Here is a good preview of the match.
Did you know that Barcelona have the one of the worlds best defense? They have scored 94 goals, yet only given up 26 in 34 league games. How do they do it? Possession plain and simple. Their opponents hardly get to play with the ball and therefore have little chance to score.
Wednesday 11:30: ESPN2 - Manchester United vs Arsenal
Match preview in pictures.
Set your DVR/VHS/Computers on record
Soccer on TV -- Alert -- Champions League Semis
Weekend Round-up :: Upcoming week
I feel this weekends matches produced some really excellent soccer by the girls.
Sac United 4 - 0 Cap FC:
While we failed to score in the opening half, we dominated proceedings and really bossed the game with some excellent combination play.
It only took one goal to open the flood gates though. After Maddy poked home the first goal, it filled us with confidence and we promptly put the match away with three more well taken goals.
Sac United 0 - 1 Napa United
For me, we showed command of the game through our passing and ability to possess the ball. I think the team linked four or more passes 12-15 times which is excellent. The trouble came in the attacking third were the final run or final pass eluded us. All our attacks fizzled out when we closed in on goal and even with 14 shots on target we couldn't find a way past the keeper.
This Weeks Practice
Monday: (1) Agility, speed and coordination (2) Soccer Decisions: when to dribble and when to pass when in the attacking third
Wednesday: (1) The Assist: One touch finish (2) Attacking shape / Defensive shape
Thursday: No team training. Possible small group positional training
Below please enjoy a video to give you some soccer ideas about the runs and passes in the final third & having an attacking mentality while trying to score. Watch for the combinations, but also how they fake, feint, and use change of direction to their advantage.
Arsenal Team Work
Individuals are nothing without the team. Ask yourself, "What can I do to make
the team better?" If you visualize something like the following video, you're on the right track.
Something else to enjoy.
More good stuff for today's games. Here is a quick clinic on how to Possess & Penetrate from Barcelona. **watch for the quick wall-pass at the top of the box**
"Can you hit a ball any harder?"
If you managed to miss the Champions League match between Chelsea & Liverpool on ESPN2 earlier today...
Check Out The Highlights!!!! esp 2nd half
You will not be disappointed!
Just to catch you up if you missed it, last week Chelsea went to Liverpool and spanked 'em 3-1. That meant, because of the head-to-head format, Liverpool had to score at least 3 goals to even have a chance to advance to the Champions League Semifinals against Barcelona.
Add to that, Liverpool had never beaten Chelsea by more then 2-0, and that was 1986. And if Chelsea scored, that meant that they'd have to score even more...
Everyone, EVERYONE (TV, newspapers, interweb commenters) thought this game was a forgone conclusion. Chelsea would go through...
The full game is incredible to watch.
ps - I have a Puma prize for the first player to tell me how many goals were scored on cutback crosses on the ground.
This Week's Schedule
Practice Schedule for this week April 13th-April 19th:
Monday: 6:45-8:15 @ Mangan
Topic: Individual Attacking and Defending
Wednesday: 6:45-8:15 @ Mangan
Topic: Protecting the ball
Thursday: 6:30 - 8:00 @ Mangan
topic: Positional Training, Freekicks, Corners
The Sac State Women also play their last home games of the spring this weekend. They host a tournament with Pacific and UC Davis this Sunday. It's a great chance to watch high level soccer, even if it is just the spring season.
Weekend Homework: Favorite player + Signature move & Juggling
Have a great weekend everybody.
Because of the long weekend, I have given the girls two homework assignments.
1. Pick your favorite player + know their signature move (dribble move, crossing, flying defensive tackles, stopping PKs...)
Right now, I'd have to say my favorite player is Lionel Messi. His signature move is fairly obvious from the video.
But if you asked me who my all-time favorite player is, I have to go with:
And his signature move starts around the 1:30 mark.
If you want or if you have time, you can post your favorite player in the comment thread.
2. Waterfall juggling
2 juggles with the head + 2 juggles with the thighs + 2 juggles with the feet + 2 juggles with the thighs + 2 juggles with the head + 2 juggles with the thighs + 2 juggles with the feet ............ 10 minutes a day will do wonders.
Let me know if you have any questions about either assignment.
Other than that take care of your injuries, get in some roadwork or soccer work and I will see you Monday.
I'm a WPS Fan
If you didn't get a chance to watch the last WPS game on TV/Internet last week, you missed out. All the games so far have been of a very high quality with excellent attacking and defensive play. There's a lot to enjoy and admire.
If you missed it: FC Gold Pride vs Boston Breakers
first half
second half
It's worth checking out.
Anybody wanna go watch a game @ Santa Clara?
Game Time
Time to get pumped up! We like to play 1-4-3-3 with flying wingers and here is the best winger in the world (World Footballer of the Year) at work.
Enjoy!
See you tomorrow, 9:30 @ Granite.
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