Thundercats Dominate Coyotes in Game #2

In what started off as a defensive battle, ended in Team Coyote suffering another huge loss at the hands of Team Thundercat at Heartland Fields on Saturday.

The teams took to the field and exchanged goal saves at either end of the field and battled to a 0-0 tie at the end of the the 1st quarter.  Tyler was a defensive wall in the Goalie position for the Coyotes, saving 8 shots on goal by the Thundercats.

But that was just the beginning of the game.  The Thundercats displayed total domination of the young 'Yotes as they began scoring seemingly at will in the 2nd quarter.  By halftime, the big cats were up 4-0.

In the third quarter, the Thundercats picked up where they left off and continued the domination of the Coyotes, as they peeled off another 4 goals, while the Coyotes still could not find a way to get the ball into the nets.

It was never a contest throughout the game, offensively or defensively...as the Cats pressured, attacked, and took shot after shot on the Coyotes goalies, who played pretty well, but just had too many shots taken on them with no response from the Coyote offense to take the pressure off.

In the 4th quarter, the Thundercats began to pull back some of their better Strikers into defensive positions, but still managed to score one more time.  When the final whistle blew, the Thundercats emerged as victors in a 9-0 shellacking of the Coyotes.

The defeat left Coach Art and Coach Joseph scratching their heads (and fleas) back at the den, as they tried to figure out what went wrong.  The Coyotes were totally dominated throughout the game...even in the 1st quarter when they managed to keep it scoreless.  The Thundercats took at LEAST 8 shots on goal (all of which were saved by Tyler...GREAT JOB!), while the 'Yotes only managed to take 3 shots on goal.

Overall, the Coyotes could only manage 5 total shots on goal for the entire game (compared to at least 29 shots taken by the Thundercats)...but the goalies had a total of 20 saves in the game....or the score could have been MUCH worse!

Here is how the totals broke down:

The Strikers:

Rebekah................1 shot on goal
Matthew................3 shots on goal
Savannah...............1 shot on goal



The Goalies:

Tyler.............8 saves
Rebekah.......1 save
Jack..............6 saves
Cole.............5 saves

Savannah and Kendal also played the midfield positions very well, and Kendal and Nick were involved offensively and getting their foot on the ball throughout the game.  Callie was up and down the field offensively, but just could not get within range to even take a shot.

Somehow, the Coyotes have got to come up with a way to be more aggressive offensively and attack the ball, instead of waiting for the ball to come to them, and they have got to figure out a way to get more shots on goal. 

So, as the 'Yotes head back to the den to lick their wounds, a new week of preparation begins....and hopefully by Saturday, the Coyotes will come out hungry and aggressive.  Until then....lets keep our heads up and just relax...we will improve...it is just a matter of time! 

Here is a good tuturial video on dribbling tricks.  While most of the tricks are advanced, they are still neat to watch....Enjoy!

Coyotes Get Ready to Rumble in Game #2

As game time for week #2 swiftly approaches, Team Coyote took to the practice fields last night and had a good workout. 

The team concentrated on power shots and midfield defense, as that seemed to be the biggest problem in the loss in week #1.  With the Coyotes taking some 13 shots on goal last week, and none of them finding the net, the problem was not a lack of offense, but a lack of zip on the ball when shot at goal. 

In last night's drills, the 'Yotes also practiced teamwork and passing.  It is a difficult concept to get through to younger kids, but the team seemed to be picking up the idea.  We will keep working on that throughout the season at every practice.

The young Coyotes eagerly took in last night's lessons as they prepared for the upcoming game.  Hopefully, that will translate into some passing and assists offensively along with more zip on the shots on goal, and stronger, stingier defense at the midfield position.

As I was preparing to write this blog, I came across an article on "Soccer Mom's"...being the best you can be.  Following is an excerpt from that article on what you, as parents, can do to help your young Coyote develop the skills that will make him/her a better soccer player:

Here is a true statement: Kids learn by doing.
Why is the US soccer program behind many other countries? Because kids in the other countries grow up with a soccer ball. They play it, live it, and breath it every day. Kids in the US grow up with - yes, you guessed it, a baseball. Perhaps a bit oversimplified but you get the picture.
It is critical that kids (and soccer moms ) get to play with a soccer ball as much as possible.
To Do List:
Buy a soccer ball . One soccer ball (minimum) is a REQUIREMENT around the house at all times. NOT AN OPTION! Read about how to buy a soccer ball.

Play soccer with him/her.  Just 10-20 minutes every other day of passing the ball back and forth and dribbling will greatly improve their ability to pass, receive, and control the ball - and you might become an all-star soccer mom!
Buy some orange practice cones so they can practice dribbling skills in the yard. If you can't afford the cones (4 for about $4), be a creative soccer mom and use whatever you have around the house to use as markers. The cones have a multitude of purposes. Use them to mark a boundary, as goal posts, or to make a square or circle. If you're short on ideas or just need fresh ones, there are many excellent books and videos for the soccer mom or parent that make great references.  Hint - the local "Wal-Mart" or similar store normally stocks these cones.
Make or buy a small soccer goal for the yard . This makes the fun factor go WAY up! Size doesn't matter .  As a soccer mom or dad you should do what makes sense for your situation and yard size. A soccer goal is often a kid magnet for the neighborhood, friends, and teammates. Have fun with it!

You can read the entire article here:  http://www.soccer-for-parents.com/soccer-mom.html

The site is full of good information!

A parent asked me last night what they could do to help prepare her Coyote for the upcoming game.  If you will just get out and play with the child for a few minutes between now and Saturday, having the child pass the ball to you and taking POWER shots at a goal you create...that would re-inforce what we did in practice last night and help the Coyote to develop into a better player.  There are tons of resources on the 'net full of information as well!

So, overall, a good practice last night...the hour flew by!  I wish we would have had another hour or so, but we prepared as much as possible with the alloted time.  See you all on Saturday...game time 11:00 am, Field #6....be there by 10:45 ready to go!

GO COYOTES

Coyotes Play Well in Opening Season Loss

Team Coyote took to the fields on opening day full of hope and expectations, but ended up on the short end of a 4-0 game against a tough, well coached, seasoned team.

The game was actually closer than the final score indicated, with the Coyotes playing with plenty of heart and determination. Offensively, the 'Yotes had a total of 13 shots on goal, but just lacked the zip on the ball to get it passed the opposing goalie.  Defensively, after a tentative start, the Coyote goalies began to respond and had a total of 11 saves on goal.

The Coyotes took the opening kickoff and marched down field with the first opportunity at a shot on goal, which was blocked by the other goalie.  The other team rebounded and went downfield and got one past the Coyote goalie on the other end to go up 1-0.  That is the way the first quarter ended.

As the second quarter got underway, the other team battled a Coyote team that kept trying to find the goal, only to have all their shots blocked.  The other team added two more goals in the 2nd quarter to go up 3-0 at halftime.

Despite the heat of the day, the young Coyotes stiffened defensively in the second half, while continuing to pressure the other team by driving the ball downfield time after time but just coming up short on shots on goal.  Credit is due to the opposing goalies...they did a great job in keeping the Coyote shots out of the goal.  By the end of the 3rd quarter, with the Coyote defense stiffening, the score was 4-0, and that is where it would stay as the 'Yotes defense shut them out in the 4th quarter.

The 4th quarter saw Callie and Rebekah playing the Striker position continually breaking away and driving downfield taking shots...all of which were blocked or came up just short.  In the 4th period alone, Callie had 3 shots on goal and Rebekah had 3 as well.  Defensively, Matthew had 4 saves on goal in the goalie position in the 4th quarter alone!

All of the Coyotes played hard and deserve credit!

The Goalies

•  Kendal        1 save
•  Nick            3 saves
•  Savannah    3 saves
•  Matthew     4 saves

The Strikers (or Forwards)

• Cole           3 shots on goal
• Rebekah     4 shots on goal
• Matthew     1 shot on goal
• Callie          3 shots on goal
• Savannah    1 shot on goal
• Tyler           1 shot on goal

Jonas and Jack contributed in the Midfielder position by helping out the Strikers and the goalie. 

This coach is pleased with the effort of our team, and I see lots of positive points in our play.  I think we need to work on power kicks and the midfield defensive position, but I see lots of potential in our play.  I don't doubt we will be competive out there and give every team we play a run for the money.  So, despite the loss, yesterday's game was a learning experience for Team Coyote..and I think the team did quite well for the 1st time out at the U6 level against a well coached, tough, seasoned team.  Great job, Coyotes!  I am proud of you all!  We have plenty of room to improve, but we I think you all can hold your heads high!  You played hard, and you played well!

Here is the Gummibear Soccer song and video by request..enjoy!:

Coyotes Face Tough Challenge in Week #1

With the first two practices under their belts, Team Coyote gears up to face a tough, seasoned, well coached team this coming Saturday in week #1.  It will be a challenge for the young Coyotes in their first game in the U-6 brackets, but judging from the enthusiasm and fire that Coaches Art and Joseph have noted during practices, the 'Yotes should be up to the challenge.

The Coyotes look pretty good in the Goalie position, and there is plenty of aggressiveness in the Forward positions.  With the addition of a Mid-fielder...a tough position to play and to learn, the team prepared as much as they could with only two practices.  The Midfield position is tough because that player must be alert and play both offense and defense in helping the Goalie defensively and the Forwards offensively.

The first game of the season is sure to be a learning session for the young 'Yotes, but the experience will only help them for the remainder of the season.  Look for there to be some confusion and some mistakes defensively...but do not count out the Coyotes, as they display plenty of speed, firepower, and aggressivness on the offensive side of the ball.

If the team goes out there, HAS FUN, and relaxes and just plays the game, they will do just fine.  (Remember Rule #1)

The Coyotes will be wearing new jerseys this Fall...a champagne and black combination.  The lighter colored jersey should help keep the team from overheating so much in the late summer sun.  I think the uniforms look pretty sharp!

Team parent, Sara, will be printing up a roster with the players names and jersey numbers so all the parents will know which Coyotes are on the field.  She also handed out game schedules and snack schedules for the season at practice last night.  If you did not get your schedules, please see Sara.

With 3 days to go to kick off the season, the Coyotes are ready to get out there and play some soccer!  I look forward to a good game...and look forward to having fun!  Go get 'em Coyotes....let them know what Coyote soccer is all about!  You are all Coyote All-Stars!

Welcome Back Coyotes!

 As the hot, lazy days of summer slowly give way to the cooler, crisper days of the fall, a familiar sound is beginning to be heard over the hollows of Heartland fields.

Yes, it is the sound of Coach Art and Coach Joseph calling in Team Coyote for another Fall Season of soccer!  Let the games begin!

Many changes await the Coyotes as they take to the field for the upcoming season:  First, Team Coyote has graduated from the ranks of U-5 and into the U-6 category.  Second, the team adds two more teammates..from 8 to 10.  Thirdly, the 'Yotes will be learning more "position" play this season with the addition of a Goalie.  Finally, and probably most importantly, Team Coyote welcomes 4 new players to the roster:

Callie-Grace
Savannah
Matthew
and Tyler!

Also, returning to the roster after a brief absence (presumably a hunting expedition) is Jack!

Can we get a Coyote Call here?  Welcome to all our new and returning Coyote players!

Coach Art welcomes a new Coyote

Returning from last season are :  Rebekah, Kendal, Cole, Nick, and Jonas.

Welcome back to all our Coyotes!  As the saying goes, "Let's get ready to Rrrrrrummmmmbbblllllleeee!!!!" . Coyote Soccer has returned to Heartland fields, and Coach Joseph and I look forward to getting the season underway, and to meeting our new players and parents...and, of course, greeting our returning players and parents as well!

As we kick off the new season, a reminder of the rules for Team Coyote.  Rule #1:  Have FUN!  Rule #2:  Always be a GOOD SPORT!, and Rule #3:  Don't confuse the Old Coyote!

Our practices will be the same as last season:  Tuesday nights at 5:45p.m. beginning this week.  Please have your Coyotes on the field on time, complete with shin guards, a size 3 ball, and PLENTY of water to keep hydrated!  Remember that the girls are not allowed to wear any jewelry (earrings etc).

I hope you all like the "new look" of the blog.  I tried to spruce it up a bit and add a different color scheme.  I have also adopted a new Team Logo...feel free to comment and offer suggestions (at any time, to any of the posts)!  As usual, I will try to keep the blog updated at least once a week, unless I am buried with other work.  Enjoy!

I look forward to seeing you all again and thank you for allowing me the opportunity to coach your child another season!  Let's have fun, have a good season, and.......

GO COYOTES!!!