The Boca Junior boys participated in Columbia Timbers inaugural jamboree, which provided us with the opportunity to play in our age group against the Timbers’ two U11 teams in a 9v9 format on smaller field. It was a tale of two distinctly different games. In our first game against the Timber Reds, we started out aggressively, penetrating our opponent’s half with some great runs down the wing in the first fifteen minutes. Unfortunately, we were unable to finish with a goal from the crosses or we were looking for that extra pass in front of goal instead of shooting. The Timbers were more physical in their challenges than the Bocas and they scored first as a result of a scramble and poor clearance in our goalmouth. The quickly scored again with a lucky long range shot from 25 yards out that sailed over our keeper’s head.
At half time we talked about taking more shots on goal as soon as we approached their 18 and being more aggressive in battling for 50\50 balls. I was very proud of the Bocas as they came out with renewed energy and determination! The boys dominated possession and spend 75% of the time in our opponent’s half. We scored a beautiful goal on a combination of passes with Ryan finally slipping a square ball to Josiah who finished it coolly in front of goal. But soccer is a game of inches, and although we came close on a number of occasions after that, we just couldn’t quite stick it in the net. As the game was winding down, the Timbers scored a sweet goal on a breakaway with one of their strikers receiving a nice square pass in the box and slotting it beyond the reach of our keeper. The Timbers coach wants a rematch in July in Eugene and I know the Bocas are eager to even the score.
Our second game was against the Timber Blues and they were no match for the Bocas. Our team goals were fifteen shots on goal in each half win 75% of 50\50 balls and preserve our team shape in defense. We were able to move freely against this team and by half-time the score was 10-0. In the second half, the boys played four touches, five consecutive passes before they could score and it provided us with a great opportunity for the boys to let the ball do the work, communicate with each other and move the ball around the pitch.
All in all, the Boca boys played very well given three weeks of training together and I was delighted with their positive response to coach’s comments. We have one more week of training before the break and I want you lads to come to practice this week focused and ready to play hard as we continue to improve our foot skills, SHOOTING, individual attacking and defending and team shape. Our motto this week and into the summer is “let’s get physical!!”
