We hit the woodwork three times, and Jesse Lowrance tucked away our lone goal off a corner kick in the 89th minute but we still came up short, losing 2-1.
We will have to bounce back against the Army on Wednesday.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Game 1: U.S. Marine Corps
Sept. 24th, Camp Pendleton - After opening ceremonies we took on the U.S. Marine Corps. In my opinion, we had most of the run of play and most of the possession.
Training with Joe-Max Moore
Sept. 22nd, Chula Vista - We held our last practice at the U.S. Olympic Training Center with Joe-Max Moore and his long time friend and soccer teammate from UCLA. Coach Wilson introduced him along with his extremely impressive bio which included participation in three world cups and stints at FC Saarbrucken, FC Nuremburg, Everton and The New England Revolution.
Joe-Max Moore International Highlights
We began practice with a warm up and finishing drills before beginning some 8 vs 8. It was incredibly fun to play with Joe. Even though he claimed to have taken a year and a half hiatus due to knee problems, the way he finished nearly everything in front of him was undeniably impressive. Quickly finding corners with little or no build up motion.
Before warming up he told us that early in life his father told him to pick something that he liked and to work harder than anyone else to become the best at it. His teammate from UCLA echoed this philosophy when he told us that Joe was the hardest working athlete he had ever met. Constantly practicing and focusing energy to training in his off time. And even as we played 8 vs 8 for fun on our last day of training, you could still feel Joe's competitive edge. Always wanting the ball, and making sure he found the open teammate in a dangerous area.
Afterwards, he gave us some advice to take to the tournament, shook our hands, wished us luck and said it was an honor to train with us. It was certainly an honor for us too.
Joe-Max Moore International Highlights
We began practice with a warm up and finishing drills before beginning some 8 vs 8. It was incredibly fun to play with Joe. Even though he claimed to have taken a year and a half hiatus due to knee problems, the way he finished nearly everything in front of him was undeniably impressive. Quickly finding corners with little or no build up motion.
Before warming up he told us that early in life his father told him to pick something that he liked and to work harder than anyone else to become the best at it. His teammate from UCLA echoed this philosophy when he told us that Joe was the hardest working athlete he had ever met. Constantly practicing and focusing energy to training in his off time. And even as we played 8 vs 8 for fun on our last day of training, you could still feel Joe's competitive edge. Always wanting the ball, and making sure he found the open teammate in a dangerous area.
Afterwards, he gave us some advice to take to the tournament, shook our hands, wished us luck and said it was an honor to train with us. It was certainly an honor for us too.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Rear Admiral Shannon
Sept. 13th, Chula Vista - During this morning's training session we were honored to be paid a surprise visit from Admiral Shannon, the Commander of Navy Carrier Strike Group One.
Admiral Shannon shared a few moments of his time along with some great perspective on soccer and the U.S. armed forces.
Biography
Soccer, primarily a non-stop sport, one in which the coach has minimal direct impact on the game play throughout a 90 minute match, is the most relate-able sport to the ideal state of the Navy. During a periods of crises there is no time for coaching or training. As we train for each game in the tournament we must visualize our roles and style of play so that during the game we are prepared to direct a certain outcome. We must also do this as team members in a sea going service, training so that in times of action, we need no coaching or further preparation. So we are ready to move with our mind entirely immersed in the game.
Admiral Shannon continued by making the point that soccer, a truly global sport can often be an incredibly powerful tool of diplomacy. He encouraged us to start teams on board ships and take those teams out in port calls to play with locals. And that by doing so we could leverage a great sense of brotherhood. A sense that would resonate much more than simple day to day interactions or presence alone. In his words, "soccer is truly a universal language."
Afterwards, Admiral Shannon sent Coach Wilson an email:
Mick,
Thanks for letting me come out and meet the team yesterday morning. Your Sailors are an inspiration in their dedication to representing our Navy. There are many parallels between team sports, and in particular soccer, and the skills that are necessary in our services.
I appreciate the opportunity to share some thoughts with the team. Your Sailors have a unique opportunity to take their skills and experiences back to the fleet and represent their units in local, Navy, or even international events. Many of us have seen these engagements have lasting impacts in relationships with our friends and allies.
Best of luck as you compete in the Armed Forces Championships! I know you are the man to lead and coach them to victory.
R, TK Shannon
Admiral Shannon shared a few moments of his time along with some great perspective on soccer and the U.S. armed forces.
Biography
Soccer, primarily a non-stop sport, one in which the coach has minimal direct impact on the game play throughout a 90 minute match, is the most relate-able sport to the ideal state of the Navy. During a periods of crises there is no time for coaching or training. As we train for each game in the tournament we must visualize our roles and style of play so that during the game we are prepared to direct a certain outcome. We must also do this as team members in a sea going service, training so that in times of action, we need no coaching or further preparation. So we are ready to move with our mind entirely immersed in the game.
Admiral Shannon continued by making the point that soccer, a truly global sport can often be an incredibly powerful tool of diplomacy. He encouraged us to start teams on board ships and take those teams out in port calls to play with locals. And that by doing so we could leverage a great sense of brotherhood. A sense that would resonate much more than simple day to day interactions or presence alone. In his words, "soccer is truly a universal language."
Afterwards, Admiral Shannon sent Coach Wilson an email:
Mick,
Thanks for letting me come out and meet the team yesterday morning. Your Sailors are an inspiration in their dedication to representing our Navy. There are many parallels between team sports, and in particular soccer, and the skills that are necessary in our services.
I appreciate the opportunity to share some thoughts with the team. Your Sailors have a unique opportunity to take their skills and experiences back to the fleet and represent their units in local, Navy, or even international events. Many of us have seen these engagements have lasting impacts in relationships with our friends and allies.
Best of luck as you compete in the Armed Forces Championships! I know you are the man to lead and coach them to victory.
R, TK Shannon
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Southwestern College Soccer Training
Sept. 12 - Chula Vista - After our interview with Corey we took to the field for a great training session with Cem Tont and the rest of the Southwestern College coaching staff.
We concentrated on offensive build up, particularly, quick passing followed by a longer ball to a target player in a different area of the field. The coaching staff was incredibly knowledgeable, incorporating fine details of game play into executable drills. We also included some fitness to round out a very complete practice.
We concentrated on offensive build up, particularly, quick passing followed by a longer ball to a target player in a different area of the field. The coaching staff was incredibly knowledgeable, incorporating fine details of game play into executable drills. We also included some fitness to round out a very complete practice.
Interview with Corey Rockwell
12 Sept, Chula Vista - We gathered for a video session in the afternoon at the Olympic Training Center's conference room.
We conference called Corey Rockwell, a high school friend of Coach Wilson and a highly respected FIFA sanctioned referee. Corey went over the answers to our homework, a two page referee examination before discussing some fascinating details regarding the world of officiating. Who knew you could be banned from referring a Manchester United game if your son was photographed wearing a Man U tee? This did not actually happen to Corey but it did to one of his peers.
Corey went on to explain that it's easy to brush off the frequent negative banter towards the officials during the game but what tends to resonate is the polite criticism or calm display of disappointment from a player who has built a reputation of being a "class act" over numerous games.
We also briefly touched on Corey's recent moment in the spot light via ESPN's Not Top 10. To his credit the officials are not supposed to be part of the play in any wayl and he truly shows his respect for this rule here:
I think I can speak for the team by saying the conversation brought valuable insight into the world of officiating that I wont soon forget.
We conference called Corey Rockwell, a high school friend of Coach Wilson and a highly respected FIFA sanctioned referee. Corey went over the answers to our homework, a two page referee examination before discussing some fascinating details regarding the world of officiating. Who knew you could be banned from referring a Manchester United game if your son was photographed wearing a Man U tee? This did not actually happen to Corey but it did to one of his peers.
Corey went on to explain that it's easy to brush off the frequent negative banter towards the officials during the game but what tends to resonate is the polite criticism or calm display of disappointment from a player who has built a reputation of being a "class act" over numerous games.
We also briefly touched on Corey's recent moment in the spot light via ESPN's Not Top 10. To his credit the officials are not supposed to be part of the play in any wayl and he truly shows his respect for this rule here:
I think I can speak for the team by saying the conversation brought valuable insight into the world of officiating that I wont soon forget.
POW 5K Run
Sept. 12th, San Diego - The MWR staff on board the San Diego Naval Base put on a great 5K run. The team gathered a few hours before the run to help set up tents and tables for the check in staff and event sponsors. There was a good marine layer in the morning that helped keep things cool for the morning.
We handed out water to the runners and helped take everything down at the conclusion of the event.
We handed out water to the runners and helped take everything down at the conclusion of the event.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Training at USD
Sept. 10th, San Diego - The renowned USD coaching staff ran our afternoon training session today on the beautiful USD campus.
Head Coach, Seamus McFadden build the USD soccer program from the ground up after arriving in 1979. He coached his 300th win in 2008 and has earned the West Coach Conference Coach of the Year Award a record seven times.
Assistant Coach, Mike Nicholson arrived at USD in 2005 after coaching the UCSD women's team to an NCAA championship.
Assistant Coach, Brian Quinn is a former US National team player, and long time professional soccer player. He is also a former esteemed player and coach with the San Diego Sockers club.
We started with a quick warm up before moving to juggling drills across the field. We played some short-short-long and then moved ahead to crossing and finishing drills before running some 11v11 among our selves.
We knocked out some fitness build ups with the "fitness master", Seamus McFadden before hearing some great closing insight from the coaches which included a story from Coach Quinn about how to and how to not mark Carlos Valderrama.
Head Coach, Seamus McFadden build the USD soccer program from the ground up after arriving in 1979. He coached his 300th win in 2008 and has earned the West Coach Conference Coach of the Year Award a record seven times.
Assistant Coach, Mike Nicholson arrived at USD in 2005 after coaching the UCSD women's team to an NCAA championship.
Assistant Coach, Brian Quinn is a former US National team player, and long time professional soccer player. He is also a former esteemed player and coach with the San Diego Sockers club.
We started with a quick warm up before moving to juggling drills across the field. We played some short-short-long and then moved ahead to crossing and finishing drills before running some 11v11 among our selves.
We knocked out some fitness build ups with the "fitness master", Seamus McFadden before hearing some great closing insight from the coaches which included a story from Coach Quinn about how to and how to not mark Carlos Valderrama.
Monday, September 10, 2012
First Scrimmage
Sept. 8th, Chula Vista - Our first scrimmage was against Shore Club, a local men's soccer team. They were not the clubs top team but they could still play decent soccer.
We took the lead early and put away a number of insurance goals throughout the competition. We strung passes together fairly well considering it was our first outing against outside competition. However, there was noticeable improvement to be made.
We have numerous scrimmages scheduled in the near future to work out the kinks.
We took the lead early and put away a number of insurance goals throughout the competition. We strung passes together fairly well considering it was our first outing against outside competition. However, there was noticeable improvement to be made.
We have numerous scrimmages scheduled in the near future to work out the kinks.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
SPARQ Test Results
Congratulations to Brian McGarrigle for receiving the highest score on the Nike SPARQ Test with Isaac Mulbah and Kevin Trujillo following closely behind.
According to several online discussion forums average athletes score between a 50-55 with top division 1 soccer players scoring around 80.
Our team average was 61 with our top scorer at 86.
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According to several online discussion forums average athletes score between a 50-55 with top division 1 soccer players scoring around 80.
Our team average was 61 with our top scorer at 86.
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SDSU Soccer Game
Sept. 7th - Aztec Stadium - After our afternoon practice we piled into the vans to watch SDSU's home opener. We watched the Aztecs beat Houston Baptist 3-2 in front of a record breaking crowd.
At halftime several alumni were recognized, including Eric Wynalda. I am pretty sure I still have several posters of him that I ripped out of eurosport magazines when I was 12 hanging in my room at my parents house. I should probably take those down after hearing his latest work as a sports commentator (just kidding if your reading this Eric).
Our two sessions a day have continued to go well. Everyone is sore but in good spirits. The Navy public affairs team put together a great write up about our camp.
Our two sessions a day have continued to go well. Everyone is sore but in good spirits. The Navy public affairs team put together a great write up about our camp.
Friday, September 7, 2012
MWR Hosted Dinner
Sep 5th, San Diego Naval Base - After our morning session at the olympic training center and an afternoon session at the naval base's turf field, we attended a dinner sponsored by the MWR staff.
We were able to show our immense appreciation to the MWR director and his staff while feasting on large portioned helpings of chicken parmesan and bread sticks.
We were able to show our immense appreciation to the MWR director and his staff while feasting on large portioned helpings of chicken parmesan and bread sticks.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Olympic Training Center
Sept. 4th, Olympic Training Center Chula Vista - Our first touches were made on one of the nicest pitches I have ever played on. The torch was lit as we drove through the strikingly colorful entrance. Anyone can appreciate beautiful facilities but athletes of all sports hold a certain reverence for the houses of their passion.
When a baseball player is close enough to smell a freshly cut outfield with a brightly lined and raked infield or a basketball player steps onto a squeaky court, never touched by street shoes, surrounded by stadium seating and capped with crystal clear backboards their pulse rate may quicken slightly and they may be distracted with visions of explosive movements and athletic greatness. This was certainly the case as we took in the perfectly manicured pitch, divot-less and flat, with mountains and blue skys in the distance.
We started the training with a lot of basic touch drills, honing our passing on the ground and in the air and we ended with some small sided games going to a combination of full size goals and mini pop up goals. We took a break during practice to meet with some of the Olympic training staff. We thanked them for the wonderful opportunity and grabbed a quick picture.
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