End of Soccer Season - Spring 2014

We finished another wonderful season of soccer.  Luke transitioned from defensive player to playing mostly forward wing this year, a position much more suited for his speed and ability to pass and juke.  We had a big team, twenty two boys, which made it challenging to get enough play time for each boy, but they played with heart nonetheless, and we ended up winning the season with a 6-2 record and second place in the county tournament!

I am a very lucky man to have coached these kids for the last 8-9 years or so. My team has grown so big, but I love working with these great guys. Thank you, Nancy, for this touching gift and a fine job of Photoshoppery.

Father's Day, Soccer Day

Today being Father's Day, we spent our time absorbed in Soccer.  Luke had his soccer tournament all weekend, and the boys played really well, especially considering the higher level of competition in this All-Star league.  Sadly, they ended the day with 2 games lost to 1 win, but the boys had no reason for shame.  They performed really well against some very fierce competition.

Here are some of my favorite photos from the weekend.  Oh, yes, and there are a couple photos of Eddie and his friend, Clara, who are inseparable.

Fall Soccer Concludes

Another great season. Our record was something like 9-1.  Luke had a great time, and really improved as a forward (his favorite position).  His ball handling skills and his ability to use his opponents inertia against him (out maneuvering his opponent) have really improved.  He's also not at all afraid to get physical in the game when needed (see the two photos below, where he's going up against the Mexican kid... the arm at Luke's head is a clear foul that wasn't called by the ref.)

Here are some photos from the last game.

Last Soccer Game of the Season

We had a tough game today.  This team was better than any other we faced this season.  We ended up winning 2-0, but they had four solid shots on goal, and it could have easily been 2-4.  We had to fight for every inch of the field, and this team was in great physical shape, unlike many of the other teams we faced that tired out in the second half.

Today's win give us an undefeated season!

These "Thrashing Gladiators" were a real joy to coach, and head coach Max is a super head-coach.  I really hope we see these guys again in the autumn because they are really super, and play so well as a team.  Some of these boys, I've coached or worked with for five years now.  It's been great watching them become such great athletes.

Super Amazing Soccer Saturday

Holy Moly! What a great day for soccer. Our Thrashing Gladiators did us proud by thrashing the Ashburn team today 3-1. This is the team that beat us in the tournament last year, so a very solid team, and as you can see from the photos, a very physical game. There were lots of thrown elbows, but few of them were called. It made for a pretty rough match, but the boys played an honest game and came out on top three to one. Really a great match.

Final Season Stats

I failed to mention how well we did this soccer season. Our team, the "Thrashing Gladiators", came off the season with a stunning 6-2-1 record. (The Redskins could hope for as good!)

In the weekend tournament, our record was 2-1; the score of each of the games was 3-4 (a disappointing loss, but close), and two blow-outs of 3-0 and 5-0.  Awesome performances by each and every one of the kids.

Last of the Soccer Pictures -- GREAT SEASON!!