Early Christmas Cheer for Chaos!

Our last game before Christmas offered plenty of cheer for players and parents alike.

The first-half saw us lay siege to the Gorge goal. We won and kept possession of the ball very well and some of our passing was excellent. Nina, Robyn, Mara and Maggie all had very good chances but it was Erin who scored, getting the final touch after a scramble in front of their goal.

I thought we looked a little bit subdued in the second half. We did a lot of huffing and puffing but we could not find the right shot at the right time. Kathleen, McKenna and Jadyn all had good looks at goal but too often our shot was straight at the keeper. Perhaps everyone was cold and tired as by this time we were down to eight players (Mara and Genevieve off with flu and frostbotten toes respectively).

Just when Gorge was starting to come back into the game we got our second when Miranda hit a twenty-yarder that squirmed past their keeper. It was a little-bit fortunate, but we'll take it. Jadyn then added a third with five minutes to go to seal the win.

So we reach the Christmas break unbeaten. This is a phenomenal achievement and one each of you should be very proud of. We start up again in early January with an exhibition game on the 10th. I hope to have details sorted out sometime this coming week. In the meantime I hope everyone has an opportunity to kick a soccer ball at least a couple of times. Perhaps we can arrange a snow game?

Game On!

Looks like the snow missed us (so far) so our game today is a go.

Please dress warmly - I think gloves of some sort are a must.

Tomorrow's Game is...

...iffy, very iffy. No snow has accumulated on the turf yet, but I'm expecting it will overnight meaning our game is cancelled (unless someone has a snow-blower:-).

I will update the blog at 7am tomorrow.

Team Photos

Our team and individual photos have arrived and they look much better than last year's. I will bring them to practice Thursday so don't forget to get yours before you leave.

Chaos Catch Fire in the Cold

C-C-C-C-Cold and w-w-w-w-w-wet!!!! That's the only way to describe the weather for today's game at Layritz Park. Fortunately our play was hotter than the weather and we scored five more goals to add to this year's tally - Mara with two, and singles from Miranda, Robyn and Erin.

Defensively we were very sound - expect for the odd lapse in the first half where our feet and brain werent communicating with each other - and Genevieve made a great double-save late in the game to preserve the shutout. Otherwise we spent most of the game attacking their goal and our wing play today was excellent - in particular Robyn, Maggie and Mara - so always looked a threat. Most everyone who played midfield or forward had a good opportunity to score, especially in the second half where it seemed the ball was permanently in the opposition end of the field.

One more game before Christmas break. This time we welcome Gorge to Lochside Turf. Let's hope we have better weather than today and not the snow some are forecasting.

Game vs Prospect Lake

Our game this Saturday against Prospect Lake is 9:45am at Layritz Turf Field.

Directions: To get there drive north on West Saanich Road from Royal Oak Drive. Turn left on Markham Road. Drive all the way to the Vancouver Island Technology Park parking lot.

Parking is all day Saturday and Sunday.

Winter Break

Plans for a combination skiing/soccer holiday? Well you could always jet-off to the Austrian Alps!

Our winter break begins after our December 13 game and games resume January 17.

If there is enough interest I can inquire about an exhibition game for January 10th. A couple of opposition coaches have approached me about playing a friendly game so let me know if you're interested by way of the poll.

Chaos extinguish Firebolts!

Our first game on our new turf and our first win - definately the best way to start-off the weekend. The Firebolts are a very good team - many of them familiar to our academy players - but in the end we had just that extra amount of quality and effort to win the game. I felt we were strong defensively all game and, while it took us some time to adjust to the speed and bounce of the ball on turf, once we got going I thought we were always going to score some goals.

Jadyn had most of our best chances early, most of them she created herself with some good running and shots from the right forward position. Robyn also did some excellent hard running and crossing from the left, but it wasn't until about 15 minutes before we opened the scoring - Mara finishing well on a breakaway from centre after a very nice through-ball from Robyn. We had a couple more chances but the Firebolts keeper (Jenna) did an excellent job of controlling her penalty area.

We started the second half strong and it wasn't long before Jadyn finally found the back of the net with a boomer from twelve yards. We had lots of play in their end after this, but without really getting a good shot away. With about ten minutes to go the Firebolts made things interesting when they scored off a breakaway. But just like you did against Juan de Fuca, after conceding a goal you responded immediately with one of our own. Maggie did some good work in midfield before finding Miranda with a pass wide on the left and after storming the goal, Miranda finished off her own rebound. I thought it was the least our play deserved and the goal was a nice bonus for Miranda after her strong play on the backline.

So another win and plenty of positives to take into our game next week against Prospect Lake. Reminder that practice is Thursday at 6pm. This week we will be working on our crossing and shooting.

Lakehill 0 Chaos 2

Great effort today girls! I don't think I was alone in thinking the early kick-off would effect our play, but we were strong from the beginning and deserved to score more than the two goals we did. I was especially pleased with our passing and composure on the ball. There was very little panic on display and plenty of good decision-making. Outside of Miranda's injury, it was almost the perfect game.

Kudos to Kathleen and Jayden on scoring, and my sincere thanks to Richie for the coffee and danishes which allowed me to somewhat function.

Next up for the Chaos is Gordon Head at Lochside - our first game on turf!

Lakehill Game

I spoke with the Lakehill coach this morning and he confirmed our game is 8:30am at Braefoot Park. Our game will be played on Braefoot Field #2 East. This is the middle field at Braefoot, not the one nearest the parking lot nor the "top" field farthest away from the concession (hence the "middle" field :-)

Field conditions may deteriorate with poor weather tonight so please make sure to check the blog Saturday morning for any game cancellation info. I think things will be fine but you nevre know.

You can also keep your eye on field conditions by checking the Lakehill website: http://www.lakehillsoccer.com/

A super Super 8's Festival for Chaos Kids

I'm sorry that I missed our Noon game against Salt Spring. I understand from Doug that you once again dominated play and possesion but the opposition dared to make things interesting by tieing the game up with only minutes to spare. How dare they! Dont they know they're just supposed to let us score whenever we like? Seriously though, it sounds like you played well and had some fun, and that's the main thing. (Note to self - winning does not mean everything, repeat at regular intervals). Goalscorers were Kathleen, Robyn and Mara. First Star of the Game was Robyn (well that's what SHE told me). Kathleen was the second star and Robyn was also la troisième étoile.

The afternoon game I'm better positioned to comment on as I actually witnessed/suffered (just kidding!). We were a bit sluggish in the opening stages and our passing and decision-making was a bit fuzzy, but we got better as the game went along and in the end we scored five goals to their none. Goalscorers in the afternoon match were Jadyn, Sydney (first of the season - way to go Syd the Kid!), Robyn, Kathleen and Maggie (with only seconds to spare as it happened). Phew! It could have been more - Mara slipped just as she was shooting after a five thousand-foot long breakaway and Kathleen hit a couple of uprights. Defensively we didnt have much to do, but both Erin and Robyn did well to track-back and shut down their attackers when they did look like shooting.

It's back to the slog of league play next week with a game against Lakehill at Braefoot Park. I am reliably informed our game is 8:30am! Yikes!!! Perhaps they've heard we're only half-awake at kick-offs at the best of times so they think an early start will give them even more of an advantage. Of course their fiendish attempts will come to nothing as espresso* machines in Chaos kitchens will be percolating in the early dawn hours!

In any event I will confirm the game time and location as soon as I am able. In the meantime eat your Wheaties, drink your OJ and we'll yee you all Thursday at 6pm on the turf.

* The author of this blog does not endorse the use of caffeine or other performance enhancing supplements for youth soccer players. If some of Chaos players have caffeine in their system during games it is purely accidental ;-)

Saturday is Picture Day

Saturday is team and individual pictures day. We are scheduled for 9:15am at Lochside Turf. Let's hope Mother Nature cooperates and the sun makes an appearance.

Reminder - Practices are now 6pm Thursday

Practices are now 6pm Thursday and from this point forward they will be combination practices with Tom's team. Brett and Steph will run practices and Tom, Doug and I will assist.

Hope the new time works for most everyone.

Super 8's Festival Game Schedule

We play two games this Saturday - Noon vs. Salt Spring Island and 3pm vs. Gorge. These are both teams we've not yet played so that's a good thing. I expect both teams will be tough opposition. Both games are at Beckwith Park.

Please let me know by Thursday practice if you cannot make one or both of the games.

Game Cancelled

Lochside Park is under water so our game tomorrow is cancelled :-(

Next week is the Super 8's Festival at Prospect Lake. I believe most games will be at Beckwith Park but I wont have our schedule until the middle of this coming week. We will play two games on either the Saturday or Sunday.

Game time this Saturday

I just received word that our game this Saturday has been moved to 9am from 10am. Hope to see everyone there for the big game!

Chaos 4 Juan de Fuca 1

That was an awesome game! We only had nine players and suffered our first goal of the season scored against us, but in the end our play caused chaos on the field and a determined Juan de Fuca wasn't able to cope. Their coach was very complimentary after the game and for me there is nothing better than when you receive praise from the opposing team.

I thought each and everyone of you was excellent with several of you having your best game so far this season. In fact I'd go so far to say that the four that attended practice Thursday - Miranda, Nina, Genevieve and Nereda - were equally outstanding. JDF had a couple of very talented players who caused our defence problems, but we coped well and rode our luck on one occasion when a shot rebounded off our post.

But I was most pleased with your response to their goal. I think we played our best soccer after they equalized, and our last two goals from Mara and Kathleen were very hard, well-placed shots that left their goalkeeper no chance. Even some of the parents watching the game being played beside us took note! The passing leading up to the goals wasnt too shabby either!

This Saturday we play the other Cordova Bay U11 team. We need to replicate the effort, passing and composure we showed against JDF for our game this coming weekend. They have several talented players but if we keep our play simple and work hard defensively I'm sure we'll do well.

Chaos 1 Gordon Head Strikers 0

I wouldn't say that was our best performance of the year, but thanks to the goal post and some determined defending we emerged with a narrow victory. Mckenna was the lone goal scorer, slotting home the rebound after their goalie could only deflect Mara's hard shot.

Gordon Head was the best opposition we've faced this season, but we made it hard on ourselves with some sloppy play and lack of communication. They gave us very little time on the ball and were very aggressive when competing for loose balls. In particular I thought their #2 and #16 worked very hard and were unlucky not to score. For our part we had lots of play in their end but outside of Nereda's shot off the cross bar we rarely tested their keeper. When we did get the ball wide we created chances, but unfortunately our forwards were a little slow to take the opportunity to shoot.

Next Saturday we are back out at Juan de Fuca, possibly at the same park as last time. I will confirm as soon as I know.

Thanks to Christy for the pictures!

Chaos crush JDF!

According to reports I received from coaches and parents, the girls really brought their "A" game yesterday. Even playing on a field with small goals didnt phase them as they wracked up ten goals on a beautiful sunny day in Metchosin. Mara (3), Erin (3), Kathleen, Maggie, Jadyn and Genevieve (her first, yeah!) were the goalscorers. Apparently Kathleen's pull-back, quick turn and shot past an on-rushing keeper was the pick of the goals.

It sounds like it wasnt all one way however as my sources tell me both Mara and Maggie had good saves to make. No worries - a little goal-line excitement is always good for the spectators and the ride home from the game. I also understand our goalies wandered up field a bit to day. Cool! Remember goalies are people too, so if they want to dribble the ball up the field when they think they have time and space, go for it.

Next up is Gordon Head at Lochside. If things go according to plan our turf will be open next Saturday so we will practice trapping and heading high balls this week to get ready our new bouncy field. I am also confident this will be the best team we've played so far, so we'll need another "A" game performance to grab another win.

Saturday's Game Location

This Saturday's game vs. Juan de Fuca is scheduled for 12:00pm at Ed Fisher Park. This may also be referred to as Memorial Park (depending on the mapbook you're using).

Here are instructions on how to get to the park:

Go south Old Island Highway (Sooke Road). Continue past Veterans Memorial Parkway and Jacklin Road. Turn left at Happy Valley Road. Turn left (almost immediately) onto Firehall Creek Road. Follow this road until the intersection of Isabell Avenue. Ed Fisher Park should be immediately in front of you.

The intersection of Sooke Road and Happy valley Road can be tricky. So alternatively you can turn left at Jacklin Road, right on Walfred Road, right on Lodmell Road, right again on Isabell Avenue.

Chaos 4 Peninsula 0

Another solid effort from the newly-named Chaos saw Peninsula dispatched 4-0 at Lochside Park on a unusually summer-like Thanksgiving weekend.

Robyn started things off with a blast to the bottom corner around the ten minute mark. Then in the second-half three goals made the game safe. First, Erin scored our second with a tap in from a shot/cross, Jadyn finished off a lung-bursting run up the field with a shot that must have had eyes to squeeze through the keepers legs, and then Erin wrapped up scoring with a deft flick over the keeper. In between Kathleen, Nina and Maggie all had good chances, only to find the Peninsula keeper in the way.

Gorge 0 Chaos 4

Another excellent team performance ladies! This was our toughest opponent yet, but we matched them for hustle and determination and took most of our chances when they came. Two more goals for Jadyn (one of them from 30 yards!) and singles from McKenna and Miranda - all of them in the first half - were enough for our third win in a row. We played well at both ends of the field, and I don't recall any our goalies being seriously tested with shots.

Next up is Peninsula at Lochside Park. Peninsula always produces good girls teams so I anticipate this will be another good test.

Team nickname?

What should our team nickname be?

This blog refers to the team as the "98's" but both Maggie and Jadyn were born in 1999 so it doesn't seem appropriate. It's also kind of boring and stuffy - nothing like our team at all!

Team nicknames are often an animal or naturally occurring event. Nicknames after weather events, such as "FireStorm", "Thunder" or "Lightning" are always popular, as are animal names such as "Cougars" or "Wolves". We could also consider action verbs such like "Smash", "Attack" or "Eliminators" or completly silly names like "Purple People Eaters" or "Bone Crushers".

Bring some of your ideas to practice on Thursday and we'll hold a vote. However you should check the rules below.

Rule #1 - nothing starting with "Pink"
Rule #2 - no cute animal names like bunnies, kittens or pandas - snarling, vicious animals only please
Rule #3 - nothing that includes words like "leaping", "hopping" or "cool" (like "Leaping Lizards" or "Cool Cats")
Rule #4 - no insects (such as "Banana Slugs") - however "Grasshoppers" is an actual team in Zurich, Switzerland so the Russian judge might be tempted....and
Rule #5 - dont forget Rule #1

98's smash twelve past Sooke!

Another dominating performance and another lopsided win for the 98's. I actually lost count of how many goals we scored, but I'm reliably informed it was twelve! Robyn and Mara lead the way with three each, Erin and Kathleen chipped-in with two each and McKenna and Miranda added singles.

Next up is Gorge and I expect them to be a real handful. Gorge teams are always competitive and I think we'll need to be on our game to come away with a victory.

No Tuesday Practice

There is no practice tonight. I was unable to secure a field because of other users. We will try again once the turf field is available in mid-October.

Hope we see you all on Thursday.

First game of the new season

Wow, were you ladies on fire today or what! Whatever you ate for breakfast PLEASE do it again next Saturday. Almost from the kick-off we had the ball in their net and you didnt let-up the whole game. Well done ladies!

Here's the happy crew after our 7-0 demolishing of Gordon Head at Lambrick Park. Goalscorers were Maggie (2), Jadyn (2), McKenna, Nereda and Mara. The pick of the goals was Nereda's after great hustle and a inch-perfect cross from Robyn. Absolutely fantastic!

Next up is Sooke at Lochside Park. See you at training on Thursday.