U11 Yellows vs Soccer Hub
Wow, what a game, against a strong Soccer Hub team.
I thought we were competitive, played the best football at times, created some decent chances and posed SoccerHub problems. They certainly weren't getting it their own way, which I'm sure they are used to.
At half-time we came in 2-0 down, losing each quarter 1-0, but spirits within the team were still high.
When we spoke at half-time, we decided to focus on the positives and things we know we can do better. Positives were, at times we moved the ball forward well through the thirds and on the counter and created chances. And we said we could do better at working harder out of possession (essentially run more) and regain our shape quicker out of possession, staying compact and being difficult to play through.
We felt we were still in the game.
The boys started the third quarter positively with a wonder strike from Archie from outside the box, top bins. This move started at the back with Ewan playing forward to Archie. A great start.
Unfortunately we switched off for Soccer Hubs third goal. It looked good but maybe we lost our shape and compactness, which gave the player who scored the space to dribble and shoot. The third quarter finished 1-1.
Onto the last quarter and possibly my favourite. Our third goal was scored by Max Poole who calmly placed the ball under the goalkeeper and into the back of the net. What I loved about this goal is that it came from our clever press, started by Max Ramsden who showed their left back, back inside (making play predictable - we've worked on this in training), and Joshua who was in midfield, intercepted the pass forward, before calming passing inside and forward for Max Poole who was through and free, to finish. Another great start.
The momentum was with us but Soccer Hub still threatened and we rode our luck a bit sometimes at the back. But I loved to see players putting their bodies on the line to block shots and get in the way.
We kept going. There was a good shout for a penalty for us, where Archie was brought down inside the box but the ref didn't agree. And to be fair, Soccer Hub had a good claim for a penalty too.
Our third goal came from some quick thinking and clever finishing by Monty inside their box after Max Ramsden delivered another great corner. Monty was alive to a deflection and scored with his so called weaker - left foot, powerfully into the roof of the net.
After this goal, our play became a little frantic and on reflection after the game, the players all agreed we could have been a little calmer in possession. As a result, Soccer Hub continued to pick up on our clearances and push for the winner, which they got from a very good finish.
This quarter finished 2-1 to UFCA.
Understandably the boys were a little disappointed at the final result - 3-4. However, take into account the opposition and the changes we made to the team and positions, I told them they should be very proud of how they performed and the ‘positive’ attitude they displayed throughout. Another game where every player has played their part and contributed positively to the performance.
Thank you for the great support.
Next week we have Pannel Sports away.
