First District and metro game for the Titans. We were home and hosted the Mustangs of Wekiva.
A very cold night in the Windermere area. Stay warm, another good warm up and stretch was an important fact.
Our starting keeper was absent with an ear infection which meant the starting JV keeper was in between the sticks. – Got him mentally prepared and ready to go. Lots of running in the warm up and plenty of stretches. By the end of it, the sweat was running down his forehead so he had been fully worked.
Start of the game, the wind picked up – it was important to get a good start from the get go. Lets get stuck in! Give them no free time on the ball. Again we were taking far to many touches in the middle of the park. That quickly changed and we were starting to pace two touch football. This worked so well – we were knocking the ball around beautifully – spreading the play from left to right. The Mustangs couldn’t get a look in. I had said to our starting brazilian striker that I wanted at least one goal out of him. I have been very impressed with his work rate both in practice and games. He really has stepped it up!
Just before the half….guess who came through, yes…The Brazilian – and ran across the pitch to celebrate with him, even dedicating the goal to me. I was proud, he was looking a threat. We were getting a lot of lay out to our wings which is something we had been working on in practice. This was good to see. Getting to the goal line, into the box and whipping those deadly balls across the box.
Their keeper had made a couple of solid early saves showing his presence. It was a big boy – Tall and lean. He was looking good, ill give him credit – soon later to change. Calamity James, those of you that know David James, yes guys…he was flapping at every cross.
After the break, a couple of changes giving a few guys a breather, fluids and some stretching in. We were keeping it tight at the back – even tho they had created one of two chances. The game became a little flat half way through the second half. I think the cold was having an effect. The boys seemed to lose their concentration I feel a bit. On both sides.
Lets make this change, our captain, center back- quick as lighting. Lets put him up top, lets see what he does with his speed. He was having such a solid game at the back for us, I was worried about taking him out. Being one goal up wasnt enough – that could change at any point. We need to kill the game. The change was made. His speed down the right side had lost their left back who was also very fast. Got to the bar line- whipped it in across the six yard box, a casual finish was made. GET IN!!! great decision to change it up, great finish.
We had secured victory 2-0… Next game is a local game away at South Lake.
I had duties with the JV tonight, away at Lake highland…
Lets Go Titans!!!
Coach
@alexburrell
