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:

 

Overheated Coyotes Suffer First Loss

Team Coyote Smiles for the Camera

On a day that started out partly cloudy but warm, the Coyotes assembled for the team and individual photos. The 'Yotes had their tails all combed out and groomed, their canine teeth polished and gleeming in the Spring sunlight, and their coats brushed out and clean as they smiled and howled at the camera.  It was a sight to behold!

But Coach, it's too HOT!

But by the time the team photos were done and game time approached, the sun broke through the clouds and quickly heated up the fields....and the Coyotes.
With temperatures climbing into the high 80's by game time, the "Get up and go" of the team seem to have "got up and left" as the team seemed sluggish and slow as the game got under way.

The Coyotes kicked off, and scored the first goal of the game, but the opposing team quickly answered with a goal of their own.  Again, the Coyotes took the next kick off and scored, but that would be the last time they would see the lead in the game.

The 'Yotes seemed tired and sluggish and were lacking the usual enthusiasm and fire that they typically display on the field, both offensively and defensively.  Meanwhile, the other team seemed fresh and full of energy as they steadily worked both sides of the ball, and slowly built up an insurmountable lead that the Coyotes could not overcome. 



This guy is FAST!

 The Coyotes kept within range of a comeback the entire first quarter, but by halftime, their tongues were hanging out, their tails drooping, and their ears were sagging along with their spirits.  By the end of the 3rd quarter, the other team had begun to pull away for good, as they marched up and down the field scoring at will.  The Coyotes seemed incapable of stopping the attack, and even seemed a bit intimidated  and didn't want to challenge the other team for the ball.  The result was the 1st lost of season (losing by a score of 7-3) for the 'Yotes, as they dropped their season record to 3-1.

After the game, Coach Art took the game ball in for some closer scrutiny, as the ball just did not seem to bounce the right way for Team Coyote yesterday.  It just seemed odd that the ball could not find it's way into the goal for the 'Yotes, while just about every shot the other team took (a couple from about mid-field) seemed to find the net.  After analysis, the Soccer Doc and Coach Art came to the conclusion that the only thing wrong with the ball yesterday was that it was not finding the goal for the Coyotes....or, the Coyotes were not finding the goal for the ball.

But, this coach knows that you can't win them all, and there are going to be days like yesterday.  Now, we just need to regroup, and come out next week like our old regular selves, and we will be fine!  No need in crying over spilled milk...instead, it is time to lick our wounds and heal up....next week is another game, and another chance and opportunity for Team Coyote to play up to their potential.  We shall return!

We will work on some things in practice this week to try to get our aggressiveness back and our heads on straight again. 

One other observation...not an excuse...just an observation:  We had a ref yesterday that seemed a little whistle happy, and seemed to penalize Team Coyote for some things (like throwing the ball in) that the ref apparently thought that the kids should have had mastered at this age level, which I thought was a little unreasonable.  As often as he stopped the game and took the ball away from the Coyotes, it seemed that that took away any momentum the team was trying to build.  Again, not an excuse.  Just an observation.

Enough.  It is what it is.  Tomorrow is another day, and next Saturday is another game!  Until then, enjoy Wiley E. Coyote (Super Genius) and Bugs Bunny...that waskily wabbit!

'Yotes Mount a Comeback Victory

Coyotes vs Pumas

It seems that whenever Team Coyote comes up against a team named after any type of cat, there is a rock 'em, sock' em, backyard brawl!  Last season, the Coyotes came up against a team called the Pumas, and after a tough fought dog fight, the 'Yotes came up on the losing end of a tight game by a score of 8-7.

Yesterday, the Coyotes came up against another feline team calling themselves the Tigers (even though they had silver and green uniforms...go figure!?!), and once again, a dog fight broke out!

The Tigers took early command of the game, and scored 2 goals in the first quarter, and another in the second quarter to take a 3-0 lead in the game.  The big cats also played some tough defense, frustrating the 'Yotes by breaking up any scoring opportunity and keeping them out of the goal. 



Nick and Devin display tough Coyote Defense

 At halftime, the Coyotes had their tongues hanging out, but their tails were still wagging.  Coach Art gave the team the "Let's get out there and win one for the Old Coyote" speech, encouraging them not to give up and to get more aggressive on offense while keeping up the pressure on defense.  Thanks to that Coyote defense, led by Nick and Devin running down field throughout the first half breaking up several breakaways by the Tigers and blocking several shots on goal, the team kept the Tigers from scoring any more goals, which would have made any comeback nearly impossible.  Good job Nick and Devin!

When the third quarter got started, the Coyotes came out like a Pack on a hunt!  Cole, Devin, and Akil began to start winning control of the ball, and breaking away and putting the rock in the net.  Meanwhile, Nick, Rebekah, and Jonas kept up the pressure on defense, keeping the Tigers out of the goal.  By the end of the quarter, the 'Yotes had fought back and peeled off 5 unanswered points to take the lead 5-3.



Tigers tried to Comeback

 But the Tigers weren't done either.  As the 4th quarter got underway, the Tigers tried to mount their own comeback, and managed to claw their way back to a 5-5 tie with literally one minute left in the game.

The Coyotes did a gut check, and played some tough defense, blocking the go ahead shot by one of the Tigers.  Cole caught the rebound on the blocked shot on the run and broke away.  There were merely seconds left in the game.  Cole got the ball down close to the Coyote goal, and the Tigers tried to steal the ball one more time, but the 'Yotes weren't having any of it....Cole regained control and took a shot....the ball sailed into the net, and the Coyotes were ahead once again, 6-5.

The teams hustled back to center field for the ensuing kickoff, but before the ball could be put back in play, the ref sounded the final whistle, and Team Coyote emerged battered, bruised, and tired...but... with the win, improving their overall season record to 3-0!  Great job Team!



Team Coyote celebrates the Comeback

 This coach could not be any more proud of our team!  They did not give up when it would have been easy to do so when they found themselves down 3-0 at halftime, but they fought back, kept up the pressure, and mounted one of the best comebacks I have ever seen at this level in coaching!  GREAT JOB COYOTES!!!!  You ALL played a great game and deserve a pat on the back (and an extra helping of roasted Sage Chicken for dinner)!

Team Coyote put on a clinic yesterday!  They displayed great poise as they mounted their big comeback over a feisty Tiger team.  Who knows?  One day, one or more of the players on our Coyote team might play for Team USA!  It could happen!  I found a little clip that I thought the kids might enjoy that shows some great soccer skills.  Keep it up Coyotes...one day..this could be YOU! 

How Coyote Came About His Powers

Every once in awhile, I like to look at some of the Native American legends and tales of the Coyote.  To Native Americans, the Coyote was known as a "Trickster", and could assume many forms.  He could be Old Man Coyote among the Crow Indians, a Raven in the lore of some of the North Western Indian tribes, or the creator of the animal world in other tales.  The Trickster alternately scandalizes, disgusts, amuses, disrupts, humiliates (or is often humiliated) in the tales of the Native Americans.

Below, is a tale of the Trickster Coyote as told by the Okanogan Indian tribe.  The Okanogans lived in what is today the state of Washington and the Northwestern United States, and in British Columbia in Canada.

Without further ado, here is the story of how Coyote came about his powers.  Enjoy!

How Coyote Came About His Powers

The Great Spirit called all his people together from all over the earth. There was to be a change. He would give names to the people, and the Animal World was to rule.

The naming was to begin at the break of day, each one having the right to choose his or her name according to who came first to the Spirit Chief's lodge. The Spirit Chief would also give each one their duty to perform in the changed conditions.

It was the night before the New World. Excitement was among the people. Each one desired a great name of note. All wished to be awake and first at the lodge of the Great Spirit Chief. Everyone wanted power to rule some tribe, some kingdom of the Animal World.

Coyote was of a degraded nature, a vulgar type of life. He was an imitator of everything that he saw or heard. When he asked a question, when he asked for information and it was given him, he would always say, "I knew that before! I did not have to be told." That was Coyote's way. He was hated by all the people for his ways. No one liked him. He boasted too much about his wisdom. 

 Coyote went among the anxious people, bragging to everyone how early he was going to rise, how he would be the first one at the Spirit Chief's lodge. He bragged of the great name he would choose. He said, "I will have three big names to select from: there is Grizzly Bear, who will be ruler over all running, four-footed animals; Eagle, who will lead all the flying birds; Salmon, who will be chief over all the fish of every kind."

Coyote's twin brother, who took the name of Fox, said to him, "Do not be too sure. Maybe no one will be given his choice of names. Maybe you will have to retain your own name, Coyote. Because it is a degraded name, no one among the tribes will want to take it.



Coyote's wife: Mole

 Coyote went to his tepee in anger. He determined not to sleep that night. He would remain awake so as to be the first at the Spirit Chief's lodge for the name he wanted. . . . Coyote's wife (afterwards Mole), sat on her feet at the side of the doorway. She looked up at Coyote and said in a disappointed tone, "Have you no food for the children? They are starving! I can find no roots to dig."


"Eh-ha!" grunted Coyote sarcastically. He answered his wife, "I am no common person to be spoken to in that fashion by a mere woman. Do you know that I am going to be a great Chief at daybreak tomorrow? I shall be Grizzly Bear. I will devour my enemies with ease. I will take other men's wives. I will need you no longer. You are growing too old, too ugly to be the wife of a great warrior, of a big Chief as I will be."

Coyote sleeps

Coyote ordered his wife to gather plenty of wood for the tepee fire where he would sit without sleep all night. Half of the night passed; Coyote grew sleepy. His eyes would close however hard he tried to keep them open. Then he thought what to do. He took two small sticks and braced his eyelids apart. He must not sleep! But before Coyote knew it, he was fast asleep.

 He was awakened by his wife, Mole, when she returned from the Spirit Chief's lodge, when the sun was high in the morning sky.

Coyote jumped up from where he lay. He hurried to the lodge of the Chief Spirit. Nobody was there, and Coyote thought that he was first. . . . He went into the lodge and spoke, "I am going to be Grizzly Bear!"
The Chief answered, "Grizzly Bear was taken at daybreak!"
Coyote said, "Then I shall be called Eagle!"
The Chief answered Coyote, "Eagle has chosen his name. He flew away long ago."
Coyote then said, "I think that I will be called Salmon."
The Spirit Chief informed Coyote, "Salmon has also been taken. All the names have been used except your own: Coyote. No one wished to steal your name from you."



Great Spirit Chief

 Poor Coyote's knees grew weak. He sank down by the fire in that great tepee. The heart of the Spirit Chief was touched when he saw the lowered head of Coyote, the mischief-maker.

After a silence the Chief spoke, "You are Coyote! You are the hated among all the tribes, among all the people. I have chosen you from among all others to make you sleep, to go to the land of the dream visions. I make a purpose for you, a big work for you to do before another change comes to the people. You are to be father for all the tribes, for all the new kind of people who are to come. Because you are so hated, degraded and despised, you will be known as the Trick-person. You will have power to change yourself into anything, any object you wish when in danger or distress. There are man-eating monsters on the earth who are destroying the people. The tribes cannot increase and grow as I wish. These monsters must all be vanquished before the new people come. This is your work to do. I give you powers to kill these monsters. I have given your twin brother, Fox, power to help you, to restore you to life should you be killed. Your bones may be scattered; but if there is one hair left on your body, Fox can bring you back to life. Now go, despised Coyote! Begin the work laid out for your trail. Do good for the benefit of your people."

Thus, Coyote of the Animal People was sent about the earth to fight and destroy the people-devouring monsters, to prepare the land for the coming of the new people, the Indians.



Coyote's Eyes grow slant

  Coyote' eyes grew slant from the effects of the sticks with which he braced them open that night when waiting for the dawn of the name giving day.

 From this, the Indians have inherited their slightly slant eyes as descendants from Coyote.