Wow...It was great to show up Saturday morning and see colorful jerseys and excitement as the games begun. There were goals galore happening on all the fields and we saw some great footy out there over the two days.
I want to thank the HSL Board for putting this together, especially Mauro, Nell, and Paul. You all did a fantastic job getting people together to make this event a great experience. Well done.
What are the dates for next year?
Cheers,
Phil
Monday, January 4, 2010
Monday, November 23, 2009
Winter Cheer
HOLIDAY TOURNEY - January 3rd and 4th!
Ever wonder how that scale seems to add a few pounds when you venture that post-Holiday weigh-in? I can say that for myself, if I do not find ways to play and get out with the ball in the coming months between Turkey Day and the beginning of the Spring season in April, well...Frankly, it sucks. I could go on and on about how it feels to be out of shape come that first game and how, despite our best intentions "during the break" that first match can hurt!
So, why not sign up for the Tourney and keep your fitness up over the break? There is also a very "religious" group of players that meet each Sunday at the bowl...even when the track is covered in ice! Stay with it and be ready come Spring!
Ever wonder how that scale seems to add a few pounds when you venture that post-Holiday weigh-in? I can say that for myself, if I do not find ways to play and get out with the ball in the coming months between Turkey Day and the beginning of the Spring season in April, well...Frankly, it sucks. I could go on and on about how it feels to be out of shape come that first game and how, despite our best intentions "during the break" that first match can hurt!
So, why not sign up for the Tourney and keep your fitness up over the break? There is also a very "religious" group of players that meet each Sunday at the bowl...even when the track is covered in ice! Stay with it and be ready come Spring!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
10-Man Hooligans Calm the Stormers 4-0
One of the great mysteries of this game is how a team of 10 can best a full side. Honestly though, I cannot tell you what we did right and where the Stormers were lacking; it just happened this way. It remains a mystery to me. It may be as simple as we focused on passing to each other and not passing to the guys in blue. I don't really have an answer. But, this is how it went...
FIRST HALF
Hooligans were looking for any red jerseys emerging out of the parking lot, but there would be none. They would start and finish the match with 10 players. The game was back and forth for the first ten minutes as the teams settled into a rhythm. Pedro and Pepe were controlling the midfield and alternated working the ball through to Cody, Kevin, and Antonio. It was about 20 minutes in when the Hooligans won a corner kick on the West side of the field. Gary was in goal for the Stormers and he was looking directly into the setting sun when Kevin Conway's curving corner kick whizzed by his ear and landed in the side netting for the first goal. The Stormers pressed hard for about 10 minutes and forced some defense from us until Eric Little picked up a clearance and took on a Stormer on the right side of the attacking third, got around him and centered a great ball to Jim who nodded his header past Gary for a second goal. It looked like an attacking play that we might have rehearsed..it looked so good. The half soon ended and the Stormers had a strategy session to see what to do about the ten of us.
SECOND HALF
For some reason we seemed to be content to pass to each other in a strange effective way. Us Hooligans usually do not do this so this was a really strange experience for us. We actually found each other and played simple passes to each other on the ground. Imagine our surprise when this simple plan resulted in us keeping possession of the ball, even as the Stormers increased their pressure on the ball. It was miraculous and revolutionary for us!
We kept the Stormers in their own half somehow and continued to take shots from a variety of players. Cody was peppering shots from the left, Kevin continued to work combinations with Pedro and Pepe to get in behind the defense, while Antonio worked the right side effectively. Finally we broke them down to score a third when Kevin fed Pedro and he shot at close range which Gary blocked straight back to him and he finished the second time.
Stormers had their share of chances with Anthony Kontos testing our keeper with a nicely placed chip when he caught him out of position. Chuy leaped up at the last minute and deflected the ball out for a corner. Stormers continued to break us down and create chances, with Wade and Jorge working hard to get in behind the defense. But the Hooligans kept flushing the ball out and away. Stormers wouldn't find the net on this day. With about 15 minutes left we were awarded a direct free kick just outside the box when Kevin was fouled. I stepped up and took the shot while the Stormers were building their wall and bent it around toward the near post. I thought Gary wasn't looking as he shouted to his wall, but he leaped over and got a hand on it, although it wasn't enough and he was only able to parry the ball into the nearpost side netting. Some defenders complained, but the ref did what they were supposed to by allowing the attacking team a quick restart. There are a few myths about restarts that resurfaced for a brief moment...but the goal rightly stood as valid.
Defenders will argue that they can ask for ten yards when it is not even their kick! Refs are instructed to punish defenders who walk up and stand in front of the ball, as well as players who encroach and try to block kicks, with a minimum of a yellow card! The best thing to do as a defender is move back and defend.
In the end, Hooligans stuck it out and held the Stormers. Like last week, I feel our success was partly because we were focused on playing and not on reffing. If you think about it, arguing with the ref is a complete waste of time (I AM aware of the irony of me telling you this, as I have wasted many minutes out there!). In all my 38 years of playing and dissenting, I have not once changed the refs mind to reverse their decision! Referees give us all information in their calls that tell us how they saw the play, how the game is likely to be called based on their comfort level with the contact on challenges, and basically are giving us information with which we have an obligation to use. If we used this information, we would alter our game slightly; maybe avoid offsides by giving a few steps cushion instead of a milimeter, maybe challenging balls in the air with our hands in, maybe accepting the call and showing some respect and acceptance of a difficult job...to name a few. I guess after 38 years, I finally figured this out...Well done!
FIRST HALF
Hooligans were looking for any red jerseys emerging out of the parking lot, but there would be none. They would start and finish the match with 10 players. The game was back and forth for the first ten minutes as the teams settled into a rhythm. Pedro and Pepe were controlling the midfield and alternated working the ball through to Cody, Kevin, and Antonio. It was about 20 minutes in when the Hooligans won a corner kick on the West side of the field. Gary was in goal for the Stormers and he was looking directly into the setting sun when Kevin Conway's curving corner kick whizzed by his ear and landed in the side netting for the first goal. The Stormers pressed hard for about 10 minutes and forced some defense from us until Eric Little picked up a clearance and took on a Stormer on the right side of the attacking third, got around him and centered a great ball to Jim who nodded his header past Gary for a second goal. It looked like an attacking play that we might have rehearsed..it looked so good. The half soon ended and the Stormers had a strategy session to see what to do about the ten of us.
SECOND HALF
For some reason we seemed to be content to pass to each other in a strange effective way. Us Hooligans usually do not do this so this was a really strange experience for us. We actually found each other and played simple passes to each other on the ground. Imagine our surprise when this simple plan resulted in us keeping possession of the ball, even as the Stormers increased their pressure on the ball. It was miraculous and revolutionary for us!
We kept the Stormers in their own half somehow and continued to take shots from a variety of players. Cody was peppering shots from the left, Kevin continued to work combinations with Pedro and Pepe to get in behind the defense, while Antonio worked the right side effectively. Finally we broke them down to score a third when Kevin fed Pedro and he shot at close range which Gary blocked straight back to him and he finished the second time.
Stormers had their share of chances with Anthony Kontos testing our keeper with a nicely placed chip when he caught him out of position. Chuy leaped up at the last minute and deflected the ball out for a corner. Stormers continued to break us down and create chances, with Wade and Jorge working hard to get in behind the defense. But the Hooligans kept flushing the ball out and away. Stormers wouldn't find the net on this day. With about 15 minutes left we were awarded a direct free kick just outside the box when Kevin was fouled. I stepped up and took the shot while the Stormers were building their wall and bent it around toward the near post. I thought Gary wasn't looking as he shouted to his wall, but he leaped over and got a hand on it, although it wasn't enough and he was only able to parry the ball into the nearpost side netting. Some defenders complained, but the ref did what they were supposed to by allowing the attacking team a quick restart. There are a few myths about restarts that resurfaced for a brief moment...but the goal rightly stood as valid.
Defenders will argue that they can ask for ten yards when it is not even their kick! Refs are instructed to punish defenders who walk up and stand in front of the ball, as well as players who encroach and try to block kicks, with a minimum of a yellow card! The best thing to do as a defender is move back and defend.
In the end, Hooligans stuck it out and held the Stormers. Like last week, I feel our success was partly because we were focused on playing and not on reffing. If you think about it, arguing with the ref is a complete waste of time (I AM aware of the irony of me telling you this, as I have wasted many minutes out there!). In all my 38 years of playing and dissenting, I have not once changed the refs mind to reverse their decision! Referees give us all information in their calls that tell us how they saw the play, how the game is likely to be called based on their comfort level with the contact on challenges, and basically are giving us information with which we have an obligation to use. If we used this information, we would alter our game slightly; maybe avoid offsides by giving a few steps cushion instead of a milimeter, maybe challenging balls in the air with our hands in, maybe accepting the call and showing some respect and acceptance of a difficult job...to name a few. I guess after 38 years, I finally figured this out...Well done!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Wild Bunch Edges Hooligans 4-3
I might say up front that the comments that follow are influenced by a number of pints at Humbrews after the game....which is generally just as fun as playing.
I don't really know what happened in the first 30 minutes of the game because I was late....
But, shortly after I subbed in the Wild Bunch scored, so I guess you could say I had an "immediate impact." Anyhow, I don't remember who scored...But they orange men took the lead.I can't remember if they scored again before the half, but who cares. Eventually they led by two and sometime in the second half we scored to make it 2-1.
Our keeper "Chuy" turned away at least five good chances that most third graders would have finished easily so we were naturally grateful. We tied it up with a goal from Kevin Conway who was a threat the entire game.
Wild Bunch kept countering and added two more to provide a cushion of a lead. With 10 minutes left, Kevin got behind the orange jerseys and sent a long ball to the far post which I somehow placed into the net with not much of an angle....
Most of the game the Wild Bunch spent reffing, so really they could have beaten us with a wider margin if they had stayed focused on their role as players and NOT as refs. We enjoyed their distraction and created many chances in the second half while they were busy reffing and obtaining yellow cards. However, we did not finish a host of chances, so we deservedly lost.
Stormers "Rain Down" On Dirty Dogs 1-0
It was interesting to see Bobby McGuire and Joe Dacus in tears at Hum Brews after the match. Joe seemed to think he had somehow cursed the 'Dogs while Bobby speculated on the "hockey-like" substitutions that seemed to bolster the ranks of the Stormers at times. Despite their emotional state, it was clear that scandal and losing had affected the men in yellow and it was taking its toll on them. It should be an interesting match-up with the Wild Bunch when they meet the Dirty Dogs next week. It could be the end of their attempt to retain the prestigious "Old Fart's
Cup Trophy." Stay tuned!
I don't really know what happened in the first 30 minutes of the game because I was late....
But, shortly after I subbed in the Wild Bunch scored, so I guess you could say I had an "immediate impact." Anyhow, I don't remember who scored...But they orange men took the lead.I can't remember if they scored again before the half, but who cares. Eventually they led by two and sometime in the second half we scored to make it 2-1.
Our keeper "Chuy" turned away at least five good chances that most third graders would have finished easily so we were naturally grateful. We tied it up with a goal from Kevin Conway who was a threat the entire game.
Wild Bunch kept countering and added two more to provide a cushion of a lead. With 10 minutes left, Kevin got behind the orange jerseys and sent a long ball to the far post which I somehow placed into the net with not much of an angle....
Most of the game the Wild Bunch spent reffing, so really they could have beaten us with a wider margin if they had stayed focused on their role as players and NOT as refs. We enjoyed their distraction and created many chances in the second half while they were busy reffing and obtaining yellow cards. However, we did not finish a host of chances, so we deservedly lost.
Stormers "Rain Down" On Dirty Dogs 1-0
It was interesting to see Bobby McGuire and Joe Dacus in tears at Hum Brews after the match. Joe seemed to think he had somehow cursed the 'Dogs while Bobby speculated on the "hockey-like" substitutions that seemed to bolster the ranks of the Stormers at times. Despite their emotional state, it was clear that scandal and losing had affected the men in yellow and it was taking its toll on them. It should be an interesting match-up with the Wild Bunch when they meet the Dirty Dogs next week. It could be the end of their attempt to retain the prestigious "Old Fart's
Cup Trophy." Stay tuned!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
SEASON OPENER - Dirty Dogs Bite Hooligans 6-3.
This is always a fun match-up because you never know what will transpire. You can usually count on goals and shots and there were plenty tonight. I liked the new pregame routine which has players check in and shake hands before the contest. After all we are all soccer brothers and hope to survive the game uninjured, so why not start the game with a deliberate act of friendship?
We had some long-time players reappear as Anthony Perrone and Rick Littlefield emerged out of some cryogenic vault in Southern Humboldt to join us once again. Welcome back gents!Hooligans welcomed Anthony to the squad and immediately put him to work defending, while Rick roved the midfield and kept feeding Eric and Mauro up front for the men in yellow ( I was gonna say "yellow men" but is that PC? I didn't think so).
Hooligans also welcomed new players Noah Beck, Cody Lambuth, and the "not-so-new" and returning Reed Tudor and Dave Rowe. Everyone else on the Hooligans has played in this league for at least 40 years, so they need no introduction.
The first half was even and calm for about 20 minutes and there was pretty even possession by both teams and chances here and there. The goals have a strange way of coming when Eric arrives, and he provided one soon after he took the pitch. We will probably mark him with three people next game or I might just try and annoy him by being his shadow...if I can catch him.
Dogs scored a second, but just before the half ended they back-passed to their keeper, Glen who, no longer in his normal role as an attacker, promptly picked the ball up! Hooligans took advantage of a quick restart in the penalty area with only one defender back, and Noah Beck gave a short pass to Kevin Conway who slotted it into the net. The halftime whistle sounded shortly after the goal and us Hooligans felt we were back in it.
Second Half Fouls -
Now that only a goal separated us I think the half started pretty physical. The officials maintained good control by issuing cautions for a few fouls that needed their attention beyond the whistle and that helped.
Dogs scored again early on when Eric waltzed into the box unmarked and headed a cross from Mauro past our keeper. Oops...I think that was my bad for watching him instead of marking him. Oh well.
Hooligans continued to get into their attacking third and put some pressure on their defense but the Dogs found the net again as Eric (is his name coming up often when I mention a goal being scored?)went past three defenders and despite being fouled by two of them tucked the ball in the left corner like it just didn't matter. Our keeper had to console the defenders who really felt bad about having this happen, but kudos to Eric for showing us some good finishing.
Hooligans struck back to make it 4-2 when Kevin Conway was played cleverly through the defense by Antonio Vega. Todd and Mike were busy talking about Facebook when Kevin suddenly burst past them cracked a shot of the left post which came back across goal before Kevin blasted the ball at Glenn and the ball careened into the right corner of the goal.
Not long after, the game was marred by a hard foul on Eric by the Hooligan keeper. The ref issued a caution on what could have been a straight red, when the player was played(or should I say "checked" as in hockey) and the ball was left well alone. While the resulting kick from outside the box was fruitless, the Dogs managed to score shortly after on a goal so thrilling...that I have actually forgotten who scored and how. It was likely Eric though, and Mauro can edit me if he happens to remember. That is what happens when you have headed soccer balls as I have for 38 out the 44 years I have been alive. I just can't remember some things. Last week I totally forgot I was married and had two children, but my loving family set me straight.Where was I? Oh yeah, soccer recap.
It was now 5-2 and the dogs were starting to cruise into the last 15 minutes with a hint of success in their grasp.Hooligans kept mounting attacks and came close, as Glen denied me on a well-saved chance I cracked at the top of the box. But right after that as a throw in was played into the penalty area and quickly cleared....PENALTY. Which at first puzzled everyone because it was not clear what happened. Hooligans were more than happy to benefit from the award and I slotted it past the keeper. I must say that the last time I took a PK from that very spot I hit a car...about three rows back! I made sure I did not shank it this time. Now it was 5-3 and only 10 minutes to play.
Dogs sent a ball into Paul Swenson who was clobbered by our keeper just outside the box. This additional body block resulted in a second caution and the keeper was rightly sent off for not changing the behavior that resulted in the first caution. Anthony Perrone took on the role nobody wanted and stepped in goal as our keeper.
Most of the attackers were badly damaged at this point and they failed to score from the subsequent free kick.
However, with a few minutes left, somebody...I think it was Paul launched a shot from close range on a pass from Eric, which Anthony read well but slipped through his hands and flopped over the line. The score would stand at 6-3 as the final whistle sounded. It was a fun game, the refs did well, and we saw plenty of goals scored.
We had some long-time players reappear as Anthony Perrone and Rick Littlefield emerged out of some cryogenic vault in Southern Humboldt to join us once again. Welcome back gents!Hooligans welcomed Anthony to the squad and immediately put him to work defending, while Rick roved the midfield and kept feeding Eric and Mauro up front for the men in yellow ( I was gonna say "yellow men" but is that PC? I didn't think so).
Hooligans also welcomed new players Noah Beck, Cody Lambuth, and the "not-so-new" and returning Reed Tudor and Dave Rowe. Everyone else on the Hooligans has played in this league for at least 40 years, so they need no introduction.
The first half was even and calm for about 20 minutes and there was pretty even possession by both teams and chances here and there. The goals have a strange way of coming when Eric arrives, and he provided one soon after he took the pitch. We will probably mark him with three people next game or I might just try and annoy him by being his shadow...if I can catch him.
Dogs scored a second, but just before the half ended they back-passed to their keeper, Glen who, no longer in his normal role as an attacker, promptly picked the ball up! Hooligans took advantage of a quick restart in the penalty area with only one defender back, and Noah Beck gave a short pass to Kevin Conway who slotted it into the net. The halftime whistle sounded shortly after the goal and us Hooligans felt we were back in it.
Second Half Fouls -
Now that only a goal separated us I think the half started pretty physical. The officials maintained good control by issuing cautions for a few fouls that needed their attention beyond the whistle and that helped.
Dogs scored again early on when Eric waltzed into the box unmarked and headed a cross from Mauro past our keeper. Oops...I think that was my bad for watching him instead of marking him. Oh well.
Hooligans continued to get into their attacking third and put some pressure on their defense but the Dogs found the net again as Eric (is his name coming up often when I mention a goal being scored?)went past three defenders and despite being fouled by two of them tucked the ball in the left corner like it just didn't matter. Our keeper had to console the defenders who really felt bad about having this happen, but kudos to Eric for showing us some good finishing.
Hooligans struck back to make it 4-2 when Kevin Conway was played cleverly through the defense by Antonio Vega. Todd and Mike were busy talking about Facebook when Kevin suddenly burst past them cracked a shot of the left post which came back across goal before Kevin blasted the ball at Glenn and the ball careened into the right corner of the goal.
Not long after, the game was marred by a hard foul on Eric by the Hooligan keeper. The ref issued a caution on what could have been a straight red, when the player was played(or should I say "checked" as in hockey) and the ball was left well alone. While the resulting kick from outside the box was fruitless, the Dogs managed to score shortly after on a goal so thrilling...that I have actually forgotten who scored and how. It was likely Eric though, and Mauro can edit me if he happens to remember. That is what happens when you have headed soccer balls as I have for 38 out the 44 years I have been alive. I just can't remember some things. Last week I totally forgot I was married and had two children, but my loving family set me straight.Where was I? Oh yeah, soccer recap.
It was now 5-2 and the dogs were starting to cruise into the last 15 minutes with a hint of success in their grasp.Hooligans kept mounting attacks and came close, as Glen denied me on a well-saved chance I cracked at the top of the box. But right after that as a throw in was played into the penalty area and quickly cleared....PENALTY. Which at first puzzled everyone because it was not clear what happened. Hooligans were more than happy to benefit from the award and I slotted it past the keeper. I must say that the last time I took a PK from that very spot I hit a car...about three rows back! I made sure I did not shank it this time. Now it was 5-3 and only 10 minutes to play.
Dogs sent a ball into Paul Swenson who was clobbered by our keeper just outside the box. This additional body block resulted in a second caution and the keeper was rightly sent off for not changing the behavior that resulted in the first caution. Anthony Perrone took on the role nobody wanted and stepped in goal as our keeper.
Most of the attackers were badly damaged at this point and they failed to score from the subsequent free kick.
However, with a few minutes left, somebody...I think it was Paul launched a shot from close range on a pass from Eric, which Anthony read well but slipped through his hands and flopped over the line. The score would stand at 6-3 as the final whistle sounded. It was a fun game, the refs did well, and we saw plenty of goals scored.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Spirit of HSL Awards
Yesterday we had a nice gathering for our spring season party. For those of you who missed it, we recognized all the teams, and the team managers. I will say it again, for those of you who missed it - thanks to all of you players for supporting the HSL, for your fair and competitive play, and for your efforts to keep things on a positive note! A special thanks to all managers for your work in organizing your teams and for leading by example in your play and sportsmanship! It is your role as leaders that define our league. One thing I neglected to do, but should have - thanks to all our referees for their critical work in often stressful conditions!
We announced the winners of the divisions:
Coed 25/30 - Humbrews, Robin Hewitt manager
Coed Open - Amalgamators, Michael East manager
Men's 30/37 - Dirty Dogs, Paul Swenson manager
Finally, we announced the recipients of the Spirit of HSL awards. These awards are given based on direct input from you, their peers.
I've copied my words below as I read them to the gathering yesterday.
SPIRIT OF HSL
Positive, a tough competitor, an encourager, a sense of team and community,
These are some of the qualities that embody many of you out there. The following players have been admired and singled out by their teammates and often by the players whom they have played against. Some of these players I know well, and some not at all, so it is a pleasure to in a sense view these players and their exemplary play and attitude through the eyes of other players. I just want to say that there are many more of you out there on our fields and in this room who share in these qualities. You know who you are and I thank you. I hope to hear more stories from you, your thoughts and feelings about other players deserving of recognition.
It’s my hope we can change the old and tired American attitude that griping and complaining is part of winning. What I hear you saying in our league is that being respectful and encouraging of all players out on the field is more important than winning, and that’s saying a lot because we all know how hard we all play out there.
So without further ado, let’s recognize a few of our exemplary players,
BYRD MINKLER
One player wrote, “I have never seen anything but a "quiet effectiveness" from this player. He embodies a high work rate, combines skill and clean, hard play, and has defensive and offensive competency. He seems friendly to all who know him and generally is there to play. He has an attitude I think I would like to model more than my own. That player is Bird Minkler.”
JENNIFER GARCIA
One player wrote, “She has started off being an absolute beginner a couple of seasons ago and has stuck it out in our sometimes fairly competitive 25/30 coed league. She has gone from practically running away from the ball and blindly kicking at it to challenging some decent players on the field, positioning herself well, making some passes, and last game even taking a shot on goal. She has steadily increased the number of times she is involved in play during games, is always positive, and shows up each week for the games. I like that our league offers the room for players of all levels to improve.”
RAFAEL RIVERA
I said, “A great attitude, always positive, willing to play anywhere on the field, though he would always say, “goalie man, it’s what I do”. Above all this is a person whose warmth and kindness puts out good vibes that cross the boundaries of not just the teams he plays on, but to all players.”
MONA SCOTT
One player wrote, “Every game she could possibly make, she was there. Even when we were down 9-1 she would still talk it up with the team, pickup up the players who were hanging their heads. She was a pleasure to have in the goal and I wouldn't have anyone else back there.”
MICHAEL ROSCOE
One player wrote, “New to league as a team manager, he conducted himself the right way, with humility. He He always treated every last player with respect. He never dictated, but rather served as an example and a reminder of the right way to be out there.
On the field, he played hard. even late in an out-of-reach game, he gave 100% . Good Will seemed to always be the top priority...even though he was always playing to win.
He treated the refs with respect, and instantly jumped in as a mediator to put out fires, and calm any player who was starting to become temperamental toward the refs. He wanted his team to be a class operation. I never saw him show pride over wins(even though I know he would love to have gone undefeated), but I did hear him take pride in any compliments that our team received as far as our conduct on the field. That, rather than winning, seemed to be the thing that he considered to be the true feather in our cap.
He also treated our opponents well, before, during, and after games. He consistently engaged in friendly exchanges with everyone. His presence always increased the level of fun, energy, and positive spirit, at any time or place on the field. He showed a spirit and maturity, both on the field and off, that was beyond his years. I think he is an exemplary player and leader.”
LAURA OLSEN
I said, “Our league is full of players who have played for many years, I’m talking 10, 15, 20 years and more. I’m not sure how long this player has been involved with the league, but one thing’s for sure she still has the skills and smarts and athleticism of a top player. She’s quiet on the field, always mature and respectful. She speaks with her play, which is as it should be.”
CARLOS CAMPOS
I said, “Recently I watched this player battling it out for his team in a losing cause. His team was shorthanded, and he found himself the lone striker for most of the game, trying to collect the ball and turn it against the other team’s back line. Again and again, he would get the ball, and in an exhausting effort, try to maneuver through the defense. Even with his team down 10 goals to 0, this level of effort never waned. It was like watching Sisyphus try to push the boulder up the mountain. Never once, did he allow any frustration to sour his attitude all the way to the closing whistle. That’s on the field.
Off the field, This player is always willing to step up for the league and for the teams and players he has managed, and he has done it happily. Almost always to be seen with a smile on his face, he would much rather see other players get the kudos, but I think he exemplifies the Spirit of the HSL and deserves to be recognized.”
We announced the winners of the divisions:
Coed 25/30 - Humbrews, Robin Hewitt manager
Coed Open - Amalgamators, Michael East manager
Men's 30/37 - Dirty Dogs, Paul Swenson manager
Finally, we announced the recipients of the Spirit of HSL awards. These awards are given based on direct input from you, their peers.
I've copied my words below as I read them to the gathering yesterday.
SPIRIT OF HSL
Positive, a tough competitor, an encourager, a sense of team and community,
These are some of the qualities that embody many of you out there. The following players have been admired and singled out by their teammates and often by the players whom they have played against. Some of these players I know well, and some not at all, so it is a pleasure to in a sense view these players and their exemplary play and attitude through the eyes of other players. I just want to say that there are many more of you out there on our fields and in this room who share in these qualities. You know who you are and I thank you. I hope to hear more stories from you, your thoughts and feelings about other players deserving of recognition.
It’s my hope we can change the old and tired American attitude that griping and complaining is part of winning. What I hear you saying in our league is that being respectful and encouraging of all players out on the field is more important than winning, and that’s saying a lot because we all know how hard we all play out there.
So without further ado, let’s recognize a few of our exemplary players,
BYRD MINKLER
One player wrote, “I have never seen anything but a "quiet effectiveness" from this player. He embodies a high work rate, combines skill and clean, hard play, and has defensive and offensive competency. He seems friendly to all who know him and generally is there to play. He has an attitude I think I would like to model more than my own. That player is Bird Minkler.”
JENNIFER GARCIA
One player wrote, “She has started off being an absolute beginner a couple of seasons ago and has stuck it out in our sometimes fairly competitive 25/30 coed league. She has gone from practically running away from the ball and blindly kicking at it to challenging some decent players on the field, positioning herself well, making some passes, and last game even taking a shot on goal. She has steadily increased the number of times she is involved in play during games, is always positive, and shows up each week for the games. I like that our league offers the room for players of all levels to improve.”
RAFAEL RIVERA
I said, “A great attitude, always positive, willing to play anywhere on the field, though he would always say, “goalie man, it’s what I do”. Above all this is a person whose warmth and kindness puts out good vibes that cross the boundaries of not just the teams he plays on, but to all players.”
MONA SCOTT
One player wrote, “Every game she could possibly make, she was there. Even when we were down 9-1 she would still talk it up with the team, pickup up the players who were hanging their heads. She was a pleasure to have in the goal and I wouldn't have anyone else back there.”
MICHAEL ROSCOE
One player wrote, “New to league as a team manager, he conducted himself the right way, with humility. He He always treated every last player with respect. He never dictated, but rather served as an example and a reminder of the right way to be out there.
On the field, he played hard. even late in an out-of-reach game, he gave 100% . Good Will seemed to always be the top priority...even though he was always playing to win.
He treated the refs with respect, and instantly jumped in as a mediator to put out fires, and calm any player who was starting to become temperamental toward the refs. He wanted his team to be a class operation. I never saw him show pride over wins(even though I know he would love to have gone undefeated), but I did hear him take pride in any compliments that our team received as far as our conduct on the field. That, rather than winning, seemed to be the thing that he considered to be the true feather in our cap.
He also treated our opponents well, before, during, and after games. He consistently engaged in friendly exchanges with everyone. His presence always increased the level of fun, energy, and positive spirit, at any time or place on the field. He showed a spirit and maturity, both on the field and off, that was beyond his years. I think he is an exemplary player and leader.”
LAURA OLSEN
I said, “Our league is full of players who have played for many years, I’m talking 10, 15, 20 years and more. I’m not sure how long this player has been involved with the league, but one thing’s for sure she still has the skills and smarts and athleticism of a top player. She’s quiet on the field, always mature and respectful. She speaks with her play, which is as it should be.”
CARLOS CAMPOS
I said, “Recently I watched this player battling it out for his team in a losing cause. His team was shorthanded, and he found himself the lone striker for most of the game, trying to collect the ball and turn it against the other team’s back line. Again and again, he would get the ball, and in an exhausting effort, try to maneuver through the defense. Even with his team down 10 goals to 0, this level of effort never waned. It was like watching Sisyphus try to push the boulder up the mountain. Never once, did he allow any frustration to sour his attitude all the way to the closing whistle. That’s on the field.
Off the field, This player is always willing to step up for the league and for the teams and players he has managed, and he has done it happily. Almost always to be seen with a smile on his face, he would much rather see other players get the kudos, but I think he exemplifies the Spirit of the HSL and deserves to be recognized.”
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
WEEKLY SOCCER RULES DISCUSSION
It's free and it's already there! US Soccer has an active program called "Week in Review" which looks at the issues that arised based on matches and referee decisions in each week of the MLS. While this site is aimed primarily at referees, it a very good resource for all players of the game. CHECK IT OUT!
US Soccer Week in Review
US Soccer Week in Review
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