CYCLONES HAVE SUCCESS IN ODYSSEY TOURNAMENT

First, I want to thank the girls from South Valley Chivas for being a part of our team this weekend. They helped us see what a couple of more strong forwards would do for our team and that goalkeeper is she amazing or what. It really takes us to the next level.
With 1 win and 2 loses I still feel we had a lot of success this weekend. We came out strong against Livermore #15 in the state, with a 4-0 win. Then we played the #2 team in the state Santa Clara Sporting Green to a 0-2 loss. Although, I wasn't at this game. Understand, it doesn't get much better than them at this age. Then our last game against the #4 team in the state Los Gatos Elite was a 0-3 loss also. We had our opportunities with Los Gatos, we just couldn't find the net. I hope all the parents and players see that we are a very talented team. We played some great teams this weekend and we competed with them. I am very proud of all the girls and very happy with the weekend. Trust me, we are headed in the right direction.

CYCLONES SET TO PLAY IN CLOVIS CHALLENGE CUP

The tournament will truly be a challenge. We get to play some of the top teams in the State. I am very excited about this weekend. It will tell us exactly what kind of team we are at this point in the season. Our success this weekend will not be measured on wins and loses, but on the quality of play we have. Usually with a higher quality of play comes wins. Honing our skills in league play has really been a challenge. Still we have had great training sessions and a quality tournament at the end of September. I am very pleased on the girls development. Get ready Cyclones we have some soccer to play.

CYCLONES TO HELP CHIVAS IN THE SURF CUP

With a very strong team in place, South Valley Chivas have asked some of our players to guest play for them in an upcoming Tournament. This will make their team even stronger. It is an honor to be asked as a player and a coach. If you weren't one of the ones that was asked, don't feel bad. Whenever a coach borrows players from another team, it's usually because he's trying to fill spots of players that aren't going to be able to make it from his own team. Next time you might be asked and not another. Either way it is always good when we can help out a Valley team. In return, coach Curtis has opened up his roster to us if we ever need a player or two. I had a long meeting with Coach Curtis and his assistant. We are all very excited about the future of both our teams. Make us proud Cyclones, who knows coach might just show up to watch.

ONE OF COACH'S PREVIOUS PLAYERS IS MAKING IT AS A SINGER/ACTOR

In all the years I have coached soccer I have had the privilege of coaching many great girls. They all had their certain talents other than soccer. I started coaching BRIANNA DE ALBA at 10 years old. She sent me a link to her sight. She just signed with a label and thinks she might be the next Hannah Montana. Whatever she becomes, I know she will be very successful. I'm glad she still remembers her coach. I can't wait to see what becomes of the great group of girls I am coaching now. Hopefully they won't forget coach.

CYCLONES TAKE 2nd PLACE IN VISALIA

Although it wasn't the outcome that we were hoping for, the girls still had a great tournament. Matching up with South Valley for our first game on Saturday help set the tone for the weekend. I think both teams knew we would probably meet up again on Sunday. With a 1-1 tie it made the possibility even more exciting. Our girls took care of Madera with a 4-0 win. Then Sunday morning they beat Odyssey 3-0. This took us to the Championship game against South Valley. Both teams played hard, at the end of it all South Valley won 1-0.
All the girls played fantastic. I will by the end of the week send out a personal email to each player, expounding on their weekend play. I just want to say good job. We scored 8 goals this weekend and only 2 were scored against us. This is in part due to Dominique. She has come on to this team and fit like a glove. With losing a player like Danielle, one always wonders if she can be replaced. Well Dominique you have not only filled those shoes, but you also bring so much as a field player. I think we were all amazed when you buried that ball in the back of the net from outside the 18. We are very happy you came along to join an amazing group of girls. Yes, they are amazing. Great Tournament Cyclones

FOR THE SAFETY OF THE PLAYERS

Before I Blog about our recent tournament I need to address an area of concern. It is not by accident that many of our girls got injured this weekend. Some of which are still nursing these injuries. As a coach I am pretty laid back for this age group. I feel there shouldn't be so much pressure put on young players. So I overlook players late to practice, because I know that parents do have busy schedules. Something I've overlooked lately, but will not any more, is players being late to scrimmages or games. When players come to practice I don't do a lot of stretching. This is because these girls are at school all day running and jumping. By the time they get to practice, their muscles are warmed up. Games are a different issue. Most players wake up eat breakfast, and move around very little before their parents drive them to the game. They need to stretch and warm up their muscles. If not, they will get injuries. This is what happened this weekend. Very few girls were at the fields at the designated time, and it only got worse on Sunday.

LET ME BE CLEAR: When we start Warm ups
League games: 45 before the start of the game
Tournaments: 1 hour before the start of the game (unless I make adjustments)

If players are not there at the designated time. We will play short on the field until the late players have a decent time to warm up. I cannot risk player injuries. If this results in a loss for our team, no one suffers except the girls. Please be prompt with the times. Thank You