Thank you for a wonderful season - Until Next Year!

Top from Left to Right: Kiyoshi, Jesus, David, Robbie, Tarkan and McGregor Bottom from Left to Right: Selou, Quin, George, Diego and Luca

Dear friends:

In my last post as head co-coach of this wonderful team, I would like to thank all of you for your support and mostly, thank the boys for their undying spirit. From all perspectives, this has been a great season. All of our boys improved tremendously this year and Dave, Jake and I are all very proud of what they achieved.

I know that this season was special because our team came together literally a couple of weeks before the season began. Yet, through hard work, we surpassed unexpected issues and together had the pleasure to see the rise in skill and understanding of the game in all the boys.

It is clear that hard work does pay off, and for that, I congratulate each one of you.

I also hope that you cherish the awards you won this year:

Tarkan - Team Spirit Award

Selou - Most Versatile Player Award

Quin - Speed Demon Award

Diego - Best Goal Award

Kiyoshi and Robbie - Most Assists Awards

Jesus - Golden Boot Award

Davey - Best Defender Award
Robbie - Leadership Award

Luca - Lionheart Award

McGregor - Most Improved Award

George - Most Valuable Player Award (voted by his fellow players)

La Maquina ~ March 12, 2011

In the end though, award or not, all the boys must be proud of what they learned and how they applied it on the field. Our last two games were tough but just think of this: considering that half of our team was composed of players who are playing a year up (with one of our boys still 10 years old) and also that some of our players had never even met each other, think of this: Out of the 16 games we played, we won 8, tied 4 and only lost 4 ~ it is without any doubt an outstanding achievement.

Congratulations boys!

I want to end by saying thank you to Jake who, despite having to miss part of the season due to other commitments, brought his vision and ideas to the club ~ thank you Jake. I also want to say many thanks to Bela Gomes, who managed our team and worked hard to keep tabs on logistics, stats, practice and game times ~ thank you Bela.

And last, to my friend David del Castillo, whose vision of the game is one I fully share. Together, we managed to ruffle some feathers at the beginning of the season but in the end, both of us, with assistance from Jake, were able to stir this team into exactly what it became: a Machine.

To all the parents who stood in the cold, rain, wind and still managed to scream "come on guys, keep going" I say thank you so much. Although I do not know what the future holds for me, I am humbled to have had the chance to coach your boys this year ~ Gracias.

Best of luck in the future to each of the boys: Much love fellas.

Sincerely, 

Roberto Alberto

La Maquina 2 Cordoba Bay 1 ~ exciting game!

Zup everybody!

Well, we did it again ~ we were able to come out victorious. I have to say that I did feel concerned today with some of our play. I think we were a bit too panicky on the ball a few times and there were too many turnovers for my liking. But I do have to recognize that we created some amazing opportunities. Overall, I do think we deserved the win, but have to recognize that Cordoba Bay did put a lot of pressure on us and made us make mistakes.

I want to tell you the things I thought were really good:

First, our shots ~ I think today we put a good display of taking shots on net. I think almost every one of you took a shot today. Fantastic. I was particularly happy with Robbie and Jesus who dominated that department. Well done to all of you. 

Second, our play down the wing ~ I think there several times when Diego and Luca, as well as Jesus and Quin, combined really well on the sides. I think for me, seeing Quin not only shut down on the opposition's best player while still supporting the attack, was very well done. So this is an area where clearly, we are improving.

Third, our corner kicks ~ today we used both long and short corner kicks to great effect. I think we are beginning to pay attention to what the other team is doing before we take the corner kicks. This is allowing us to use the best approach every time. 

Fourth and last, our goalkeeping and defensive stance on corner kicks ~ we are more aware of what we need to cover. George continues to improve day in and day out. We got to the ball first, before other players did during corner kicks, and this was important.

Now, here's what I saw as needing improvement:

First, too many turnovers ~ today, we panicked when under pressure. There is no need for us to do that. We have the skill to settle the ball and pass to the open man. We failed on that today and frankly, we were fortunate several times that we gave the ball away. I was frustrated to see you stop an attack and then immediately just give the ball to the team. Fellas, we need to stop that, immediately. We'll work on controlling the ball while under pressure this week.

Second, our lack of defensive pressure ~ last week, we presented a great display of discipline and defensive strategy that culminated in us shutting down one of the best teams in this division. Today though, we lost that. Not once, but several times, we gave WAY too much space to opposition players. We then began to scramble and try to defend two guys at once, creating more space that the other team exploited. It was scary. So, what do we do? We work on that furious defensive style again and make it a must in every game and every practice.

Last, our inaccurate passing ~ now, this is almost the same as the one above, but not quite. With this one, I am referring to players having time and possession of the ball and yet managing to make difficult passes that were easily cut off by the opposition. Our goal kicks were problematic for a big chunk of the first half. Our passes down the wing were also suffering towards the end. And for some reason, we couldn't really get control of the ball in the attacking center of the field. Perhaps it was just one of those games, but my boys, we need to remember that without accuracy, we will run into serious trouble. So, we need to be diligent and accurate with our passing. 

In the end though, you should be happy and proud of the overall performance. We did win, we did show great plays and yes, we created some amazing chances. 

We just need to work on maintaining the same level of defensive work EVERY GAME ~ I know you can do it boys.

Last, who should be man of the match? I thought about this one and frankly, two boys really stood out: Jesus and George. Jesus for his genius display of skill in that second goal and also his ability to control the ball so well on the wing throughout the game. I also have to say that Jesus' turnover rate was very low and that his passing was also quite good. But then we have George, whose saves kept our team ahead and literally protected us from having the other team tie the game as time wound down. George came out several times and cut breakaways in an incredibly gutsy manner. George also made some great passes down the wing that created immediate counter-attacks. Most of all, it was his "I don't care if I break my nose" style that makes his team rally up and get behind him. 

So, I will give special mention to Jesus (your goal and that one pass you made to Diego were simply phenomenal ~ Jesus, you were our best outfield player today) but for this week, the MAN OF  THE MATCH goes to George Lambert.

Well done Georgie!!

Ok, I hope that all the parents had a good time today. Thank you again. Thanks to Jake and of course, to my brother el Charrua Davito.

Remember, practice at 6:00 in the gym this Monday and then at 5:00 pm on Wednesday at the turf.

Keep going Maquina ~ you are playing great ~!

Sincerely, 

Coach Roberto

La Maquina 3 vs Bays United 1 ~ Another Great display of TeamWork!

Hello Maquinistas!

McGregor takes his buddy Marcel for an "all ball" ride ... then they shook hands and shared a laugh after the game.....true fútbolistas!

Today we faced arguably one of the top teams in our division ~ so you can imagine how proud I am of all the boys as we came out victorious. Bays United does not only have a solid team, but also possesses players that at any moment can dismantle a team. Yet, today we contained them, but even better, we took the game to them and did not let up.

I was so impressed with our level of diligence in closing down spaces and disallowing their attackers from setting up for easy shots or easy passes. Yes, practice worked! Our style of play (the quick one-two's or our drives through the middle) are becoming more and more effective also. Today, we avoided holding on to the ball unnecessarily and most importantly, we used our options consistently. 

Overall, no matter how you break it down, we dominated the crucial areas of the field and deserved to win.

So how did each of you do? Well, here you go:

George: Mr. Lambert made some amazing saves today. Man, I saw how you got your finger tips on one particular diagonal shot that I was fearing would hit the back of the net - but it wasn't so because of your cat-like reflexes. I was sad to see that you couldn't get your shut out. But you know what? No matter ~ you made great saves and will continue to be our fantastic goalie at the back. Well done Georgie.

David: as usual, El Lobo was composed, solid and read the attacks of the opposition extremely well. Your strength is showing more and more each game that goes by. I also saw you driving through the middle a few times (and even taking a shot!), communicating well with Robbie so that if you went up, he stayed behind. It was another great display of your understanding of the game. Yes, the goal against us came because of a small lapse in communication but in my view, considering the game and who we were playing, it is nothing to cry about ~ bien hecho Davey.

Robbie: a while back I told Robbie how impressed I was with the way in which he was performing in the middle of the park. Robbie, today you showed that you are excelling in your role: your drives through the middle, your incisive passes and most of all, your ability to step in and take control of the middle was outstanding. I was so impressed with how you directed the team, telling your fellow players who to mark, when they had time, when they should carry and also when you wanted the ball. Son, I am proud of you, especially because you have stepped up in your role as captain. By the way, that shot you took from half way which was beautifully saved by Aaron, was one for the books. Keep going my boy ~ you are on fire. Well done.

Quinton: my man Quin was once again strong as a right back. I saw how you fought against Bays United's most dangerous player and took the ball from him several times. Your strength on the ball and your shielding were top notch. You also showed a quiet determination that made you keep your cool, even when under pressure. I especially loved how, when I told you to go in where Robbie usually plays, you did not complain but instead went in with lots of enthusiasm. That is a true team player. And yes, you did take a hit on the nose but guess what? You can now tell your friends "Man, I got a bazooka shot on my face on Saturday. I was bleeding profusely but you know what? It was all worth it - we won!" ~ great game Quinny...well done.

Luca: Mr. Slidecheck showed what a left back must do. Your positioning, passing and hard work shone through once again. One thing that I am very impressed with is how your decision-making is consistently good. I do not see you freaking out or just kicking the ball in panic. When under pressure, you place it for a throw in only when you have no other option. Otherwise, you always look for a pass. This shows maturity and I couldn't be prouder. Keep going Luca ~ you have a natural talent that you must continue to develop. Well done.

Diego: El Charrua started off a bit slow but in no time came into his own as usual. I saw a couple of amazing passes that clearly showed that you are understanding how to use space and how to exploit unmarked areas. I loved how now, after playing up front for so many games, you are now demonstrating a more diligent style on the wing. Although some may say that you are not fast enough to play up front or on the wing, those of us who play and understand the game and know that since acceleration, quick feet and skill are what you need to perform well in those positions, you are optimal for those positions. You have the tools ~ use them consistently. Great game again Dieguito.

Selou: roadrunner move aside, Selou is taking over! This boy was great again. One thing that I liked is that, even though you could just rely on your speed, I saw you making good passes and actually looking up to make those passes. Yes, you had some moments where inaccuracy crept in, but the fact that you are finally looking to make passes and give the ball to those players who are in better positions shows that you are growing as a player. Selou, you must keep doing this. It is a must in all good players. Well done.

Jesus: well well well, what can I say...oh I know "Hat Trick!" ~ Jesus showed his natural talent in front of the net. You know, last night, as I thought about our plan of attack, I was thinking about who would take goal kicks, free kicks, corners and penalties. I decided to give Jesus the responsibility to take penalties because of his composure. Jesus, I was happy to see you deliver today ~ you did very well. I also want to say that I am happy to see you coming back and helping the defence. You must continue doing that. Overall, what a great game you had.

Kiyoshi: My friend, today you followed my instructions and were a menace on the attack. You did not hold on to the ball unnecessarily but instead used your skill to feint and open the field up. Your passes were amazing and you created many opportunities for us to score. You provided McGregor with his chance to take that shot that hit the post and you also created many corners kick in our favor. You also opened their defence up and almost scored yourself. Kiyoshi, today you showed why you are with us ~ you are a great player. Well done.

McGregor: What...a...game! You played up front and did not fail to impress me. Your passing, your aggressiveness, your shot on the post and your work rate was exactly what I wanted. You made great passes that kept exploiting the space behind Bays United's defenders. You held the ball when needed and ran your butt off. At one point, I was going to give you a breather but you were doing so well, I just left you on. You proved me right and I comend you for your work. In my view, this was the best game you've had so far. Told you: you gotta keep fighting and working hard. It is paying off my boy ~ because of the improvement you showed today and the work you gave for the team, I am going to give you MAN OF THE MATCH this week. You deserve it ~ Well done my boy.

Tarkan ~ where were you???????? Hope you are ok. 

So, in the end, all of you should be smiling today. One, because you were able to beat a very talented team, but most importantly, because of the way in which you did it.

I want to thank all the parents for their support and my fellow coaches, David and Jake. Brothers, these boys are improving every month that goes by. It's a collective effort ~ thank you so very much for letting me be a witness to this great journey.

See you at practice Monday night ~ Saludos a todos!

Coach Roberto Alberto

Lakehill "La Maquina" 4 vs Lakehill "Silver Bullets" 1

Although you don't see him, Selou is taking care of business at the back!

Great work this weekend yet again fellas!

I have to say that the Silver Bullets deserve a lot of credit too ~ they fought hard and gave us a run for our money for sure. However, we worked hard and did come on top. It was too bad that we did not have George or Quin. I was glad to see us get a good result for them. We hope you guys are getting better soon!

During the game, there were several moments of greatness, but we also did have some moments when holding on to the ball caused us some angst. Nevertheless, it was good to see you guys take advantage of the opportunities we created.

I have to commend McGregor for working hard at the back and also Selou for his awesome work as a goalie ~ thank you guys for shifting into positions that you usually do not play. This was a great example of players working hard for the team ~ thank you guys!

I also want to say thanks to Jake for running the lines and taking care of our team on Saturday morning.

hmm...who will get it?

If you can take anything away from this game is that we must not forget the need to make decisions quicker. We will need to work on moving the ball faster from player to player when we have possession of the ball, especially if we want to take advantage of the space teams create when they attack us.
We can do it, I know so.

The referee setting the tone ~ good ref

Great goals by Jesus (awesome positioning of the ball), Diego's (great cut back and shot with your lefty) and yes, Luca ~ great one timer Luquita. We were very happy to see you get on the scoreboard.

Diego, never giving up

Robbie and Davey were great at the back, combined with a skillful Kiyoshi and a very tenacious Tarkan.

Davey and Kiyoshi, assessing things

Tarkan looking for help while surrounded by 4 opponents

Last, I want to say that I am seeing lots of improvement during our Futsal nights at the gym. This type of practice helps you with two things: skill and fitness. So, even if you play 15 minutes and then have to sit for 10, you are still getting a good 40 to 45 minute non-stop work out on the ball at all times. Well done guys.
Alright, please be at Braefoot on Wednesday at 5:00 pm as usual. Practice practice practice ~ that is what will make you better. 

For now, take care guys and see you this weekend ~ who do we play? I believe it's Bays United...should be another great game. 

Ciao!

Coach Roberto

Lakehill "La Maquina" - 5 v. Peninsulla "Breakers" - 1

a note:

Sorry guys but no photos were taken at this game because we're having some issues regarding people not wanting pictures of their kids on the internet and we need to pay a little more attention to ensure we're not upsetting anyone. We will take pictures at the next game and discuss with the coaches before hand whether or not it will be okay to post them. If not, we're going to post anyway and blob out their players so that we can continue to show pictures of the action and not deeply upset anyone. 

The Game

I've got to say that I was so stoked to see all of you on your very top form in this game! I don't think we've had a game yet where everyone has played with so much confidence and skill. From kick-off I saw a string of 9 passes before even a challenge could be made for the ball and it was really testament to all of your hard work at practice - congratulations guys.

A couple of issues that we need to address are corners and throw-ins but the touch is coming along nicely and it's been a real pleasure to see you all maturing this year.

I think La Máquina is a great little team and I especially like the bond I see forming between you all. In the game it is important to trust the players on your team and sometimes it can be hard because you  only see each other 2 or 3 times a week for a few hours. I commend you all on working so hard to become a solid unit, respectful of each other, and tough when you need to be.

So great game guys and the next blurb about our derby v. the silver bullets will be a little more in depth and fun to read and see - I promise.

hasta Sabado, yo!

Coach Dave