in stopping attacks, even when the opposition was committed to do all in their power to take them off balance. Our forwards did push and try their best to cause mistakes (which resulted on a couple of corner kicks) and did cause some scary moments for Gorge's defence.

In the end, we had a game where we started off very well, then slowly fell to being second to the ball during a big part of it, but that in the end, turned on our inherent capacity to play as a team and our players' astounding individual skills.

As for the players? Here is my assessment.   

George had an amazing game. You have grown exponentially as a goalie. Your saves and command of the goal area is now much better. In my view, I think you were our player of the match ~ stand proud Georgie, your willingness to be La Maquina's goalie is paying off ~ I especially like how you are now coming out to destroy break aways - Atta Boy Georgie! 

No worries...Georgie's got it

 To Quin: your work rate was phenomenal and except for a couple of times that you slipped out of position, I think you had a very solid game. What did I like the most? Your ability to take hit after hit and never give up. It takes a fast kid to break down attacks, but it takes a man to get hit, get up and get on with it. I salute you Sir - amazing work. 

To Luca: your technique continues to shine. Your communication skills are the best in our team and I love how you continue to enjoy taking on a vocal role. All we need now is for you to get involved in the attack more often, to bring your game to the next level - bien hecho Luquita!

To Selou: wuzzup road-runner 2?!?! Man, you worked hard for the team in this game. You played in Luca's position when your friend was hurt and demonstrated your natural talent. I know it is not your favorite role, but by taking on this, you helped the team. There is nothing more admirable than to watch players leave their personal preferences behind and do what is best for the team. I thank you and well done my boy. 

Selou taking on a whole new role and looking for a pass

To Robbie: son, after playing for more than 5 years as a striker, I know it is difficult to try to learn a new position, a new role, a different way of seeing the game. Yet, I tell you that based on what I have seen, your strength and skill give you the tools to be a force in your newly acquired position. Your free kicks, set ups and imposing role is one that you are now delivering consistently. You are force and that is why you have been our captain in the last few games. Yes, there were moments where you could have gone up and attacked more. But this will come. I see you playing up front soon but for now, your role in front of "El Lobo Thomson" is one that you are carrying out well. Keep it up hijo.  

Robbie giving it his all for the team ~ and Chase providing support

To David: your skill and understanding of the centre back position is unsurpassed. You hold your line extremely well and always make sure you give your all when defending. I especially like how slowly but surely, you are becoming more imposing and strong when dispossessing opponents. I urge you to become a formidable duo with Robbie so that the two of you can cast a shadow of fear on anyone who comes near our net. You can do it Lobo ~ I fully trust in you.  All we need is for one of you to join the attack more and become that link between our back line and our forward line. I know you can do it fellas! 

El Lobo, setting things up

 To Jesus I thank for your skillful displays and enduring attack. Jesus, there is no question that you can make even a grown man look silly once you take anyone on. But we need you to use that phenomenal skill to create more attacks and remember that even if you don't get a goal, if our team does well, so do you.  Please also remember that your role is one that requires you to come back and defend. You are a threat to any team. So Jesus, let's take it to next level ~ tu puedes hacerlo Jesus.

Jesus and Diego ~ here we go fellas!

 To McGregor: you did well on the wing but we still need you to remember that even when you think that your partner in defence has the man, you have to come back and help out. You are improving Mackie. You are fast, have great cuts and moves and have become an essential part of this team. I know you have it in you to continue to excel - work hard and the results will astound you. 

Mackie collecting the ball to mount another attack

 To Kiyoshi,  despite getting some roughing done to you in the second half, you continued to want to play and do what you do best - control the ball and set up plays. Kiyoshi, you have demonstrated an uncanny sense of vision and you must continue using it. Don't let hard tackles take that away from you. Those tackles come because players cannot deal with you in a clean manner: you're too good! So keep it up. Once your mental and physical strength matches your skill, you will be surprised at yourself. I know it! 

Kiyoshi, looking Zidane-esque!

 To Chase: your hard style is never missing. You are one of our toughest players in this team and you showed it this game. You even got hit on the face but this did not deter you from doing your best. Your assist was one to admire, and I say "great vision". We still need to work on your skill but for now, I want to focus on ensuring that you know your role, as a winger or stopper, so that even if you find yourself in tough situations, you will have the understanding to come out successful. But for now just know that I am so happy you are in this team. Keep it up!

To Diego: my boy, it is true that you rushed sometimes, that you lost position sometimes, but man, when it is time to deliver, boy do you ever. What an amazing goalllllllllllllll! I have replayed it in my head several times and still think "how did he get that curl on the ball??" I tell you how ~ you have practiced and it shows! Your hard work, your "I'm not giving up" attitude combined with your skill make you a joy to watch. You should be proud of your goal but most of all, proud that your team jumped with joy when you scored ~ a special mention should be made for your cool dance moves after your goal. I am so glad your father is finally teaching you something ~ (el Michael Flatley of Foul Bay Rd).

How happy were we to score? Just ask Diego and the team around him!

But last, I want to make a special mention to Tark: son, you did not see a lot of minutes in this game. I know it is hard for you to come to a game and then only play 10 minutes. I ask you to understand that this is not a reflection of your desire or willingness to play. Rather, it is what the game demands. Yet, tonight, when I saw you at practice, you showed that you still want to prove yourself and want to become better. You worked hard, ran hard and showed good passing. Tark, you are part of this team, whether you play for 5, 10, 15 or 20 minutes. Don't you ever forget that. I want to tell you that I am so very proud of you and guarantee you that if you continue on that road, the rewards will come. 

So, to conclude I say this: no, we did not lose ~ we tied a tough team. But yes, it did feel a bit like a loss because we know that our team has what it takes to play better and achieve more ~ but let's not throw everything out the window. Remember where we are and how we are doing thus far. Considering how physical Gorge played, we did well - we never gave up!

In my view,  I feel that I could have given you better direction during the game. So, with that, I say let's learn from it. We will work on fitness, on strength and on the physical aspect of the game for the next few practices. Skill-wise, we are quite well-positioned. We now need to work on making sure that all the players have the same stamina and fitness and "garra" (yes, look it up) that can prepare us for future games. It is up to me and David to come up with new strategies that utilize the tools we have been given.

Classy to the very end

Let's keep going fellas!

I want to express my thanks to a few of you. To my co-coach David who, although I am sure he saw things he probably would have done differently, left it all up to me to fix. To Fred and Fabian who always help out and have respect for my work and trust in me. And last to all the parents who week in and week out come out to support this wonderful team. Not bad for a bunch of 10 and 11 year olds who before this season had never really played together, eh?!

Gracias a todos, and see you Wednesday at practice ~ we're on the grass at 5:00 pm. Ciao!

Coach Roberto

PS: thank you so much to Brian Croke for taking such amazing pictures this weekend. Please feel free to continue doing so Brian! Cheers.

PPS: if anyone of you have other pictures, please send them to Bela.

Gorge v. La Máquina ends in a 2 all draw! (full post to come by late tomorrow)

Diego hams it up after the late equalizer! (photo - B.Croke)