Women's Soccer Coaches Corner
by Aron Bassoff
Updated: 9/25/05

Coach Rach and I have spent the last week trying to get the ladies to put the whole package together. We have reviewed video with them to show them the things we have done well and the things we need to work on. We have spent time training on those things. We have also played against the men’s reserve squad to help us play better and faster. Overall, the improvement has been good. Progress has been mostly forward with only one practice out of four really not being what it needs to be. We have also been pushing the girls for a higher level of fitness by incorporating it into training so we can compete in a tough game for both halves. The ladies are definitely being stretched and for the most part have had a very positive attitude about our increase in demand from them in all areas. Some times I do not believe that this team knows how much better they can be then they are. I just hope we come along in time for everyone to enjoy the fruits of this and understand what they can accomplish individually and collectively is beyond what the realize.

Saturday’s match was certainly not against the caliber of opponent that we have seen the past few games. We talked a lot to the girls about competing against themselves out on the field, fixing the problems that we have been having and having a complete game. I could tell in warm up that the energy level and focus were not where it should be and that concerned me. I talked a little more about it before the game hoping to see a motivated team step out on the field. One issue we have talked about is righting the ship even when things are not going are way. Something we still need to learn to do. Despite not playing a level that we would like the girls to play at we won convincingly 8-1 against Spalding University. It was encouraging to see us push hard for the full 90 minutes. It was also encouraging to see us generate some quality opportunities from things we have been working on in practices. Lesley Bryan got herself back on track with 5 goals and our midfielder Nery Saucedo played some great passes finishing with 3 assists. I would have liked to see us press them better on defense. There was a lack of recognition defensively of the other team’s skill level. Individually and collectively, we could have defended better. I felt coming out of the back we could have had some better decisions in keeping possession and creating some scoring opportunities. But again with room for improvement in those areas and a convincing 8-1 win we are headed in the right direction. At this point in the season, it is all about forward progress, and I see that in this team. So often teams at this point in the season lose their way and forget to play with the same intensity, desire and focus that they started the season. Coach Rach and I are fighting hard for our team to not allow this to happen. If we can continue to move forward and play with that same things we started the season with then we the team will finish with a strong push. Next match is against Campbellsville University at their place on September 29. This will be our first conference match of the season. Until next week.

Week 1 Corner - 09/04/05
Week 2 Corner - 09/11/05
Week 3 Corner - 09/18/05