So Much Done...So Much To Do

When you're in it, like we are, the season can seem to just fly by but we're only half way through with lots to still play for. It's a big milestone, so I thought we'd take a minute and talk about what we've already seen and what's in store.

Looking Back

Off to a fast start, scoring lots of goals, and not getting a ton of pressure is not a bad way to start a season! We were playing with a lot of confidence, and it really showed even against a tougher Topeka Seamen side. We rolled to a quick 6-0 start scoring 44 and conceding only 1. Wow... We encountered our first challenges in Hayden and Mill Valley, but overall I think we outplayed both teams. For those of you who have been involved in this sport for awhile, you'll understand when I say that "Sometimes, that is just soccer". Teams control possession, flow, and the ball and still lose games even at the highest level. Were there questionable calls? Yes. Should it have affected the outcome? No, but they did. As I explained to the team when it happened (in both cases), what matters now is how we respond and move on. Respond they did at Blue Valley. They were a tough, physical, organized side and we gave each other fits for 70 minutes. Maybe you didn't see it, but we actually made a formation change with 10 minutes left. I told the girls during the injury stoppage that at 10 minutes left we were going to go 4-3-3 and win this thing in regulation. NO ONE wanted to go to overtime.  Less than three minutes later, we generated a break off four beautifully connected passes to put Emma B. in position to score maybe the best goal I've seen all season. We quickly shifted back to 4-4-2 and successfully held them off for the win. A huge night for these girls, and this program! 

Looking Ahead

With our momentum firmly back in place, we have an important stretch of games coming up over the next few weeks as we close out the regular season. Basehor and DeSoto at home, followed by BVSW away on Friday. Frankly, we're a little beat up (as happens with this kind of match schedule) so we will be making adjustments over the next little bit to help us stay healthy and strong for the end of the season. You can expect:

• Shortened training sessions
• Lower impact training and more focus on tactical situations (set pieces, etc.) during training sessions

As always, you as parents and supporters are a huge part of our success. We've done a pretty good job this season, but I also wanted to pass along a few reminders:

• Team events are mandatory. This includes team dinners, training sessions, meetings, weight room / pool mornings, and the like. We need to keep our focus on staying prepared for every match. Most of you have done a great job of communicating with me when there are conflicts, let's keep that up!
• Remember that you are representatives of this program, school, and our girls on the sidelines. Please keep your feedback positive, encouraging, and just ignore the officials. Let me deal with them - I obviously have no issue doing so. :-) I KNOW this can be challenging at times, trust me, but I want us to have the reputation as a classy, educated group of parents / fans regardless of what happens on the field.
• Help your players be smart athletes! They need hydration, rest, and sleep to be wholly prepared to perform on match days; it's crucial!
• If you haven't already, get signed up to help with the concession stand, team dinners, and other volunteer opportunities. We haven't hit our goal of 100% parent volunteer participation yet and really want that feather in our cap at the end of the season.

I am really looking forward to the rest of this journey with the girls and you. Thank you for everything you do to support us, these teams, and our school. Go Lions!