Coyotes Go Gator Hunting

On a beautiful fall day down at Heartland fields, the Coyotes took to the fields on a rematch on the first game of the season against Team Gator.

The last time these two teams met (in game 1), the Gators, who are a well coached,experienced team, came out on top of the Coyotes in a tough fought battle by a score of 4-0. This time around, the Coyotes came out ready to play, using the experience they have gained throughout the season to take the Gators down by a decisive victory, 7-1.

Both teams looked ready to play, and battled tough in the 1st quarter as the Coyotes jumped out to a 2-1 lead by the end of the period. It appeared to be shaping into a close, tough game as both the Coyotes and the Gators held each other scoreless in the 2nd quarter. At halftime, the 'Yotes were holding on to their 1 point lead.

But as the 3rd quarter got underway, so did the Coyotes, as they looked like they were putting on a clinic out there with ball control, speed, and aggressive offense. Defensively, they barely allowed the Gator offense to even cross the center line. The aggressive play saw the Coyotes peel off 4 more goals in the 3rd quarter to jump out to a 6-1 lead going into the final period.

The coach of the Gators commented several times to coach Art that the Coyotes looked like a different team out there today, as they took control of the game and kept the Gator team off balance and playing catch up all day long. No doubt, the Coyotes have improved throughout the season...and the experience (even in the losses) has helped to mold the team into a team to be reckoned with! I have said all along that the Coyotes possess both the talent and the skills, and the only thing they lacked was the experience and the consistancy. When the 'Yotes put it together, they are tough to beat!

As the 4th quarter got going, the Coyote defense kept up the clinic, stopping every breakaway and blocking every shot attempt on goal by the Gator offense. Offensively, the Coyotes added another goal to seal the victory, as they emerged to avenge the early season loss by a score of 7-1. Great game, Coyotes! You were looking good today...good enough to draw the praise and admiration of the Gator coach...and that is saying something! Needless to say, Coach Art is very proud of all of you! The win improved the Coyote's record to 2-5-1 on the season.

Coach Joseph was unable to make the game today, as he was home resting and doctoring himself up from a bad cold. The news of the impressive victory by the Coyotes made him smile and feel better.

Here are the stats on the day:

The Strikers

Cole 9 shots on goal; 3 goals
Nick 1 shot on goal
Rebekah 7 shots on goal; 1 goal; 1 assist
Matt 3 shots on goal; 2 goals
Callie 1 shot on goal; 1 goal
Tyler 3 shots on goal

The Goalies

Cole 1 save
Savannah 2 saves
Tyler 2 saves

I try to keep accurate stats on the game, and if my stats are correct today, the Coyotes totally dominated the Gators! The Coyotes had some 24 shots on goal compared to 6 shots on goal b the Gators! When you have stats like that, the results can only be positive! Great job Coyotes!! Keep it up! Only 2 more games to go this season...let's finish out with a bang!

It is that time of year again....you never know what you might find in a pumpkin patch on any given night:

Tigers Rally Late to Upend Coyotes

It was a cold fall morning as the Coyotes took to the fields hoping to continue the momentum they had gathered the week before, coming off their first victory of the season.

The Coyotes came to play, and jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the 1st quarter. The 'Yote Strikers were running up and down the field, taking shots on goal, while the 'Yote defense kept the big cats frustrated at the opposite end of the field.

Team Coyote kept the pressure on the Tigers as the 2nd quarter got underway, keeping the cats out of the nets and out of the scoring column. But the Tigers also stiffened their defense, and held the Coyotes scoreless in the 2nd quarter as well. At half, the 'Yotes were hanging on to a precarious 2-0 lead.

As the 3rd quarter got undeway, the game continued with both teams playing tough defense, but the Coyotes managed to sneak another ball into the Tiger nets to take a 3-0 lead going into the 4th quarter. The game looked to be securely in control of Team Coyote...but the big cats were not done.

It should be noted, once again..that the Coyotes were playing down 4 players..with only 6 Coyotes hitting the field...while the Tigers were at full strength with 10 players. Understandably, the Coyotes were getting tired out by the time the 4th quarter got underway, while the Tigers were relatively fresh because they were able to keep substitutes in the game. That being said, as the 4th quarter got underway, the undermanned Coyotes began to show signs of being tired. They backed off offensively, not being quite as aggressive as they had been throughout the game...and it showed. The tigers took advantage of the fatigue factor, and began finding the Coyote nets..scoring 4 unanswered goals to take a 4-3 lead as the final whistle blew.

The heartbreaking loss dropped the Coyotes record to 1-5-1 on the season. But, again...the loss was not indicative of the way the team played! They played their little hearts out, and but for the lack of substitutes, the 'Yotes could have (and would have...in my opinion) held on to their 3-0 lead and pulled out the win. They have nothing to be ashamed of...they played very well! Good job, Coyotes!

Here are the stats:

The Strikers

Cole 7 shots on goal; 2 goals
Nick 1 shot on goal
Rebekah 3 shots on goal; 1 goal
Matt 2 shots on goal; 1 assist
Callie 3 shots on goal
Savannah 3 shots on goal

The Goalies

Nick 10 saves
Matt 6 saves
Savannah 1 save

The Coyotes took 17 shots on goal, while the Tigers took 21 shots..so it is easy to see that our kids played tough and toe to toe (or paw to claw, as it were :-) )with the Tigers! Great game...nothing to hang our heads at over the effort of our young Coyotes!

Coyotes Stroll to Victory!

Coach Joseph and Coach George took the helm as Coach Art was out of town last weekend, and the Coyotes continued with the momentum they had built up the week prior....and finally "strolled" to a victory!

The reports from Coaches Joseph and George indicated that the Coyotes came out loaded for bear, and took the ball up and down the field, scoring almost at will!  Cole had an outstanding offensive game, scoring on 8 trips to the other teams goal (the other team did not have a team name....or, at least Coach Joseph did not catch what it was if there was one).  Great job Cole!!!

Apparently, judging from the stats, they Coyotes took way more shots on goal than the other team...outshooting them 18 to 4!  Way to be aggressive Coyotes!

After all the games this season that the Coyotes just did not play up to par, and after all the losses...some by large margins...it feels good to finally put one in the "W" column!  And what is even more satisfying is the level of consistancy and aggressiveness displayed by the 'Yotes in the last two games!  At the risk of being overly optimistic...perhaps things are beginning to click for the team and some of the things we have been working on over and over in practice are starting to pay off.

As I write this blog, with tonights practice fresh in mind, I am beginning to see more "team" work in the Coyote's play...they are beginning to understand passing and power shots...and we will continue to work on those aspects each week.

Here are the stats from the game:

The Strikers:

Cole                           9 shots on goal; 8 goals
Rebekah                     3 shots on goal; 3 goals
Matt                           2 shots on goal; 1 goal; 2 assists
Callie                         2 shots on goal
Savannah                   1 assist
Tyler                          2 shots on goal; 1 goal

The Goalies:

Jack                         1 save
Matt                        1 save

Perhaps Coach Art needs to go out of town more often !?!  I am proud of the way the Coyotes played last week..and I thank Coaches Joseph and George for taking the helm and leading the kids to victory!  The final score....or, as Dave Walsh..the "Voice of the Wyoming Cowboys" (my Alma Mater) says...."The score...ohhhh...the score!..."  Coyotes 13  Maroon Team 2!

You might say the last couple of weeks the Coyotes have put up a couple of "Thrillers"......

Coyotes Get Mashed at the Monster Bash

A full month and a half before Halloween, the Coyotes took to the field against "The Monsters" in a game in which the team showed great improvement over the week before.

The Coyotes started slow, allowing the Monsters to score two unanswered goals in the 1st quarter, and 2 more unanswered goals in the 2nd quarter to find themselves down 4-0 at half.

But, as is sometimes the case, the score was not indicative of the way the Coyotes were playing.  The team was playing hard, and taking plenty of shots on goal...but just could not slip the ball past the Monster goalies.

The Coyotes began to find their pace in the second half, and returned the "favor" by shutting out the Monsters in the 3rd and 4th quarters.  In the 3rd quarter, Rebekah finally found the goal after breaking out of the pack and dribbling downfield and slipping one past the Monster defense and goalie.  At the end of the 3rd, the 'Yotes were down 4-1.  Rebekah's shot on goal was not the only shot the team took in the period..it was just the only one that got past the goalie.

As the 4th quarter got underway, the young Coyotes picked up where they left off by keeping the pressure on the Monsters and taking shots on goal.  With time running out, Matt took a great power shot that had the Monster goalie ducking, and the ball found the back of the net for the 'Yotes second and final goal of the game.  The final score would stand at Monsters 4 Coyotes 2.

Despite the loss (which dropped the season record to 0-4-1 at the halfway mark of the season), Coach Art was pleased with the effort of our kids.  They played hard...harder than the week before, and were being much much more aggressive on the field...taking many more shots on goal than the other team, but unfortunately coming up short on the scoring end.  The 'Yotes had nothing to be ashamed of...and this coach felt that if they could just maintain that level of effort, they could and would find themselves on the winning end of some games.  All season long, the problem has been a lack of aggressiveness and consistancy.  On Saturday, September 17th...the Coyotes were both aggressive AND consistant.  They played very well!   Good job 'Yotes!

Here are the totals:

The Strikers:

Cole                            3 shots on goal
Rebekah                      4 shots on goal; 1 goal
Matt                           11 shots on goal; 1 goal
Savannah                     6 shots on goal
                                  ____________________
                                  24 shots on goal   2 goals

The Goalies:

Cole                          1 Save
Kendal                      1 Save
Savannah                  6 Saves
Tyler                         1 Save
                                 ______
                                  9 saves

If you do the math, the Coyotes took way more shots on goal (24 to 9), but just could not get the ball into the nets...the Monsters were very fortunate to come out on the winning side with odds like that!

Overall....a GREAT game and effort by the Coyotes!  This coach is proud of the way they played on that Saturday morning two weeks ago!

Tornados Blow Away Coyotes

On what was a beautful early fall day weatherwise, quickly turned into a storm on the fields at Heartland Saturday morning, as Team Tornado blew in and blew away Team Coyote. 

The 6 point loss dropped the Coyotes to 0-3-1 on the season, as the Coyotes came out flat footed and not playing very aggressively.  Last year, the Tornados shut out the Coyotes by a score of 12-0 (on a make up game where the Coyotes only had 4 players show up), this year, the Coyotes managed to score a few goals against a very good Tornado team.

The lack of aggressiveness resulted in the Coyotes allowing the Tornados way too many shots on goal, while the 'Yote offense was not reciprocating at the other end.  In the 1st period alone, Tyler had 13 saves on goal, but the Tornados still managed to get 3 shots into the net to take a 3-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Rebekah came to life in the 2nd quarter and scored her first goal of the season as she hustled down field dribbling and controlling the ball, taking a great shot and zipping past the tornado goalie. Rebekah played hard and hustled the entire game, and was attacking the ball more consistantly.  Great job Rebekah! The Tornados responded by adding 2 more goals of their own, as the half time score was Tornados 5, Coyotes 1.

The Coyotes continued to allow the Tornados way too many shots on goal in the third period, while the Tornados held the Coyotes scoreless again even though the Tornado coaches pulled back their better players and told them that they were not allowed to take shots unless they passed the ball first..which they did...resulting in 2 more scores to increase their lead over the 'Yotes to 7-1 by the end of the quarter.

The Coyotes showed sparks of life in the 4th quarter, as Cole and Callie began to combine for some great play!  First, Cole made a heads up pass to Callie in front of the Tornado goal, and Callie put the ball in the nets.  Later in the same period, Callie returned the favor, and found Cole open in front of the nets, passed him the ball, and Cole scored his first goal of the season!  Great job Cole and Callie!

The two goals by the Coyotes in the 4th quarter were answered by 2 more goals from the Tornados...and when the final whistle blew, the Coyotes were at the losing end of a 9-3 game.

If there were some kind of magic bullet to get the team to be more aggressive and consistant, I would love to know where it is!  The Coyotes have the potential and the talent...the problem is aggressiveness and consistancy.  Anyone with any suggestions to help in those areas, Coach Joseph and I are open and tuned in!

Here is how it broke down Saturday:

The Strikers:

Cole                             3 shots on goal, 1 assist, 1 goal
Rebekah                       3 shots on goal, 1 goal
Matt                             1 shot on goal
Callie                            3 shots on goal, 1 assist, 1 goal

The Goalies:

Jack                             1 save
Nick                             4 saves
Matt                             3 saves
Tyler                            13 saves

As you can see from the totals above, the Coyotes are giving up way too many shots on goal...which indicates a lack of offense and aggressiveness.  The Tornados managed to take at least 30 shots on goal compared to the Coyotes 10 shots!   It is hard if not impossible to come out on the winning end when you are being outshot on goal 3:1.

Oh well...back to the den to lick the wounds and prepare for next weeks matchup!  Perhaps we will come out more aggressive next week! 

Here is a link to a good video to teach how to pass the ball....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9e5x15Hik2Y

Team Coyote Pauses to Remember

On September 11, 2001, life as we know it changed forever in this Great Country.  We were ruthlessly attacked by radical Islamists who hijacked and flew civilian airliners into the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington D.C.  Another airliner crashed in a field in Pennsylvania, as the passengers on board tried to re-take the plane from the terrorists who had hijacked it.  That plane never reached its target...which was probably the White House or the Capitol building in Washington.

While we gather to play soccer this weekend, let us pause for a moment and reflect on that day in September 10 years ago.  Let us never forget those who lost their lives on that day....whether innocent civilians, or the first responders who were attempting to rescue them.

Team Coyote pauses....and remembers.  God Bless the USA, and God bless and console all those who lost loved ones on that September morning ten years ago.

Coyotes Battle Rattle Snakes to a Tie

Team Coyote came out of the den yesterday with the hairs on their backs raised, ready to do battle with whomever took the field with them.  That somebody was a team called the Rattle Snakes.

Despite the gruelingly hot day, the 'Yotes took to the field running and hustling, going up and down the field keeping pressure on an evenly matched Rattler team. 

On what was a bogus call, the Rattlers drew first blood as the ref awarded them a goal...even though the Coyote goalie (Jack) not only stopped a shot, but had it picked up and was holding the ball.  The ref claimed that because he turned into the goal and crossed the goal with the ball (in his hands, no less), it counted as a goal, and the Snakes were up 1-0.

The Coyotes pinned their ears back and went on the attack, with Savannah dribbling downfield and taking a beautiful shot, leaving the Rattler goalie standing in his cleats to put the first goal of the season into the nets for the 'Yotes!  Great job, Savannah!  The first quarter came to an end, with the teams knotted up at 1-1.

As the 2nd quarter got underway, the young Coyotes kept up the pressure, aggressively taking shots on goal and winning the ball defensively from the Buzz Worms whenever they tried to attack the Coyote goal.

The Coyote Strikers managed to find the back of the Rattler goal twice more in the quarter to take a 3-1 lead into halftime.

As the third quarter got started, the 'Yotes began to show signs of tiring in the hot sun, and were held scoreless throughout the quarter, while the Rattlers cut into the slim lead by a goal.  Combine the heat of the day with the fact that the Coyotes were playing down three players, and it should be appreciated how well our kids hung in there and kept fighting.  The quarter ended with the 'Yotes holding on to a slim 3-2 lead.

The 4th quarter saw the Coyotes gain back the goal they had given up in the 3rd, but they just could not manage to hold on to that lead, as the Buzz Worms added two more goals of their own to tie the game with less than a minute to play, and that would be the final score:  4-4.

This coach is very proud and pleased with the efforts that our young Coyotes put out yesterday!  It appeared to me that some of the things we have been working on in practice were coming to light and producing results on the field.  Cole made a heads up pass to Savannah at one point, and Callie also passed the ball to Rebekah.  The 'Yotes were taking shots with more power and velocity on the ball, and the dribbling and ball control looked good!  Hats off to our Coyotes for a well played game!  The tie brought the season record to 0-2-1.....maybe next week we can chalk one up in the "W" column!  If the kids get out and play next week like they did yesterday, they definately have a fighting chance of doing just that.

Here is how it broke down:

The Strikers:

Cole                          3 shots on goal
Rebekah                    1 shot on goal
Matt                          4 shots on goal/  1goal
Callie                        1 shot on goal/  1 goal
Savannah                  7 shots on goal/  2 goals

The Goalies:

Jack                        3 saves
Cole                       7 saves
Callie                     1 save
Savannah               1 save

Great job, Coyotes!!  Also, Jack played very well in the Striker position, getting involved in the play and getting his foot on the ball!  It was good seeing him get aggressive...keep it up, Jack!  Kendal cleared the ball a couple of times from the midfield position, and was also getting more involved offensively in the Striker position!  Keep it up!  Savannah and Rebekah were putting on a clinic from the midfield position, constantly disrupting the Rattlers on any breakaway attempts, and Cole was on fire in the goal...frustrating the snakes 7 times by denying any goals while he was guarding the "house".

It seems to me that we are headed in the right direction!  We should all be proud of our young Coyotes...they battled against the heat, and no one complained when called on to get into the game as they had to play longer than usual since we were short handed.  Good job, 'Yotes!

A reminder:  Vanderbilt University is having an NYSA appreciation night this coming Friday night at the Vandy/MTSU womens soccer game.  The game begins at 7 pm, $5.00 per adult, kids FREE if they are wearing their team jerseys....

Also, don't forget that this coming Saturday (the 10th) is Picture day at the NYSA....our game is at 11 am...so we will need to be at the fields by 10 am for our team photos and individual photos.  I'll send out a reminder towards the end of the week.

Here is a short video demonstrating some great soccer skills....one day this could be YOU!  Enjoy:

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!!!

Coyotes Feast on Ducks

Team Coyote ended the Spring season against Team Ducks on Saturday at Heartland fields. You might say they ended it with a "bang", as the Coyotes looked like they were on a duck hunt, and were taking no prisoners!

The game started out even enough, with both teams exchanging goals throughout the first quarter.  But, by the end of the 1st quarter, the 'Yotes were up by one, 3-2.  As the second quarter got underway, the Coyotes began to find their stride and started to dominate the Ducks offensively and defensively, building on their slim lead to go up by 5 at halftime, 7-2.

Several Coyotes found the nets in the first half:  Rebekah, Cole, Gavin and Akil all put the rock in the goal for Team Coyote as the team began to dominate the Ducks. 

It was the final game of the season, and the Coyotes were hungry for a win, after suffering 4 straight losses.  The Coyotes looked sharp and fresh as they ran up and down the field, keeping the Ducks having to play "catch up", and frustrating the Ducks by blocking shots and challenging and winning the ball on several occasions.

The second half saw the Coyotes pull away from the hapless Ducks, as the 'Yotes were having their way with the ball, the tempo of the game, and the defensive effort to stop any attempts by the Ducks to make a comeback. Devin joined the list of Coyotes finding the goal in the second half, while Nick and Jonas provided a defensive wall for the team throughout the game.  The Coyotes were demonstrating offensive as well as defensive fireworks as they feasted on Roast Duck....a proper fare for the end of the season dinner.

By the time the final whistle blew, the Coyotes were on top of a huge victory by a score of 11-4, evening their overall season record to 5-5.  Overall (in two seasons...Fall and Spring), the U-5 Team Coyote has amassed a record of 10-9-1.  Not bad...considering this was really the first year most of the team had even played soccer!  I see plenty of room for improvement, and am confident that the Coyotes will continue to advance, learn, and have fun in the U-6 level in the Fall!

And so, another season has come and gone.  This coach is proud of the kids and the way they all played this season.  There was remarkable and noticeable improvement in ALL the kids from last season to this season, and during the season as well. 

As Team Coyote heads back to the den to feast on duck and rest up, they will return in the Fall back to Heartland field as U-6'ers....and will step up, once again, to the challenge...the game...and the fun!  Great job, Coyotes!  This coach is VERY proud of each and everyone of you...and I look forward to coaching you again in the Fall.  Have fun over the summer...stay safe...and keep working on those soccer skills....August will be here before you know it!

It is fitting to replay the last video from last year...because this team IS the Champions....I am honored and happy to have had another opportunity to coach them.  Coyotes...YOU ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!!

Coyotes Looking to End Season with Win

As the final game of the Spring Season approaches on this coming Saturday morning, Team Coyote is back at the den, scratching fleas, chewing on antelope bones, and wondering what it will take to end the season with a win.  After suffering 4 losses in a row, the Coyotes are reeling, and hungry to get that elusive final victory for the season.  A win on Saturday will give the 'Yotes an even Season Record at 5-5....a loss ends the Season for the Team at 4-6.

Last weekend, on a cold, overcast day, the Coyotes were once again shorthanded on players, with only 5 Coyotes able to play.  That resulted in the team getting tired out by halftime, with no substitutes to step in and keep everyone fresh. 

Despite being shorthanded, the Coyotes held their own for the better part of the 1st half, and found themselves down by 2 at halftime.  But as the 2nd half got underway, the other team (who was again at full strength and fresh) put the icing on the cake and began to totally dominate the Coyotes, pulling away for a 10-4 victory, as the Coyotes "ran out of gas" and tired out from running up and down the field.

Not all was bad, however, as each Coyote contributed to the effort and played well.  Rebekah had 2 goals in the first half, with Kendal and Akil also finding the net for the 'Yotes. 

On the defensive side of the ball, Nick blocked several shots on goal and broke up some passes and breakaways by the other team.  Jonas also got into the mix and had some good blocks and kicks downfield.  So, despite the loss, the kids played hard and they played well.  They were merely outnumbered and tired out.  If we had been at full strength, I think the outcome would have been much different...or at least much closer.

The Team had a practice last night in the cold, and got to start learning about being a Goalie, which is a position that will be added next season at the U-6 level.  It also gave the kids an opportunity to work on power kicks on goal, to get the ball past that goalie.  Typical of the team,
the kids caught on fast!  They should not have any problem transitioning
to the next level.

Saturday will bring the last game of the Spring Season, and the weather looks like it might be halfway decent....at least according to the forecast I saw this morning....  The Coyotes are hungry for a win, and I am sure they will come out and play hard.  But no matter what...win or lose, the Coyotes can be proud of themselves, as everyone on the team progressed and developed over the past year.  The contrast between last Fall and this Spring was phenomenal.  And as this Spring went on, each of the kids developed a bit more and learned a bit more (as did the Coach).

Until Saturday, the Coyotes will hang around the den, chewing on antelope and rabbit bones, drinking cactus juice, and scratching fleas....but come Saturday morning, I think we can expect our Coyotes to come out yapping and snapping.....chasing down the final victory!

Go Coyotes!!!!

Here is a good video on how to properly kick the soccer ball:

Coyotes Hit Late Season Slump

COACH'S NOTE:  I apologize for not being able to keep up with the blog, but I have been extremely busy the past couple of weeks with meetings, classes, and other things.  That in no way implys that I have "given up" on doing the blog....it just may be a bit slower in getting done until I can get caught up.  I apologize to those of you who look forward to reading the posts.  Now...on with the blog:

As the Spring season draws nearer to a close, Team Coyote has suffered two more losses...in a row...bringing their overall record to an even 4-4. 

Two weeks ago, Team Coyote suffered the worst loss of the season, falling to a very good team that was aggressive from the outset.  Combine that with the fact that the Coyotes were missing 3 of their players until halftime, and that resulted in the other team being able to run up the score on the 'Yotes, making it all but improbable, but not impossible, for the team to make a come back.

As the second half of the game got underway, the Coyotes came to life (with the arrival and addition of the missing players), and peeled off 5 unanswered goals in the 3rd quarter.  That narrowed the gap, but the Coyotes were still down by at least 7 goals at the end of the Third.  You have to give the Team credit for making a comeback, and not giving up.  The effort was there...but we fell behind too much too early, and just needed about one more quarter, and I think we might have been able to pull out a big upset come-from-behind win!

As the 4th Quarter got started, the Coyotes kept up the comeback attempt, scoring at least 3 more goals, but the other team wasn't done either, scoring a couple more of their own.

By the time the final whistle blew, the Coyotes found themselves on the
losing end of a good old fashioned behind the woodshed whooping!

I am not sure what the exact final score was, but it was Coyote Ugly...I am guessing at least 15-7.

Last weekend, the Big Coyote had a class to attend, and so the team was left in the capable hands of Coaches Joseph and Jens.  I am told that the Coyotes played hard and tough, but once again came up on the short end in another hard fought game, losing by a score of 6-4.  Though the loss is disappointing, this coach is still proud of the team effort and the fortitude with which the 'Yotes are displaying on the field.  They don't give up and quit when they fall behind, and you can always count on the Team to keep trying.  That is a commendable trait of our team! 

When you coach soccer, you expect that some days are going to be days that your team shines and looks unbeatable...when the ball bounces your way all day, and every shot you take on goal seems to find its way to the nets.  Then, there are those days when just the opposite is true...for one reason or another, the team doesn't play up to their potential, the ball bounces the wrong way, and try as you may, the ball just will not go into the goal!  But, like the Coyotes, this Coach doesn't know the meaning of the word "surrender".  When you lose a game (or two), you pick up the pieces and regroup, try to touch on some of the problem areas in practice, and get out there and do it again the next week.

That is precisely what Team Coyote will do this coming weekend:  Regroup and come out fighting.  Last night, we had a good practice and scrimmage.  The kids worked on some passing drills and looked aggressive on offense AND on defense.  If we can carry that over into the game on Saturday, I think you can look for the 'Yotes to get back on the winning track.!

We only have 2 games left this Spring season...and only one more practice after this week.  Next week at practice, I hope we can get enough of the team to show up so we can practice on a U-6 field, since Team Coyote will be graduating from U-5 and will be entering the U-6 level in the Fall. 

The big difference in U-6 vs U-5 is that U-6 has goalies, and the Coaches cannot be on the field with the players during the game.  So, it is necessary to really concentrate on passing, defense, and positions, which is what we will try to work on next week in practice. 

A final word in closing:  Don't give up, Coyotes!  We can still pull out a winning season.  No matter what, play hard, play tough, and HAVE FUN!  Until Saturday.......here are some soccer drills the Coyotes might want to begin practicing:

Coyotes Drop One, Win One

Last Friday night saw severe storms hit the Middle Tennessee area, dumping lots of rain and dropping the temperatures into the low 50's by Saturday morning.  As a result, the NYSA cancelled all games for last Saturday.

The make up game was scheduled and played on Thursday night against a very good Sharks team.  The Coyotes were shorthanded, with only 4 players showing up:  Rebekah, Kendal, Gavin, and Nick.  Hats off to these Coyotes....they were called on to have to play the whole game, and did so with enthusiasm.

The Sharks were also short handed, but they had 6 players show up, so they were able to do some subbing, keeping their players relatively fresh throughout the game.

Team Coyote struggled from the outset with the Sharks, and fell behind almost immediately.  They just did not have an answer to stop the Shark attack, and the big fish had the Coyotes out of their element as they ran (or swam) up and down the field scoring at will.  The Coyotes had 3 or 4 shots on goal that went wide, but the ball never found the net for the 'Yotes all through the game.  When the final whistle blew, the Coyotes were on the losing end of a thrashing:  12-0.  You might say it was "Coyote Ugly", as the 'Yotes would have chewed off their own paws to escape the trap that the Sharks had laid out for them!

The loss dropped the Coyotes to a season record of 3-2 at the midway point of the season.

But, typical of the Coyotes, they did not stay down long.  They went home, licked their wounds, and came out snapping and yapping today as they faced another good team.  This time, however, the 'Yotes were at full strength, and they were all over the Gold and Black team like a pack of coyotes on a deer hunt.

With the hairs raised on their backs, the Coyotes took the opening kickoff today and immediatley scored.  That set the tone in the game, as the Team refused to relinquish the lead as they jumped out to a 3-0 score in the first quarter.

As the second quarter got underway, the Coyotes kept up the attack, and scored another goal before the Gold team could finally find the goal.
Gavin took control of the ball, dribbling downfield and scoring, breaking through the pack several times.  He received the benefit of some great passing from Cole and Nick as he put the ball into the net.  At halftime, the 'Yotes were up 4-1.

The second half started off with the Gold team threatening a comeback, as they scored quickly, closing the gap.  But the Coyotes were having none of it....they scored 2 more goals to pad the lead going into the 4th quarter.

The Gold team wasn't done....you have to give them credit....they kept fighting back, and got within 2 points of the Coyotes by the time the final whistle blew.  Team Coyote emerged victorious by a 6-4 score, to improve their overall season record to 4-2 on the year.  Great job Coyotes!

I was pleased to see some great defense and downfield kicks from Nick, Kendal, Rebekah and Jonas.  Akil and Devin showed great speed in breaking downfield on defense and breaking up several goal shots taken by the other team, while Gavin and Cole provided the offensive fireworks, scoring goals and providing some good assists and passes.

Keep up the good work Coyotes!  I see great improvement overall in our play, and there is no doubt in my mind that we can play with any U5 team out there!  Enjoy the following video....keep working on your skills, and one day, YOU will be doing this: