Halftime...they don't even look tired 

Line up for the handshake 

End of the game pyrimid 

Game 7 v Dartmouth

The last time the DR Strikers were in Dartmouth we were u8’s and had a memorable game. Sunday’s was not different. It was one of the best games I had the pleasure of watching. The boys played hard and defense was up to the task in the first half. Ben E. played well in the keeper position and was tested often coming up with big save right at the start of the game and later in the first half. We had our two big defenders, Trevor and Mike playing alone in the back and with the help of Benjamin, as a stopper, they were able to keep the Dartmouth team in control. Mid field play by Colton and David and Zach M. switching with Zach R., Kevin and Jack kept constant pressure on the Dartmouth Mid-field. Evan played up front for most of the game with David keeping pressure on the Dartmouth defense. Although we were back defending most of the first half we also had our share of chances and found ourselves at halftime tied 0-0.
We knew we had a good chance to win the game, when at 3 minutes into the second half a long high lob went over our heads into the net, 0-1. The boys never gave up; in fact they got better taking, the ball into the Dartmouth end time and time again. We had lots of opportunities throughout the second half. Zack M. made a powerful run down the left on a breakaway only to have the keeper stop the shot at the goal line. It wasn’t long after that we had the ball back at their goal line with almost everyone on the team taking a shot at the net before the rebound came out to Zach M. He put it way with just 3 minutes to play. Still the boys didn’t give an inch and we had a few more opportunities to win the game at the end. When the whistle blew we all knew we had just watched great game…another one to remember, 1-1.

A well behaved group of parents watching Zach attempt a bicycle kick 

Halftime, they are trying to smile but they are not a happy group of soccer players. 

Game 6 vs Taunton

Sometimes the breaks just don’t fall your team’s way. We played hard and well but were up against some unfortunate events right from the start. A shot early in the game bounced off the top of the goal and fell in front of an open net only to be cleared away. A couple of unfortunate handball calls were made against us, one which resulted in a penalty kick, although it didn’t seem to be intention and was not in the box. The PK was missed. Later a Taunton foul, again outside the box, was rewarded with a penalty kick for us and that was also missed. So far the calls were even and didn’t affect the results of the game. Late in the first half, a questionable DR foul was awarded for free kick outside our 18. The kick made its way around our wall and the ball, which seemed to have eyes, rolled into the corner of the net. We were down 0-1 at the half.

The team was in not in good sprits at the half. The team was playing against a very physical team and the breaks were not going our way. The boys were determined to get a score back as the second half started out. They played their best but the goal we needed was not going to get into the back of the net. Time and time again they pressure their defense only to fall short. Later in the second half a long punt cleared our defense and in a mad scramble out in front of the net, a bad bounce gave the Taunton team an open net and their second goal of the game. We were never capable of mounting any serious scoring opportunities after the second score and fell 0-2. The boys played very well and showed a lot of hustle and determination but the Taunton team proved to be the better of the teams on the pitch this day. At least it didn't rain.

A dry but cold and windy half time  

Game 5 vs. DR 2

It was another cold and windy day for game 5. I’m wondering if we will ever get to play in the sunshine this season. At least it wasn’t raining.

We had the wind for the first half; the Captains were sharp make the call to give us the downwind advantage. We used the wind advantage and kept the ball in the DR2 end for most of the first half. 15 minutes into the game Benjamin drove past a few defenders and scored the games first goal. Zach M. and Evan worked a beautiful series of combination passes up the middle but the shot was stopped by the keeper. We had plenty of opportunities but missed a penalty kick had one hard shot ring off the top bar and bounce harmlessly in front of their net. Corner kicks just didn’t seem to go in for us again this week. DR2 played a rough physical game which caused us to rush some opportunities. Our defensive pressure from Michael, Trevor, Kyle and Zach R. in the first half let very few shots into Ben E., protecting out goal. The shots that did get in were easily handled by out keeper. Ben has much improved his punting and distribution which is a big help in starting off our offense. Trevor’s goal kicks were high and far up the field, the practicing really showed.

The wind didn’t seem to slow us in the second half. Good mid field work and a lot of hustle by Colton, Zach M., Kevin and David and Evan moved the ball up forward to keep their defense busy. DR2 was determined and seemed to be all over the field. At time I thought they had had more players on the pitch than we did and would take a head count. We fought off their advances, made some excellent defensive stops and great saves in the goal box prevented and scoring. We continued to shoot off the mark until the 54th minute when again Benjamin moved past the last defenders to shoot one past the keeper giving us a comfortable lead. In the 59th minute Trevor threw a ball in to play, bouncing off Zach M’s knee to Benjamin’s feet, he drove past a tiring DR2 defense on more time to score the third goal. In the end we seemed to have more fire power and hustle, but once again the defense won the game with hard work and great positioning. Another clean sheet 3-0.

Top of the table ???

Team List for U 10 B1W
Club/Team Won Lost Tied Points
DR Team 1 4 1 0 12
Dartmouth 3 0 2 11
Norton 2 0 1 7
Taunton 2 1 1 7
Ft-Lakeville 2 3 0 6
DR Team 2 1 2 0 3
Fall River 0 3 0 0


The team standing for the week of May 8th looks great but we may only be on the top of the table for a short time, Norton has two games to report and they have proven to be the top team so far this season. 6 points would place them in first place. DR1 has two tough games coming up vs. Taunton and Dartmouth. We’ll need to prove our abilities in our final three games if we plan to stay in the top half of the league. It’s nice to see we are doing well this season.

Game 4 v FL...halftime...notice the kids are smiling more in the photos...they know they'll end up in the blog. 

Halftime wetheads...again 

End of the game handshake...I think they are feeling rather proud. 

Game 4 v Freetown-Lakeville (FL)

Why is it always raining on Sunday Mornings? Again after a hard rain overnight we needed go out and play in the rain. It wasn’t raining as hard as last week, but we were all wet for a second week in a row. I don’t think the boys ever felt a drop on their head this week. They were way too busy playing soccer. Jack went down with a ankle sprain early in the game leaving us with just two subs for the game. It looked like it was going to be a long game.
DR came out in the first half determine to take the game to the FL boys and they sure did, play with loads of energy and keeping FL back on their heals. We were hunkered down on a 3-1-3 with one stopper and no forwards. It gave us a strong defense and the ability to forward with 4 quickly and support with our backs. The first half saw great defense by Michael, Trevor, Kyle and Kevin and transition to the mid field players who pushed the ball forward into the FL zone. The FL goalkeeper was very busy but was up to task. We were pushing forward on every play and with Colton, David and Evan taking shots at the net. There were many beautiful corners dropping right over the FL goalkeepers head but never found the back of the net. The score at the half remained at 0-0.
The second half was much of the same, hard work and determination. Late in the game it paid off when, ironically, one of the only poor corner kicks went off the FL defender back to Benjamin who severed Zack M in front to the net. Without hesitation Zack turned the ball into the back of the net with a drive off his left foot. 1-0. With 5 minutes left the DR boys dug in and played strong defense. FL was pushing everyone forward and Ben E needed to come up with some strong saves to keep his clean sheet. Michael made a beautiful, knock down, sliding tackle on the right side of the field and took any hopes of making a come back away from FL. The FL bench was upset with no call from the referee, but the ref more impressed with the skill of the tackle. Zack M made a gutsy face block on a hard drive towards the net in the waning minutes to seal the victory. We'll work on 'face blocks' at the next practice.
The victory was a total team effort. The defense was awesome, the midfield controlled and organized. The boys sure game the spectators their money’s worth...great effort 1-0