l-i-v-i-n': Vipers Game #3: Good Guys Win 7-1!!!

Game Summary

The Vipers carried in a strong 2-0 record into the third game, with 15 goals on the season. The Silver Strikers were NOT intimidated and came in ready to play. The Silver Strikers didn't waste any time. In just the 3rd minute of the game, the Strikers broke through the Viper defense and put the first points on the board!

The Vipers had to play from behind for the first time in the season...and they handled the pressure like champs. Brody tied the game at 1-1 in the 8th minute. Ethan and Brody teamed up for two more goals and the Vipers entered half time leading 3-1.

Brody and Ethan continued to shine in the 2nd half, combining for 3 more goals through the 45th minute. In the 49th minute, Drew had the sweetest goal of the day, to finish the game. The goal was set up by an absolutely beautiful cross from Conner. Drew handled the pass quickly and drove the ball deep into the back of the net and brought the entire crowd to their feet! If I remember correctly, Drew even scored that goal with his left foot!!! That's U10 stuff!!! Rumors are abound that Drew might be ambidextrous.

The final score was 7-1 for the Vipers.

The Silver Strikers put up a strong test for the Vipers. They forced us to play more defense than we have in previous games and they had the most shots on goal (8) of any team we've faced.

The Vipers handled the test really well. They were forced to play defense and had a strong showing from the goalies.

On offense, the Vipers demonstrated the best teamwork and passing of the season. It's incredible to see how much the Vipers have grown as a team in the 1st three games. Kudos to coaches Mike and Mark for doing a great job of preparing the kids and handling game day so well.

Photographic Memories

Put your hands up!!!

The Rocket Launcher looking for a corner...this one was just an inch outside :-<

Scelfo picking his spot.

Send the ball to it's home!

Ethan says, "You have to Get Up, to Get Down!"

The Silver Strikers brought their A-game and played strong.

These kids are playing hard and Ethan is "in it, to win it!".

Conner is covered by Bad Guys like stink on poo!!!

Cont'd...

Player of the Week - Conner

One of the best coaches of all time, John Wooden, classifies "Intentness" as one of the critical components of success.

"I could say Intentness means determination; I could say it means persistence; I could say it means tenacity or perseverance." - John Wooden

Conner plays with Intentness. He is persistent. He is tenacious. He preservers. He digs deep and plays hard.

Coach Wooden calls it Intentness, I call it Tenacious "C" - and "C" is for Conner!

Here are a couple of game #3 examples of how hard he plays on both sides of the ball.

Conner Fighting the Battle...and coming out on top!

Conner brings the ball out and is on the move.

He's covered by 2 strong players.

and there is contact going on!!!

Conner edges everybody out!!!

Last Man Standing!!!

Playing it close...

Putting the pressure on!

Down, but not out...

Went down...but immediately looks for the next opportunity...this kid can play!!!

Conner has a big leg...makes things happen on offense

Season high, Conner had 10 shots on goal against the Silver Strikers.

This is a great sequence where Conner worked the ball in from the midfield line. He had to break loose from the bad buys and then found some real estate to take a big shot from just outside the goalbox.