Thanks for a great season!
Saturday, 15 September 2007
Saturday, 1 September 2007
Game 17 - Jaguars vs Upper Hutt Pumas
Result: 4 - 1 Loss
Players of the day: Liam for excellent positioning, Aaron for great attacking play and Amanda for doing a solid job in goal.
It was the last game of the season and we were itching to finish with a win.
We started positively and scored in the 2nd minute after some great passing, a shot, a fumble and Aaron following up to put the ball in the goal.
We held our own for most of the game but a few lapses saw us concede 4 goals (in the 19th, 23rd, 43rd & 48th minutes).
I have enjoyed coaching the team and think that we have learned something about the game, each other and ourselves from this season.
Josh finally got his chance to captain the team. I was proud of the way he led the cheers and his work in the midfield, plus finding out he can kick with either foot. Thanks for your excellent attitude throughout the season Josh.
Aaron deserved the goal he scored - he probably deserved a few others too! I am proud of Aaron finding that he can play and score from either wing. Thanks for your enthusiasm during the season Aaron.
JD was tenacious around the field. I was proud of how hard he worked with his tackling and attacking. Thanks for your perseverance & commitment this season JD - you taught us a lot.
Amanda lived her dream of being goalie in the second half. Congratulations on some great saves, it made me feel proud! Thanks for your friendly and positive attitude - it been a joy coaching you this season Amanda.
AJ had another capable game. I was proud of AJ's skill on the field. Thanks for taking the time to help your team mates at practice during the season AJ.
Bosco used his strong boot to good effect again. I was proud how Bosco has gained in self-confidence during the season. Thanks for being part of our team Bosco.
Liam played a great positional game today. I was proud of Liam's versatility in every position on the field. Thanks for your professional approach at practice and the games Liam.
Vinnie saved a number of attacks with strong defence today. I was proud of Vinnie's skills (and his good manners). Thanks for showing us your fantastic ball skills and positive play Vinnie.
Cody had a strong game in goal and was busy as striker in the 2nd half. I was proud of Cody's positivity to play goalie and confidence in attack and defence. Thanks for your top attitude right through the season, its been a pleasure having you on the team Cody.
Vincent made some excellent tackles and positive passes. I was proud of Vincent's all round skill and attitude. Thanks for your supportive contribution at practice and at the games all season Vincent.
Sam was busy around the field. I was proud of how well Sam is playing and the skills he has learnt. Thanks for your keen attitude Sam.
Cameron was also very busy all game, from attacking the goal at one end, to defending our goal at the other. I was proud of Cameron's inspiring level of skill. Thanks for deciding to join the team Cameron.
Andy had a strong game in defence. I was proud how Andy played through the season. Thanks for encouraging me to coach the team Andy.
Many thanks to Darren who has supported me and reffed through the season.
Finally to the parents, supporters and my wife, Kate. Thanks for all your encouragement and support. It has been fun!
Prize-giving on 15 September.
Saturday, 25 August 2007
Game 16 – Jaguars vs Eastbourne
Tony is away on a work conference in Fiji and has asked me to update his blog for him. I hope that I am able to update it to the standard that he has written his previous blogs.
Result 0 – 5 to Eastbourne.
Players of the Day: Vincent B and Vincent L for keeping the Eastbourne Tigers on their toes.
Highlight: Would have to be Sam’s Excellent saving of the ball in a Penalty Shot. The odds were stacked against him as only he could be in the goal to stop the ball from being kicked through. Sam rose to the occasion and successfully saved it from turning into another Goal for Eastbourne.
The day was very windy and cold even though the sun was shining. Unfortunately luck wasn’t on our side today. The 2 Goals Eastbourne scored in the first half were a matter of not enough help for our Goalie and the wind not being in our favour.
We missed Caleb in our Defence but the boys did really well. Defence were kept busy with some runs against the play as the wind caught us off guard.
Bosco was really good in defence and kicked quite a few balls away from the opposition’s goal. He was good at standing his ground and passing the ball to his fellow team mates.
Cody was good at putting his body on the line. Sometimes he was successful.
Andy was good at Multi-tasking and going to where he felt he should be to be able to stop the opposition from taking possession.
Amanda was there when needed at critical times and succeeded in stopping the opposition from having possession of the ball.
The mid field had a hard time getting possession of the ball due to the wind, but when they did they got it done the line and up to the Strikers to have a go at Goal.
AJ was good at tackling the opposition for the ball and succeed on numerous occasions to take possession of it and passed it on to one of his own players.
Cameron was good at leaning in and reading the ball and knowing where to position himself so he could try and get the ball.
Josh B had excellent control of the ball and worked out where he needed to position himself to pass the ball on to our Strikers.
Vincent did really well and was in the thick of it and giving the other team a run for their money. He was all over the place and running rings around the opposition.
The strikers had quite a few chances at scoring a goal or 2 but again the weather played a part in them not succeeding.
Aaron had 2 great chances at scoring a goal, but the wind carried it away from the goal. It was so close both times and that it just missed going in.
Vinnie B had a few chances to score as well, but it wasn’t to be. Their Goalie was quicker.
Both boys were unlucky not to have scored some goals.
JD positioned himself well and was able to pass the ball to his fellow strikers or drop back if there were too many players up front.
Our 2 Goalies, Josh and Sam did a wonderful job at trying to stop Eastbourne’s goals going through, but it wasn’t meant to be. They should both be proud of themselves for putting their bodies on the line and trying to stop the goals from getting through.
Our new white strip still looked great and the team looked professional. It would've been good to have come away at least one goal, but there’s always next week to get some more goals.
Next week is our last game of the season and Tony will be back on board to update the blog. Tony is away on a work conference in Fiji and has asked me to update his blog for him. I hope that I am able to update it to the standard that he has written his previous blogs.
Saturday, 18 August 2007
Game 16 - Jaguars vs Eastbourne
Due to the rain on Thursday night and Friday, the grounds were closed and the game cancelled.
Saturday, 11 August 2007
Game 15 - Jaguars vs Stokes Valley Stingers
Result: 1 - 1 draw
Player of the day: Andy for turning defence into attack.
Areas to develop: Playing like we did in the 2nd half for the whole game.
Highlights: I thought the 2nd half was the best half we have ever played.
Luckily we had an early game because it rained heavily later on, but it took us half the game to wake up.
The Stokes Valley goal was an opportunistic goal scored into a strong gale force wind, but to their credit they got themselves in a position to score.
Our goal was scored in the second half also into the wind after some brilliant team work and solid passing.
Aaron was playing on his unfavoured right wing, but I believe it gave him a better chance to use his strong left foot, which he did to even up the match.
We had a number of chances to win the match, but unfortunately none of the shots got over the line.
Having 5 midfielders made better use of the field and pushed more play out to our wings, creating better opportunities.
We haven't lost a game when we've played with our Nike ball, or with our smart white uniforms.
Sam was captain for the day and won the toss to play with the wind, hoping to get a few goals early. Sam got involved in the play and I was impressed with many of his passes.
Aaron positioned himself well on the right wing and worked well with Andy (who was in defence). Aaron had some good strikes and the goal he scored was (in my view) his best of the season. The photo above is seconds before Aaron (in jersey #10) got the ball & scored.
Andy had a strong game in defence, was able to tackle and pass the ball up the field to put pressure on the opposition goal.
JD was unlucky not to score 2 or 3 times. He positioned himself well and put pressure on the goalie, chasing shots at goal.
Amanda played in the midfield before moving up to striker. She tackled positively and made some good passes.
Josh made a good save as goalie in the second half (thanks for stepping up & being goalie Josh). In the first half, he was useful in the midfield and took a wild kick, but battled on.
Cameron played his usual enthusiastic game. I gave him the extra responsibility of organising the mid-field around him. He has the gift of predicting where the play is likely to be & positions himself well.
Bosco's boot once again proved decisive in changing the direction of the play. I was impressed with his optimism when he had a go at goal from the halfway line - into the wind!
Vinnie played his first half in goal and the second on the left wing. He was skillful with the ball at his feet and created some useful space down the wing.
I was impressed with Vincent's positioning. Before the game I asked him to be where the ball was going to be and he obviously he worked at this. He created some excellent scoring opportunities and focused on playing a team game.
AJ was denied a goal but it was a lovely strike which the keeper did well to save. AJ was useful in the midfield when moving the ball up field.
Liam played most of the game as striker and made some great passes and was involved in our goal. He finished the game as a defender and tackled well.
Cody was solid as an attacking defender. I was impressed when Cody moved forward with the ball and created opportunities for the mid-fielders and strikers.
If we can consolidate the excellent play in the second half and play like that for the whole game we will be a very formidable team.
Player of the day: Andy for turning defence into attack.
Areas to develop: Playing like we did in the 2nd half for the whole game.
Highlights: I thought the 2nd half was the best half we have ever played.
Luckily we had an early game because it rained heavily later on, but it took us half the game to wake up.
The Stokes Valley goal was an opportunistic goal scored into a strong gale force wind, but to their credit they got themselves in a position to score.
Our goal was scored in the second half also into the wind after some brilliant team work and solid passing.
Aaron was playing on his unfavoured right wing, but I believe it gave him a better chance to use his strong left foot, which he did to even up the match.
We had a number of chances to win the match, but unfortunately none of the shots got over the line.
Having 5 midfielders made better use of the field and pushed more play out to our wings, creating better opportunities.
We haven't lost a game when we've played with our Nike ball, or with our smart white uniforms.
Sam was captain for the day and won the toss to play with the wind, hoping to get a few goals early. Sam got involved in the play and I was impressed with many of his passes.
Aaron positioned himself well on the right wing and worked well with Andy (who was in defence). Aaron had some good strikes and the goal he scored was (in my view) his best of the season. The photo above is seconds before Aaron (in jersey #10) got the ball & scored.
Andy had a strong game in defence, was able to tackle and pass the ball up the field to put pressure on the opposition goal.
JD was unlucky not to score 2 or 3 times. He positioned himself well and put pressure on the goalie, chasing shots at goal.
Amanda played in the midfield before moving up to striker. She tackled positively and made some good passes.
Josh made a good save as goalie in the second half (thanks for stepping up & being goalie Josh). In the first half, he was useful in the midfield and took a wild kick, but battled on.
Cameron played his usual enthusiastic game. I gave him the extra responsibility of organising the mid-field around him. He has the gift of predicting where the play is likely to be & positions himself well.
Bosco's boot once again proved decisive in changing the direction of the play. I was impressed with his optimism when he had a go at goal from the halfway line - into the wind!
Vinnie played his first half in goal and the second on the left wing. He was skillful with the ball at his feet and created some useful space down the wing.
I was impressed with Vincent's positioning. Before the game I asked him to be where the ball was going to be and he obviously he worked at this. He created some excellent scoring opportunities and focused on playing a team game.
AJ was denied a goal but it was a lovely strike which the keeper did well to save. AJ was useful in the midfield when moving the ball up field.
Liam played most of the game as striker and made some great passes and was involved in our goal. He finished the game as a defender and tackled well.
Cody was solid as an attacking defender. I was impressed when Cody moved forward with the ball and created opportunities for the mid-fielders and strikers.
If we can consolidate the excellent play in the second half and play like that for the whole game we will be a very formidable team.
Saturday, 4 August 2007
Game 14 - Jaguars vs Upper Hutt Cougars
Result: 2 - 2 draw
Players of the day: Sam for excellent goalkeeping in his first game as goalie. Caleb for being a solid & dependable defender.
Areas to develop: Decision making on attack & defence.
Highlights: This was a game we could have won, having held the opposition in their own half for 80% of the game. Both of our goals came from good team work & taking advantage of their broken defence. There were a number of excellent crosses but unfortunately we couldn't get players in the right place to take advantage of the opportunities.
Personally I believed we could win this game without too much difficulty and so I allowed the players more freedom in choosing the positions they wanted to play in.
We wore our smart white strip again and AJ was the Jaguars captain for the day.
Caleb had his last game for the team before he moves to his new home. We will miss Caleb's strong defensive presence that was a strength in our game.
Sam had longed to play as goalie for some time, and he seemed to relish the chance to protect the goal, making some excellent saves and brilliant clearances.
Josh was in the mid-field, making useful passes and tackled strongly.
Cameron was busy in the mid-field, backing up the defenders and had a number of shots at the opposition goal.
Bosco played a strong defensive game and scored a nice long-range goal late in the second half.
Amanda played well on the wing and in defence, making some excellent passes.
Vinnie also played on the wing and showed the opposition his strong ball skills, beating them on numerous occasions.
JD played as striker and managed to get some good touches on the ball.
Vincent also played most of the game as striker and made some useful passes before moving back to his natural position of mid-field.
Andy made some great tackles and useful passes to his team mates before dropping back to defend.
AJ had a few attempts at scoring and played strongly in mid-field.
Aaron continued to stick to his favoured left wing (although I believe he is just as strong with his right foot) and scored a fabulous first goal that went sailing in from long range.
Liam made some good crosses and had a few shots at goal.
Cody started as a striker and then returned to his very solid defence position, tackling effectively and turning the ball around.
All the players seemed to enjoy the game and although I would've preferred to win the game there are a few things to work on in practice on Thursday before our next game.
Sorry - no pictures this week.
Players of the day: Sam for excellent goalkeeping in his first game as goalie. Caleb for being a solid & dependable defender.
Areas to develop: Decision making on attack & defence.
Highlights: This was a game we could have won, having held the opposition in their own half for 80% of the game. Both of our goals came from good team work & taking advantage of their broken defence. There were a number of excellent crosses but unfortunately we couldn't get players in the right place to take advantage of the opportunities.
Personally I believed we could win this game without too much difficulty and so I allowed the players more freedom in choosing the positions they wanted to play in.
We wore our smart white strip again and AJ was the Jaguars captain for the day.
Caleb had his last game for the team before he moves to his new home. We will miss Caleb's strong defensive presence that was a strength in our game.
Sam had longed to play as goalie for some time, and he seemed to relish the chance to protect the goal, making some excellent saves and brilliant clearances.
Josh was in the mid-field, making useful passes and tackled strongly.
Cameron was busy in the mid-field, backing up the defenders and had a number of shots at the opposition goal.
Bosco played a strong defensive game and scored a nice long-range goal late in the second half.
Amanda played well on the wing and in defence, making some excellent passes.
Vinnie also played on the wing and showed the opposition his strong ball skills, beating them on numerous occasions.
JD played as striker and managed to get some good touches on the ball.
Vincent also played most of the game as striker and made some useful passes before moving back to his natural position of mid-field.
Andy made some great tackles and useful passes to his team mates before dropping back to defend.
AJ had a few attempts at scoring and played strongly in mid-field.
Aaron continued to stick to his favoured left wing (although I believe he is just as strong with his right foot) and scored a fabulous first goal that went sailing in from long range.
Liam made some good crosses and had a few shots at goal.
Cody started as a striker and then returned to his very solid defence position, tackling effectively and turning the ball around.
All the players seemed to enjoy the game and although I would've preferred to win the game there are a few things to work on in practice on Thursday before our next game.
Sorry - no pictures this week.
Saturday, 28 July 2007
Game 13 - Jaguars vs Stop Out McCreadie
Result 1 - 1 drawPlayer of the day: AJ - for excellent defence and attack.
Areas to develop: Setting up & scoring goals. Fitness.
Highlights: We had plenty of chances to win this game but the winning goal eluded us. Liam scored from a long range kick that soared into the back of the opposition net after some excellent work to get the ball from defence, through mid-field and into the net.
We looked like the better team for most of the match, but missed Cody in defence due to sickness. 2 players carried injuries into the game, but didn't seem to affect their play.
I was very impressed with the teamwork as JD led the team on to the field and kicked off the first half.
Josh had an excellent first half in goal and kept a clean sheet with some good saves. He moved into the mid-field in the second half and made some excellent passes.
Cameron replaced Josh as goalie and was made to work hard with a number of outstanding saves. In the first half, Cameron was decisive and was able to read the plays and create opportunities to score.
Defence were kept busy with some runs against the play catching us off guard.
Bosco's huge boot was useful to turn play around. He was reliable with the ball at his feet.
Caleb was solid as usual in defence. He had a chance playing in the unfamiliar position of striker and tackled well, coming close to scoring a couple of times.
JD was up the front again and was excellent at pressuring the opposition goalie. He was unlucky not to score.
Vinnie was useful on the right wing. He has some great skills to beat tacklers and cross the ball into the goal area.
Sam played much of the game in defence before moving to midfield. I was impressed with his tackling.
Amanda made some great passes and got involved with the play. She positioned herself well.
Vincent started as striker and moved back to mid-field. Vincent worked hard and was eager to score. Time & time again he was able to get the ball into attacking positions.
Andy made some excellent tackles, was able to beat would-be tacklers and made excellent passes.
AJ had a standout game in defence before moving to mid-field, attacking the goal and putting up some useful crosses.
Aaron stuck to his favoured left wing and was keen to score. He positioned himself well and had a few goes at scoring.
Liam scored a wonderful goal that lifted the confidence in the team. He struck the ball strongly and was vocal in guiding the team.
Our new white strip looked great and the team played positively. It would've been good to have come away with the win because we did look like the better team for most of the game.
Wellington Phoenix have an open day at Wellington Stadium on Sunday 29 July from 11am to 1pm. I hope to see some of the team there.
We also received our team photos which looked excellent. Check out the 16 photos from the game below.
Monday, 23 July 2007
Phoenix win 3 nil!
I watched the Phoenix play their first home game at Westpac Stadium and beat Sydney 3 nil.
On Sunday, July 29, Wellington Phoenix FC hosts its first ever Club Open Day at its match-day home, Westpac Stadium.
From 11am to 1pm you’ll be able to meet the Phoenix players and coaches who will represent the capital in the Hyundai A-League 2007/08 season.
Go behind the scenes and check out the players’ changing rooms and walk down the players’ tunnel out on to the famous Westpac Stadium turf, where kids will be able to put their penalty shootout skills to the test.
There will be giveaways and spot prizes, as well as all the information you need about Wellington Phoenix FC and how you can get behind the club.
Saturday, 21 July 2007
Game 12 - Jaguars vs Upper Hutt Pumas
Result - Loss - 3 - 0
Player of the day: Andy for some great passing & JD for going so very close to scoring.
Areas to develop: I was thrilled to see improvement with the player staying in their positions & will continue develop this.
Highlights: We were under pressure early from the Pumas who had just dropped down from the higher section of our grade. They looked stronger and certainly had players that could score goals.
We held them to 1 nil in the first half with some brilliant goal keeping. We had some excellent chances in the later stages of the game and had a few shots throughout the game but unfortunately none went in.
There were some fantastic examples of teamwork with players showing leadership and skills when they passed, encouraging and helping each other in their positions.
Amanda "Lou" keeps getting better every game. She fed some excellent passes to the strikers.
Bosco was strong in defence and was able to turn the ball around.
Aaron had an excellent game in defence and seemed to create more goal scoring opportunities from the back.
Cameron was energetic and was able to beat the opposition time & time again.
Sam played an excellent game on the wing. His positioning enabled him to make good gains up the field when he got the ball.
Andy was tackling strongly and passing positively.
Caleb wore himself out with a strong defensive game. He read the game well and positioned himself to restrict the opposition attacks.
Josh was a hero in goal. He took up the challenge of protecting the goal and stopped a huge number of shots.
JD had a fantastic game. His passing and chasing the shots at goal nearly paid off.
Liam was keen to score and created some good opportunities.
Vinnie was also keen to score and gave it everything.
Vincent was terrier-like in the mid-field. He played an excellent game, attacking and defending.
Cody was ruthless in his defence, stopping the opposition and turning them round with solid ball skills.
JD was presented with a memorial rose after the game.
Thanks to Vincent for offering to wash the jerseys.
Even though we didn't win the game, the team seemed to feel like winners & have fun after a few weeks off the field with holidays and poor weather.
The Wellington Phoenix play their first pre-season home game at Westpac Stadium this Sunday. Kids under 16 are free. More info here
See you at practice - 4pm Thursday.
Saturday, 14 July 2007
Game 12 - Jaguars vs Upper Hutt Pumas
Due to the condition of the grounds, the game was cancelled today.
Our thoughts go to Josh D & his family after Josh's mother, Michelle, passed away suddenly last week...
Our thoughts go to Josh D & his family after Josh's mother, Michelle, passed away suddenly last week...
Saturday, 30 June 2007
Game 11 - Jaguars vs Upper Hutt Pumas
Due to overnight rain, the grounds have been closed and the game cancelled.
No practice on 5 July or game on 7 July.
Enjoy the holidays & keep practicing!
No practice on 5 July or game on 7 July.
Enjoy the holidays & keep practicing!
Saturday, 23 June 2007
Game 10 - Jaguars vs Lower Hutt Falcons
Result - Loss - 2 - 1
Player of the day: Amanda "Lou" - for excellent defence and positive passing.
Areas to develop: Positional play (still bunching together and chasing the ball), fitness and goal scoring.
We played well enough to win the game for the last 19 minutes of the first half. Our goal came 5 minutes before half time when we were putting a lot of pressure on their defence and AJ got an excellent shot through the goal.
The jubilant shouts and high-fives meant the team felt good about working together to enable the goal to be scored.
Unfortunately, Lower Hutt had scored their first after 40 seconds (very soft goal after our whole team was caught napping and out of position) and their second at the 6 minute mark (very lucky when they missed and the ball ricocheted off one of our players over the line).
It would've have been nice to have had the win and this team were beatable.
The highlights for me were:
Amanda "Lou" having her best game after putting her hand up to be a defender.
Bosco "The Boot" who continually turned their attacks around.
Caleb "The Rock" who masterfully catches the opposition offside (and nearly stopped their second goal with some tactical offside moves).
Cody "Blocker" with his solid "don't mess with me" tackling. I was impressed with his skills heading the ball
Andy "The Terrier" who was tenacious with his tackling and fed useful ball to the strikers.
Sam "(in the) Action Man" was always keen to get involved where the ball was. I was most impressed with Sam's over the head kick (I'm sure he's been practicing it).
JD "Charlie" had some useful passes and positioned himself well for goal scoring opportunities.
Vinnie "Love the mud" was goalie for the day and was keen to get down and dirty. He made some terrific saves and cleared the ball solidly.
Vincent L "Flash Gordon" had an excellent game with linking passes and strong tackles.
Cameron "The Clone" was busy in midfield and it seemed like there were at least 2 of them on the field at times. He was able to nullify their attacks and put a lot of pressure on their goal.
AJ "In the net" was well positioned to take advantage and score our goal.
Aaron "Speedy" was unlucky not to score. His strong kicks created some good opportunities.
Josh "007" came so close to scoring. Next time buddy!
Liam "Tank Engine" was strong on the field and made some great crosses into the goal area to set up scoring opportunities.
It was encouraging to see moments of brilliance within the team. There is some real talent developing.
I had to get up at 4:45 this morning to get to the game from a conference in Matakana (north of Auckland) and although we didn't win, I'm glad I made the effort.
There'll be a bit to work on at practice: 4pm - Thursday.
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