Gunners_Boys 07-08

  Sunday, May 22nd, 2022 | Sudbury, MA First Half Facing this NEFC team for the second time, the Gunners were familiar with their strengths and tendencies. NEFC is a finesse team that likes to control play in midfield, to set up their crosses or outside shots. Gunners needed to hold them off for at least the first 15 minutes, in order to build confidence. Although the Gunners' personnel improved, the lack of chemistry cost the side to implode, while giving up easy, soft goals for a 4-0 deficit at the half.  Half-Time Adjustments Our conversation at halftime pertained to confidence in their ability, and desire to compete. Most of the shortcomings of this group are mental and psychological. Though their side actually had the quality to compete better, the lack of self-belief created a barrier, which prevented them from accomplishing more. The goal was to build confidence one play at a time.  2nd Half- Final Result With a bit more fight, confidence, and determination, the Gu...

  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...