YTS Weekly Update 9/28/09

Another great weekend of competitive games on a beautiful day at WRAL. The fields are in really good shape at all of the league sites and the soccer has been really good. Keep an eye out for announcements concerning the winter indoor season and a tournament update coming soon. Here are this week's results...

Barcelona YTS-Coach Jill Fulton
The U9 Barcelona girls continued to play great soccer this weekend against FCC Sol. The team shows a great work rate and continues to do well connecting passes on the field. McKenzie Davis scored the first goal of the game off a free kick after the first 2 minutes of the game. Magen Proudfoot and Hannah Ziegler also found the back of the net to secure a 3-1 victory. All of the girls played extremely well as they take turns rotating through every position.

Juventus-Coach Nick Cerullo
CASL Juventus played host to FCC Aston Villa on Sunday for a very high paced , physical soccer game between two evenly matched teams. Julius McPhun showed some great moves and put some great shots on goal. Daniel Crawford played a great game as well contributing in the goal and winning the loose balls in the middle of the field to help Juventus get forward and create offense. Overall Juventus got a great result, but will continue to work on ball control and passing this week . The boys have grown a great deal and will continue to get even better as we progress through the season.

Fire, Coach Tommy Retzlaff
The Fire played FC Cary Crew on Sunday who had more athleticism than we had seen in the previous opponents. I felt that play was a little sloppy for us during the first 8-10 minutes of the match before we got things settled down. The Crew struck first with an unfortunate handball penalty, but the shot from the spot was well taken. We then started to get into the flow with quality play and passing from Kaitlyn in the midfield and Hannah out of the back. After inserting Brianna into the game we really picked it up. Brianna continuously set up Kendall for shooting and crossing opportunities. Kendall was very good running the ball up the right side against very good defending. Finally Heather was able to score off Kendall's corner kick. Despite have a strong run of play early in the second, the Crew found the net again. We found ourselves a little frustrated, but continuing to compete. Once we showed a little patience, Kendall was able to find Grace on the weakside for an equalizing goal. We pushed it for the final 5 minutes, but the match ended in draw. It was good to see us challenged.

Madrid-Coach Kelly Miller
The game got off to a slow start for the U9 Madrid girls this weekend.
Paige Morrision did a great job of creating good passing angles and was able to create goal scoring opportunities. The girls had a lot of shots on goal, but had trouble finishing them. Brooke Finnessy used her strength this weekend to get in between the ball and the attacker. This helped the team transition from defense to offense. Caroline Vithalani had numerous shots on goal and did well to finish a few. The energy level and work ethic was much improved in the second half.

Everton-Coach Eric Bratager
The fans got a show from both teams in a high scoring game that had a little of everything. Jacob Steinberg opened the scoring about a minute into the game off a great assist from Daniel Wu. Owen Perez also added a goal in the first half showing some great individual skill beating three defenders before calmly slotting the ball past the keeper. In the goal, we got a great first half effort from Carson McCorkle playing in the net for the first time this season. Micah Thorp played a good game up front creating a number of good scoring chances and Adam Armour also created a number of problems for the defense with his pace and tireless work rate. The second half saw goals from Jacob Steinberg on a great defensive effort and shot, and John White followed up a long range Daniel Wu blast to close out the scoring. Defensively in the second half, Ethan Armour did a great job in the goal for the second time this season and Carter Diehl did a good job winning balls and finding open teammates in the midfield. Overall great effort from the entire team as they continue to improve and play better soccer each week.

Chelsea-Coach Dwight Findlay
The boys started suprised by the speed and technical ability of FCC. The first half was all FCC 2nd half we fought back and only got 1 or 2 goals against us. I was proud to see the boys fight to the end.

Arsenal-Coach Fabio Suarez
Out numbered and playing against a tough FC Cary team, this game could easily be predicted to be a blow out or great victory for CASL Arsenal. Even though FC Cary managed to get on board first, Arsenal would not back down. Risking going down by more then one, Arsenal launched a full attack unleashing an offensive pressure that would almost prove to be too much to handle. Getting off shot by shot, it can only by FC Carys GK playing the game of his career that Arsenals advances forward would only produce one goal in the half leaving the score tied at 1-1. Going into the second half Arsenal knew that although they had pushed hard in the first, hard work during the week at practice prepared them to continue they attack. With both teams unwilling to quit, the fans started to get the feeling that this game would come down to the wire. Gabe Meyer found the net for the second time in the match with 6 minutes left, but with just one sub all game, 6 minutes would feel like a lifetime. Cranking it up for the remaining time was FC Cary as Arsenal GK Christian would feel every minute swatting away shot after shot not allowing them to score and tie the game. While Gabe and Jackson will be credited for Arsenals three goals, all who bare witness will tell you this was your classic example of team effort. Arsenal played as a team.

Roma-Fabio Suarez
CASL Roma vs FC Cary proved to an exciting showdown of offensive mastery as both teams put on a clinic Sunday afternoon. With both teams flexing their muscles during warm ups and neither backing down, this was bound to be one for the books. It would not take long for the fans to enjoy some quality goals as the first strike would come in the 7th minute as FC Cary forward smacks a ripper in the corner. The score would not stay in FC Carys favor for long as Robert put Roma on his back while taking on 3 defenders and knocking in the equalizer only a minute later. This would be the storyline of the game as goal after goal both teams would respond almost immediately with a strike of their own keeping the score level or up one. Roma came out victorious in the end with spectacular play from GK John, making big time saves to deny FC Cary a chance in the final minutes, accompanied by a hard fought goal off a rebound from Kishan Patel with just 3 minutes left in the match to make it 7-6!!!

AC Milan-Coach Andy Truex
Coach Carson took the team this weekend and reported a game full of ups and downs. Times when the team really were playing some good soccer, knocking the ball around and making it look easy. Some smart goalkeeping from Anthony Sodano and Combination plays from Ryan Gates, Elliot Guillet, Ryan Kenney, and Connor Hoke created some great chances in the early part of the game. The team made a couple of mistakes and did not finish the first half as strong as they started it and were down to FC Cary. A great response to being down at halftime, the team came out again with some excellent passing and defensive work. Everyone contributed to the effort to tie the game only to come up short on the scoreboard, a great effort overall.

Manchester United-Coach Caleb Norkus
Man U. was up against a nother tough side Sunday, this time from cross town rival FC Cary. The boys played strong, and after going down by 3 in the first half, nearly came back to win. The Reds gained composure, started passing more, and doing a better job of switching the ball in the second half. Although the United out scored their opponents in the second half, it was a tough deficit to come back from, and FC Cary weren't going down without a fight as they continued to press and notched a couple more to spoil the fun. It was an exciting game though, as Colin Coe played very strong transitioning the ball from defense to offense, scoring Man U.'s first, and led the side that never gives up. John Nelson added an absolute stinger from outside the box after beating his defender on the fly. Tommy Petruccione continued to show his skill on the ball as he dribbled past several players in a row, and Nick Atkinson played smart defense coming out from keeper and breaking down several through balls from the opposition. After the whistle blew, although the Reds had come up short on the score board, in a valent effort led by Peter Glenn and Jack Hicks, they showed a lot of promise and live to fight another day.

Lazio-Coach Caleb Norkus
Lazio is showing strong signs of going undefeated as they over-ran a strong side from FC Cary on Sunday. It was a delight to watch them put the ball in the net several times and hold FC Cary to one goal in the first half, which was an upper ninety special to start off the scoring on a sunny and beautiful afternoon. Colton Pleasants equalized on an incredible run from the right side showing his ball control and ability to beat and hold off one defender after the next while finishing from a tough angle to the lower corner. After getting fouled he added his own free kick upper ninety and put the ball in from distance just before a passionate but well deserved celebration. Joey Daly showed his skill up the left side once again and powered a shot just wide of the far post early on in the game. Michael Hoff exemplified his well improved ball skill as he toyed several defenders up the middle of the field. As a whole though, too much dribbling and a lack of ability to see open teammates in the final third led to several wasted opportunities that Lazio will hopefully capitalize on in the coming weeks. Colton Howell tuned in to his coaches request to play the ball to feet, leading his team in a wonderful passing display as he properly weighted several outstanding through balls to set up scoring opportunities for teammates, and meanwhile added to the scoreline on a beautiful first time near post finish off of a cross. The second half only got better as Lazio went on to score four more goals, but defensive break downs allowed two goals against. As the season warms up and the weather cools down, let's hope that the boys' performances stay hot as they have been so far on the pitch!

Crew-Coach Molly Skinner
The Crew won 5-1. The defense played really well and the backs did a great job looking to get forward in the attack, with Sophie notching a goal from her position at right back. The early service from Ashley Skinner led to a lot of great scoring opportunities. Lucy Krueger played great in the goal making a diving save in the first few minutes of the game. We will continue to look to build out of the back and rely on solid mid-field play and movement off the ball.

YTS Weekly Update 9/21/09

It was another great week and weekend of soccer for the CASL YTS program. The weather is cooperating and the games are competitive and fun for everyone who is a part of them. Here is a run down of this week's games!

CASL YTS FIRE-Coach Tommy Retzlaff
Coach Tommy's group had an excellent performance in Chapel Hill at the Rainbow Fields. The team has great team spirit and really enjoys playing together. Brianna Pendergraft had a very good match on both sides of the ball, playing excellent defense and completing passes while also scoring two goals. Kaitlyn Buock had another excellent game scoring a goal and setting her teammates up for great goals. Eliah was much improved from last week getting her first goal of the year. Overall a very impressive performance with everyone contributing and playing well

CASL YTS CREW-Molly Skinner and Lindsey Vera
The CASL Crew continued to play good soccer and improve as they took on Triangle United in Chapel Hill. Grace Densmore led the team with a great workrate and some very smart passing and moving throughout the game. Emma Totten seems to have a nose for goal and got herself another one. Sydney Wilson is getting pretty comfortable in goal and did a great job again yesterday. Lucy Kreuger continues to play well in each position she is put in and did a great job in the back yesterday. Chloe Hasund also had an excellent day with her skill on the ball. Overall a great day for everyone. Coach Molly and Lindsey are hoping to work a little bit on finishing this week. They feel the team is often faster then others but need to work on crossing instead of shooting the ball when they are at bad angels.

YTS Manchester United-Coach Caleb Norkus
The U-9 Manchester United battled it out with a strong side from Triangle this weekend, and put forth a winning effort, though in the end had to settle for a tie. They did well to come back from a goal deficit, having given away a goal from a pk. Jack Hicks tore up the right side with his speed with the ball and put in several crosses that the team will hopefully capitalize on in the future. Nick Atkinson looked strong as usual, as did Peter Glenn who it turns out is very capable of holding down the defense himself, having to break down several counter attacks. The timing of his tackles were fantastic! Tommy Petrutcione skill was always dangerous for the other opponent. The team showed great character throughout the game and eventually had to come from behind to get the tying goal just minutes before the end.

CASL YTS LAZIO-Coach Caleb Norkus
The U10 Lazio team got off to another good start with everyone contributing to their excellent performance. Ben Zahavi showed some great speed and much improved skill out on the flank while Colton Howell added a powerful strike for a top shelf goal. Michael Hoff and Kelvyn Oudjit added some dazzling foot skills and wonderful passes setting up their teammates for goals. Aaron Teal played strong and scored the game's first goal by dribbling through at least two defenders and burying it near post. Joey Daly was outstanding at goal tending saving several shots, including two pk's in a row. Colton Pleasants added a great performance from the back and it was another good performance from Lazio.

CASL YTS BARCELONA-Coach Jill Bradford
Megan Proudfoot played very well on Sunday and helped her team create some great goals. Technically, she looked very comfortable on the ball and did a great job of taking defenders on 1v1 to create goal scoring opportunities. Sierra Lowery also did well and helped contribute to the team success by connecting passes out of the back and finding target forwards. On many occasions, Kristine Lauture was able to switch the point of attack, and that led to goal scoring opportunities.

CASL YTS MADRID-Coach Kelly Miller
McRae used her athleticism and speed to create 1v1 opportunities on the flanks. McRae was able to beat her opponet with her technical skills and this led to multiple goals. Mackenzie Gower was the hardest working player on the field on Sunday, and her hustle and desire was exciting to watch. She brought a lot of energy to the team and her "never say die" attitude was an inspiration to everyone. Lily Peden did well as a front runner and had many good shots on goal.

CASL YTS EVERTON-Coach Eric Bratager
The boys gave up a number of goals very early, but did a good job of working hard and competing to get back in the game and accomplished their goal of winning the second half. Great effort from the whole team against a very good TU side, I thought Jacob Steinberg, Daniel Wu, and Jalen Duran did a good job settling the game down after the rocky start. John White also caused a lot of problems with his work rate and running at defenders and Owen Perez scored a couple of great goals in the second half.

CASL YTS ARSENAL-Coach Fabio Suarez
Arsenal vs Chelsea was an ESPN instant Classic. Arsenal was up 2-0 with Jackson Rhoades, Gabe Meyer and Liam McLaughlin really doing well offensively getting off shot after shot. Josh Brateger played huge in goal and kept Chelsea from giving up a few goals early. Lucas Game up with a monster goal to bring the game to goal and also played a big role in finding the equalizer. Final score 3-3

CASL YTS ROMA-Coach Fabio Suarez
Roma did well from the beginning, obviously due to the guest trainer running the warm up. The boys got on the board in the first 3 minutes and never looked back. It seemed like almost every shot attempt was a goal. Andrew Lee knocked the first 2 in and played monster defense in the 2nd half. John was great in goal in the first half, but save of the day has to go to Jacob Fortner when he saved a pk and did it while obviously psyching out the shooter with face of pure panic. Triangle United managed to find the net in the end but the damaged had been done. Everyone put in great performances for the Roma Squad. Well Done!

CASL YTS JUVENTUS-Coach Nick Cerullo
Team Juventus had a great game against AC Milan that was closely played till the final whistle. Team Juventus with the defensive help of Harry Cooper and Zac Mason kept procession of the ball for the first 5 to 10 minutes of the game showing off some of the passing skills they have been working on so diligently at practice. The boys put in great effort after a rough start last week and came away with a great result.

YTS-Champions League Week 2

We are off to a really good start this year with YTS. Parents, coaches and players are all enjoying the Champions League, and the Mid Week Match Days have allowed the coaches and players to learn in a game environment.

If you have watched training over the past several weeks hopefully you can see a big improvement in the overall quality of the practices. A main goal for the entire program is to create an environment where the kids will learn the game. We are starting to create this. You can tell that the kids are beginning to understand what the coaches are looking for and they are coming with the right attitude and mentality. We are all here to enjoy the game but enjoyment comes with improvement and the kids are definitely improving.

We have spent long warm-up sessions on passing and receiving and are now starting to incorporate individual skill into the warm up. You will see these two skill sets worked on throughout the year. Other ideas and topics will be added but the main priorities for these young players is to learn how to pass the ball properly and how to recieve and dribble the ball properly. When they have both of these skills (some of them already do) then the next goal will be to perform these skills at a faster speed. All of the kids in YTS can pass the ball but they must learn how to do it at a high speed, in a game, with players around them.

I have finally added some additional pictures to the picture site, sorry for the delay on that and keep the pictures coming.

Finally, please take a close look at the schedule for where your games are being played this weekend. We are all spread out this weekend (some in Chapel Hill, some at WRAL, etc) so it is important that everyone knows where they are going. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the game. Enjoy the weekend, good luck to all.

YTS Weekly Update 9/14/09

Week 1 of the Champions League was for the most part a success. We will be posting pictures in the next two days as well as the players of the week so keep an eye on the site. A reminder to U10 YTS that we will make up our Mid Week Match Day on Tuesday. Please plan on meeting in the stadium with both jerseys and we will disperse from there.

Opening Weekend - Champions League

I'm sure, like me, everyone is excited to see the kids play this weekend. Unfortunately for the u10's our mid-week match day got cancelled when WRAL grass fields were closed due to the hard rains the previous day. This made it impossible for us to have enough field space to play the games. Hopefully we can play games on Friday with the U-9's.

Before the opening weekend I wanted to address a few things about the games and our philosophy on competition and games at the YTS level. The first and main point is that RESULTS DO NOT MATTER at this level. Our job at YTS is to introduce competitive soccer to these players, our job at YTS is NOT to win games, in all honesty, we do not care about the results. We do recognize that winning is part of a positive experience for the kids, but ultimately we want our kids to improve and enjoy the experience. As a parent you are very important to this. Your demeanor on the sideline has a huge impact on your kids and the game itself. We ask that you encourage and cheer for your kids in a POSITIVE way, that is all. Please do not yell at your kids in frustration or try to coach your kid from the sideline. Only the coach is to give instructions about the game, your job is to encourage.

Also, be aware that this might not be the philosophy of other clubs and results MAY matter to other parents, coaches, players and teams. If this is the case, do not get involved in any disagreements with other parents. CASL is the largest club in the country and certainly the largest club in our area, all eyes are on us so we need to act accordingly.

Just as YTS is an early stage of soccer for these kids, it is also an early stage of refereeing for our officials. They will make mistakes. Do not complain or yell at the referee. Not only is this something we do out of respect to the referees, but it also has a huge impact on your child. If you yell at the referee he/she will think it is ok to yell at the referee.

Hopefully you have recognized that we are trying to create an environment where these children are not just on teams but are a part of a great YTS program. I encourage any family who has a little spare time on Sunday to come out and support the other teams that are playing.

Thanks and we look forward to seeing all of you this weekend.

FYI: This is the link to the weather hotline for Green Hope.
http://www.fccary.com/fcc_weather.htm