Mass Young Gunners - Commanders vs. New England Surf

 Young Gunners 2013 - Commanders


Mass Young Gunners - Commanders vs. New England Surf South City

Thomas Prince Fields - Princeton, Ma

Sunday, November 7, 2021


Continued Progress has its Rewards

The Commanders were facing the same team that they played the first week of the season and lost 6-0. They jumped out to a fast start with Cal Darlington playing in goal, starting at defense was Jack McSweeney and Callen Ploss, the midfielders were Kai Helper, Jack McDonald, and Alex Harned and William Lachance started up top at striker. The Commanders controlled the game right from the start, with Jack McDonald opening up the field by creating space in the wide position, giving his teammates an option to pass or allowing them more space to take on the defenders. Within the first ten minutes of the game, William and Alex were able to find the back of the net and give the Commanders a 2-0 lead. Typically, having a lead is a great way to start, but for some reason after struggling to score all season, the Commanders got a bit too selfish with wanting to score and completely abandoned the team game. New England Surf was able to tie up the game at half with a score of 2-2, mostly due to the fact that each player was attempting to beat three or four defenders and then lost the ball. 


Half-Time Adjustments

We identified quickly that when we opened up space out wide and passed to our teammates into open space we controlled the game and scored our goals. When we tried to do everyone individually the other team controlled and scored their goals. The plan then was to go back to the team game. The second half started off better for the Commanders and we were able to create a few chances. At one point, New England Surf began cheering as they put the ball back into the back of our net, but were caught offside. This gave the Commanders a chance to rally and rally they did. The last ten minutes of the game was very exciting with hard fought battles and a no quit attitude. With a few minutes left, Cal received the ball and placed a nice through ball to Alvyn who streaked down on a break away, reaching out at the last second with his toe, poking the ball past the goalie and into the back of the net. The score ended with a win for the Commanders of 3-2. They are currently on a one game winning streak for the first time in their Club Careers! Great way to end the season with the progress and hardwork paying off. 


(Not Cal Darlington, but still a Darlington)


Players of the Match

Players of the match goes to Jack McDonald and Cal Darlington. Jack started off the game playing left midfield and was able to stay out wide which created great space for our attackers. This is something that has been more and more noticeable from Jack each week and he’s recognizing the positive impact staying out wide has on the success of the team. His teammates were able to recognize this a few times and gave him a few strong passes so that he could attack the goal. Cal worked hard during training improving his awareness while playing outside midfield and in the second half he was patient waiting for the ball and once he received the pass he was gifted with plenty of room to use his skills on the defenders. His game winning assist was a great heads up play to find the open teammate. 

(Not Jack McDonald, but still a McDonald)

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