While it was still windy out, the day had warmed up into the high 60′s by the time U12 kicked off at 2:40. A great afternoon to finish a season that was full of beautiful fall days. U12 played a pretty good first half other than giving up a goal for KC Select in the 25th minute to make it 0 to 1 at halftime. 305 had 11 shots in the first half to Select’s 2 shots. It was like deja vu all over again from the U11 game in the am.

In the second half, we gave up a goal in the third minute to go down 0 to 2. It was another one of those lapses that has hurt us all season. The boys kept working and we had some good possession and some really nice working the ball with good passing, distributing the ball out wide and some give and go’s. With five minutes to go, Hunter had a nice finish to get us back in the game 1 to 2. Then in the 28th, our efforts paid off with a second goal from Hunter to tie the game 2 – 2.

 Unfortunately time ran out but it felt great to see the boys hang in there and keep working to come back from 2 goals down and earn a brilliant tie. 305 had 11 shots in the second half to Select’s 4 shots.

It was our first trip to the Belton fields as U11 had a 10:50 kickoff on a cool but warming fall day. The wind was blowing strong  from one end to the other.

We had the wind the first half and completely dominated possession. Fire had 2 shots on goal and scored one with three minutes left in the half. 305 had 11 shots on goal and could not find the back of the net. We just were not getting our shots on frame. But even more frustrating, we were putting the ball in the box and across the goal but no one was following the shots or getting a foot on the ball.

In the second half, we once again dominated possession. Another challenge was that we had a linesman that didn’t seem to be able to  judge offsides. In spite of getting numerous good opportunities called back, we still had 11 more shots on goal to Fire’s 2 shots. This included several good chances in front of the net, but it just wasn’t going to be our day as Fire would hold on to win 0 to 1.

The boys worked really hard in the second half and completely dominated possession. U11 had a really good season and demonstrated how working well together as a team creates more opportunities to win than relying on just a few individuals. Well done boys. I am really proud of what you achieved this season.

The game was set for an early afternoon 1:50 start at WMSL on Field 9. The wind was out of the north and Field 9 runs down hill north to south. We elected to go against the wind, uphill the first half. The boys got off to a quick start and in the 1st minute, Hunter finished with a nice touch to put us up 1 to 0. In the 9th minute, Hunter and Lolo worked a beautiful give and go and Lolo put the shot away to put us up 2 to 0. United was doing a good job using the wind to their advantage, but we hung in there defending their counterattacks and long punts. In the 26th and 30th minute, our luck ran out as they bounced not one, but two goals in over Ian’s head and we went into the half tied 2 to 2.

We came out in the 2nd half with the wind now at our back and heading downhill. But for whatever reason, we just never got it going in the second half. Our passes were not sharp and our possession was mixed at best. And we definitely stopped pressuring the  ball like we were in the first half. United worked themselves up the field nicely as they are well organized and their players responded to the urgency of the game and the will to win. In the 16th, we let them work through our midfield untouched and they finished a nice goal to go up 2 to 3. Once we fell behind, the I in our team took over and what passing we did have turned into individual dribbling and our heads dropped. I was really looking for the team to dig in and find the drive that United had found, but again it was the same story that has haunted us all season.

Overall it was a good game against the best team in our division. But in the end, I feel like I was unable  to get the fire burning and the desire to win going in all the players to step up and win a game that was easily within reach. We have trained really well, and I hope that I am being clear in my direction and expectations. With one more game to go in the season, I am hoping we can see our fighting TEAM spirit return.

Both our U11 and u12 team players participated in the Sporting KC McDonald’s Walk of Champions. The stands were filled with 20,000 and it was the most important game of the season to date. Our boys looked great walking out with the players including soccer legends, Thierry Henry, Rafa Marquez and Omar Bravo. Sporting won the game 2 to 0 and clinched a spot in the playoffs. It was a great game and a great day in Kansas City Soccer.

It was our first 8:00 am League game in about 3 years. But it was a beautiful morning with temperatures in the low 60′s and clear blue skies. The boys were in a great mood and our warmup was the best of the season so far. The game kicked off right at 8:00 and the boys went to work.

We immediately worked the ball out wide and found space on both the left and right flanks. In the 4th minute, Nick came down the left and made a nice one two and got the ball back and took a terrific shot to put us up 1 to 0 in the 4th minute. In the 10th minute, Trey and Riley teamed up on our #2 corner kick with Trey initiating play and Riley pushing the ball to his left and bending in a left footed shot into the far top corner.

In the 16th minute, Manchester scored to make the score 2 to 1. The remainder of half was filled with good play on both sides and our boys working hard – Lots of Pace, Pressure all over the field and quality Possession. We went in at half up 2 to 1 with 11 shots on goal to Manchester’s 6 shots.

In the second half, Riley scored in the 7th minute after a nice give and go with Daniel. The game was really even the second half as Manchester worked hard to get back in it and our boys kept playing good ball all over the park. Manchester scored in the 24th minute off a direct kick to make the score 3 to 2. The last 6 minutes of the game were pretty exciting, but we managed to hang on for the win against this well coached and wll prepared Manchester team. What a great game to be a part of. An early start, but in the end, everyone contributed and it was good fun.

The U12 played on field 12 at 12:10. We were playing our second match of the season with Qwest Rebellion whom we beat last Sunday in a hard fought 2 to 1 game. It was definitely windy with the wind blowing south to north on the south/north field. We broke tradition and I asked Alex to go against the wind the first half. Qwest won the toss, chose the wind and gave us the ball. Game on.

The boys seem to like the noon-ish kickoffs and play at a higher tempo in the first half. Against the wind, was not an issue with quick passing and sending the play wide. Alex found the goal on a great shot from wide right and put us up 1 to 0 in the 2nd minute of play. Lolo got on the end of cross in the 4th and made it 2 to 0. On kickoff, Qwest took it down the field and made it 2 to 1. The game fell into a rhythm after that goal and we started moving the ball really well. Using both flanks we had a good run of possession. Alex scored his 2nd goal in the 12th minute. And once again, Qwest, jumped right back in and scored to make the game close at 3 to 2. On our kickoff, we took the ball down and Hunter scored a really nice left footed shot moving across the box and hitting the inside of the far post. Then Alex down the right again to finish his hat trick. in the 17th Lolo scored his second followed a minute later by another goal from Hunter. Qwest scored in the 23rd and we went in at half with the score 7 to 3, against the wind. 305 had 13 first half shots to Qwest 6 shots.

In the second half, I was moving players around and the changes broke the game up a bit. The boys were a litte flat and we couldn’t find the same rhythm as we had in the first half. Riley came in and on his first touch, scored our 8th of the game. That would be all the scoring in the second half and the game ended up at 8 to 3. In the second half 305 had 8 shots to Qwest 3 shots.

No one took any pictures so none to upload.

It was another beautiful weekend. U11 had a 9:30 am kickoff on Field 11 at RSC. The wind was out of the south so blowing across the east – west field. When we played Manchester last spring they beat us 5 to 1, so we knew we had another tough game on our hands.

The boys started off a little sluggish, but doing a good job of moving the ball around. We weren’t pressuring the ball in the middle of the pitch as much as we normally do and this would give them some control of the middle. On the flanks we were making good 1-2′s down the wing and sending the ball to the flag. Normally we are strong right, today we were tearing up the left. In the 14th, we were beat up the middle and the usual stick a foot in let the striker through for a 1 on 1 and a goal for Manchester. Two minutes later, Riley tied us up with a goal from one of our short corners. Then in the 18th, Manchester scored again on another sloppy defensive effort. In the last minute of the half, we got an indirect kick which Riley quickly took, sending Nick to the touchline where he got off a cross/shot that hit under the crossbar, appeared to bounce in and then Max knocked into the goal to tie the game. But the goal was called offsides and we went into half down 1 to 2. 305 had 8 shots to Manchester’s 3 shots.

In the second half we gave up a goal in the second minute to go down 1 to 3. In the 5th minute, one of the players caught the ball in the area and we were awarded a pk. Trey took the kick and perfectly sent it to the left corner. We were back in it 2 to 3. In the 15th minute, we were awarded another penalty kick for a slide tackle from behind in the box. Riley put his into the same spot as Trey and we were tied at 3 each. In the 18th, we once again played poorly defensively and gave up a 4th goal. We had several chances to tie the game, but just could not get one more goal to fall. In the 2nd half 305 had 10 shots to Manchester’s 9 shots – so a pretty exciting second half.

A draw would have been a fair result as both teams worked hard and had some good chances. We gave up 2 really soft goals and also got 2 pk’s. Compared to last spring’s result, this was a great accomplishment by the U11 boys.

It was another beautiful fall day. Temperatures in the mid 70′s and bluebird skies. We were back to RSC on field 12 for a 3:10 start. A squad of 10, playing 8 v 8, Andrew, Colby, Nick, Landon, Trey, Jesus, Rily, Max, Logan and Ryan. Blackfire is a good team that is well coached with good technical and tactical skills. We had a good game with them already once this season and everyone knew this would be another well played match.

And the game did not disappoint. Both teams worked hard, pressuring the ball all over the park. Every ball was challenged and possession was dependent on good touch, good passes and good movement/runs. Blackfire scored first with a nice goal in the 13th minute. Our boys kept working and in the 27th, after a good run of possession, Landon made a run down the left and got a great pass in to Jesus just outside the box. Jesus was able to get a good first touch, beat his defender and get a great shot off to tie the game going into the half. 1 to 1 at half was a fair score and both teams were in it. 305 had 11 shots in the first half to Blackfire’s 7.

In the second half, the boys came out strong and worked our kick off all the way to goal. A couple of good chances and then in the 5th minute, Riley broke through and beat the goalie to put us up 2 to 1. Both teams battled but possession started going our way. With the good pressure, we were generating chances. in the 18th, Jesus took a nice feed from Riley and finished to put us up 3 to 1. The next 12 minutes were wide open, but the boys never stopped pressuring the ball. Blackfire worked hard to find that second goal, but the boys continued to challenge every ball. At the final whistle, the 3 to 1 score held with 305 having 9 second half shots to Blackfire’s 3 shots.

It was a great way to end a good weekend of soccer. These boys really work well together and I am impressed with the way they bring what we work on during the week to the game. But even more so, I am very pleased with their work ethic and doing what is best for the team, first. No I, no me. Just 60 minutes of good soccer. This was a team win – Thanks, boys.

After a noon game at RSC, U12 headed to WMSL for a 4:10 kickoff. What a gorgeous fall day for soccer. Too bad the fields at WMSL are in such poor shape. Field 5 was just some clumps of grass and barren dirt. The boys were playing in low gear most of the first half, but were maintaining good possession. Our first touch and passes were off but we were regaining the ball quickly and giving ourselves a chance to keep the ball. Riley made a nice move to beat the defender into the box and then got off a shot to beat the  goalie and put us up 1 to 0. Qwest had a fast break in the 21st minute and beat our last man to go 1 on 1 with Ian and put in a good shot. In the last 10 minutes of the half, things were starting to come together and we were really moving the ball well. Dyln had a great run down the left and got off a terrific shot across the  goal which Lolo ran onto far post and buried into the back of the net. We were up 2 to 1 at half. 305 had 6 shots in the first half to Qwests 4 shots.

In the second half, both teams seemed to be not playing 100%. I believe Qwest also played earlier in the day. Our boys dominated possession and had plenty of chances, but our shots went everywhere except into the net. At the end of the game, the score stood at 2 to 1. In the 2nd half, 305 had 15 shots to Qwest’s 2 shots. The center official ran a great game and other than the really poor field, a 2 to 1 win on a such a beautiful day to play was oustanding. Two big wins today for U12 and the season is looking up. Well done, boys.

U12 was set for a 12:10 kickoff on field 11 at RSC. U12 had lost the opening game at Ray Pec and the boys were ready to go. The boys started off with some good possession but just could not get their shots by the Ray Pec goalie. Ray Pec took the lead in the 14th minute. In the 23rd, Hunter found the net to tie things up 1 to 1. We went in at half level, but feeling like we should have scored a couple more. 305 had 13 shots in the first half to Ray Pec’s 5.

In the second half, it was game on as Trenton had a fabulous finish off a second shot on the near post. The surge was on and we had several good chances with Joaquin knocking in an assist from Lolo. The boys continued to dominate possession and in the 19th Hunter got his second of the game. 3 minutes later, Lalo finished an amazing run and putting a blast into the back of the net. Ray Pec scored in the 28th to end the scoring. 305 had 14 shots in the second half to Ray Pec’s 4 shots. The boys played much better as a team vs the opening game and worked the ball well down both flanks. The team is coming along and showing some good character and team play.