Gunners_Boys 07-08

  Sunday, May 15th, 2022 | Sudbury, MA First Half The Gunners had their hands full today, playing a well-balanced Sudbury team with great scoring potency, sound ability to possess, and maturity to allow play development. Before the ten-minute mark, Sudbury broke through the center of the Gunners' defense three times, with through balls, and a couple over the top.  Half-Time Adjustments The goal was to improve, overcome the mental collapse, and get something out of the game. Sudbury is an organized team, with the ability to generate quick offense. However, the Gunners have enough personnel to neutralize it but are in desperate need of organization. The simple game adjustment was to get better at possession, and containing.  2nd Half- Final Result The second half proved the Gunners were overmatched by a strong opponent. Sometimes, you have to give credit to an opposition that obviously put a lot of time into their craft. The fluidity of their passing is evidence they train ...

  Sunday May 8th, 2022 | Princeton, MA Short Numbers This game was a challenge from the start when only seven players were available at the beginning of this one.  The strategy was simply to be intelligent about covering space. Otherwise, it was going to be tough with the opponent carrying enough for six subs. First Half With the short numbers in mind, the Gunners had a hard time executing the defensive shape discussed. Furthermore, there was a definite morale depletion following an early goal.  With the right mental approach, the Gunners definitely could have done better with possession, and defending since NEFC played with nine players.  Half-Time Adjustments Our discussion addressed the mental attitude, which had to be more positive in order to gain enough out of the match. Every game is an opportunity to grow, regardless of the circumstances, score, or outcome. Therefore, the group was encouraged to use it as a tool to be better; it's all you can do!   ...

   Sunday May 1st, 2022 | Melrose, MA Great Week of Preparation For the first time all season, the Gunners had the opportunity to have most of the squad train during both sessions this week. In our experience, such preparation usually results in great performances on game day. First Half The Gunners started this game displaying sound possession. For the first, everyone was confident on the ball, made sound decisions, and the players moved well without it. Though an early goal was given up, that confident ball movement resulted in a goal for the Gunners, to even the score at the intermission. Half-Time Adjustments At the half, the Gunners were encouraged to keep possessing the ball and improve their composure in the final offensive third. Though they had done well on this aspect of the game, the team was still rushing and forcing things once they got close to the opponent's goal.  2nd Half- Final Result In the second half, the Gunners were able to show signs of their sound...

  Sunday April 24, 2022 | Princeton, MA Back-to-Back Game On a second leg of a back-to-back over the weekend, without the full, the proper manpower was going to prolong the Gunners Boy's challenge to improve the recent results.  This gives this new the chance to grow from this pain. No Excuses are made; they carry on putting the work in.  First Half This time around, although the Gunners found themselves down a couple of goals, they were able to compete better in midfield.  The focus quickly shifted to progress, rather than results. The Gunners actually found ways to string together passes and kept their opponent at bay. At the half, it was a 2-0 lead, but very encouraging signs. Half-Time Adjustments Possession was the keyword, topic, and priority expressed at the half.  If the Gunners improve this aspect of their game, it would significantly reduce their problem by whatever percentage of possession they are able to manage. Simply put; if we have the ball, they...

Saturday April 23, 2022 | Weston, MA Short-Handed During the school vacation week, the Gunners Boys were short-handed, with many players missing, gone on vacation. With a brand new team, attempting to find some foundation to build confidence, this situation definitely causes a setback.   First Half The Gunners Boys were in for a tough contest this game, as Juventus was ready to destroy, demolish, and disseminate every ounce of courage out the Gunners. Juventus attacked relentlessly, and put their subs in throughout the entire game, which created what seems to be an endless flood of attacks. Down 4-0 at the half, there was so much work to be done, it was tough to decide where to start. Half-Time Adjustments At halftime, the Gunners were encouraged to focus on improving defensive shape, and transition. In short, simply get back behind the ball, as soon as we lose it. Otherwise, it was going to be a repeat of the same in the second half. 2nd Half- Final Result Unfortunately, the ...

Young Gunners 07 v. Sudbury Sunday April 10, 2022 | Worcester, MA Season Opener The first game for a team that has yet to compete outdoors can pose lots of challenges, and it certainly did today.  Although these boys have played and figured out how to manage indoor games, the 11 v 11 is simply a different matter.  It did not take long for the Young Gunners to find out how challenging this can be.  First Half The game started off with the opponent coming out of the blocks seemingly on a mission to score quickly and put the game away early. With no defensive shape from the Gunners' side, they were able to walk in on our keeper at will. Our left side of midfield was completely exposed, allowing Sudbury to create endless scoring opportunities. Half-Time Adjustments At halftime, we discussed correcting defensive shape. The center backs were being pulled out wide, from the lack of defending on the Gunners' left wing.  In order to neutralize this, it was crucial for our cen...