Game 13

After three tough games the Sharks let loose in their lone Wednesday night game, dominating the Blue team in an 8-1 win. It was fun to see the Sharks put into practice all the important aspects of the game we have been working on all year: containing defense, positions and spacing, passing, challenging the ball, hustle, teamwork, and good sportsmanship.

A near-perfect defensive effort was led by Liam and Sophia in goal, with help from Nate, Sophie, and others. Goals were scored by Luke, Cameron (2), Jake (3), Izzy, and Liam. Matthew and Sophie added to the offensive attack with good passing and hustle. The Sharks converted two penalty kicks, Cameron with one and Izzy, for her first goal of the year, on the other. Liam also scored his first goal of the season - the result of beautifully playing his position and being in the right place when the ball came across the middle.

Everyone should feel good about a well-played game.

There is only one game left this season, a showdown against a much-improved Yellow team.

Game 12

The Sharks fought hard but came up just short today against the Maroon team, falling by a score of 4-3.

With only one sub, and with wet but deceptively warm weather, the Sharks seemed tired as they fell behind 3-0 at halftime, and 4-0 after giving up an early second-half goal. After several near misses, the Sharks were finally able to crack the Maroon defense and, on a great pass from Nate, Luke put in a goal. This sparked the team back into action and the Sharks continued to attack with scoring opportunities throughout the remainder of the half. Matthew, Nate, and Grace each had shots just miss. Late in the half, Jake added a second goal on a great individual effort, and then was fouled in the box and made the resulting penalty kick to bring the Sharks to within one goal. The offense was in high gear and Sophie and Izzy were making some great plays on defense, but sadly the clock ran out before the comeback was complete.

The Sharks played good defense against a strong Maroon attack, as Luke, Jake, Matthew, Grace, and Izzy each took turns in goal. Even though they were shorthanded, the Sharks played tough and did not give up.

The loss drops the Sharks to 9-3 on the season. They will have another chance to get their tenth win as they take on the Blue team on Wednesday night.

Game 11

Everyone is guaranteed an exciting and well-played game whenever the Sharks take on the Green Team. This Saturday's game was no exception, as the Sharks came out on top of a close 2-1 contest.

First half goals by Cameron and Jake, made possible by excellent teamwork and passing by Grace, Matthew, Izzy, and Sophia, were enough offense as the defense really locked down the Green attack. Luke and Liam were strong in goal, and Nate, Sophie, and others would not back down on defense.

The high grass made for a slow field, which led to very few out-of-bounds plays. As a result, there were very few opportunities to substitute. Everyone gave their best effort when they were on the field, and were patient when they were waiting to get in the game. Luke and Nate even got a chance to run one of our free kick plays! Great game by all the Sharks.

Practice 5/11

It was wet and drizzling at times, but we still had a very productive and fun practice on Tuesday. We worked on some set plays, including corner kicks. We then had a lot of fun designing trick free kick plays, and then played a short-sided scrimmage working on passing and team defense.

The kids really enjoyed making up their own trick free kicks. Though it is rare that you get opportunities to use that in a game, we had a lot of fun doing it. It can pay off in real game situations, too. Check out these examples from professional and international games!

Game 10

On another cold, wet spring morning the Sharks lost to the Maroon team 5-3. After going up 2-0 on quick goals by Jake and Luke, the Maroon team's relentless attack proved too much. A late comeback effort including another goal by Jake was not enough.

Liam and Matthew provided solid goaltending, while Nate and Sophie and others did their best to defend a strong offensive team. The Sharks showed a lot of heart and never gave up, and worked together providing excellent passing throughout the game. Izzy, Luke, and Sophia provided some needed sparks on offense, and Jake played through some bumps and bruises.

Despite the final score it was another exciting effort by the Sharks. Next week they look forward to a rematch with the rival Green team.

Game 9

Coach Ryan and Coach Mike made a return to the sidelines and led a shorthanded Sharks team to an 8-3 victory over the Yellow team. There was some confusion between the ref and the coaches which led to an apparent end of the game after two short periods and only about 30 minutes of game time, with the score tied 3-3. After some negotiation both teams agreed to play an additional period. The Sharks exploded for 5 unanswered goals to run away with the win.

Goals were scored by Jake (3), Nate (4), and Matthew. Grace and Sophia also had scoring opportunities. Playing without several members of the team, the Sharks rallied together taking turns in goal playing hard.