Salem Soccer - game #2 recap
The Salem Saints Soccer team launched the first of a three-game home stint on Thursday against the Crown of Life Raiders. The game had a late start due to miscommunication about the location, but eventually, the Raiders showed up to the home pitch behind Salem's school. Once again, the weather provided plenty of sunshine, this time for our fans to look into, and a stiff wind in our favor to start the game.
The Saints took a bit to get used to the shorter field compared to Tuesday's game. The smaller field appeared to be a benefit for the smaller stature of our opponents who were quick and all over the field. It was obvious that stamina would not be an issue so accuracy and precision would become key factors in the game. One highlight for the team, and probably the fans, was Griffin's FOUR consecutive headers! The final header was a shot towards goal but it didn't get the right bounce to score. I guess the headers were one way to keep the ball away from the younger and shorter Crown of Life team.
Well into the first half, and after a few unsuccessful corner kicks, Griffin finally snuck a ball into the goal. It wasn't long though, and the Raiders struck back. The crowd in front of David, our goalie, caused enough confusion that the Raiders scored, creating a 1-1 score that would take us into halftime.
During halftime, Coach Collins changed the team layout to create four defensive players, three midfielders, and three forwards. This prevented the "clumping" that was happening and created better passing among the Salem teammates. Much discussion was also held about not "over kicking" the ball on our small field and keeping in bounds!
During the second half, a handball near the Raider's goal allowed the Saint's a penalty kick. Griffin was able to shoot the ball successfully to the left side of the net, past the Raider goalie. Going off the momentum of that score, the Saints forwards set up a successful drive where Noah shot a ball between the legs of the Raider defender, putting the Saints up 3-1. To solidify the win, Noah had one more goal, dribbling past the goalie to create a 4-1 score. Although no additional goals were made in the final minutes, there were many attempts by Alexis and a great shot by Birk that went off the crossbar. The Saints continued to play hard to the end.
Coach Collins was very happy at how flexible all the players were. Gideon showed great team spirit by moving back to defense when needed. Our 4th grader, Noah, had his first throw-in this the season and is continually increasing his defensive skills. Isaac and Isaiah are always ready to play wherever needed and are really improving their passing game. It's great to start off the season with a winning record. Next up is our second home game on Tuesday against Christ of North St Paul at 4 pm.
The Saints took a bit to get used to the shorter field compared to Tuesday's game. The smaller field appeared to be a benefit for the smaller stature of our opponents who were quick and all over the field. It was obvious that stamina would not be an issue so accuracy and precision would become key factors in the game. One highlight for the team, and probably the fans, was Griffin's FOUR consecutive headers! The final header was a shot towards goal but it didn't get the right bounce to score. I guess the headers were one way to keep the ball away from the younger and shorter Crown of Life team.
Well into the first half, and after a few unsuccessful corner kicks, Griffin finally snuck a ball into the goal. It wasn't long though, and the Raiders struck back. The crowd in front of David, our goalie, caused enough confusion that the Raiders scored, creating a 1-1 score that would take us into halftime.
During halftime, Coach Collins changed the team layout to create four defensive players, three midfielders, and three forwards. This prevented the "clumping" that was happening and created better passing among the Salem teammates. Much discussion was also held about not "over kicking" the ball on our small field and keeping in bounds!
During the second half, a handball near the Raider's goal allowed the Saint's a penalty kick. Griffin was able to shoot the ball successfully to the left side of the net, past the Raider goalie. Going off the momentum of that score, the Saints forwards set up a successful drive where Noah shot a ball between the legs of the Raider defender, putting the Saints up 3-1. To solidify the win, Noah had one more goal, dribbling past the goalie to create a 4-1 score. Although no additional goals were made in the final minutes, there were many attempts by Alexis and a great shot by Birk that went off the crossbar. The Saints continued to play hard to the end.
Coach Collins was very happy at how flexible all the players were. Gideon showed great team spirit by moving back to defense when needed. Our 4th grader, Noah, had his first throw-in this the season and is continually increasing his defensive skills. Isaac and Isaiah are always ready to play wherever needed and are really improving their passing game. It's great to start off the season with a winning record. Next up is our second home game on Tuesday against Christ of North St Paul at 4 pm.