Once again it is up for an English breakfast then off to a busy day in both Liverpool and Manchester. The highlight of the day for many of the boys was the visit to the home of Manchester United.
Before the trip to Manchester; however, there was the business at hand of matches against the Transmere Football Club in the Liverpool area. The boys arrived at the fields in the shadows of the TFC stadium, ready and eager to play some football. The matches were good and we all enjoyed the hospitality and conversation with many of the TFC fans.
Then it was off the highlight of the day and even the trip for many of the boys, a visit to Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United. Upon arrival, the sharp contrasts between Old Trafford and Anfield, where we had visited the day before, were clearly evident. While Anfield oozed hundreds of years of history and the simplicity of wood, Old Trafford was anything but old and gleamed with a modern look of steel. The stadium tour was fascinating and the boys thoroughly enjoyed themselves; with many taking the opportunity to sit in the coaching chair of Sir Alex Ferguson, who we had just seen the evening before at the match, in the Home dugout.
Then taking merchandising to an extreme, we were treated to a real mega-store, where you could almost literally buy anything and everything (which a lot of boys tried to do) with Manchester United on it. There were many bags loaded onto the bus.
Then it was back to the dormitories for a quick rest before a dinner in downtown Liverpool. The group visited the restaurant owned by Jamie Carragher, of the Liverpool Football Club, and had an absolutely fabulous meal with much chatter, friendship, and camaraderie. A quick walk through downtown, including seeing the statue dedicated to Eleanor Rigby of Beatles fame, and it was back to the dorms to pack up and prepare for the trip back to Ireland.
That’s all for now.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
U13 Boys Game Report - 07/30/08
This was a fast paced game with Wrexham applying a lot of pressure early in the game. Again it was a small team but fast and tough playing. After a couple of great saves by Ravon the team picked up their level of play after the 1st 15 minutes. A great pass from Grayson to Brennan almost scored a goal but was batted away at the last minute. Josh and Christopher continued with the pressure with another close ball putting their goalie to work.
Then a a ball intercepted by Connor D in defense was carried through 3 defenders for a picture perfect ball in front of the goal for tap in by Keaton to have us on the board. 1-0.
Ryan held up and almost had a break way but was robbed by the goalie. Then Grayson had a beautiful cross to Keaton to have the final goal leading to a 2-0 victory.
Then a a ball intercepted by Connor D in defense was carried through 3 defenders for a picture perfect ball in front of the goal for tap in by Keaton to have us on the board. 1-0.
Ryan held up and almost had a break way but was robbed by the goalie. Then Grayson had a beautiful cross to Keaton to have the final goal leading to a 2-0 victory.
U14 Boys Game Report - 07/30/08
Suffice to say this game could be called “The Wreck at Wrexham.” It is unfortunate that ALL the boys happened to leave their games either in Ireland or on the bus from all the travel. They looked slow and tired against a very good team from Wrexham. Adding to their woes was the fact that the Wrexham team also had two guest players using this game as their tryout for entry into the Liverpool Academy program on a full-time basis. From our opinion, the will likely make the Academy. Our boys were dominated from start to finish and ended up on the wrong side of a 7-0 scoreline. The game was never really close as the Wrexham team came out fired up and aggressive versus our boys who came out flat and looking very tired. Give Wrexham their due, this was a very, very good football team. No additional details are really necessary and we hope the boys will pick it up again tomorrow and get back on track.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
LFC - Busy Day, Fun Day
Well, today was quite the busy day for the boys and the group. We started at 8:00 AM with a full English breakfast for everyone followed by a quick bus ride to the Liverpool Soccer Academy.
At the Academy the boys hit the Liverpool locker room to get ready and then stepped on some of the nicest, greenest fields we have ever encountered. They were simply beautiful to play on. The teams were then separated, providing each with a trainer from the Liverpool Club. The trainers were excellent in providing instructions during the drills. The trainer for the U14 Boys was a former Liverpool reserve player for the big club who also played in the Scottish Premier League. The boys ran through some drills with the instructors providing excellent commentary and direction throughout the process. This was definitely a highlight of the trip for the boys.
Following the great training session, the group headed off to Anfield, the stadium home of the Liverpool Football Club, for a wonderful experience. The boys went through the LFC museum, showcasing the highlights of over 100 years of history of the club and containing many great visuals, including the four Champions League Cups. After the museum visit, the boys had a private tour of the stadium itself. It started with the boys entering through the players entrance and proceeding directly to the LFC locker room. The room itself was surprisingly simple in its design and utility, better for the players to focus on the match we were told. This followed with a brief stop at the interview area and then onto the pitch itself which was amazing, even better than the Academy fields. It was described as partial artificial and partial natural turf. However, it was described it was amazing. The boys learned the story of The KOP (you’ll have to ask them yourself). Following the stadium tour, the boys then entered LFC retail central in the superstore and had 30 minutes to find gifts and bargains. There were many bags loaded onto the bus and again, this was a thrill and a trip highlight for the boys.
Then it was on to the matches for the boys against Wrexham. This was about 1½ hours away. It was a mixed bag for the boys at Wrexham in terms of results and the game reports will be posted tomorrow given the lateness of the hour today.
Finally, the group headed back toward Liverpool to watch a live match of the Lancashire FA Cantebury Senior Cup featuring the Liverpool Football Club versus the Manchester United Football Club for the cup hardware. The boys thoroughly enjoyed watching the reserve squads battle it for the cup. In a spirited match that swung back and forth in terms of momentum, MUFC prevailed 3-2 on a late goal in about the 80th minute.
A final one hour bus drive back to the University and the day had ended. Whew…what a day; lots of memories and lots of fun.
That’s all for now.
At the Academy the boys hit the Liverpool locker room to get ready and then stepped on some of the nicest, greenest fields we have ever encountered. They were simply beautiful to play on. The teams were then separated, providing each with a trainer from the Liverpool Club. The trainers were excellent in providing instructions during the drills. The trainer for the U14 Boys was a former Liverpool reserve player for the big club who also played in the Scottish Premier League. The boys ran through some drills with the instructors providing excellent commentary and direction throughout the process. This was definitely a highlight of the trip for the boys.
Following the great training session, the group headed off to Anfield, the stadium home of the Liverpool Football Club, for a wonderful experience. The boys went through the LFC museum, showcasing the highlights of over 100 years of history of the club and containing many great visuals, including the four Champions League Cups. After the museum visit, the boys had a private tour of the stadium itself. It started with the boys entering through the players entrance and proceeding directly to the LFC locker room. The room itself was surprisingly simple in its design and utility, better for the players to focus on the match we were told. This followed with a brief stop at the interview area and then onto the pitch itself which was amazing, even better than the Academy fields. It was described as partial artificial and partial natural turf. However, it was described it was amazing. The boys learned the story of The KOP (you’ll have to ask them yourself). Following the stadium tour, the boys then entered LFC retail central in the superstore and had 30 minutes to find gifts and bargains. There were many bags loaded onto the bus and again, this was a thrill and a trip highlight for the boys.
Then it was on to the matches for the boys against Wrexham. This was about 1½ hours away. It was a mixed bag for the boys at Wrexham in terms of results and the game reports will be posted tomorrow given the lateness of the hour today.
Finally, the group headed back toward Liverpool to watch a live match of the Lancashire FA Cantebury Senior Cup featuring the Liverpool Football Club versus the Manchester United Football Club for the cup hardware. The boys thoroughly enjoyed watching the reserve squads battle it for the cup. In a spirited match that swung back and forth in terms of momentum, MUFC prevailed 3-2 on a late goal in about the 80th minute.
A final one hour bus drive back to the University and the day had ended. Whew…what a day; lots of memories and lots of fun.
That’s all for now.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Moving Day and an Evening at the Hollywood Bowl
As Monday night turned into Tuesday morn, the rains arrived; refreshing the air and heavy at times right up until the time we awoke. Moving day was at hand as we prepared to leave Dublin for our next adventure. A tired crew of boys (and parents) arose at 5:00 AM to get their belongings in order and load the bus for the short hop down to the Dublin port.
Arriving at the port, many were surprised by the size of our ferry vessel, the Ulysses, which would carry us on from Dublin to Holyhead in the UK. Once aboard, many again were surprised at the amenities and somewhat luxurious atmosphere that the ship offered. While many chose to catch up on lost sleep during the three-hour journey, lounging out on the sofas, others chose to partake in various activities while onboard. Many of the boys played cards to pass the time, others roamed the vessel in groups (for safety’s sake), others enjoyed the arcade games, a large group played hide-and-seek, some were caught shopping yet again, while still others caught the latest new film, Kung Fu Panda in one of the two theatres on board.
Following our arrival in Holyhead, a three-and-a-half hour bus drive ensued to take the group to Liverpool. On this portion of the trip, sleep was the order of the day with little else to pass the time but for the occasional sightseeing of the English countryside; except of course for bus Karaoke. Many of the young lads took to the microphone and demonstrated their vocal abilities with gusto.
Upon arrival in Liverpool, the group headed to Liverpool Hope University for our accommodations. Once again the unloading process of passengers and luggage began as we checked in to our rooms, only this time during a pouring rain storm. Rain then became the theme for the evening. As Pearse so eloquently stated, “ Grasso, here’s your rain.”
Following a hurried stop at the University, the boys then took the field (indoor at this point) at the Liverpool Football Club Academy for a quick training session. It was a good, quick session on the same fields that many of the Liverpool soccer greats had played on to start their careers. Sorry for the poor quality photos due to the bad lighting indoor but we will have better Academy photos tomorrow.
The next scheduled event was the attendance by the group of the Bolton-Tranmere soccer match at the stadium in Tranmere. However, the weather intervened and the match was cancelled. As an alternative, the group had a nice dinner in Liverpool. The boys ended the evening bowling with Mina and Pearse (fun was had by all).
More training at the Academy tomorrow followed by matches for the boys.
That’s all for now.
Arriving at the port, many were surprised by the size of our ferry vessel, the Ulysses, which would carry us on from Dublin to Holyhead in the UK. Once aboard, many again were surprised at the amenities and somewhat luxurious atmosphere that the ship offered. While many chose to catch up on lost sleep during the three-hour journey, lounging out on the sofas, others chose to partake in various activities while onboard. Many of the boys played cards to pass the time, others roamed the vessel in groups (for safety’s sake), others enjoyed the arcade games, a large group played hide-and-seek, some were caught shopping yet again, while still others caught the latest new film, Kung Fu Panda in one of the two theatres on board.
Following our arrival in Holyhead, a three-and-a-half hour bus drive ensued to take the group to Liverpool. On this portion of the trip, sleep was the order of the day with little else to pass the time but for the occasional sightseeing of the English countryside; except of course for bus Karaoke. Many of the young lads took to the microphone and demonstrated their vocal abilities with gusto.
Upon arrival in Liverpool, the group headed to Liverpool Hope University for our accommodations. Once again the unloading process of passengers and luggage began as we checked in to our rooms, only this time during a pouring rain storm. Rain then became the theme for the evening. As Pearse so eloquently stated, “ Grasso, here’s your rain.”
Following a hurried stop at the University, the boys then took the field (indoor at this point) at the Liverpool Football Club Academy for a quick training session. It was a good, quick session on the same fields that many of the Liverpool soccer greats had played on to start their careers. Sorry for the poor quality photos due to the bad lighting indoor but we will have better Academy photos tomorrow.
The next scheduled event was the attendance by the group of the Bolton-Tranmere soccer match at the stadium in Tranmere. However, the weather intervened and the match was cancelled. As an alternative, the group had a nice dinner in Liverpool. The boys ended the evening bowling with Mina and Pearse (fun was had by all).
More training at the Academy tomorrow followed by matches for the boys.
That’s all for now.
Monday, July 28, 2008
City Days and Soccer Nights
Well, today was another beautiful day in Ireland. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and the temperature delightful. We are starting to now question everything Pearse and Mina have said, since we all packed sweatshirts, long pants, and rain gear on their advisement. Meanwhile, we are enjoying what we have been blessed with for now weather-wise and hope that our good fortunes continue.
Today started off with breakfast at 8:00 AM that for many of the chaperones was a difficult assignment to meet given the festivities last evening at the home of our new friends here in Dublin. The boys were up bright and early however and polished off the meal quickly.
Following that it was a brief respite before heading out by double-decker bus to downtown Dublin. Imagine trying to have exact change (in Euros no less) for over fifty people for the bus. Once downtown, each group of boys and chaperone were on their own to enjoy the city and partake in the sights, sounds, shopping, history, and dining that Dublin has to offer. It was truly a great experience for all. Many of the boys came away from their excursion sporting new boots and jerseys.
Then it was game time starting in the early evening and ending later in the night as both teams played matches against St. Kevin’s Soccer Club (game reports follow in separate posts). The games were played at the AUL Complex that the Ireland U-14 through U-17 national teams call home. The boys even had to watch some of the U-17 players in a match on an adjacent field.
Lone last stop for dinner at “The Chipper” for a quick bite of chips and assorted burgers, chicken, etc… An evening meeting followed to prepare for tomorrow.
Finally, it was a late night of packing up as the group tried to get to bed early for a 6:00 AM departure in the morning for the ferry to Liverpool.
That’s all for now.
Today started off with breakfast at 8:00 AM that for many of the chaperones was a difficult assignment to meet given the festivities last evening at the home of our new friends here in Dublin. The boys were up bright and early however and polished off the meal quickly.
Following that it was a brief respite before heading out by double-decker bus to downtown Dublin. Imagine trying to have exact change (in Euros no less) for over fifty people for the bus. Once downtown, each group of boys and chaperone were on their own to enjoy the city and partake in the sights, sounds, shopping, history, and dining that Dublin has to offer. It was truly a great experience for all. Many of the boys came away from their excursion sporting new boots and jerseys.
Then it was game time starting in the early evening and ending later in the night as both teams played matches against St. Kevin’s Soccer Club (game reports follow in separate posts). The games were played at the AUL Complex that the Ireland U-14 through U-17 national teams call home. The boys even had to watch some of the U-17 players in a match on an adjacent field.
Lone last stop for dinner at “The Chipper” for a quick bite of chips and assorted burgers, chicken, etc… An evening meeting followed to prepare for tomorrow.
Finally, it was a late night of packing up as the group tried to get to bed early for a 6:00 AM departure in the morning for the ferry to Liverpool.
That’s all for now.
U13 Boys Game Report
Game 2 Starting Lineup against St. Kevin’s from the Boys Club of Dublin.
Being played at the AUL which is where the Irish Youth National teams train.
Boys 13- Forwards Conner D. and Keaton
Midfielders-Grayson, Brennan, Chris, and Ryan
Defenders-Sowder, Josh, Joe, and Trevor
Ravon was in the goal.
Captains were Austin Rackley and Ryan Bertling (apologies to Conner McCown and Ravon Ashey for omission of yesterdays Captains)
As CESA came out against the orange and black we again were surprised by the speed and intensity of a small and feisty team. Each team maintained even possession throughout the 1st half. CESA was first to strike with a great cornerback by Trevor that was passed by Keaton to Brennan who scored the 1st goal.
Ten minutes later Conner Donahue had a shot deflect off the post which was finished by Keaton on a half volley. 6 minutes later Raven kept the score at 2-0 by stopping a 1 on 1 chance.
2nd Half. Rafael in for Conner D. Conner M. in for Ryan Bertling and Austin in for Josh.
The St. Kevin’s striker took advantage of an opportunity and scored on a 1 vs 1 closing the gap to 2-1.
Ryan B. got to opportunity for extra pushups along with a St. Kevin’s player in lieu of a yellow.
One of the most exciting plays of the game was when Ravon Ashy had to leave the box to head the ball away from an attacker and then had to rush back to the box to make a diving save. The ball was finally cleared to safety by Josh.
CESA last scored when Conner D. passed to Rafael who scored the 3rd and final goal.
The game was down to the last minutes when St. Kevin’s was awarded a penalty kick which was converted. In the last minute St. Kevin’s tied with a free kick from 30 yards. It was a great game and another beautiful sunny day.
Game report by Susie Koslow and Ann Ashy
Being played at the AUL which is where the Irish Youth National teams train.
Boys 13- Forwards Conner D. and Keaton
Midfielders-Grayson, Brennan, Chris, and Ryan
Defenders-Sowder, Josh, Joe, and Trevor
Ravon was in the goal.
Captains were Austin Rackley and Ryan Bertling (apologies to Conner McCown and Ravon Ashey for omission of yesterdays Captains)
As CESA came out against the orange and black we again were surprised by the speed and intensity of a small and feisty team. Each team maintained even possession throughout the 1st half. CESA was first to strike with a great cornerback by Trevor that was passed by Keaton to Brennan who scored the 1st goal.
Ten minutes later Conner Donahue had a shot deflect off the post which was finished by Keaton on a half volley. 6 minutes later Raven kept the score at 2-0 by stopping a 1 on 1 chance.
2nd Half. Rafael in for Conner D. Conner M. in for Ryan Bertling and Austin in for Josh.
The St. Kevin’s striker took advantage of an opportunity and scored on a 1 vs 1 closing the gap to 2-1.
Ryan B. got to opportunity for extra pushups along with a St. Kevin’s player in lieu of a yellow.
One of the most exciting plays of the game was when Ravon Ashy had to leave the box to head the ball away from an attacker and then had to rush back to the box to make a diving save. The ball was finally cleared to safety by Josh.
CESA last scored when Conner D. passed to Rafael who scored the 3rd and final goal.
The game was down to the last minutes when St. Kevin’s was awarded a penalty kick which was converted. In the last minute St. Kevin’s tied with a free kick from 30 yards. It was a great game and another beautiful sunny day.
Game report by Susie Koslow and Ann Ashy
U14 Boys Game Report
After the U13 boys tied the lads from St. Kevin’s, the CESA U14 boys took the field against the orange and black. The fact that the other team was bigger and faster did not deter the boys from Greenville. The St. Kevin’s squad was as good as any team our boys have played.
The starting lineups included DJ in goal, Ben, Jeff, Tim, and Justin on defense. The midfielders included Wells, Brett, Andrew, and Michael, with Teddy and Jack up front. Seth came in at forward midway through the first half and finished the game on defense. Mitchell also came in midway through the first half at midfield. Unfortunately Daniel was under the weather and did not play. (He’s fine now and is good to go tomorrow).
St. Kevin’s controlled the play in the first half, missing a few near our goal, but in general, our boys did not give up many good opportunities. Our boys had a good opportunity in the waning minutes of the half as Seth made a beautiful run up the right side with the ball and slid a cross to Teddy whose shot barley sailed over the crossbar. The score at the half remained 0-0.
In the second half, our boys came out strong and got on the board first at the 46th minute with Jack having a nice assist on a drop pass to Brett on who buried it in the net from 25 yards out. Then at the 50th minute, the St. Kevin’s keeper mishandled the ball and Set took advantage of the keeper by picking his pocket and scoring to make the score 2-0. Teddy also had a great opportunity from distance in the 60th minute as his dipping shot caught the crossbar square and rebounded away unluckily for our boys.
A motivated St. Kevin’s squad came on hard and strong at the end and scored two goals near the end of the game. The boys were a slightly disappointed in the result but the effort, especially in the second half, was a great showing for our lads.
Hats off to DJ who had a stellar performance in goal.
Game report by Carl Litzinger and Tim Finigan
The starting lineups included DJ in goal, Ben, Jeff, Tim, and Justin on defense. The midfielders included Wells, Brett, Andrew, and Michael, with Teddy and Jack up front. Seth came in at forward midway through the first half and finished the game on defense. Mitchell also came in midway through the first half at midfield. Unfortunately Daniel was under the weather and did not play. (He’s fine now and is good to go tomorrow).
St. Kevin’s controlled the play in the first half, missing a few near our goal, but in general, our boys did not give up many good opportunities. Our boys had a good opportunity in the waning minutes of the half as Seth made a beautiful run up the right side with the ball and slid a cross to Teddy whose shot barley sailed over the crossbar. The score at the half remained 0-0.
In the second half, our boys came out strong and got on the board first at the 46th minute with Jack having a nice assist on a drop pass to Brett on who buried it in the net from 25 yards out. Then at the 50th minute, the St. Kevin’s keeper mishandled the ball and Set took advantage of the keeper by picking his pocket and scoring to make the score 2-0. Teddy also had a great opportunity from distance in the 60th minute as his dipping shot caught the crossbar square and rebounded away unluckily for our boys.
A motivated St. Kevin’s squad came on hard and strong at the end and scored two goals near the end of the game. The boys were a slightly disappointed in the result but the effort, especially in the second half, was a great showing for our lads.
Hats off to DJ who had a stellar performance in goal.
Game report by Carl Litzinger and Tim Finigan
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Let the Games Begin
Upon awakening to a somewhat uncharacteristic blue and clear Irish sky, the boys started their day getting ready for the first competitive games of the trip. The weather has been extraordinarily nice here in Ireland this week. Sunny and low 70's. Just beautiful.
Up first, a slightly modified "traditional" Irish breakfast, no more than six items please, of eggs, ham, sausage, mushrooms, fruit, cereal, and pastry. With a hearty meals behind the boys it was off to the fields for gameday.
The boys played matches around mid-day here against the Dublin Club named Belvedere. Game report posts follow in separate posts.
Following the games, the boys were on their own for lunch with friends and/or family. Then there was several hours of free time where the boys just had fun being boys by playing cards, practicing their singing for the bus ride, sleeping, chatting, going to the park, and on and on.
For the early evening, the boys once again played small-sided matches in the steel-cage fields here on campus, a whole lot of fun.
Dinner time meant alone time for the chaperones as they left the boys playing games and departed for the home and hospitality of Pearse's former coach for a "quiet" evening. A lovely time was had by all -- socializing, dining, drinking, and of course singing.
The boys meanwhile retired to the dorms following their play for a pizza party hosted by our own David Minihan.
That's all for now.
Up first, a slightly modified "traditional" Irish breakfast, no more than six items please, of eggs, ham, sausage, mushrooms, fruit, cereal, and pastry. With a hearty meals behind the boys it was off to the fields for gameday.
The boys played matches around mid-day here against the Dublin Club named Belvedere. Game report posts follow in separate posts.
Following the games, the boys were on their own for lunch with friends and/or family. Then there was several hours of free time where the boys just had fun being boys by playing cards, practicing their singing for the bus ride, sleeping, chatting, going to the park, and on and on.
For the early evening, the boys once again played small-sided matches in the steel-cage fields here on campus, a whole lot of fun.
Dinner time meant alone time for the chaperones as they left the boys playing games and departed for the home and hospitality of Pearse's former coach for a "quiet" evening. A lovely time was had by all -- socializing, dining, drinking, and of course singing.
The boys meanwhile retired to the dorms following their play for a pizza party hosted by our own David Minihan.
That's all for now.
U13 Boys Game Report
The clouds separated as the CESA 95 Premier walked across the sunlit Green fields belonging to club Belvedere. The setting was spectacular and the Parents from both sides of the Atlantic sat along the sidelines watching their young sons play some exciting soccer. Kudos should be made to Nathan “11” and Belvedere’s #15 who kept the pressure on during the whole game with their speed and tenacity.
The first half had Joe, Brennan, Connor, Chris in mid, Keaton and Rafael strikers, and Rackley, Connor Mc and Trevor defending. The feisty Irishmen had speed and quick moves that kept the midfield moving and defense on their toes. Coupled with some “serious” officiating it was a close game with 0-0 until the final 30 seconds of the 1st half.
The ref granted a “water break” to both teams and CESA players waited as the Irish had some refreshments. Not needing a reprieve Trevor Thompson had a great cross that Chris finished with finesse for a beautiful goal for a 1-0 lead.
The second half had Chris and our left footers keeping #11 and #15 at bay and allowed some great opportunities for Grayson and Ryan to make some beautiful shots on goal. They played tough taking on Belvo players while the other team was called on penalties with threats of expulsion. Keaton and Brennan survived and medics not needed. Donohue dominated the left side of the field with his fancy footwork that was evident in this calmness as he touched in a beautiful goal taking advantage of the Goalie and defense. CESA’s goalie Ravon came out running on couple of breakaways that secured his 1st international shutout.
The first half had Joe, Brennan, Connor, Chris in mid, Keaton and Rafael strikers, and Rackley, Connor Mc and Trevor defending. The feisty Irishmen had speed and quick moves that kept the midfield moving and defense on their toes. Coupled with some “serious” officiating it was a close game with 0-0 until the final 30 seconds of the 1st half.
The ref granted a “water break” to both teams and CESA players waited as the Irish had some refreshments. Not needing a reprieve Trevor Thompson had a great cross that Chris finished with finesse for a beautiful goal for a 1-0 lead.
The second half had Chris and our left footers keeping #11 and #15 at bay and allowed some great opportunities for Grayson and Ryan to make some beautiful shots on goal. They played tough taking on Belvo players while the other team was called on penalties with threats of expulsion. Keaton and Brennan survived and medics not needed. Donohue dominated the left side of the field with his fancy footwork that was evident in this calmness as he touched in a beautiful goal taking advantage of the Goalie and defense. CESA’s goalie Ravon came out running on couple of breakaways that secured his 1st international shutout.
All in all the kids played great and had a great time playing a team that is actually younger in soccer years. It was a first to be the giants on the field filled with lightning fast competitors. Will keep you posted on tomorrow’s game.
Game Report by Susie Koslow
U14 Boys Game Report
The CESA U14 boys took the field immediately following the CESA 95 Premier team. On a glorious July day in San Diego, I mean Dublin, the boys played their first international match of their careers against the Belvedere Futball Club (vs. Pearse’s former coach), earning their first caps in a 4-1 victory.
The play started off with Daniel in goal, Michael, Tim, Jeff, and Seth on defense. Wells, Brett, Mitchell, and Justin at midfield. And, at forward, Ted and Jack. DJ came in for Daniel in the second half. Ben came in at right defense for Seth, who moved to midfield, and Andrew came in to play at left mid.
All in all the team played VERY well. The defense was solid only allowing their opponents a few shots. The midfielders controlled most of the play, holding the ball and playing side to side quite effectively. And the offense created at least a dozen solid opportunities.
The magic number for the first match for CESA was 11. After a few minutes of feeling each other out, CESA got on the board first at the 11 minute mark. Justin Finigan had a nice assist from the right wing to Wells who had a brilliant one-touch finish past the keeper.
Then 11 minutes later at the 22nd minute mark, Wells had his way with 3 defenders in the left corner, crossed the ball to Justin, who one touched it to Jack who put it away with a great flick header.
Eleven minutes later at the 33rd minute, Seth dribbled down the right side and crossed for an unassisted goal off a defender.
The play started off with Daniel in goal, Michael, Tim, Jeff, and Seth on defense. Wells, Brett, Mitchell, and Justin at midfield. And, at forward, Ted and Jack. DJ came in for Daniel in the second half. Ben came in at right defense for Seth, who moved to midfield, and Andrew came in to play at left mid.
All in all the team played VERY well. The defense was solid only allowing their opponents a few shots. The midfielders controlled most of the play, holding the ball and playing side to side quite effectively. And the offense created at least a dozen solid opportunities.
The magic number for the first match for CESA was 11. After a few minutes of feeling each other out, CESA got on the board first at the 11 minute mark. Justin Finigan had a nice assist from the right wing to Wells who had a brilliant one-touch finish past the keeper.
Then 11 minutes later at the 22nd minute mark, Wells had his way with 3 defenders in the left corner, crossed the ball to Justin, who one touched it to Jack who put it away with a great flick header.
Eleven minutes later at the 33rd minute, Seth dribbled down the right side and crossed for an unassisted goal off a defender.
Finally, 11 minutes later at the 44th minute, Jeff had a nice assist to Mitchell at midfield, who moved in 10 yards, and blasted a shot over the keeper from 35 yards out.
And yes, 11 minute later, Belvedere got their only goal with their captain taking a long shot. DJ made a brilliant save off the crossbar, but the Belvedere forward finished off the rebound.
Game report by Carl Litzinger
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Welcome to Dublin
With much anticipation and little fanfare, the boys arrived in Dublin today. Though the flight was slightly delayed in arrival at the airport in Dublin, the boys emerged eager and ready to begin their journey, their excitement clearly evident through tired eyes and weary bodies. As for the chaperones, I think the slideshow pictures best tell the story of their state.
After boarding the bus and a short ride to Dublin City University (DCU), the schedule was changed slightly to accommodate the delayed arrival whereby we all hauled the luggage to the 5th floor of the dorm (mostly by stairs and considered a workout for most of the adults). A quick lunch in the cafeteria followed (hamburger or chicken-like matter with a side of “chips”). So far so good for their first taste of Irish food .
Then it was off to a couple hour training session under the direction of some very fine (and enthusiastic -- ask Mitchell) coaching from the local Belvedere club, who the boys will play against on Sunday. There was running, jumping, chest bumping, piggy-back rides, and some very good soccer training mixed in for good measure. The boys surely had fun with some of the unorthodox training methods they experienced. (We think it has to do with the coach’s accent.)
Following a brief couple hour respite to rest and recover from the long journey and training session, the boys had a blast playing small-sided games (steel-cage matches, if you will) for a couple hours on the very nice turf fields here at the University. The matches were very spirited and lively.
Dinner this evening was courtesy of the local pub across from the University. Almost all the boys cleaned their plates after a busy day of travel and soccer.
Weather was great today, party sunny to sunny, around 65 degrees. It felt great, particularly after the “no AC” in the jet from GSP to Atlanta.
Tomorrow, it’s the first set of matches against the local club.
After boarding the bus and a short ride to Dublin City University (DCU), the schedule was changed slightly to accommodate the delayed arrival whereby we all hauled the luggage to the 5th floor of the dorm (mostly by stairs and considered a workout for most of the adults). A quick lunch in the cafeteria followed (hamburger or chicken-like matter with a side of “chips”). So far so good for their first taste of Irish food .
Then it was off to a couple hour training session under the direction of some very fine (and enthusiastic -- ask Mitchell) coaching from the local Belvedere club, who the boys will play against on Sunday. There was running, jumping, chest bumping, piggy-back rides, and some very good soccer training mixed in for good measure. The boys surely had fun with some of the unorthodox training methods they experienced. (We think it has to do with the coach’s accent.)
Following a brief couple hour respite to rest and recover from the long journey and training session, the boys had a blast playing small-sided games (steel-cage matches, if you will) for a couple hours on the very nice turf fields here at the University. The matches were very spirited and lively.
Dinner this evening was courtesy of the local pub across from the University. Almost all the boys cleaned their plates after a busy day of travel and soccer.
Weather was great today, party sunny to sunny, around 65 degrees. It felt great, particularly after the “no AC” in the jet from GSP to Atlanta.
Tomorrow, it’s the first set of matches against the local club.
Friday, July 25, 2008
The Day Has Finally Come
Well, with much anticipation and waiting, the day has finally come today for the boys to head off to Ireland. Their long journey has begun on what may be be one of the most unforgettable adventures of their lifetime. A short little hop to Atlanta and then a long flight over the pond to Dublin where the adventure begins in earnest. Shortly after arrival on Saturday morning it's off to training and playing; but most of all, it's about enjoying the experience ahead of them and taking the opportunity to live in the moment, that for 12/13 year-old boys must be simply thrilling. That's all for now, but starting tomorrow the daily reports will begin to help share with all of you back home the experience we are all sharing here together.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
TEST 3
This is the third TEST post of the CESA 2008 Ireland Trip Blog.
A kick around session for the boys was held on Tuesday, July 8th at Mesa. The slideshow consists of some test pictures taken during the kick-around.
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