At Last, You May Think
Hi,
During my time in Canada there has been a number of occasions I have put on practice sessions that were all I wanted, the quality I hoped for, in all respects. When asking the players concerned how they felt about the work, I would often get the answer, it was 'fun'! I always felt deflated, as 'fun' to an Englishman is about relaxed enjoyment, not quite what I thought we were achieving.
Yesterday, during half-time at our game in PEI, I used that word for the first time ever in a soccer context; I asked the team if they were having 'fun'. Almost all of them put their hands up, and I was happy.
For we had talked, again, about playing with freedom and no fear, for
forty-five minutes we had done exactly that. Slightly changing our system
to 4-3-3, with midfield and front three compact, we had played most of
the game in our illustrious opponents half. At one point, it was said
it was like watching Barcelona, such was our movement of the ball. While
I may not have agreed with that, I was certainly reminded of ordinary
teams, West Ham, for instance.
This would not be our season if I did not tell you, despite the above,
we were 1-0 down, losing concentration when the lineman failed to flag
the ball out, making our one defensive mistake of the half.
Of our 21 player squad, only 15 could travel, not all of those in good health, so the second period was always likely to be a very fast forty-five minutes too far. For most of that half this was not the case, until Maria Scichilone, UPEI's twenty-six years old, extremely talented rookie returned to the field. She had been controlled during the first half, but tired legs and a worsening Katie Shipp ankle were exposed by her pace. Cruelly, in ten minutes the game was gone, 3-0. Such is the wonderful life of the AUS.
Nothing changed about our game for the final fifteen minutes: all players were used, Hilary Hamilton never missed a minute, despite hobbling on to the bus as we met; Caroline Whidden's game her best display ever in the AUS; Trissa Dunham was inspiring.
Then, as if to top the season off, goal keeper, Robin Bessemer, saved her finest to last. With minutes left, a shot was going across her body, high over her right shoulder, dipping behind her, it had goal written all over it. Robin took off and was high, horizontal in mid-air, when she stretched a hand out and pushed it around the post.
The season ended.
The question is, where do we go from here, and, once that decision has been made, how do we get there. This has been an ongoing thought for a while, a subject of discussion between Kate Crawford, excellent assistant coach, and I.
The first decision is that next season starts today (in theory, the team was going to get yesterday off but the rain cancellation denied the girls that break), we have a mandatory team meeting tonight. Kate will outline a winter condition program, her field of expertise; I will explain an individual technique plan. Other ideas for the winter will be discussed too.
An important subject is going to be recruitment, while a number of factors are involved, it is something we need to be stronger and better at. The first thing to do is talk to the players, they are the ideal source of information, in fact, already have been. The second is to ask you! Is it possible that you are aware or can become aware of suitable students for Mount Allison and players for our Women's team?
The truth is we do not need many, three or four better than what we have, it will make all the difference.
The spirit and passion this team has cannot be bought, I do not even think it can be made; it is the most vital of ingredients to build on. But it does need building on.
Please give this some thought.
In the meantime, thank you for your required patience in reading these ramblings. I think, in talking too much about the character these girls possess I have been trying to defend them from assumptions the score lines may give. I am not even certain they needed it, perhaps it was me.
This sport, to me, has long been about the people, not just the ball; that is why I have enjoyed every minute with these players.
Please take care, we will.
Barry
Rainy Day Thoughts
It was 1.45, Saturday afternoon; half-time during the last home game of the season, the team had left the field and gathered inside.
We have known from day one that we needed to be at our best and at our strongest to compete in this AUS climate, that we did not have the luxury of excessive talent or pace to overcome an off day or missing players. Yet, it does appear, even to a less biased person than me, that we have not been treated kindly.
The fact is we were hobbling, limping, almost crawling over the line that was our final weekend. Katie Shipp, the strength of our defence recently, had rolled her ankle the previous week and was still not ready; Hilary Hamilton, captain and taliswomen, has hardly trained all season, this week was no different, she would play two full games when none would have been the Doctor's prescription; Danica Lundy, in taking care of one groin strain, had over compensated and torn the other, her dilemma now was which to strap up, as only one could be done. Emma Young, untouched by injury for so long, (I knew I should not have mentioned that fact), had, two weeks before, done something serious to her right foot, since then she had become a left footed player. These three, Hilary, Danica and Emma, are our mid-field, the place where the heart beats.
We could then mention Nicole Jollimore, who was now playing in the knowledge of pneumonia, rather than wondering why she kept coughing; Mel Wagar was reduced to watching because of a concussion that first appeared in the summer. Goal keeper, Robin Bessemer, has, for a while, had problems kicking the ball, one of a number of her strong points; Trissa Dunham almost certainly has problems but she refuses to show or talk of them.
Add to that, as we sit in the room, we are 2-0 down. Then a discussion took place as to the freedom of being in a situation that appeared to have nowhere worse to go, a freedom that comes from no fear; a freedom that would allow us to just play.
The walking and the wounded did just that, within ten minutes it was 2-1, it had to be Hilary, skillfully keeping the ball before firing it over the UNB keeper. From then on it was the anguish and pleasure of watching the team give so much, so well, but to only go so close. Chances were created, forced, and missed. In the very last minute of injury time, Hilary forced her way through when it looked impossible, shot from an angle as defenders hit her, then watched as the ball beat the keeper at her near post and go all the way across the line before staying out. When the final whistle went, after the handshakes were complete, Hilary still lay in a painful heap, with not the slightest more to give. The only difference between Hilary and other members of our team was that they were still standing.
I was fortunate to be coach of this team when Lauren Ledwell was captain, a person who would play through anything for the team, until yesterday I had never seen better. Every single game this season Hilary has done this, yesterday she excelled all previous bravery. She is no angel, fouling badly at times in frustration, hence the three yellow cards, using rather bad language to the referees; but never have I seen such passion to perform for a team. A few reading this will know both Lauren and Hilary, you are the lucky ones who can imagine what I am trying to describe.
Having said that, I expect many of you can talk of such individuals in your time and teams. I might also add that Hilary would say that she was not the inspiration to the team, it was the other way around.
It is Sunday morning still, our trip to UPEI did not take place because of wind, rain, and bridge, almost certainly a blessing in disguise, although it does mean the players will need to rearrange their classes for tomorrow afternoon, when the game will be played. The final hurdle, UPEI, rightly sitting top of the AUS!
I have more to add, relevant to all that has happened this season, what we have learnt from it, and where we go from here, I will wait until after tomorrow's game to share those thoughts with you.
Take care,
Barry
Lost
Good morning,
Wednesday and I am only now writing, this could indicate how tiring the weekends travelling was, it might be because we lost both games; although, in truth, it is caused by my life suddenly becoming unsettled. Before I ever comment on a weekends games I like to gather my thoughts, it has been a struggle this time.
I was wrong, completely, in fact, I thought we were very close to putting together the ideal performance, I could even see what game it was going to happen. That being SMU, at home, on Saturday; instead we were two goals down in nine minutes!
A coach must always take responsibility for a team's performance, therefore Kate Crawford and I must have got something wrong. Right up to the first kick, it appeared the players had the mindset we wanted; within ninety seconds we gave away an unnecessary free kick, drop the ball when it was delivered, and were a goal down. Something we never recovered from.
This is only the second time this season the players attitude has been questionable, both times, deservedly so, we have been punished. 3-0 down at half-time, there was little doubt how we would react in the second, full of determination, but the damage had been well done. The opportunity missed!
Next was CBU away, meaning we started the six hour journey on that same Saturday, at 7 pm. Katie Shipp, our best defender of recent weeks, had a mid-term on Monday morning, then a paper and presentation needed on Tuesday; she was scared to be away from the internet at such an important time, so I would not take her.
This meant our back five consisted of three rookies, a full-back playing the centre, plus a goal keeper in her first season. As was almost guaranteed with these players, due to the disappointment from the day before and the challenge of the task ahead, each responded wonderfully.
CBU may be the best we have seen so far, we matched them in so many areas for so long. A tight first-half saw us a goal down, two second-half moments, where individual ability was too good, meant we lost 3-0. Yet that did not tell the story of a team who travelled the six hours home feeling together and so much happier than the day before.
I had a discussion last week about the need or importance of scoreboard success. This may well be me defending a poor record but I get more pride out of watching this team achieve success than I would ever get from coaching a team that was too good, easily beating an inferior one. I do believe the players feel that too.
One weekend to go, four graduating players, still looking for that elusive performance!
Take care, please.
Barry
Signal Hill
Good morning,
Where do I begin?
A weekend in Newfoundland to talk of; the changes, progress, and growth within the team; the individuals that are making this happen; how all this affects me. In writing, do I keep it as short, so as not to test your patience? Do I take my time, hoping this becomes an enjoyable read? By explaining this, it appears I have decided on the latter.
It was three years since we last went to St John's, the expected rotation is two. Early Saturday departure, bus, plane, and rental vehicles, limited time before the first game, heavy rain, uncompromising opposition, hotel, another game, rental vans, plane, and bus, back in Sackville late and tired Sunday night! Despite all of that, it is a forthcoming event that brings excitement and, bizarrely, is looked forward to!
We liked the way we played at UNB, the week before Thanksgiving, to such an extent we did not want the break. On Saturday we continued where we left off, able to match a physical opposition, trying to be conscious of how well we used the ball. The reason we have not been scoring goals is that we do not create chances, Saturday was different, we did just that. If a twenty yard free kick into the top corner of the net is a chance, then Memorial scored from the only opportunity they had, this being in the first half.
For the first time this season, at half-time, we switched to 4-4-2, previously it was 4-3-3; this allowing Hilary Hamilton and Nicole Jollimore to combine in a more central attacking role. We proceeded to produce our best forty-five minutes of the season, in quality, work ethic, and determination. What we did not get was the goal, although we certainly had opportunities. The team seeks a reward in terms of result, I can get so much satisfaction from the quality of performance; the girls were disappointed, I had a glow.
Next day emerged with Hilary not available, her passion for the team meaning she had collected three yellow cards, and Emma Young being the same, in her case due to a foot injury. This meant our two most talented players were watching. A few games ago we would have lost 4-0 but not now, individuals have grown, there is a team spirit and belief that can handle this.
The opposition became grumpy, I might even say that some of them are not very nice people, we stood strong. Our performance lacked the edge of quality of the previous day but character stood out, individuals stepped up and were counted. Game two was full of endeavour, tiring, and a tie, 0-0. There was a need for Player of the Match and this was a problem, four or five were outstanding, none were left behind.
After each game the players gather for a cool down and stretch, when I usually say a few words, on this occasion I could hardly get a word in, such was the banter and pleasure at both result and performance; it was as if we had won.
In England a season can be eight months long, with thirty or more games, progress can be gradually made, with ebbs and flows; here it is so much harder, the season being over in the blink of an eye lid. Yet, this season and this team feels different, there is a real development. At the start I thought we were ninth out of ten, we may have even been nearer ten; the truth is we lack quality in depth, and pace; this was always going to make life difficult. Such is what the players have achieved I think we are going to find out in our final games that we are now a challenge for anyone.
We do not concede goals but that is not because of numbers behind the ball, it is because players know what to do and keep doing it. Moving positions of certain players, a change of system to accommodate that, these could see us continue to create scoring chances. Before long, all this is going to fall into place, something I believe is close.
The foundation of all we have is the quality the girls find in each other's company, Newfoundland only served to build and confirm that; in the end they pay for each other. It is all a Mount Allison team should be and all I want for them.
What I would like to do is talk of individuals, they deserved to be known better but I fear making this too long, perhaps I will return later in the week.
I will say that Hilary Hamilton was in tears when the Saturday yellow card came out, distraught she would miss the next game, creating a Sunday that was agony for her. Right now, she is desperately looking for ways to be here for a fifth year!
Thanks for your time.
Barry
Does Two Half-times Make a Whole
Hello,
On Friday evening we were at home to UdeM, half-time was the first time these women had seen me angry, caused by a combination of disappointment and frustration, as the team failed to produce all we had talked about and practiced.
Sunday, it was UNB away, at half-time I had lost interest in the result, for I had just seen forty-five minutes of all I could hope for from the same players, We were competitive but, above all, we took care of the ball, passing well, supporting each other, and making good decisions.
Both games ended 0-0, yet that was the only similarity they had; Friday was an ugly battle, Sunday we got the ball down and played.
The anger on Friday and the discussion before the game on Sunday was all about the players ability to apply themselves to what we practice and to what they indicate they want. That wanting and talking was not enough, we had to make a conscious decision to make it happen, that we had the concentration to make that decision all through the ninety minutes. The team went a long way towards doing just that.
Anyone looking at our recent result may think we have become defensive but that is not the case, we certainly defend well but not in numbers. We lack pace, which affects our potential to score goals; what we are working on is to play the game in their half, then be intelligent with the ball and our movement.
Thanksgiving weekend may help with injuries, we hope. Enjoy your break.
Barry
Monday Morning Mountie Mail
Hello,
When trouble comes they come not in single spies but in battalion form.
I am certain, had William been a Mount Allison Women's Soccer supporter, (how could he not be), he would have written that.
I thought seriously about sending you a short e-mail on Friday evening, as my thoughts scanned the weekend ahead, but decided against over doing my welcome. I planned to write of the dilemma we were in: a goal keeper with an injury that stopped her diving; our two Player of the Week winners unable to practice, in the hope they could play the games; a key centre mid-field, who has played two minutes of three games, now being able to play but not header the ball, due to the aftermath of ten stitches.
Danica and Hilary were desperate to play, the two non-trainers, but the question was how much of two games could they survive?
As it was, they dressed but did not get on the field yesterday, in the game against St FX. While, in their case, our eyes were on today's encounter with Acadia, the game was also lost by half-time, taking the decision out of management hands.
There was an element of deja vu about our first half, solid start, not uncomfortable, concede goal, stay in game, give away unnecessary second goal, then lose way for ten minutes. Even the second half, where we have a good talk, they regroup, and we not show real character but also play well, is becoming a format.
The truth is, after their first goal, we did as well as we have this season, only to throw that good work away. Despite not being at our strongest, that is not the problem, it is our conceding of goals, usually by individual inadequacies, this is what we must stop.
You would have been proud to watch strength of performance in the second half, in both mind and body. My comment after the game was that there was lessons to be learnt from the first half and confidence to be gained for the second; the outcome of today will depend on how well we take those two in.
Sunday morning, I shall return later.
[Monday] Recently the players watched the rugby team appear for a game, with bagpipes leading them; as they were much taken by this, yesterday, as a complete surprise, the bagpipes were arranged. With our support house, Bigelow, in attendance, a Scottish rendition of 'happy birthday' also helped Danica's celebration.
Hilary sent an e-mail late on Saturday evening, to say she felt she could not play, that she was sorry! I knew, for her to say that, it had to be serious, apparently a nerve spasm had caused her back to seize up. Before the game she had decided she wanted to give it a go.
It is true that success can be measured on the score board, to many it is all that matters, but, those of sound mind, know there is much more. I also know this is point I labour, perhaps to hide our lack of such success.
On Sunday I watched two teams play their second game in twenty six hours, it was hot, the ground was hard, and the game was a battle. There may be questions about the quality but the commitment and desire was never in the slightest doubt. The game ended scoreless, a fair sharing of the points.
Hilary was battered and bruised but only took one break; Danica, bandaged up, ran more than anyone else, but probably could not move last night, Emily Van Diepen limped home, in the knowledge she had hockey practice next; all had given what they had.
This week we attempt to rest and refresh again, with Friday, Udem at home, and Sunday, UNB away, games ahead.
Have another good week yourself.
Barry
The World of MTA Women's Soccer
Hi,
I suppose it is only human to want to tell the story of a victory very soon after the game is over but not be in such a hurry after a loss. Having said that, with a loss there is more to think about and access, thoughts to be gathered.
A thought I had this morning is that a score line is simply a picture of the result, there is substance that goes on beneath that surface, although, it is only the result that is recognized.
We practiced on Friday evening and it had to be stopped early because the number of fit and healthy players had become too small. A cold bug has been around, three or four had or were getting that; others, three to six I would say, but they do all they can to make sure I do not know, have injuries that are not getting better.
As we know, we need to be at our best to compete with UPEI, who we had yesterday, a team I rate as best in the AUS, undefeated all last season and this one, so far.
The idea against good teams is to create pressure on them, partly because they have high expectations, this does not have to be done defensively, but it does mean giving them little time and not letting them play their way. The longer the game goes on the more frustrated they become, they get unsettled and it turns into a different game.
We talked about that yesterday, as we did the previous Sunday, against DAL. Last week we conceded a goal in the last minute of the first half, this week, spoiling all the good things we were doing, we were more generous; the game being settled by half-time.
It ended a second 4-0 defeat, yet I am being totally honest when I saw there were aspects of our performance that were better, and pleased me more, than in the 1-0 win over Moncton. We take our work rate and desire for granted but what did happen was that we passed, supported and made good decisions with the ball. The problem is the opposition have a quality of player that can punish our loss of concentration. It is certainly what we suffered from yesterday.
Danica Lundy was one of those unable to practice, she had to come on ten minutes into the game, in a position that she is not comfortable with, and probably gave her best performance in a Mount Allison jersey. Last night she could hardly walk, yet still argued with me about the idea of not practicing on Tuesday. Hilary Hamilton, who went to the Lauren Ledwell School of Captaincy and Injury Denial, was not as good as last week, but this was only because her pain level was simply too high. You may ask why they are playing? This is because they would have it no other way, this is their passion, as it is with all the players.
A recent topic of conversation has also been belief, as much as we make it game related, it is not about one game, it is about small steps in the right direction. I have not the slightest doubt that this week will see everyone involved in this Women's Soccer team working to make another one of those.
Enjoy your week.
Barry
Sept 11, DAL away
Good morning,
We lost 4-0, yet it did not feel like a 4-0 game, and I did not travel home with a losing 4-0 feeling, although the record books do not lie.
A team discussion immediately after the game focused on the fact there was nothing negative coming out of this weekend; we had passed the test of a performance when things did not go our way, the next one was the challenge of looking, learning, and improving where we need to.
In the knowledge of the physically tough game on Saturday and the loss of our centre mid-field player, we adapted both our formation and approach, small variations. An open, expansive game would have seen us run out of energy, so we were compact, controlled and disciplined.
The pre-match work went ideally and the team took this on to the field remarkably well, for 45 minutes we were comfortable, frustrating DAL and finding more composure with the ball that at anytime the previous day. The bad news is that the first-half had two minutes of extra time and in that short spell we relaxed and let the opposition in. A goal kick from Robin Bessemer was treated casually, as was her movement back to goal, which meant the ball was in the back of the net before she had recovered. This was the cruellest of blows.
Fifteen minutes of regrouping at half-time was blown away two minutes into the next half, when hesitation in mid-field allowed the ball to be rifled home from a distance. Goals change games and this one was effectively over in the space of four; at a time when we were so equally part of it.
Hilary Hamilton, our captain, sent an e-mail around to the team this morning, suggesting they focus on a higher fitness level. While I am not against that, any team has more energy when, after 47 minutes the score is 0-0, than they do when finding themselves 2-0 down, undeservedly too.
The balance of the game was about the Mounties showing character and style, as I tried to rest or help as many as we could. The team did just that, despite two further goals. None more that Hilary Hamilton, who not only played the best game I have seen her produce in a Mount Allison jersey, she led the team with remarkable resilience and determination. She was our player of the day and, in many opinions, the player of the match.
We often mention that varsity sport at Mount Allison is not easy, this is a place that gives an education of real quality, playing soccer for the Women's team is what makes the person. Yesterday I looked on the field saw people I am proud to be associated with, which I told them.
UPEI, the best team we will meet, at home, next Sunday!
Have a good week.
Barry
Where Were You Wednesday, October 12, 2005?
Hello,
I wonder where you were on Wednesday, October 12, 2005?
While you are trying to remember, I will tell you about the Women's encounter today, at UdeM.
Things could not have got off to a worse start when, after only two minutes, a clash of heads saw Mounties center midfield, Emily Van Diepen, and her opponent have to go to hospital for stitches. Both appeared well after the game but will now suffer a break of a few weeks.
Despite our good work in practice and our self imposed high expectations, Mount Allison and the game, failed to reach any heights. In the excitement of the moment, having waited all summer for this season, it all became rather frantic, untidy to say the very least.
Facing the breeze, the visitors failed to gain control, although seldom looking uncomfortable; they then became the closest to score when Mel Wagar, put through on the goal keeper, poked the ball past her, as we all wondered if it had strength to cross the line, it bounced off the post, this was a minute before half-time.
Attempts to settle matters down during the half-time talk were boosted when two minutes into the second-half, captain, Hilary Hamilton, scored her first AUS goal. Cutting in from the left, on the edge of the penalty area, she gave the home keeper no chance as she drove the ball into the roof of the net.
While this gave the Mounties confidence and, at limited times, composure, it did not bring about the change of quality we might have hoped for. Instead it became hard fought final quarter as the home team pushed players forward and the visitors gave nothing away.
A final score of 1-0 to MTA was probable just reward for their effort more than anything. It could be said that it is nice to not play well and win a game.
Anyway, back to Wednesday, October 12, 2005? Some of you may even have been playing soccer for the Mounties. It was the last time the Women's Soccer team won an away game.
DAL away tomorrow, long day, leaving at 8 am!
Barry