Player Profile of the Week - November 30, 2005

Back by popular demand after a couple of weeks holiday...
The Player Profile of the Week - November 30, 2005
















Why Do You Enjoy Soccer: Its fun, I like to score goals.
Number of Years Played Soccer: 3 years
Favourite Position: Midfield because I like forward and defence.
Most Memorable Soccer Moment: When I Scored a Hat Trick
Favourite Colour: Orange & Lime Green (OK, I can't think of a soccer team with these colours!)
Favourite Movie: Charlie & the Chocolate Factory
Favourite Book: Abbie Hayes
Favourite Animal: Monkeys
Favourite PopStar/Band: Avril Lavigne
Favourite Food: Pizza
Favourite Flavour of Ice-cream: Monkey Moo’s
If I had a million dollars I would.... buy myself a monkey, cellphone and laptop computer.

Soccer Rules - Offside Rule

Some homework girls before the practise where Mafalda and will finally discuss this ...

FIFA has two good active online demonstrations (below) that explains the offside rule and it finer points. Don't get bogged down with all the details, just learn the basics...

A player is in an offside position if:

• he is nearer to his opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second last opponent (the last defender).

A player is not in an offside position if:

• he is in his own half of the field of play or
• he is level with the second last opponent or
• he is level with the last two opponents.

A player is not offside if he receives the ball directly from

• a goal kick,
• throw-in or
• corner kick.

http://www.fifa.com/en/comp/Offside.html
http://www.fifa.com/en/regulations/regulation/0,4024,3,00.html
- click on the button that says "Click here for interactive guide to Offside Law 11"

UVic Vikes Women Take National Title

A goal to work towards girls ...

The UVic Vikes women's soccer team won their first national title last month. Vikes defender Carey Gustafson was named tournament MVP and earned a place on the All-Canadian second team. Striker Amelie Mercier was named to the first team.

Both of these women played with the Victoria Stars of the PCSL during the summer of 2005. Mercier was League top scorer and Gustafson was in the top 10 goalscoring ranks.



Gorge's own Head Coach Dave Dew is the Assistant Coach of UVic ... Congratulations Dave!

Soccer Looses One of its Best - George Best

Perhaps your mom and dad remember one of the best from our era (1960 and 1970's) ... George Best died Friday November 25, 2005. He was a national hero for Ireland.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/shownews.jsp?content=R112804AU
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/article.jsp?content=20051124_081532_44668
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/051125/7/5dl3.html

The best player never to grace a FIFA World Cup™ ...
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/051121/1/5bl1.html

Taylor G. was the Last Player Profile of the Week

The Player Profile of the Week - October 26, 2005 was .... Taylor G.
This seemed to be fairly easy for some of you as five out of the ten that voted got this correct.
I'll be posting a new one in the next night or two .... so, stay tuned.

Gorge Soccer Academy - November 27, 2005

A Great Day to Have Fun at Soccer Academy!
A few photos showing the girls having some fun shooting (putting eggs into the nest).

Style!








Crank it Julia!




Suckers for punishment!





Again , the end (or Jaymie's end again!).

Away vs. Prospect Lake Wescor

Prospect Lake steals a point from Gorge Canadians with a 1-1 Tie

We travelled to Beckwith Park on cool bright morning ... great day for soccer! We were lucky to be playing as the fields had been closed the night before and Beckwith had a lot of standing water (i.e. that means puddles with ice on them ... for the girls to "discover" with their feet!)

The game started out slowly for us with the play going back and forth for a while ... it was definitely going to be a game that would be won or lost at midfield. Gorge carried most of the play (65%) throughout the game and any attacks by Prospect Lake were quickly nullified by our defense, who were playing a great game. Coach Brad was moving the girls around quite a bit in today's game with some girls seeing all three positions. It seemed like a good day to experiment. One breakdown by our defense (caught waiting/watching their attacker instead closing space) saw a good shot on net. Paige, who played keeper for the full game today, caught a piece of it but the ball got through her grasp and rolled into the net.

A quick pep talk at half-time with some additioal coaching on centre midfield positioning saw the girls invigorated again and ready to get the goal back (and more). We got on the scoreboard within the first 5 minutes of the second half with a very nice through ball from the foot of Jaymie and two of our attackers broke through their defense with Cara picking up the pass and putting it into the back of the net! Great ball Jaymie and great run Cara.

The remainder of the game saw Gorge attacking a lot more but we could put another ball in the net. We definitely picked up the pace in the second half. Some plays of note in today's game ...

• some very good passing today --> I saw a couple of multiple pass plays between the girls and a couple of give-and-go's
• good solid game again from Katlyn and Jaymie ... where do these girls get those lungs!?
• Alanna's defensive playing and great two-way playing at midfield
• Erin had a great defensive game and in the second half showed some of her old brilliance with attacking runs on the right side with excellent crosses into opponents goal area
• Cara was playing good two-way soccer today ... coming back to assist the midfielder even when playing forward
• Lauren received an excellent leading pass sending her in on goal and scoring with a great shot; however, it was called back due to Lauren definitely being offside (we'll work on that rule next practice)
• Indy was playing a little more agressive today and won a number of her challenges
• Heather's defensive play is improving with each game
• Again, Paige played a very solid game ... her goal keeping kicks and throws are getting better and better

Some things to work on over the next week...

• Again our midfield is pushing too far forward and not coming back
• Also, we tend to leave a large opening in the middle on goal kicks from both ends
• We will be working on improving our re-starts...
• Throw-ins ... going both ways (attacking and defending). We are not taking advantage of our own throw ins - we are too slow and not using the tactic of surprise. When the other team has a throw in we are standing around and not picking up checks
• Penalty kicks close to the goal. We have had a few of these and not yet capitalized on them (i.e. using the wall, using the far post, etc.)
• Goal kicks --> we are leaving a huge hole in the middle at both ends

Lastly, the biggest thing about the day .... It was Mafaldas's 35th birthday (again) and we forgot to wish her a happy birthday!!

Home vs. Sooke

Gorge Canadians Battle Sooke for a 2-2 Tie

Today's game was a very close game against a much improved Sooke team (compared to last year). Sooke had some fairly large girls that were tough to get the ball from, and a couple of fast girls who could carry the ball skillfully and finish well. Our old team mate Emma was on Sooke's team and played very well at defense. It was nice to see her (and her mom Jane).

Play throughout the game was fairly even (50/50) but we opened up the scoring with another of Erin's long shots. She shot from about 20-25 yards out and it slipped through the keepers hands only to trickle into the net. Goooooaaalllll!

Sooke was not to be disheartened by the goal and added an equalizer near the end of the second half. Their top player (#7) ran down the right wing and beat our defender and placed a very nice goal by Paige (making her dive for the very low shot).

In the second half Jennifer replaced Paige in net and it was quite apparaent that we missed her midfield skills as Sooke started to penetrate our midfield quite a bit. However, our defense were able to stop Sooke's attack before they could take any close shots.

In the mid-half, again the fast/skilled Sooke player broke down our right side with the ball and blew by our defense and this time placed a very nice shot in the upper part of the goal (Jennifer did not have much chance on that one). The rest of the game saw Sooke trying to score a go-ahead goal only to be denied by our defense. Sooke's push forward opened up the mid-field and created a number of near breakaways and 3 vs. 2 for Gorge. We finally capitalized with about 7 minutes left in the game on a nice passing play between Taylor, Kaitlin and Cara. Cara took a nice shot on net and Kaitlin was attacking the goal and was able to "pick up the scraps" and put the ball in the back of the net.

The final 5 minutes saw many chances at both ends ... a very exciting (stressful) last five minutes!!

Some standout plays and players for todays game...

• Kaitlyn Hughson ... excellent midfield play today especially marking their top player. Good tackles, transition from defense to offence. Kaitlyn was also seen taking a good left foot shot on net and passing with her left foot
• Alanna on defense ... nothing got by her today (or at least by her in a dangerous spot) - those that did get by her were taken out of the centre of the field by Alanna to the sidelines. Alanna was also completing a number of long passes up the wing to our midfield which is very nice to see.
• Kaitlin Minnvielle - great midfield play and counter attacking.
• Paige in goal and Jenn backing her up. Thanks Jenn! The two goals they got were both good goals and because we did not stop their players further up the field.
• Taylor's confidence with the ball is building ... she even took on someone 1 v1 today
• Our passing is improving ... way to go girls! Maybe those passing practises are working?!

Some other notes...

• A near goal by Lauren created by her taking on the Sooke defender head-to-head and stealing the ball from her and taking a hard shot just missing the net.
• Some smart playing by Cara at forward - she is watching the offside calls.
• A couple of girls were placed in new positions today to try them out ... Olivia at midfield today and Heather on forward.
• I think we missed Joslyn at midfield today ... with the extra midfielder it allows me to move some players around.
• We looked very sharp out there with our new 50th Anniversary Jerseys.

Some things to work harder on ...

• First to the ball!
• Closing down attackers further up the field --> don't let the come down to the defense.
• More shots on net ... we must take them a bit closer to the net (patience).
• More talking between ourselves on the field.
• Keep facing the ball - not turning our backs on the ball.

Away vs Juan de Fuca (Team Forrest)

Game Cancelled Due to Field Conditions
Due to a week of rain ... the fields around Victoria were closed for the day (even though the weather Saturday morning was great soccer weather). Too bad we weren't playing at home and scheduled to play on Gorge's new turf field (it would have been game on)!

Rememberance Day

Remember ...

Gorge Soccer Academy - November 6, 2005

Just a few fun pictures from today's soccer academy. Coach Deano worked on some personal skills, moves/feints and then the girls practised them 1 v 1.

Did you know .... that, according to Coach Deano, "Rock-Paper-Scissors" is an important part of soccer?



Paige ("the Paiger") taking on Erin in 1 v 1 drill.














Jaymie taking on Pamela (Gorge Royals)


Indy and Olivia listening to instructions.


Jennifer ready to attack Tasia's (U12Gold team) defense with her new moves.


Lauren protecting the ball from Olivia.


Julia (Gorge Royals) and Emma (Gorge Buccaneers) in a hard fought battle.


Erin and Alanna battling it out.



"Hi Mikaela!"
















"The End".
I put this here because I told Jaymie if she didn't stop kicking a ball at me I would take a picture of her butt.

Home vs Lakehill Lightning

Gorge Canadians Drop One to Lakehill Lightning 1-2

Brrrrrrrr!
Fall weather is here … wind and rain makes a cool mix! Today was the worst soccer weather day thus far. It was noted that it seemed really cold because we didn’t come prepared for the weather.

Our regularly scheduled game at Bullen Field was rained out (Esquimalt Parks closed Bullen for the weekend); however, Gorge found some space for us in "the cage" turf field. So it was game on vs Lakehill Lightning!

"The cage" is not a great area for playing a league game as the surface is smaller (especially in width) and the fences really make it a different game. The cage is very good at showing a team’s weakness – especially if it is passing/ball control - and this is what we saw today. It was not conducive to our "run-and-gun" style of play. I see some more passing practices coming (keep-away … 3v1, 4v2, etc.)!!

Today match was against Lakehill Lightning a fairly even match for our team. They have a well-disciplined midfield … this is where they beat us today. They beat us to the ball too many times and were able to control the midfield more than us. Also, our girl’s fondness for dribbling instead of passing caused us to turn over the ball too many times to their midfield. I think Lakehill had control of the ball for 65-70% of the match.

We saw some good defense today from both sides. But quite honestly our offence did not really show up today. Hardly any shots. I also see another shooting practice coming ("King Louie" drill)!

Lastly, because of playing in the cage, Coach Brad decided to use this game to try a few different line combinations and try some of the girls at positions that they normally don’t play (those that play defence up at forward, and some forwards back at midfield). It didn’t work out too bad.

Some highlights from our side...

• Paige continues to play very good at the keeper position and turned away a couple of very good chances. Lakehill's first goal was on a mistake by our side (goal kick right to their players with no defence/midfield around) ... the Lakehill shot was a great shot tucked right inside the post just touching Paiges outstretched hands on a great dive.
• Cara played a very good game today when she had the ball. She scored our only goal from a long clearing pass from Jaymie Cara took the ball at centre and beat two defenders with her blazing speed and finished the ball in the upper corner of the net.
• Good defence turned in by Erin, Alanna and Jaymie. Alanna is cool as a cucumber out there under pressure. Jaymie was very tough taking a hard shot that made everyone gasp ... but she got up and played on.

As always, thanks to the parents who show up to cheer on the girls especially in foul weather. Thansk to Lakehill for showing up on the quick change of venues ... hopefully we meet again on a full field (it would be a good game).

Here's some really bad photos from today's game. I think I need a bigger lens ( and some new batteries as the camera was very slow to focus and shoot).

Presenting the Gorge Canadians U11 Girls

Team Photo (November 5, 2005 )

















Top (L to R): Coach Brad, Joslyn, Lauren, Erin, Heather, Jaymie, Jennifer, Coach Mafalda (on stepladder).
Bottom (L to R): Olivia, Cara, Taylor, Paige, Alanna, Kaitlin M., Indy
Missing: Kaitlyn H.

Player Profile of the Week - November 2, 2005

Player Profile of the Week - November 2, 2005


Why Do You Enjoy Soccer: Just 'Cause
Number of Years Played Soccer: One Year
Favourite Position: Defense
Most Memorable Soccer Moment: When I Scored My First Goal
Favourite Colour: Black and Green
Favourite Movie: The Pacifier / Scary Movie 3
Favourite Book: The Bad Beginning
Favourite Animal: Cat
Favourite PopStar/Band: GREEN DAY!!!
Favourite Food: Rice Cakes (White Cheddar)
Favourite Flavour of Ice-cream: Coke
If I had a million dollars I would.... buy a big screen computer.

Announcing ... Erin as the Player Profile Last Week

The Player Profile of the Week - October 26, 2005 is ....
Erin H.

A tougher one. Only three of you got it correct (one being her sister ... thank goodness). It would have helped some of you that know Erin; if I would have put down that her real favourite animal is a giraffe (instead of a dog).

I'll be posting a new one tomorrow .... so, stay tuned.