Game recap...Oct 18-19

Saturday, Oct. 18 vs. SCCV Wildcats
1-3 (Caitlyn)
Let me start by saying I'm embarrassed that we are inviting teams to play on a field like this when we are playing on opposing fields that are close to immaculate. Bernal Oval is like the field that time (and maintenance) forgot. While it didn't play any outcome on our game, it's just sad that we have to play on such a field. Now I remember why we left the SSJ league to go to the South Bay rec league to start with.

In most of our losses this year, we were simply out hustled. This game was no different. While the first half was actually pretty even, the Wildcats did all the little things right while we did not. From going to the ball, being first to the ball, trapping the ball, making good passes, etc., the Wildcats just seemed to want the game more than we did in the second half. And as usual, any of our mistakes usually end up in our net. After playing a few weeks of nearly flawless soccer, we have shown that it is tough when we make multiple mistakes AND get outhustled.

Sunday, Oct. 19 vs. MTH United
0-1
We had more than our share of chances to win this game but we came up short. In the first half alone we must have missed at least 3-4 golden chances. In the second half, I was confident we were going to score in the last 5 minutes, but the soccer God's were not shining on us today. Losing to the last place team is never good, but fortunately did not hurt us in the standings much. If anything we may drop a place. But with 2 tough games coming up in the next 2 weeks, it was a tough one to let slip away. After beating United in the tournament, while I knew they would be tough, I thought that we would shine on turf with our attacking speed. But we also had to deal with what I thought was the worst refereeing crew we've had this season. We were getting called for some nit picky fouls when our girls were getting mugged with no calls. And the linesman on our side must have made at least 5 wrong calls on throwins. Regardless, we played well enough to win, but we just did not finish our chances. Diana and Caitlyn made a few great saves and Christina, Elle and Kiara used their speed to create numerous chances up front.

I'll take most of the blame for both losses as we had great momentum coming off District Cup but because of 2 games the past 2 weekends, I thought it would good to limit practice to just once a week and I think that took some of the wind (and timing) out of our sails. But with all the logistics of other sports, injuries, lack of daylight, etc., it made sense at the time. And it doesn't get easier with HS soccer starting up.

Let's focus on our 2 remaining practices and our 2 remaining games and finish the season strong!

Dan