9 Wins - 0 Losses!

This might be our final update for the season. :-(

Last Week

Wow, what a great game we had last Saturday. We started out a little on the slow side and ended the first half down 3 to 1. I think we were kind of in a funk to start out and we were also forcing the boys to stay in their positions, which they're not really used to. We've been teaching them that when they're in position, on offense, they spread the defense out which opens the field up a lot more. When the field is more open, we have more opportunities to advance the ball and score goals. After some adjustments, after the half, the boys started passing the ball better and we got some great goals. It's so satisfying, as a coach, to see the boys carry-out things we're teaching them and to see the light come on when they truly get it! Oh, we also ended up winning the game 6 to 4.

This Saturday

Our game this Saturday is at Harmony at 12pm. Please have the boys there at 11:30am to warm up. We're the Home Team, so we should be wearing white, and I'd like to get a volunteer for the snack/drink, if someone is willing.

Next Week

Ok, we've got a busy week next week. Here's the plan:

• Tuesday - our team end-of-season party is at 5:30pm at Mill Town Pizza in Camas/Washougal. Please call in your pizza order prior to our party, if you're ordering pizza for your family. http://milltownpizzacamas.com/menu-page-2.html
• Thursday - our final practice. In preparation for our tournament, we will be practicing at 4:30pm at our regular spot, due to the time change. Please have the boys bring their jersey because we will be doing a team scrimmage toward the second half of our practice.
• Saturday - we will be playing in the Jamboree (tournament). I don't have a schedule for that yet and probably won't until a day or two, before the tournament. Please plan to make it an all day thing. The good news is...it's a one day tournament and there shouldn't be any Sunday games.

End-of-Season Party

These parties are so much fun! It gives us a last opportunity to hang out (both players and parents) and we hand out trophies to the boys. There's also a rumor that the league might be providing some "Division Champion" medals, that we can hand out to the boys. Please don't tell the boys because I'm not sure we'll get them and if we do get them, they might not make it in time for our party.

The Jamboree (Tournament)

Just a heads up - during the regular season I try my best to play every boy at least half of the game. In the post-season (tournament) it can be a little different, depending on how things go. The boys are looking for the win and we do our best, as coaches, to give us the best chance to advance to the next game. So...we still try to give equal playing time but I don't guarantee it. For example, I may keep a boy or two on the field longer if the game is close. On the flipside... I may rest some of the boys for the next game, which gives some of the others more playing time.  If anyone has questions on this, please give me a call, prior to the tournament, and we can talk about it.

Thanks so much for giving me and Coach Andrea the opportunity to work with you and your amazing kids!

Ben Yung

7 Wins - 0 Losses!

Just a quick update:

Last Week

What a fun and exciting week of soccer! We won our Saturday game and tied the Rascals in our scrimmage. I couldn't be more proud of the boys. I may have said this before but the Rascals are in first place in Division #1 and the coach (Will Swanson) said we're, by far, the best team they've played all season. 

I want to thank everyone for coming to the BBQ! We almost had everyone there and it was a huge success. The whole idea was to get everyone together, to eat good food and have fun so the kids and parents could bond and get to know each other better. It sounds like everyone had a great time, so we'll have to do it again next season if our team is still intact.

This Week

We had a really good practice on Tuesday and we're planning on scrimmaging with the Rascals again tonight (Thursday) at 5:30pm. Please have the boys there, ready to warm up at 5pm. I would like to go over a few things with them prior to the game as well.  We might be in need of a referee - if so, are there any volunteers? Maybe Nate or Petar?

Saturday's Game - Our game this Saturday is at 3pm at JDZ. We're the Home team for this game, so we'll be wearing white and I can't remember but someone offered to bring our snack/drink. Please remind me who that was and also let me know if you haven't yet had a chance to do bring a snack, so we can plan for our next two games.

Remainder of the Season

We've only got 3 games left in the season. I can't believe how fast it's gone. Time flies! We're looking forward to the Jamboree in November. So far, I've only heard of one family that won't be able to participate. So... I'm going to go ahead and get us signed up and we'll let everyone know what the cost will be. We're also looking forward to our end-of-year party at Mill Town Pizza. Please watch for more information on these events, which will be coming soon!

One More Thing (not soccer related)

Evan started Cub Scouts this year and he's having a BLAST! There are several boys from Gause Elementary in his Den, which he's very excited about, but they have room for more boys. Cub Scouts is a very important part of the Boy Scouts of America and it's geared toward 7 to 10 year old boys. It's a great program that teaches the boys citizenship, compassion, courage, faith, health & fitness, honesty, perseverance, positive attitude, resourcefulness, and responsibility. All very good things, while having a blast with their friends!  If you want more information, I can get if for you. I believe the meet once a week on Wednesday afternoons. You can also visit the following link for more information.

http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/CubScouts.aspx

Thanks everyone,

Ben Yung