Quick Attack Doesn't Decide the Game Winner

Darrell Beaupre
In the fifteen years that Coach Custer and I have led teams onto the field, only once did both of us have a family commitment fall on the same day…until this Saturday.  Luckily, veteran coach phenom Andy Kaplan agreed to dust off his soccer coaching attire and lead our boys onto the field for our second match against Cardigan Mountain School.
 
At practice on Thursday, we emphasized how important it is to strike hard and fast because first goals can often decide the game.  We will go over the importance of this again this week.  Below is an excerpt from an email that Coach Kaplan sent to me about the game:
 
Thirty seconds into the game, the ball went to one of our defenders and he, unfortunately, turned it over to the opposing striker who went in for a breakaway and scored at the 47-second mark. Not the start we were hoping for. Nevertheless, the kids shook it off, found their stride, and got the equalizer in the 23rd minute. Will Sewell faked a left-footed shot, cut it to his right foot, and sent a low hard drive to the near corner beating the keeper. He was about 15 yards out when he took the shot. While there were several other chances for the Wildcats, the goal’s frame proved to be too small.
 
Although our boys didn’t follow our advice, the positive thing is they didn’t give up.  While we said, “first goals can often decide the game,” luckily with a determined squad, we know that this is not always true.  Our boys kept pressing and didn’t give up the win to Cardigan.   We want to give a special Thank You to Coach Kaplan for his time, dedication, and strategic coaching!
 
We look forward to playing our first match against New Hampton School this Wednesday at home at 2:30.
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