Soccer Updates.

Another two weeks have gone by and soccer is now in full swing. The kids are adjusting to the different rules and fields and seem to be having some fun. Last week Brooklyn tied 2 -2 and this week they won 6 - 2. While I can't say that Brooklyn has much of an impact on the game she seems to be having a lot of fun and is getting a little better and a little more aggressive. She has come a long way from a month ago when she didn't want anything to do with her first practice or playing this year. Maddux's team has gotten better each of the past three weeks. Last week they lost 5 - 3 due to the fact that they had no subs for the game and the other team was subbing out 4 players every couple of minutes. They were actually leading 3 - 2 going into the 4th quarter but just ran out of gas. You could tell that the kids were spent and had nothing left in the tank. They were all standing around and walking for most of the quarter. We have one of the youngest teams, as we drafter all 6 year olds when most other teams drafter 7 year olds. We didn't know any of the 7 year olds so were given 3 who never played soccer before. Then it is quite a big adjustment for the 6 year olds to play on a much bigger field. Then this week they actually tied 2 - 2 and played much better. We have noticed a big improvement in their game and as they get in running shape and learn the rules will become much better players. This is just building up until the Spring league when the games count and tournament play begins. Nolan's team has continued to dominate their competition. While most teams have 1 maybe 2 kids who know how to play and are good, we have 4 and are just dominating teams. Last week the other coach was complaining because he kids couldn't even get the ball on the other half of the field. He finally asked me if I could switch out one of my better kids to make it more fair. It didn't matter because we switched out with one of the other good kids and continued the game. Nolan has shown signs of soccer skills but is just as happy to run behind and watch everyone else score. He loves to give the high-fives after goals with each teammate. I have been very lucky this year in that none of the games so far have overlapped and I have been able to watch them all. I was not able to watch Brooklyn very much last year so this is a nice change. Well here are some pictures from the last couple of weeks worth of games.

Brooklyn

Here is proof that Brooklyn is getting a little more aggressive. There is still hope yet as she is not afraid to throw her elbow into the other team to try and win the ball.


Brooklyn kicking the ball to her team ahead. She is starting to develop a little bit of an offensive game and seems to be picking up on some of the different concepts and strategies.


Brooklyn before the game.

Maddux

Maddux kicking the ball through his competitor. He does have a big foot and tends to kick the ball as far as he can instead of dribbling it up the field himself. He was able to do this when he was younger and just beat the other kids to the ball but on the bigger field he needs to learn to pace himself and use the skills he has developed.


Maddux and dad waiting for some action at the goal. At this age the goalie position is not very exciting. You are lucky to get a shot or two at you during a quarter.

Maddux looking for the right time and angle to take the ball away from the other player. He is very good at tracking down the opposing player taking the ball away from them.


Maddux breaking down to get ready and take the ball up the field.


Maddux right before game time.

Nolan

Nolan during his favorite time of the game, snack time.


Nolan working on his throw-in technique. There are not many good action shots of Nolan so we have to take them where we can get them.


Nolan and his rockstar, soccer hairdue.

Outside of last week at Brooklyn's game Payton has done very well at the games this year. She is getting to be quite the big girl and can entertain herself now. We didn't want to exclude her from the blog so here are pictures of her at the games.

Payton

Here Payton is just hanging out and watching the game.


Payton in her seat right along the sideline.


Sucking down some ice from her water bottle.


This was last week during one of her rough spells. For a little while she just sat on the sidelines by herself and threw a tantrum. In fairness to her Brooklyn had an 8:00 am game so she was woken up and gotten ready before she is use to.

Anyways I will try and get some video one of these works as the pictures don't always do their hustle and effort justice.