Mass Young Gunners - Commanders vs. New England Surf Metro Sky Boston

 Young Gunners 2013 - Commanders

Mass Young Gunners - Commanders vs. New England Surf Metro Boston Sky

Farber Field, Worcester, Ma

Sunday, April 10, 2022

Change of Field - Ready to Play

The Commanders had a change in fields and played 7v7 on U12 dimensions and goals. The Commanders needed a few extra minutes to adjust than the visitors, giving up two early goals. Checking back to the ball on goal kicks is an area for improvement as the Commanders gave up a few easy breaks by allowing the Surf to sneak out in front. About 15 minutes into the game, they started to settle in and had a few great runs and passing combinations that created chances. Cal Darlington had a few heads up through balls that were passes seen from professionals. With pressure amounting on the Surf with multiple chances, the Commanders were able to put one in the net. Jack McSweeney  put himself in the perfect position to tap in the ball in front of the net off of a deflection. There was a variety of ball movement throughout the half and a strong sense of possession and moving into space. Recovering goal side also looked stronger throughout the game. New England Surf went into the half with a 3-1 lead. 

Half-Time Adjustments 

Keep the pressure up defensively and finish when given the chance to score. The Commanders started off the half again strong with pressure and great ball movement throughout the second half. They made great decisions by attacking defenders using skills or passing to a teammate with great success. The Surf’s keeper had a strong half with the Commanders creating chances in front repeatedly, either hitting the post, kick save from the keeper, or going wide for an exciting second half. Tyler Rice was able to strike one home for the second goal making it 3-2. A few minutes later during one of the few breakdowns during the second half, their opponents scored on a quick attack. A third goal by Reed Bahde, who worked relentlessly throughout the game, was able to roll over the goalline, making it 4-3. The Commanders put more pressure the last few minutes, but the final score was 4-3 by the New England Suft. 

Players of the Match

Players of the match are Jack McSweeney and Reed Bahde. Jack got his first goal of the season by running and moving into space, placing it nicely for a tap-in. He shined in the second half when using a variety of skill moves while playing left back, zig-zagging around three defenders before distributing a pass to his teammate up front. 

Reed played each position he was placed the same consistent way throughout the game. He put great pressure on defense, strong takes, quick and effective attacks, and simple passing that helped his team build possession throughout the game. He won the ball often and distributed to his teammates that helped create chances on a regular basis. 

Honorable mention goes to the whole team for creating several passing combinations and working the possession game. The boys are starting to look like season veterans playing a great game of soccer while their opponents rely on kickball and fast breaks. Will they be surprised in a year or two with the Commander's progress!