CYCLONES BREAK TOP 20 IN STATE

Well here it is, we have finally been ranked in the State. It took long enough (just kidding). All the girls and their families should be very proud. We have been ranked number 19 in the State. This is a good starting point for us. Take a look at the rankings. We have played many of these teams competitively. Work hard this weekend girls. A good showing in the upcoming Tournament will push us up the chart.

click this link http://www.nationalsoccerranking.com/california_north.htm

FINISHING DRILLS PAYOFF BIG

After a tough loss last week against Lamorinda, I finally decided to focus totally on finishing this past week. It's something I've tried to work into practice more often, but I always seem to run out of time. This time I was determined. There are a few games that stick out in my mind, that if we had been better at finishing, we would have dominated those games. So with a great week of practicing finishing, I knew we would match up well against Bullard. Our girls played unbelievable. They took control from the start, and never looked back. With Keagan finding an early goal, it set the tone for the rest of the game. Isabella, who worked hard at Saturdays finishing practice, found the back of the net twice. Evy finished off the day to make it a 4-0 win. I was pleased on how well all the girls played. I might not give the defense all the accolades they deserve, it's just that they get it done so well. Only 2 shots were taken on our goal the whole game. Way to go Defense. Big Tournament this weekend in Visalia. Get Ready CYCLONES we've got momentum.

THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE UGLY: WHAT A WEEKEND

THE GOOD: We beat Kingsburg on Sunday morning to keep our undefeated record in CYSA. The Kingsburg team came out strong, but in the end we were to much for them. All the girls played well. Although Keagan really step up her game. I told her after the game that she became a better player that morning.

THE BAD: Danielle decided to leave our team and play for the Odyssey U-12 team. We will miss Danielle and we hope the best for her. As a coach I always support what a family feels is best for their child. I wish she would have seen out her commitment for the season, but in the end it's a family decision. Like I told all the girls on the team. This isn't the first time a player has left our team, and it won't be the last. Kennedy, Anissia and Daniella are all girls that use to play for us but have gone on to play with different teams. It's always good to see these girls on the field and I always wish them the best. My hope for every player that I have coached or ever will coach, is for them to love the game of soccer. Wherever that is, it's up to them. I reminded our players that when we see Danielle we should treat her with respect, and nothing negative should ever be said about her. I truly enjoyed the Rodriguez family on this team. They will be missed.

THE UGLY: Our second game on Sunday was Ugly. I know the girls were a little tired from the morning game. But it just seemed like we couldn't get any breaks. 2 hand balls and a missed penalty kick didn't help either. There is no blame to any individual player on why we lost the game. We win together we lose together. It's just unfortunate that we lost to a team that I feel we are much better than. But in the end, they got the win. Remember these first 3 state cup games are just for placement in state cup. We will rebound from this game and be just fine.

Back to work today and Thursday. Then Bullard this Sunday. Get ready girls Bullard always plays up for us. Work hard this week CYCLONES. It will pay off on Sunday.

CYCLONES WIN OPENER IN CYSA

Although the competition wasn't as strong as I would have liked, the girls played well. They dominated from the beginning by scoring in the first 40 seconds. As a coach I realized how bad this could have got, so I pulled 2 player and played short 15 minutes into the game. This is how I usually handle a game like this. The only problem with this game was the refs. They decided not to call fouls against our opponents. And call every little foul on us, even yellow carding Pauline for a foul that should have just been a warning. Then there were players on the other team that were not only cursing at our girls but telling them they were ugly. After the intentional foul on Danielle with no penalty call, I had enough. I realized the only way to end this mess was to totally destroy this team. I went back to 11 players and I told the girls to take care of business. They did, and this took care of it. Sometimes I might take it a little too personal when it comes to my players, but I have daughters and these little girls are close to my heart. Great win Cyclones. To set the record straight, we have the most beautiful girls on any u-11 team in the State.