GET EXCITED

Yo yo yo,

 

Game this Sunday at Trinity beginning at 1:15 pm versus Armoy. Let's get excited Goleros. It is our time to shine. We need as many people as possible.

 

Let's have some fun!

 

Ally & Peter

 

Barcelona vs. Manchester United--CCSL Tailgate

The league's social chair is planning another tailgate this summer for the Barca/ Man U game.  You might want to buy your tickets now.  This could be fun.  Matt's ability to execute these type of things is really impressive.  He puts on a great event.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Matt Dershowitz
Date: Thu, Apr 21, 2011 at 2:59 PM
Subject: Barcelona vs. Manchester United--CCSL Tailgate

CCSL Captains,

 

Many people have been inquiring about the premier match to come to the DC area this summer.   Saturday, July 30th at 7:00, Barcelona squares off against a relatively unknown team from Manchester England in an international friendly.   Unlike years, past, our league is not going to provide tickets through us.  DC United has offered us a small discount, but it would probably only save you a couple of bucks in the end, and not worth us pursuing their limited group discount proposals.   But for the dozens or so who have inquired about going to the game, we are going to host a fantastic pre=game tailgate.  It is expensive for sure, and yes you will probably be lining Daniel Snyder's pockets with this one.   But this is too good up an opportunity to pass up.   I've listed a link below where you can purchase tickets.    You can spend your life savings on some of them, or go a more affordable route.  Please coordinate amongst your friends regarding seat locations and so forth before you order.   And get on it quick as these tickets could very well sell out the 80,000 seat stadium.   In the coming weeks, I will be asking you to give me numbers how many of you are coming to the game, how many people you will bring with you, and whether we should plan on bringing enough food and beer to feed you with.  For now, please contact your teammates and promote the game for those who want to go.  

 

CCSL will be hosting a happy hour in the coming weeks, and we will try to put together a smaller DC United tailgate as well.  All of this I'll communicate later.    But since this is the game of the year, for those who plan on attending, the league has some money to throw for a fun party.   Come if you are thinking about it.      

 

 

http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/15004687A8BF4756

Copa del Rey

I am not a Real Madrid fan, nor a fan of Ronaldo, but this is an impressive goal.  Check out the quality of the touches in this build up.  Really precise and lethal.



http://youtu.be/o90nOZZSQm4

Captain to join discliplinary committee

I have been asked to volunteer some time on the league's disciplinary committee.  I am going to do it.  It should offer a good opportunity to see how the league works and to help continue the tradition of a player-run league that is fun and professional.

If anyone ever wants to get more involved in the league - in any capacity - just let me know because they're always looking for people.

Team Happy Hour Next Thursday at Cantina Marina

Hey Team,

 

We are in some serious need for a team happy hour. Please join your fellow teammates at Cantina Marina, next Thursday April 21. Let's meet at 6:00 pm and keep it an "early" night since most people will be with familes that weekend for Easter.

 

See you next week!

 

Happy hour announcement coming soon

 A lot of people have been saying it's time for a happy hour.  Besides the fact that it's overdue, a get-together would help to bring us together on the field.

We're working on it for next week and will send you details shortly.

Much needed break

The break in our season couldn't come at a better time.  We're off for two weeks due to a bye this coming weekend and Easter the following weekend.  What better way than to reset and prepare ourselves to get back in the race.

Stay tuned for announcements about happy hour and a kick around, tentatively scheduled for Sat. April 23rd.

We're moving on

Not much to report in this week's game report.  It was a difficult 4-0 loss, the fourth goal being a junk goal (if onside) in which we were fully committed upfield.

Clearly, we've got a lot to work on to return to form.  We're on it!

Man of the Match is Adrian for his stellar goalkeeping.  That was absolutely no issue in the game.

Notes: 4-0 loss to Diplomats on 4/10/11 at Trinity. GK: Adrian.

Game on Sunday

Hey Team,

Game is this Sunday at 12:30 pm at Trinity.

 

Please RSVP to the blog no later than Friday. If you would rather send an email, please send it directly to Peter as I am traveling and am not back until next week. So alas, I will not be at the game. Please do not waste your tears on me. I will be back next weekend.

 

Many thanks,

Ally & Peter

 

--
Goleros Soccer Club
http://www.golerosteam.blogspot.com

Please visit our sponsor, Cantina Marina
http://www.cantinamarina.com

Slow start

It's not an L4, but it's a run of four games without a win, dating back to last season.  So far, this season, we've left 8 points on the table.  Look at how that makes Ally feel.

Ouch, I think we're all feeling the pain.

We're just not productive or lucky at the moment.  But we are putting forth the effort and it's still fun.  I wouldn't trade any of the minutes.  So we'll talk about a few adjustments and we'll get this ship righted.

So, quick game reports.

In the Geezers game, we gave up an early goal (again).  Their guys were much improved versus last season, and somewhat quick.  The scored on a corner.  They were extremely physical on the play and we weren't able to hold off the score.  They did well to make contact with the ball off the shoulder.  They had several other threatening plays so it's not like it was a fluke goal, to be honest.

Our goal was the result of a great run of play.  I think it was Mike that served a free kick, and perhaps then Nate who made the shot.  The goalie spit it up and Anna was there to finish.  Kudos to Mike for serving up a dangerous ball.  Things happen when we do that.

In the Lost Tourists game, we took it to the final whistle, but to no avail.  We were drowsy on the first goal, which seemed like it happened in slow motion.  Towards the end of the half, we had energy but not that last pass.  Nap was outstanding as our martial in the midfield, dicing their guys and searching for an angle to propel the attack.  Lost Tourists went up by a second goal on a golazo from the outside flank.  We weren't beaten though.  We finally got some momentum when my shot was blocked by a female defender with the aid of her arm.  Not sure if it was a penalty or not, but the referee pointed to the spot.  Mike drilled the PK to the corner.  He did it again about 15 minutes later when Chris D. received a pass at the top of the box and dribbled his way to the goalie, who was the last man.  The goalie took Chris out AFTER he was beaten, which correctly resulted in a PK.  In all likelihood, we were also due a red card on the play, but you can't dwell on these things when you get the PK.  The game was pretty well called otherwise.  We had our opportunities as time expired, but we couldn't get it done.  Griz had two excellent attempts off his head, among other things.

More about this game in our next huddle.  This is a pretty lame game report - off the cuff and lacking insights.  The game was a lot of fun, and let's not forget our lady Jackie gracing the back line again.

Jersey Girlz

Keep up the spirits and go team!


Notes: 1-1 tie with Geezers on 3/26/11.  Goal: Anna.  GK: George.


Notes: 3-2 loss to Lost Tourists on 4/1/11.  Goals: Mike (PK earned by Pete - maybe credit for an assist), Mike (PK earned by Chris D. - definitely credit for the assist as that was gonna be a goal). GK: George.

Getting Hitched

It's a big week for our teammate, Cat, who is getting married to her longtime boyfriend, Mike, this weekend.

We wish Cat the very best this weekend and in this next phase of her life.  Mike is a lucky guy, we know that for sure.  His bride is such a dynamic, intelligent, and fun person.  She's also a tough cookie on the pitch.  We like that...a lot.


Cat, we can't wait to hear the stories about the event and the honeymoon (travel-related stories only please).

Enjoy!  We'll be thinking of you when we get that first win of the season.

Fall 2010 final results

RESULTS

• FALL 2010 (3-2-3, .600, 12 points, regular season, 4-3-3 overall .571)
• ---------------
• 1-0 loss to Tsunami on 8/29
• 3-1 win vs DC Divided on 9/12
• 3-3 tie vs DC Thunder on 9/19
• 3-0 win vs Geezers on 9/26
• 3-3 tie vs Lost Tourists on 10/2
• 3-1 win vs Quicksilver on 10/10
• 2-2 tie vs Little Urban Achievers on 10/17
• 4-1 loss to Taz Devils on 10/31
• PLAYOFFS
• 4-2 win vs Tsunami on 11/7 (Quarters)
• 4-2 loss to Taz Devils in OT (Semis)

Old game report

I neglected to post our last game report last season.  We do them for posterity.

Having beaten Tsunami in the quarterfinals, we advanced to face top-seeded Taz Devils.

Taz went up two goals.  Although we struggled a bit, we fought through it and managed to pick up a goal about halfway in the second half.  Suzie did some nice work in the corner and sent me a cross, which I headed in.  That got us going.  A bit later, we earned a foul in a dangerous spot.  Mike stepped up and hit the shot of the season into the back of the net directly off the kick.  We were back, and in fact forced overtime.

Unfortunately, Taz found inspiration. They beat us on an amazing trap and volley that was practically unstoppable.  A bit deflated, we did allow another goal before the OT was over.  So, it ended up being a 4-2 loss.  Taz was in high form.  That continued as they rolled past DC Thunder in the finals.  So they won the regular season and the playoffs.  We lost to the best.

We played great on this particular day.

Notes: 4-2 loss to Taz Devils in semifinals, November 2010.  Goals: Pete (Suzie), Mike (not known who earned the foul).  GK: George.

*IMPORTANT GAME TIME CHANGE* MUST READ

Hey Team,

 

All games for this Sunday at Wilson have been pushed up 90 minutes.

 

Our game is now at 10:30 am. I repeat our game is now at 10:30 am!

 

Please let us know if this affects your participation. ALSO, I still need to hear from quite a few of you so PLEASE email me or RSVP to the blog TODAY.

 

Thank you,

Peter & Ally

 

*Game on Sunday*

Hey Team,

Great tie this past week. We really fought back to score the point and get the result.

 

Our game this Sunday is at 12:00 pm versus Lost Tourists at Wilson. Please arrive to the field at 11:40 AM.

 

Please post your RSVP on the blog OR send us an email if you are in or out.

 

See you on Sunday.

 

Peter & Ally

CCSL Commish Says PLAY ON

Looks like snow on Sunday (WT?!?!) but that doesn't stop our league...or TEAM!

 

 

Note from the CCSL Commish About the Weather

 

Sundays weather

 

Theres forecast for highs in the 30s and perhaps snow on Sunday, but its game on for us tough CCSLers.  Commish does not foresee cancellations, but keep your ear out for the inclement weather line and dress warmly!

 

 

 

Who earned that PK last weekend?

Let me know, I don't recall seeing it.

Goleros suffer 3-1 loss in the opener [updated]

Congratulations to Buena Vista Soccer Club, who pick up a 3-1 win.  Each of their three goals was well earned as they out dribbled the defense, kept us on our heels, and took some very well-placed shots.

We have a miserable record on opening day.  We are now 3-9 in CCSL, having last won our opener in the spring of 2008 when George Bush was still president.  THAT HAS GOT TO CHANGE!

I had fun in the game, but my play was symptomatic of the team effort.  We had good ideas, but we lacked sharpness and concentration.  Too many failed or weak passes, not enough possession, poor distribution from the back line.  That said, we have high quality defenders so don't be surprised to see your defense start leading the team at some point!

BVSC was a challenge to defend.  They were smart.  If you challenged them, they made a move.  If you gave them time, they drew you to them and sent a through ball into the box.  Their men were relatively quick and accurate with both feet.

We weren't half bad in some aspects of the game.  Even though we didn't have many points to show for it, we did have an attack.  Several of our players penetrated the box and we had 2-3 crosses that had a chance of scoring.

Adrian was a strong presence in goal - an attribute for a field player that should not go unnoticed!

My favorite play of the game was Elyse's disruptive body check against their 6'2" defender.  She pushed him off the ball and took the foul call.  Nice job, Elyse, that was good stuff.  Very tough.

Anyway, if you have thoughts on ways to improve, let's talk!

Have a great week!


Notes: 3-1 loss to Buena Vista Soccer Club on 3/20/2011 at Roosevelt.  Goal: Chris N. (Jon). PK earned by Chris N., taken by Griz (miss).  GK: Adrian.  Discipline: Yellow (Carlos, sliding after warning).

She was born during pre-season

If you know how to use a computer, by now you've heard about George's daughter.  Yes, it was unthinkable years ago when George was a wild, crazy, untamed bachelor.  But if you didn't notice, those days are over.  Any day now he's going to give up that BMW and start driving a Volvo wagon.

Congratulations to George.  This beautiful girl, named Nora, was born Saturday night.  Look at that proud papa!  Best wishes to Megan as well.

2nd Game of the Season

Our game on Sunday (3.27) is at 3:00 pm  versus Geezers at Trinity (address below). Please arrive at least 20 minutes before kickoff.

 

Trinity College

125 Michigan Ave, Washington D.C., DC 20017

 

Please RSVP to the blog by the end of the day on Thursday March 24 if you can make the game or not.

 

Keep your heads in the game Goleros.

 

Many thanks!

Peter & Ally

Keep Your Head Up Goleros!

We may have lost our first game but the season ain't over yet. Keep your head up Goleros!

 

 

The most important part of a player's body is above his shoulders.

~ Ty Cobb

The most important attribute a player must have is mental toughness.

~ Mia Hamm

 

Ninety percent of the game is half mental.

~ Yogi Berra

 

You have to train you mind like you train your body.

~ Bruce Jenner

 

 

 

GOLEROS SPRING OPENER

What up!?!?!?

 

We have a game THIS Sunday, that is right Goleros, THIS Sunday at 11:00 am (not too early not too late) versus Buena Vista Soccer Club (new team from D3) at Roosevelt High School (address below).

 

Roosevelt Senior High School: Senior High Schools

4301 13th St NW, Washington D.C., DC 20011

 

Please RSVP to the blog by the end of the day on Thursday March 17 (Happy Patty's Day!) if you can make the game or not.

 

Let's start this season off right. Woop woop!

 

Many thanks!

Peter & Ally

Spring 2011 Schedule

Hey Team,

As Peter previously mentioned, we received the schedule at the Captain's meeting this past Monday evening. Please see our schedule below. Links to where the fields are to follow.

 

March 20

11:00 am versus BVSC at Roosevelt

 

March 27

3:00 pm versus Geezers at Trinity

 

April 3

12:00 pm versus Lost Tourists at Wilson

 

April 10

12:00 pm versus The Diplomats at Trinity

 

April 17

BYE

 

May 1

1:15 pm versus Armory at Trinity

 

May 8

2:00 pm versus DC Thunder at Ridge

 

May 15

3:00 pm versus Tsunami at Ridge

 

May 22

9:00 PM versus LUA at George Mason HS

 

Go Team!

 

 

 

 

 

Report from Captains' Meeting

As you know, before each season, the league holds a meeting for captains to get everybody organized.  This is a well-oiled machine right now with Sanjay at the helm, so it's getting easier and easier.  The only truly bad news right now is that fees went up by $100 for each time.  Because they held them static for about 4 years, I am ok with that.  But I will not want to see another increase for several years.

Ally and I attended the meeting.  Here are some notes, if you're interested:

The tables

The table of teams in each division is set.  There was less movement up and down this season because we lost 3 teams.  Thus, the league had to find the right way to insert the new teams.  They couldn't all start at the bottom in D3.  We lost DC Chillin' from D1, and Team X from Premier, and a team from D3.  Incoming teams are the Replacements (Premier) and Our Kicks Don't Lie and Unathletic DC (D3).

Our division sees a lot of movement.  Two teams were relegated from last season (DC Divided and Celtic, I believe).  One team was promoted - Taz Devils, the regular season and playoff champion.  Thus, we will have three new teams.  Armory is coming down from 1st and Geezers and Buena Vista Social Club are coming up.  So, our division is:

Armory
Geezers
Little Urban Achievers
Tsunami
Goleros
DC Thunder
Lost Tourists
Buena Vista Social Club
Diplomats

Reffing issues

Six of our 36 teams still have not provided a ref, and are subject to the potential $500 fine at the end of the season.  The Exec Board is now granting leniency to teams who supply a member of the team on the exec board - it's a way of encouraging more volunteer participation.

Refs have to make themselves available for 5 games to avoid the team fine. 

Refs will get paid $40 per match for ARs and the 4th official, and CRs will get $55 per match.  Refs are paid twice a season.

Carlos is our designated ref.  Thanks man!!!!

Registration

We'll be doing an online process at some point in the future.  This is actually getting closer.  It will have advantages and disadvantages. I'm not too excited about it.  But prepare yourself, you will probably have to register for a website.

Our final rosters are due to the league on April 17th.  We have an allocation of 25 players.  Each additional player up to 30 costs us $25 per player.

Our old commissior, Jim, is quite active in the state and national associations (the state assn - MDCVSA, the national adult assn - USASA, and the national association, USF).  There's a continuing fued going on at the state level.  Essentially, CCSL and other leagues are tired of paying what they view as unnecessary costs to support the state association, while extracting such little value.  The state association costs approximately $9 per player per season, and for that you get some limited health coverage.  The league is hoping to axe the health coverage, because 90% of players allegedly have personal insurance that is substantial, and achieving further savings.  Maybe I'll do a more comprehensive update.  My steam-of-consciousness writing style in this post isn't really getting the job done on this complicated issue.

Schedule

Full schedule to be posted soon.

Fields

We've got great fields, although I'm not crazy about the location personally.  Fine though.  Several are metro accessible.  They'll be in DC mostly.  You've been to most of them.  Our field guru in the league, working with the commish and the scheduler, has done a great job.

No summer league

The league is no longer making money at summer league, and it's becoming an administrative pain.  So it's off for this year unfortunately.  We may do a tourney instead.

Discipline

Captains are again being asked to help keep the players calm.  It's a key element to making this volunteer league work.

Social

The league is looking for a new social chair.

Goleros don't stoop to this

It's a pretty funny "dive" though.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsEbf-o83fc