Under 11 Blue - Susan
U11 Blues kicked off the season against one of the toughest clubs, Bulleen FC. Having to play against the sun the first half didn't help and we finished 2 goals done (oh for the offside rule in that second one!) in spite of some good saves by first time goalie, Tarni.
Change of ends helped and Kensington put on most of the pressure in the second half, but couldn't quite find the net. Ruby, playing her first game for Kensington, kept up Tarni's standard and the defenders, Trixie, Grace, Annabelle and Merina worked magnificently to frustrate the Bulleen strikers. Watching from behind the goals, I couldn't see the forward action so well, but we had several chances to score - I noticed Elena and Mia having a go.
A great performance for our first game against a team that trains through summer and with three debutantes - Poppy, Amelie and Alice on our team.
And a beautiful day too - great start to the season.
Under 12 Joeys - Peter
What a great game you all played ... it certainly was a tight game and we knew after the practice match back on the 6/4 that they were going to be a competitive team.
The backline in the first half Ava, Sarah and Sophie all played really strategically and played the offside trap a few times - our new goalie Charlie playing her first game did not even have to touch the ball ... the mid fielders Lam Nhi Rozie and Honor showed lost of skills and passed the ball with precision - you totally dominated the game through that part of the ground and gave our forwards Erika, Cate and Chiara plenty of the ball. I was really impressed with the defensive games of our attackers as well and kept the pressure on them - just unlucky not to finish off a few really positive attacking moves.
We swapped goalies in the second half and Charlie moved to right back and Ava into goals. We had a bit more pressure on us this half and again showed lots of strength through the midfield and options to attack the goal. Almost all of their moves into attack were cut off quickly by Sarah who we swapped with Cate from forward to back.
It wasn't until the 48th minute that the 0-0 deadlock was broken when a goal was scored after sustained pressure from the Barnies in our penalty area. Congratulations to everyone for doing your bit and helping to make a really positive start to the year.
Under 12 Kangas - Tom
U12 Kangas got their season off to a solid start with a dominant performance against Moreland. The end result was a 2-0 win with goals to best on ground Ishi in the 1st and 15th minutes. Although no goals were scored in the second half, our girls were camped permanently in their attacking half with the challenge being to find a way through a very packed 18 yard box. Although we did not find a way through in the 2nd half, the quality of our passing, thinking and combining grew as the game went on and the girls exhibited some very attractive and promising play.
Our new players Ari, Bianca and Lauren all put in excellent debuts. A fine performance from Charli in goals as well in the first half who came off her line very positively a few times to thwart break-aways. Thanks also to April and Izzie for keeping goals in the second half. Mention also to Georgia for another excellent performance in the centre of defence and who was able to chase down and stop 2 or or three dangerous counter attacks in the first half.
In summary, a great start to the season and very entertaining performance. I am sure that as the girls play more together they will build on their understanding and play with more and more confidence and dominate a lot of games.Was fanstastic to be at JJ Holland on a beautiful morning with lots of teams in action and the new club rooms abuzz. I glimpsed some future stars over at the u9s game too which was brilliant to see.
Under 14Cs - Joe
It's good to be back and it's great to see the seasoned veterans all back together again together with all the newcomers. The girls from last year welcome Serena, Cleo, Bronnie and Ebony. Likewise we wish Delali, Jade, Isabella G all the best in the u14Bs and Hollie all the best in the u12s. We also welcome Caitlin who has decided to come down from the u14b's and help us out.
Unfortunately today we did not walk away with the points succumbing to a 0 - 3 score line but it was superb to see the girls on the field and playing as a team. There were many positives to take out the game. The hunger and desire to compete is still there and if these traits remain it will not take long before we start knocking up the wins
I am proud of all the girls in how they performed today. The first goal that Brunswick scored was cracker and all credit to them. The second and third goals came from a number of defensive mistakes. Something that we can work on and improve at training this week and going forward. Attacking wise we also had our chances with Eloise and Hannah coming close drawing out saves from the opposition keeper and Isabella making her runs on the wings on many occasions looking dangerous every time she did so. Kristina struck the woodwork and was unluckly not to score.
It was good that I got to see how the structure we tried to put in place stood up to the pressure. I can not wait for next week and the rest of the year. If we train hard and work hard to keep our structure it will be a very successful year.
Under 18s - Antonio
Our U18 had a brilliant victory in the away game against Lalor United Junior SC. We won 7 - 2.
As a coach I am and I believe all the numerous parents present at game are too, extremely pleased of this victory not because of the number of goals that we were able to score that makes of course everyone happy, but it is the way the girls played and the way they reacted after being down 2 goals in the first 2 minutes.
After the initial shock of being down with 2 unlucky goals after only 2 minutes, all the girls slowly started to play a wonderful soccer with great passes and actions. The soccer actions at time were perfect and spectacular, fast and very effective, especially in the second half when with only 4-5 passes from defence to attack, the girls score beautiful goals. They were aware that being the first game, fitness would be a big issue, so the only way to overcome the fitness was and it is, to let the ball run, instead of them and pass the ball as much as possible. They did this very well.
Of course this is just the first game and we will play possibly against stronger teams, but our U18 is a very young team (no one is or will be 18 years old this year), so I believe the team will be stronger at every game.
Well done to all.
Last Modified on 20/02/2020 09:52
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