Game Notes: NorCal Spring League vs Cal Odyssey South

Extreme family,

Saturday was a harsh welcome to the top division. But a welcome needed one.

They gave us a lesson in execution. They completed more through-passes, won more challenges, and finished most of their chances.

Thinking back on the match, at least three of their goals came within 60 secs of us having very good chances to score which we failed to take.

We will get more accustomed to this level, but it is going to take work. We will improve.

This weeks trainings focus:

Monday: 1v1 attacking and defending. Speed and coordination. Fitness.
Wednesday: Individual and group defending. Fitness. Teamwork.

:Best Goals of the Week:

Up The Level

The best players never stop pushing themselves and setting new benchmarks. Set your sights high.

Top Goals of the Week

Dani Alves: Barcelona



Luis Suarez: Liverpool (never stops running...)



Ramires: Chelsea

Spring League

Hello Extreme Family,

We have decided the girls will play in the premier division this spring.

While both divisions provide us unique opportunities to improve, the coaching staff feels that the challenge and competition of the highest level is what this group needs the most. This opportunity will help make us a more complete team heading into the summer and fall.

Wednesday Training: Positional Observations

For training tonight, we will be doing a tactical session followed by observations at the U15B state cup match.

We'll be going over player responsibilities with and without the ball, then seeing how it really happens with one of the best teams in the state.

Practice Change

Hi Everyone,

I received word tonight that Granite will be unavailable Wednesday night for training. Training will move to Thursday 7-8:30 this week.

Wednesday will be optional. The U15B are playing in a NorCal State Cup Knockout Phase Match Wed at 7:30pm. We'd like to get as many club members to this high-level match to support the player, team & the club. Come on out and wear club red.

One Club! One Love!

Advanced Dribble Skills

More inspiration for backyard practice or just to grow your soccer imagination.

Best Goals of the Week

There were some great goals scored last week. Make sure to stay around for #10.

Howto: Play #6 & #8 when they have it

This week's Champions League gives us a great chance to review the tasks of the #6 & #8 when we don't have the ball.

Tottenham Hotspur's Brazilian Sandro gave a master-class in how to defend in the midfield. Time after time against AC Milan, Sandro was in the right place and the right time with his right boot. He made umpteen tackles, numerous blocks, while his distribution to his Spurs teammates was usually sharp and accurate.

You can see his defensive stats below: 8 tackles won, 0 lost & 8 successful interceptions. Not bad at all.

Here are the video highlights from the night. I also like who he not only intercepts the ball or tackles the opponent, but also quickly finds a teammate in one or two touches so his team can retain possession.



The central midfielder individual tasks when opponent has the ball

• primary task is to eliminate goal threat
• be able to defend zone or mark
• be strong in 1:1 duel
• attack on the ball/intercept
• keep player in front (goal side)
• step in front of the mark at the right moment
• cut off passing lanes to opposition forwards
• good defensive header
• defensive support
• be explosive/fast
• preventive coaching of teammates
• able to play 1:1, without backing
• strong, defensive header
• be able to lock down against 2 strikers
• delay opponent as long as necessary
• deal with emerging players by good positioning

US WNT 2 - 0 Norway

The US Women move into the Final of the Algarve Cup in Portugal. Here they are putting two past follow WC contenders Norway.


Pure Persistence for the opener:


Pure Accuracy for the second:


The second goal is a great one to break down and watch a couple times. (1) The great ball out wide from the #3 to the #11. And the control!! Instant! (2) The overlap from the #5 to draw the defenders. (3) Carli Lloyd's movement. Some players might try to sprint forwards and minimize their space. Not Carli. She does a quick head check and holds her run because she's open. (4) Fakes right. Cuts back to the left. Great finish.

Best Goals of the Week

US WNT 2 - 1 Japan

The US Women defeated Japan earlier today at the Algarve Cup. Here is the first goal from Amy Rodriguez.



And here is the second from Megan Rapinoe: Watch the great combo between the #9 & #10 to free the right-winger, Heather O'Reilly.

Then watch Heather O'Reilly. Instead of dribbling away from the defender, she drives diagonally IN towards the defender touching the ball with every step, putting her under pressure and creating space to the outside. Notice also how she slows up a little bit, then changes gears as she explode to get the cross in. Easiest way to score = cut-back cross! Great Goal.

Howto: Prepare to play

There is an old adage: Those who fail to prepare, prepare to fail.

With that in mind I share with you the pre-training ritual of US WNT defender Rachel Buehler. She has a very disciplined ritual that helps her get mentally and physically prepared.

Team Party Votes

Please Vote for which option you want in the poll to the right.

I'll leave it open until Wednesday training @ 7pm.

Team Meeting Notes

Here are the team meeting notes:

1. Intro/Responsibilities
2. Team Meeting Notes

Other Important Documents:

1. Team Rules - We'll go over at training
2. System of Play - Lot's of great info about how we want to play. Make sure to stay around for page 12!

Thanks to Kris Castro for stepping up to be the new Team Manager!!