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!
Monday, November 23, 2009
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
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
THE WILD BUNCH’ LAST STAND
Sounds like a Sam Peckinpah western. But it was more like something along the lines of “Remember the Alamo”. Near the start of the game the WB had 8 players. I counted them three times. We had 14 to start. HSL rules state that 9 is required to avoid a forfeit. The truth is that, at least in recent memory from the last few seasons, no team with less than nine has chosen to play without borrowing players and forfeiting. Coming off a two game winning streak, Nacho was sure someone would emerge from the heavens (read: parking lot) within the first few minutes of the game to give them nine. They always do. You can play with eight as long as you like, I said. If it gets out of hand, at any time feel free to forfeit and borrow players. The refs went along with it and we shook on it.
The Dirty Dogs all lined up, with the win already locked up in there minds. The 8 orange jerseyed WB players stood, perhaps with some trepidation on the other side of the half, facing the North goal and with the kick off. I watched from the sidelines as, expectedly we pressed their end, but with little in the way of results. Jason, showed for us on the sideline and we now had 15.
Was it the lacking of the killer instinct? The classic playing only as hard or as smart as we had to given they had 8. Nothing was clicking for the Dirty Dogs. Shot after shot went over the cross bar or wide of the post. There was no rhythm to our play, considering our numbers, no teamwork. The WB, beginning to sense our lack of commitment began to realize, that even though they were 8, they had a chance.
Early on the WB counter attacked, with accurate passes and solid player movement. Scott Bauer dribbled the ball toward our box and was shadowed from behind by Pete Fuller. Now playing on the field, I had a bird’s eye view of the “contact”, but the Ref on the sideline was shielded, and Scott made a dramatic show and went down earning a free kick near the outer edge of the box. The resulting free kick did not earn them a goal however, but I wondered, as I’m sure many of the Dogs did, what the HELL was going on?
At one point Lenny McMillin rolled his ankle and it looked like the WB would be down to 7. But he continued to near hobble around the field. At one point one of our players tossed him a lace up ankle brace and he removed himself from the sidelines to put it on, leaving the WB with 7. It must have seemed like an eternity for the WB players, as their players would look over to the sidelines wondering what the heck McMillin was doing. Playing against seven, perhaps, we were able to score our first goal.
Near the end of the first half the DD were able to muster their second goal, one probably preventable because the WB goalie, Craig Carroll, for some reason was way off his line. Pete slapped the ball inside the near post with a clinically placed shot. The half ended and we were up only two to nothing. More DD had arrived and we were numbered at 17 against their 8. Out of character for me, I hope, I shouted at my team. Everyone knows that 2-0 is the most dangerous margin of lead going into a 2nd half. I couldn’t fathom losing to 8. I exhorted my players to go back to the basics. Play their positions. Perhaps in the feeding frenzy of playing against 8 we were over committing up front – everyone wanting a piece of the action, with no responsibility in the midfield. How was it, that with our vastly greater numbers, that they were always finding themselves open? We needed to mark tightly and exploit our advantage.
At the opening of the 2nd half, we seemed to be back on the right track. Michael East played a nice through ball to me and I was able to carry it home and slot a low shot at the far post to make it 3-0. but it seemed only minutes later that somehow the WB broke down our defense and Scott Talbot hit a nice shot past Noah for an incredible short handed goal. It was 3-1 and we were back to that dreaded 2 goal margin.
The Dirty Dogs flowed in and out of the pitch from the sidelines, but somehow our play was without continuity, our defense sloppy. Players held the ball, touching it way to many times and either losing it, or forgoing the easy short pass, forcing the long ball.
Shot after shot after shot, over the WB cross bar, or past the post.
Santayana’s men, wave upon wave, threw themselves against the Alamo walls, and finally the goals began to come late in the half, from Hec and Todd. At 5 to 1 there was a visible slump in the shoulders of the Wild Bunch. At 6-1 on Eric's goal, the Dirty Dogs had finally regained and branded their rhythm into an exhausted team.
It was a night for gladiators in orange and the surge of the yellow dog pound
It would be the third and final time the WB would face off against us this season and their third loss to boot. The WB had been having a solid time against the other two teams, but had yet to give us a game. Every week I had steeled myself; that this would be the week that they would show up and bring their real team to us. For our team it was a bitter sweet win. To beat 8 players is somewhat like mercy killing. But we found in their 8 more than we bargained for.
Brewery anyone…
The Dirty Dogs all lined up, with the win already locked up in there minds. The 8 orange jerseyed WB players stood, perhaps with some trepidation on the other side of the half, facing the North goal and with the kick off. I watched from the sidelines as, expectedly we pressed their end, but with little in the way of results. Jason, showed for us on the sideline and we now had 15.
Was it the lacking of the killer instinct? The classic playing only as hard or as smart as we had to given they had 8. Nothing was clicking for the Dirty Dogs. Shot after shot went over the cross bar or wide of the post. There was no rhythm to our play, considering our numbers, no teamwork. The WB, beginning to sense our lack of commitment began to realize, that even though they were 8, they had a chance.
Early on the WB counter attacked, with accurate passes and solid player movement. Scott Bauer dribbled the ball toward our box and was shadowed from behind by Pete Fuller. Now playing on the field, I had a bird’s eye view of the “contact”, but the Ref on the sideline was shielded, and Scott made a dramatic show and went down earning a free kick near the outer edge of the box. The resulting free kick did not earn them a goal however, but I wondered, as I’m sure many of the Dogs did, what the HELL was going on?
At one point Lenny McMillin rolled his ankle and it looked like the WB would be down to 7. But he continued to near hobble around the field. At one point one of our players tossed him a lace up ankle brace and he removed himself from the sidelines to put it on, leaving the WB with 7. It must have seemed like an eternity for the WB players, as their players would look over to the sidelines wondering what the heck McMillin was doing. Playing against seven, perhaps, we were able to score our first goal.
Near the end of the first half the DD were able to muster their second goal, one probably preventable because the WB goalie, Craig Carroll, for some reason was way off his line. Pete slapped the ball inside the near post with a clinically placed shot. The half ended and we were up only two to nothing. More DD had arrived and we were numbered at 17 against their 8. Out of character for me, I hope, I shouted at my team. Everyone knows that 2-0 is the most dangerous margin of lead going into a 2nd half. I couldn’t fathom losing to 8. I exhorted my players to go back to the basics. Play their positions. Perhaps in the feeding frenzy of playing against 8 we were over committing up front – everyone wanting a piece of the action, with no responsibility in the midfield. How was it, that with our vastly greater numbers, that they were always finding themselves open? We needed to mark tightly and exploit our advantage.
At the opening of the 2nd half, we seemed to be back on the right track. Michael East played a nice through ball to me and I was able to carry it home and slot a low shot at the far post to make it 3-0. but it seemed only minutes later that somehow the WB broke down our defense and Scott Talbot hit a nice shot past Noah for an incredible short handed goal. It was 3-1 and we were back to that dreaded 2 goal margin.
The Dirty Dogs flowed in and out of the pitch from the sidelines, but somehow our play was without continuity, our defense sloppy. Players held the ball, touching it way to many times and either losing it, or forgoing the easy short pass, forcing the long ball.
Shot after shot after shot, over the WB cross bar, or past the post.
Santayana’s men, wave upon wave, threw themselves against the Alamo walls, and finally the goals began to come late in the half, from Hec and Todd. At 5 to 1 there was a visible slump in the shoulders of the Wild Bunch. At 6-1 on Eric's goal, the Dirty Dogs had finally regained and branded their rhythm into an exhausted team.
It was a night for gladiators in orange and the surge of the yellow dog pound
It would be the third and final time the WB would face off against us this season and their third loss to boot. The WB had been having a solid time against the other two teams, but had yet to give us a game. Every week I had steeled myself; that this would be the week that they would show up and bring their real team to us. For our team it was a bitter sweet win. To beat 8 players is somewhat like mercy killing. But we found in their 8 more than we bargained for.
Brewery anyone…
Monday, June 1, 2009
Referees and Dissent
This year will mark my 20th year playing in the HSL. I moved here in 1989 and one of the first things I did was look for soccer. My search turned me onto the Humboldt Soccer League. Over those years I have heard all the stories, like the early days of the coed leagues, where a Portuguese men’s team, knowing nothing of “coed”, played every week with only 7 men against 11 and won every week. I have played in every division (except women’s!). I have managed at least two teams and served on the board in various capacities, as well as refereed. As far as adult soccer in
Over those years the referees have come and gone, and, as you might expect, the quality of officiating has varied from game to game and season to season. Some of you might be surprised to find out that Refs don’t actually grow on trees, and that they are real people with feelings and emotions like you and me. In fact for all refs here in our area, none make a living at it. It is part time weekend or week night work. I mention this obvious fact because, based on what I often observe in games, they are treated as though they must be the best refs in the world because of the perfection that is demanded from them. Were the same perfection be demanded and gotten from our HSL players, we’d all be playing professionally for the English Premiere League.
Refereeing is a very difficult job. If you have never done it yourself, I don’t think you can really appreciate how hard it is. A typical scenario: For a split second two players and a ball come together with speed. If there is any kind of contact the referee must instantly evaluate the moment, based on whatever his angle and distance is from the event. All fouls are not always "clear cut". If both players are using their arms, who is gaining the advantage? A player stabs at the ball with his feet, and he gets the ball, but was it from behind? Did he get the man before he got the ball? Our Referee cannot be swayed by the emotions of the two players involved – or the shouts from the field and the sidelines. Even with great positioning, his view of the play (though clear as glass to you on the sideline) may be screened by players on the field. He has no instant replay. He does not have the advantage of bias colored glasses which both teams wear, not to mention the complete lack of pressure and often, lack of knowledge of the laws of the game that your average player has. He will be expected by both teams to make a decision, get this call right and in their favor.
Now take this moment and multiply it one hundred times per game.
Because of the shortage of refs that our league invariably experiences I have asked players from within our ranks to step forward and receive training as refs for our league. Just a couple answered the call in time for spring season. This is a bit like the children’s story of the little red hen who wanted help baking the bread. No one was willing to help make the bread, but everyone wanted a piece. No one wants to help us with refereeing, but many are quick to criticize them. Look, I am fine with folks recognizing that reffing is not for them for whatever reason, but I am going to say flat out, if you have never reffed on a regular basis, you really don’t have any idea how hard it is to call a game, and so, please, adjust your attitude accordingly.
Because of the HSL’s need I myself for two seasons have taken on the referee role for our Saturday league, but I can’t say it has been a picnic. I take my role as a referee, as serious as I do a player. For those of you that know me, you know that means I give it everything I’ve got. But still I have players telling me I am not doing my job, not trying hard enough, and taking my calls against them as personal slander, – which REALLY hurts my feelings and makes me angry, not to mention the constant second guessing and wisecracks about my apparent ineptitude. But what makes me even madder is that all our refs are treated this way. For those of you who think you can do better - by all means prove it. I have a set of ref jerseys I will sell you cheap.
Folks, It’s just a game.
Perhaps the refs should give a running commentary pointing out all the mistakes players make out on the field. For some of our players, what about the fouls you commit, or the dive you took, that didn’t get called. Since you are so concerned with fairness, I am sure you are quick to ask that the foul you committed be called. No, I didn’t think so.
Do I and other refs get calls wrong? Of that there is no doubt. Let’s all agree right now, and any good ref will tell you, it is a given he will not get every call right. If we all accept this in advance, then there’s really no need to argue or dissent during the game, is there? Note I said "during" the game. By all means, talk in a courteous and respectful manner with an official at half time or after the game if you have a question about a rule or a ruling, or a concern.
Personally, I do not really enjoy reffing that much though I’ve really tried to, and I hold great admiration for most of our refs who do actually like it and take professional pride in their role. Refereeing can be mostly a thankless task, filled with minute to minute pressure to get every call right, and no matter the call, have to listen to players derogatory remarks. Yes, we refs can hear those comments over on the sidelines. Sunday I heard a bystander heckling one of our linesman, whom I know personally to be a bright, friendly conscientious young man, who I know always does his best. It was ugly behavior directed at good and gentle person trying to do his job.
Perhaps my skin is not thick enough for the job, I’ll admit it. And when I take my dark mood home to my family, then I have to admit that perhaps I need to give it up – and probably will after this season ends. My story is shared by other referees who don the striped shirt. They are human beings with feeling out there, trying their best. Without referees we have no league. Period. Dissent is like a virus, it is contagious, and it sickens the game. I can’t recall any arguing ever changing a call. But some players can’t resist showing their superior view of the game by letting the refs know they are wrong at every turn. For those players with that kind of attitude, I would love to see them have to ref a game, and to go a little further, with someone like themselves playing in the game.
Okay. With all that said, I understand the frustration of seeing a perceived wrong call. Been there many times. Here is where we, as adults, have to show maturity, keep a cool head and change our behavior. And I know there are many players in our league who do have a sensible attitude, and I really want to thank you for setting a positive example We have to understand it’s not personal. It’s just a game.
Friday, May 15, 2009
From FIFA Laws of the Game - Handling
Handling the Ball
Handling the ball involves a deliberate act of a player making contact
with the ball with his hand or arm. The referee must take the following
into consideration:
• the movement of the hand towards the ball (not the ball towards
the hand)
• the distance between the opponent and the ball (unexpected
ball)
• the position of the hand does not necessarily mean that there is
an infringement
• touching the ball with an object held in the hand (clothing,
shinguard etc.) counts as an infringement
• hitting the ball with a thrown object (boot, shinguard etc.) counts
as an infringement
Disciplinary sanctions
There are circumstances when a caution for unsporting behaviour
is required when a player deliberately handles the ball, e.g. when a
player:
• deliberately and blatantly handles the ball to prevent an opponent
gaining possession
• attempts to score a goal by deliberately handling the ball
A player is sent off, however, if he prevents a goal or an obvious goalscoring
opportunity by deliberately handling the ball. This punishment
arises not from the act of the player deliberately handling the ball but
from the unacceptable and unfair intervention that prevented a goal
being scored.
Restart of play
• Direct free kick from the position where the offence occurred
(see Law 13 – Position of Free Kick) or penalty kick
Outside his own penalty area, the goalkeeper has the same restrictions
on handling the ball as does any other player. Inside his own penalty
area, the goalkeeper cannot be guilty of a handling offence incurring a
direct free kick or any misconduct related to handling the ball. He can,
however, be guilty of several handling offences that incur an indirect
free kick.
Handling the ball involves a deliberate act of a player making contact
with the ball with his hand or arm. The referee must take the following
into consideration:
• the movement of the hand towards the ball (not the ball towards
the hand)
• the distance between the opponent and the ball (unexpected
ball)
• the position of the hand does not necessarily mean that there is
an infringement
• touching the ball with an object held in the hand (clothing,
shinguard etc.) counts as an infringement
• hitting the ball with a thrown object (boot, shinguard etc.) counts
as an infringement
Disciplinary sanctions
There are circumstances when a caution for unsporting behaviour
is required when a player deliberately handles the ball, e.g. when a
player:
• deliberately and blatantly handles the ball to prevent an opponent
gaining possession
• attempts to score a goal by deliberately handling the ball
A player is sent off, however, if he prevents a goal or an obvious goalscoring
opportunity by deliberately handling the ball. This punishment
arises not from the act of the player deliberately handling the ball but
from the unacceptable and unfair intervention that prevented a goal
being scored.
Restart of play
• Direct free kick from the position where the offence occurred
(see Law 13 – Position of Free Kick) or penalty kick
Outside his own penalty area, the goalkeeper has the same restrictions
on handling the ball as does any other player. Inside his own penalty
area, the goalkeeper cannot be guilty of a handling offence incurring a
direct free kick or any misconduct related to handling the ball. He can,
however, be guilty of several handling offences that incur an indirect
free kick.
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