Game 8: 2-0 over the Green Hornets

It's a Jedi Knight traffic jam!

Antonio getting ready for a throw-in.

Sean moves in for a tackle.

Sami is on the go, with Sean providing support!

Sean really booting one!

A lovely inside of the foot pass from Alex to Sami.

Jack and Daniel with post-game smiles.

Tyler and Alex have had a lot of fun playing together this season--they make a great combination up front!

We'll make everyone a copy of this shot!

Time to get silly...

Adrian and brother Randy, our occasional "extra" at practice (and always welcome!).

Getting even sillier....

and sillier!!

The Jedi Knights---what a team!!

It's the tunnel again!

What a good-looking bunch, don'tcha think?!

Who's gonna get there first? I bet it's Antonio!

Alex sends one flying from the goal.

Tyler readying for a throw-in.

Adrian clears the ball from his sweeper position.

Tyler moves the ball across the field, with Sean supporting.

Look at that intensity! Go Sean Go!

And where does he end up? Right in front of the goal! Great run, Sean.

Daniel boots a ball that he's just saved.

Sean and Alex are on the run, with Green Hornets in hot pursuit.

Daniel again in the goal, punting another one clear.

It's Tyler's turn to make a move past those pesky Hornets.

Antonio shows his fine form!

Jack blasting past a Green Hornet.

Alex making a move toward the goal...

Cesar beats two Green Hornets!

Look at that--a beautiful pass from Cesar to Alex! Wahooo!

How's that for a "game face?" :-)

Adrian sneaking the ball between a Green Hornet's legs...

Sami on the run!

Here comes Alex! (with support from Cesar, Sami, Tyler and Daniel)

Sami, Tyler, and Jack havin' fun.

The Jedi Knights played a great game this week--actually putting some passes together, keeping possession of the ball, and creating quite a few chances to score. It was sooo much fun to watch!!

I thought both Sean and Cesar played their best games yet. Tyler worked really hard up front--he seemed to always be in the action--and he also did a nice job staying back on defense for his quarter there. Adrian and Antonio were solid contributors (as always)--they are both able to play any position, and are particulary tough and smart defenders. Jack had fun playing outside fullback--that's his favorite position and he always does a nice job there. Daniel played well too, and did a particularly fine job in the goal. Alex and Sami were our goal scorers, and as usual put a lot of pressure on the Green Hornets in front of the net.

All in all, it was a tremendous team effort. It is fun to see the boys calling for the ball when they are open, and looking for their teammates to pass when they have the ball. I am so pleased to see the progress they are making. Thanks to all of the parents too for being so encouraging, and cheering them on--we know what a difference it makes!

Thanks to Edith for the snacks this week, and to Tim for reffing again. If anyone has more photos, please send them along, though as you've seen I took tons with my super-duper lens!

Practice this week on Thurs. Oct. 27 at 5:30pm (it will be our last one, due to daylight savings ending this weekend).
Game on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 11am, Field A vs. Team 9
Info on the end-of-season party coming soon!!

Game 7: 2-2 tie vs. The Golden Wave

The Jedi Knights ran into a tough team this week, and came away with a 2-2 tie against The Golden Wave. It was the only time since the second game of the season that we have really been challenged, and I think it took the boys a bit by surprise.

Alex was able to slip in a couple of good goals, and both Sami and Tyler had several good chances. The opponents goals came off of two rather spectacular shots. Our goalies for the game--Sean, Jack, Sami and Tyler all played well (if on occasion a bit timidly)--and saw more action than in previous games. Cesar played a tough game, and Daniel created several chances up front. Antonio did a good job too, especially back on defense, and I think that Adrian had one of his best games yet.

I don't know if it was over-confidence, laziness, "fear" in the face of a strong opponent, or just a weird day, but except for a few scattered moments here and there, we never really got going the whole game. In general, the boys were hesitating a lot instead of going to the ball, and seemed to be on top of each other a lot too. I have to say that there wasn't a whole lot of listening going on either (coach's son included!), when we would try to direct them from the sidelines.

These next few weeks I'd like to work with them on staying more spread out, going to the ball, and being better listeners. We'll be sure to explain to them why we are asking them to do things a certain way--particularly throw-ins.

In fact, parents can help by encouraging the boys to remember to throw the ball down-the-line (most of the time in a forward direction, though back is ok too). Throw-ins that go straight across the field (or "square" to the thrower) are really dangerous, as they are easy for the other team to pick off, and when they do, the opponents are in a good position to go straight to the goal.

So, just 3 games remain--and we are looking forward to continuing to build on the skills, the teamwork, and of course the fun that they boys have shared so far this season. John and I are really enjoying working with the team! They are a super group of boys.

Sorry, no photos this week. If you took some, please email them to me and I'll post them. Thanks to Rafael and Amalia for the treats, and to Tim for reffing again.

Next practice: 5:30pm, Thursday, Oct. 20 (John will be leading practice)
Next game: Saturday, Oct. 22, 11am, Field A vs. Team 9

Go Knights!!

Game 6: another 4-0 win

What's more fun at game's end than to run through a tunnel of parents??

Tyler showing great form on a goal kick, as Cesar looks on.

Cesar takes his turn and looks pretty good himself!

It's Daniel's turn for a goal kick, with Jack awaiting the pass.

Sami shows one of his moves, as he beats a Red Dragon. Sean and Tyler support.

And now it's Antonio's turn for some fancy footwork, as Tyler looks on.

Adrian and Alex, neck and neck with a Red Dragon.

Sami looking to pass to one of 3 teammates(!)--Sean, Jack and Alex.

Tyler making a move, with Alex and Sean ready to help.

Look at that throw-in form from Jack!

Alex and Tyler working together.

Tyler turns the ball, with Jack, Adrian and Sean nearby.

Alex taking a shot, as Adrian and Tyler come in to help.

Jack controls the ball, as Tyler and Alex get open for a pass.

Antonio on the go again, with support from Alex and Jack.

Alex shows his fine form.

Adrian and Jack tackling each other?? :-)

Adrian looks ready to pass to Tyler or Sean.

Sami battling "loaner" Tyler for the ball in the 1st quarter.

Cesar takes a shot!

Alex on the run, again...

Antonio looking tough in the goal.

Antonio heads downfield.

The Jedi Knights have won 4 of their 6 games by the same score: 4-0 (not bad!). This week the goal-scoring was all about Alex! He had a great game, as did many of the other boys. Jack, Sami, Tyler and Daniel were tough on defense all game, and Cesar, Alex, Adrian, Antonio and Sean made a great showing up front. Our goalies--Adrian, Antonio, Daniel and Cesar--saw limited action, once again. A big thank you is owed to Tyler, who had to play as a Red Dragon for the first quarter--we could tell it was hard for him to play against his own team, but I have to say, it may have been the Red Dragon's best quarter, thanks to him!

All in all the Knights are playing better every game--starting to look for each other and even putting together a few passes. As always, we are very proud of them.

Thanks to Sylvia for more fun photos, and to Tim and Tom for the solid job reffing.

Next practice: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, October 13 (note earlier time!)
Next game: 10am, Saturday, October 15, Field B vs. Team 5