Glens Falls Boys' Modified Soccer

GF soccer summer camp!

2012-01-20T18:10:00.001-05:00

GF soccer summer camp will be held from July 9-13, 2012 at Morse Athletic Complex from 8-11 am. Cost is $60 and the camp is open to any student who will be entering grades 3 through 9 next fall. The cost includes a t-shirt. For a registration form, contact me. For additional info, contact Coach Shaver at mshaver @ gfsd.org

Possession soccer at its finest

2011-12-31T14:09:00.000-05:00

Overemphasis on winning in US youth soccer, energy drinks, letting players learn to make decisions themselves and how parents can help player development

2011-12-07T17:15:00.001-05:00

Some interesting soccer-related articles published recently...

-One of the flaws in the US youth soccer culture is a “misplaced emphasis on winning” at too young an age ahead of player development. This results in a bias toward physical prowess and against technical evolution that may have short term benefits for the team but is harmful to the long-term development of players. (here)

-Young athletes should avoid energy drinks. (click here)

-Parents and coaches should pipe down during the game and let kids learn to make decisions for themselves on the field. (here)

-Former World Cup winning player and new US national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann offers suggestions to parents on the role they can play in helping their kids’ soccer development. (part 1 here and part 2 here)

Feedback (both ways)

2011-11-21T14:02:00.001-05:00

If you would like feedback regarding your son’s strengths and weaknesses in a soccer context, please either email me or you can leave a comment on this entry with your and your son’s name and I will email you. This is something I intend to do this in a more systematic way next year – both in the middle and at the end of the season.Additionally, if you would like to give *me* feedback regarding things you or your son appreciated about this year’s soccer experience or things you would like to see done differently, you can also either email me if you want. Or if you prefer to remain anonymous, you can leave a comment on this entry. Please be specific where possible.Please note that while all comments on this entry will be read, NONE will actually be published for public viewing.

Former GF mod. player advances in NCAAs

2011-11-17T18:54:00.001-05:00

Congrats to former GF modified player Jon Kowalski, who now plays for SUNY Oneonta. He and his team recently advanced to the 3rd round of the NCAA Div. III soccer tournament. If Oneonta wins both games this weekend, they will qualify for the national semifinals. Good luck Jon!

Season recap

2011-10-30T12:34:00.001-04:00

Glens Falls finished the season with a 6-6 overall record. The team started a bit erratically, but as the season went along, the Indians played a consistent (with one exception) brand of attacking, possession-oriented soccer.

70% of the team's goals were assisted, a testament to TEAM-oriented soccer based on passing and movement rather than just expecting one player to do everything. This was illustrated in the team's first goal against Broadalbin-Perth, by far the best team goal I've seen in 11 years of coaching modified. It was set up with a amazing sequence of 14 passes without losing possession in which 7 different players touched the ball, demonstrating patience, skillful execution and good decision-making at every opportunity.

I also can't remember a team that that was involved in so many games that were close (8 of 12 decided by 2 goals or fewer) and well-played by both teams, which certainly provided a great challenge to our team. It was certainly an exciting season and I hope the players enjoyed it and felt they improved.

A few notable statistical achievements were accomplished this year...
-Julian Winston: 17 saves in a game (ties all-time team record)

-Dylan Balcom: 3 goals in a game (ties record)

-Balcom: 10 goals in a season (2nd best all time)

-Drew Nizolek: fastest 2 assists (under 2 minutes)

TEAM LEADERS
Goals: 10-Balcom
Assists: 6-Nizolek
Points: 22-Balcom
Most shots: 32-Balcom
Most shots on goal: 23-Balcom

Shooting accuracy* (% of shots that were on goal): 80.0%-Andrew Stamatel
Finishing accuracy* (% of shots that were goals)" 37.0%-Balcom

Goalkeeper saves: 31-Luke Kelly
GK minutes: 290-Kelly
GK goals allowed average (per 60 minutes): 1.26-Matt Parent
GK saves per 60 minutes: 7.2-Winston

*-mininum 6 shots

Hope to see everyone next year!

Thanks

2011-10-28T12:35:00.004-04:00

Thank you to everyone for the gift card as well as for the autographed ball. Just a reminder to make sure you touch a soccer ball once in a while before next fall. Hope to see everyone next year!

Final team gathering and uniform collection on Tuesday

2011-10-24T08:38:00.002-04:00

We will have one final team get together on Tuesday from 4:15-5:00 at Kensington. We will do something fun such as a scrimmage or shooting games or something else the players can find consensus on. Players must bring both jerseys and their pair of shorts to turn in at this event. Players are not required to stay for the activities if they have something else going on but they (or a parent) should show up at some point during this time to return their school-issued uniform. Any issues, please let me know. See everyone then.

Game report: GF 4-2 J'town

2011-10-22T22:42:00.001-04:00

Saturday October 22
Glens Falls 4-2 Johnstown

Glens Falls concluded their season with a 4-2 win against Johnstown at Kensington. The Indians started slowly, conceding a pair of goals in the first few minutes of the contest. After a tactical switch, they tightened things up in the back but couldn't get anything going offensively. They finished a disappointing, lethargic half down 2-0. But as the third quarter opened, GF was a completely different team. The Indians scored only a few minutes after the break and were completely rampant in the second half with aggressiveness, high energy and a great passing game. They scored three more times before it was over in a match that is believed to be the first time in GF modified history that the team came from two goals down to win.

SHOTS ON GOAL: GF 6, Johnstown 6
GOALKEEPER SAVES: Matt Parent 2, Julian Winston 2

SCORING
32'-Liam Forbes
45'-Dylan Balcom
50'-Balcom (Matt Parent)
59'-Balcom *PK*

Note: Balcom's three goals was the first GF modified hat trick since 2006 and the second fastest recorded in team history.

Click here to see final team stats

Game report: LG 3-2 GF

2011-10-20T19:32:00.002-04:00

Thursday October 20, 2011
Lake George 3-2 Glens Falls

On a wet afternoon, Glens Falls narrowly lost to Lake George 3-2 after a fantastic game of soccer both ways. The teams were tied at 1 at halftime when GF scored on a breakaway toward the end of the third quarter. However, the Warriors scored once early in the fourth quarter and again with under 3 minutes left to seal the win. GF had several good chances throughout the game but their finishing was not as sharp as it had been in recent games. Glens Falls moved the ball around the field better than they have all year but were undone by a problem that’s plagued them since the game one: leaving opposition attackers unmarked in front of their goal. The game represents the 7th in 11 contests decided by two goals or fewer.

SHOTS ON GOAL: LG 8, GF 11
GOALKEEPER SAVES: Luke Kelly 5

SCORING
19’-Andrew Stamatel (Willy Herrmann)
44’-Dylan Balcom (Matt Parent)

Click here to see full season stats

Game report: GF 6-2 HF

2011-10-18T20:11:00.000-04:00

Thursday October 18
Glens Falls 6-2 Hudson Falls

Glens Falls snapped a three game losing streak by thumping Hudson Falls 6-2 at Kensington. The Indians scored in just the 2nd minute of the game to take an early lead but the Tigers threatened at various times throughout the first quarter. GF exploded for four goals in nine minutes in the second quarter, including three in three minutes, to take a commanding 5-0 lead into halftime. Hudson Falls dominated the third quarter, getting two goals back and nearly more. However, the Indians stabilized things in the final quarter and added another for the final margin of victory. GF's shooting accuracy was excellent with all of their 14 shots being on goal and 6 of the 14 going in.

SHOTS ON GOAL: GF 14, HF 7
GOALKEEPER SAVES: Matt Parent 2; Mike Schrammel 3

SCORING
2'-Dylan Balcom
19'-Drew Nizolek (Andrew Stamatel)
26'-Stamatel (Nizolek)
27'-Kellen Wolfe (Nizolek)
28'-Nizolek (Wolfe)
51'-Stamatel (Wolfe)

Note: Nizolek is believed to be only the 2nd player in GF modified history to have multiple goals AND multiple assists in the same game! His 2 assists in 2 minutes is the fastest pair of assists in team history.

For full team stats, click here.

Gloversville makeup game

2011-10-17T17:01:00.001-04:00

I am currently in the process of trying to arrange a makeup date for our away game to Gloversville that got postponed. It seems likely that it will be next week on a school night. I will let you know.

Update: I've been told that the game will NOT be made up on Fri. Oct. 21 so anyone in the MS band event will be ok.

2011 team photo

2011-10-16T08:00:00.000-04:00

Note: Click on the pic to make it bigger

Front row (L-R): Willy Herrmann, Andrew Bulmer, Josh Greenwood, Liam Forbes, Michael Schrammel, Andy Culliton, Matt Parent & Tymothy Dorvee.

Middle: Drew Nizolek, Cooper Knapp, Andrew Stamatel, Dylan Balcom, Julian Winston, Peter Mauro & Luke Kelly.

Back: Coach Farenell, Henry Vanderminden, Andrew Nichols, Kellen Wolfe, Greyson Brady, Austin Shufelt & Jacob West.

Missing: Rzonathan Morris

****

TEAM LEADERS

L-R: Co-captain Andrew Bulmer, alternate captain Kellen Wolfe and co-captain Peter Mauro.

Party and photos

2011-10-16T03:26:00.000-04:00

If anyone is interested in organizing a post-season team party or some other get together, please let me know.

Also, if anyone has game photos that they'd like posted on the website, please email me.

Game report: Qby 3-2 GF (2OT)

2011-10-13T21:49:00.000-04:00

Thursday October 13
Queensbury 3-2 Glens Falls (2OT)

Glens Falls suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 overtime loss away to Queensbury today in what was an exciting, well-played game of soccer. The Indians scored first but quickly fell behind. They fought back with a gritty goal in the 3rd quarter to even it up. GF was generally very sharp in the 2nd half, moving the ball around the field well and giving an excellent overall TEAM performance. However, with under 2 minutes left in the second and final overtime, a long distance shot slipped past the Indians' goalkeeper. On the final play of the game, GF nearly equalized but a pass across the face of the goal just barely missed being poked in two players.
SHOTS ON GOAL: GF 5, Queensbury 20
SAVES: Julian Winston 17 (Note: this ties the all-time team record for most saves in a game)

SCORING
9'-Mike Schrammel (Peter Mauro)
37'-Andrew Bulmer (Drew Nizolek)

Click here to see full team stats

Game report: GF 0-7 SGF

2011-10-12T19:19:00.000-04:00

Wednesday October 12
Glens Falls 0-7 South High

Glens Falls fell 7-0 to a rampant South High team at Morse. The Indians started strong in the first few minutes and nearly scored in the first minute of the game. But the Bulldogs scored about 5 minutes into the game after a great through ball. The Indians lost their composure and by the time they finally regained it, they were already down 5-0 early in the 2nd quarter. Although the effort was not lacking, Glens Falls season-long problems with lack of focus particularly hurt them against this undefeated opponent.

SHOTS ON GOAL: GF 3, SGF 21
SAVES: Luke Kelly 3, Matt Parent 11

Click here to see full 2011 team stats

Game report: GF 1-2 Scotia

2011-10-08T12:44:00.002-04:00

Saturday October 8
Glens Falls 1-2 Scotia

Glens Falls was extremely unlucky to lose to Scotia 2-1 despite a fantastic performance against an strong opponent. In the last three years, Scotia had scored an average of 6 goals a game against GF, but today, the Indians' defense was remarkably strong and organized - 1 of the goals conceded was on a penalty kick. Glens Falls' attacking players kept the Tartans' defense under relentless pressure and were very unfortunate to score only once. If this effort is repeated, the second half of GF's season should be exciting to watch.

SHOTS ON GOAL: GF 3, Scotia 8
GOALKEEPER SAVES: Luke Kelly 6

SCORING
20'-Andy Culliton

Click here to view team stats.

Game report: HF 0-5 GF

2011-10-06T20:50:00.000-04:00

Thursday October 6
Hudson Falls 0-5 Glens Falls

Glens Falls scored 4 goals in 17 first-half minutes to cruise to a 5-0 win at Hudson Falls.

SHOTS ON GOAL: HF 1, GF 13
GOALKEEPER SAVES: Matt Parent 1, Julian Winston 0

SCORING
13'-Peter Mauro (Willy Herrmann)
15'-Dylan Balcom (Drew Nizolek)
22'-Nizolek (Andrew Stamatel)
30'-Andrew Bulmer (Cooper Knapp)
42'-Balcom

Click here to see season team stats.

Game report: SGF 2-0 GF

2011-10-05T21:50:00.004-04:00

Wednesday October 5
South Glens Falls 2-0 Glens Falls

Despite losing 2-0 to South High, Glens Falls gave a strong, organized effort against a top class opponent. The performance was a remarkable turnaround from a 8-1 scrimmage loss to open the season.

SHOTS ON GOAL: SGF 15, GF 2
GOALKEEPER SAVES: Luke Kelly 13

Click here to see season team stats.

Game report: GF 3-0 Qby

2011-10-03T21:59:00.000-04:00

Monday October 3
Glens Falls 3-0 Queensbury

Three different goal scorers contributed to Glens Falls' third win in a row and first clean sheet of the season as they defeated Queensbury's B team 3-0 at Kensington. The Indians opened the scoring when Mike Schrammel played a through ball to Kellen Wolfe who blasted it over the Spartans' keeper. The Indians dominated the entire game, except for a brief stretch in the middle of the first half. They doubled the lead in the middle of the second quarter when a shot was fumbled by the keeper and Dylan Balcom pounced on the rebound. GF continued to control the play and extended the lead in midway through the fourth quarter when Peter Mauro took a pass from Balcom and poked it home. Matt Parent and Luke Kelly combined for 3 saves on the afternoon. Andrew Bulmer and Willy Herrmann did excellent jobs distributing the ball from the attacking midfield position while the central defensive pairing of Henry Vanderminden and Jacob West had another solid outing.

SHOTS ON GOAL: Glens Falls 16, Queensbury 3
SAVES: Matt Parent 2, Luke Kelly 1

SCORING
6'-Kellen Wolfe (Mike Schrammel)
20'-Dylan Balcom
49'-Peter Mauro (Balcom)

Click here to view team stats.

Game report: GF 2-1 HF

2011-09-26T20:03:00.000-04:00

Monday September 26
Glens Falls 2-1 Hudson Falls

Glens Falls overcame a disappointing, sluggish performance to narrowly defeat Hudson Falls 2-1 at Morse Field. The Indians started brightly, moving the ball around the field well and dominating the play. Drew Nizolek opened the scoring in the 5th minute when he picked off an errant goal kick and rifled it into the net. Although GF had most of the ball throughout the game, their play became more sloppy and unfocused and many chances were wasted: 10 of 23 total shots were off goal. GF was punished for this mid-way through the 3rd quarter when a defensive mixup allowed the Tigers to even the score on one of their only opportunities of the game. Willy Herrmann won the game for the Indians late in the 3rd quarter when Andy Culliton laid a ball back to him and he fired it home from 12 yards out. The team will need a sharper, more focused effort on Thursday to compete with an excellent South High team. GF's main central defense pairing of Jacob West and Henry Vanderminden had an outstanding match.

SHOTS ON GOAL: GF 13, HF 3
SAVES: Julian Winston 2, Matt Parent 0

SCORING
5'-Drew Nizolek
44'-Willy Herrmann (Andy Culliton)

Click here to see team stats.

Clarification on playing time and objectives

2011-09-26T14:44:00.000-04:00

Just a brief, further clarification on playing time: since the main purpose of modified is player development for all team members, it is my policy that every player will play in every half of every game, apart from disciplinary or injury/health reasons.

Players are reminded that while winning is nice, the main objective is for the team to play good soccer and for individuals to improve as players.

Game report: BP 2-3 GF

2011-09-24T20:38:00.002-04:00

Saturday September 24
Broadalbin-Perth 2-3 Glens Falls

Glens Falls notched its first win of the season with a 3-2 win over a tough Broadalbin-Perth side. The Patriots controlled much of the 1st quarter as GF were sluggish early after a long Saturday morning bus ride. But the Indians opened the scoring with one of the best team goals seen at this level in a long time. A patient 13 pass sequence in which 7 different players touched the ball was finished off when Peter Mauro slid the ball across the top of the box to Willy Herrmann who shot above the keeper. BP evened the scoring when GF couldn't deal with a corner kick and took the lead on a fluky score when mishit cross hit the post, rebounded off an Indian defender's leg and into the goal. Glens Falls kept their heads and tied the game in the last minute of the 3rd quarter when Drew Nizolek took a pass from Dylan Balcom and poked it past the keeper. Nizolek scored the winner nine minutes later when he stole a ball and curled a shot that found its way into the net. Julian Winston made 5 saves, most of which were key early stops to keep GF in the game. The backline notched a very impressive, well-organized performance too.

SHOTS ON GOAL: BP 7, GF 8
SAVES: Julian Winston 5

SCORING
12'-Willy Herrmann (Peter Mauro)
45'-Drew Nizolek (Dylan Balcom)
54'-Nizolek

Click here to see team stats

Game report: Qby 4-2 GF

2011-09-22T07:30:00.000-04:00

Wednesday September 21
Queensbury 4-2 Glens Falls

Glens Falls played well but was undone by a couple of defensive errors to lose their season opener 4-2 away to Queensbury's A team. The Indians opened the scoring against the run of play in the 5th minute when Dylan Balcom collected a pass from Drew Nizolek and floated a shot into the net from a tough angle. Queensbury controlled the second quarter as well and took advantage of a couple of defensive mixups to take a one-goal lead into halftime. Glens Falls dominated the 2nd half but Queensbury scored a pair goals on the counterattack. Despite the deficit, the Indians continued to play well, apply pressure and attack at pace, creating a number of chances in the process. This determination was rewarded in the final minute on a nice sequence when Nizolek beat two defenders on the right wing and slid a ball across the face of the goal which Balcom tapped in. Despite the result, the performance was greatly improved over Monday's scrimmage.

SHOTS ON GOAL: Queensbury 8, Glens Falls 7
SAVES: Luke Kelly 4

Note: ' means minute and () means assist so 5'-Balcom (Nizolek) means Balcom scored in the 5th minute with an assist from Balcom.

SCORING
5'-Dylan Balcom (Drew Nizolek)
60'-Balcom (Nizolek)

2011 team stats (final)

2011-09-21T23:06:00.000-04:00

RECORD
6 wins, 6 losses
30 goals scored
28 goals allowed

TEAM GOALS BY QUARTER
GF 8-9-7-6--0=30
Opp. 8-9-6-4--1=28

TEAM SHOTS ON GOAL
GF 101
Opp. 106

SCORING
Dylan Balcom 10 goals, 2 assists = 22 points
Drew Nizolek 6 goals, 6 assists = 18 points
Andrew Stamatel 3 goals, 2 assists = 8 points
Peter Mauro 2 goals, 2 assists = 6 points
Kellen Wolfe 2 goals, 2 assists = 6 points
Willy Herrmann 2 goals, 2 assists = 6 points
Andrew Bulmer 2 goals = 4 points
Mike Schrammel 1 goal, 1 assist = 3 points
Andy Culliton 1 goal, 1 assist = 3 points
Liam Forbes 1 goal = 2 points
Matt Parent 2 assists = 2 points
Cooper Knapp 1 assist = 1 point
Team: 30 goals, 21 assists

SHOOTING
Dylan Balcom: 32 shots - 23 on goal
Drew Nizolek: 27 shots - 21 on goal
Willy Herrmann: 20 shots - 14 on goal
Andrew Bulmer: 13 shots - 10 on goal
Andrew Stamatel: 10 shots - 8 on goal
Kellen Wolfe: 8 shots - 6 on goal
Andy Culliton: 12 shots - 6 on goal
Peter Mauro: 6 shots - 4 on goal
Liam Forbes: 6 shots - 4 on goal
Mike Schrammel: 3 shots - 3 on goal
Matt Parent: 4 shots - 2 on goal
Henry Vanderminden: 1 shot
Team: 142 shots - 101 on goal

GOALKEEPERS
Julian Winston:
218 minutes, 26 saves, 6 goals allowed
3-1 record
1.65 goals allowed and 7.2 saves per 60 minutes
1/2 shutuout

Luke Kelly:
290 minutes, 31 saves, 16 goals allowed
0-5 record
3.31 goals allowed and 6.4 saves per 60 minutes
1/2 shutout

Matt Parent:
3-0 record
190 minutes, 18 saves, 4 goals allowed
1.26 goals allowed and 5.7 saves per 60 minutes
1 shutout

Mike Schrammel
30 minutes, 3 saves, 2 goals allowed

Reminders about jerseys

2011-09-20T18:39:00.002-04:00

Unless otherwise stated, players should wear their white jerseys to home games and their black jerseys to away games. Exception: someone who is attending the game but is unavailable to play should wear the opposite color jersey.

Also, players are encouraged to wear their jersey to school on game days. But aside from this and games, players should not wear their jerseys or shorts so as to prevent unnecessary wear and tear.

Respect

2011-09-16T20:00:00.003-04:00

Players are reminded that they are expected to act in a respectful way not only towards referees, teammates and their coach, but also toward opponents. Disrespectful behavior will be dealt with accordingly and may result in the sitting out of matches.

A few words on playing time

2011-09-14T14:01:00.000-04:00

The course of pre-season training has made it timely to post a reminder to players (and parents) about how playing time will be decided. The #1 factor in the amount of playing time each player receives will be his attitude. Particularly, his willingness to focus, to work hard, to push himself to improve and to follow instructions without constantly arguing, having to be told repeatedly or goofing off all the time. While other factors like squad size (23 players) and individual skill will be taken into account, the main factor will be attitude and focus.

How to play possession soccer

2011-09-13T08:01:00.000-04:00

2011 team page

2011-09-10T14:02:00.002-04:00

(Click here to see full team stats)

2011 SCHEDULE
Mon 9/19: vs South Glens Falls (scrimmage)
Wed 9/21: at Queensbury A: Lost 2-4 (report)
Sat 9/24: at Broadalbin-Perth: Won 3-2 (report)
Mon 9/26: vs Hudson Falls: Won 2-1 (report)
Mon 10/3: vs Queensbury B: Won 3-0 (report)
Wed 10/5: at SGF: Lost 0-2 (report)
Thu 10/6: at Hudson Falls: Won 5-0 (report)
Sat 10/8: vs Scotia: Lost 1-2 (report)
Wed 10/12: vs SGF: Lost 0-7 (report)
Thu 10/13: at Queensbury: Lost 2-3 OT (report)
Sat 10/15: at Gloversville (cancelled)
Tue 10/18: vs Hudson Falls: Won 6-2 (report)
Thurs 10/20: at Lake George: Lost 2-3 (report)
Sat 10/22: vs Johnstown: Won 4-2 (report)

2011 ROSTER AN UNIFORM NUMBERS
1-Mike Schrammel
2-Andrew Bulmer, captain
3-Peter Mauro, captain
4-Tymothy Dorvee
5-Josh Greenwood
6-Andy Culliton
7-Liam Forbes
8-Matt Parent
9-Willy Herrmann
10-Luke Kelly
11-Julian Winston
12-Kellen Wolfe, alternate captain
14-Drew Nizolek
15-Henry Vanderminden
16-Jacob West
18-Cooper Knapp
19-Andrew Nichols
20-Greyson Brady
21-Dylan Balcom
23-Austin Shufelt
24-Andrew Stamatel

For kids only

2011-09-03T08:33:00.002-04:00

A great column from Soccer America on what makes soccer fun (and what can make it not fun)...

For Kids Only ...
by Mike Woitalla

Dear Soccer-Playing Children of America,

The fall season is underway and I'm hoping you're having a great time. I'm hoping that you're playing soccer more than you have to stand in line and do drills.

I hope you're falling in love with the soccer ball and keep it with you as much as you can. Juggling it. Kicking it against a wall. Dribbling it around in your backyard.

And I especially hope that your parents aren't screaming at you during your soccer games.

I worry that you probably do get yelled at, because that's what I see at almost all the youth soccer games I go to. Hopefully you just ignore it. But I don't blame you if it bothers you.

No one enjoys getting screamed at. Sure, if you start crossing the street on a red light or throw a toy at your little sister or brother, your parents are justified in raising their voices. But they shouldn't scream at you while you're playing a game.

If they do, it doesn't mean they're bad people. But, unfortunately, sports does something to adults that makes them behave in ways they usually wouldn't.

You may have noticed this if you watched sports on TV. A coach, for example, dresses up in a fancy suit and throws tantrums like a 3-year-old.

Get adults around sports and all of a sudden they forget the same manners they try to teach you. In a way, sports are like driving. A grown-up gets behind the wheel and all of a sudden forgets you're not supposed to pick your nose in public.

And when grown-ups go watch their children play soccer, they, for some reason, think it's OK to scream like maniacs. Perhaps they don't realize what they're doing. Like the nose-pickers on the freeway who think they've suddenly gone invisible.

I hope you're able to block out all the sideline noise. But maybe you do hear their shouts. Telling you when to shoot the ball, when to pass it. Ignore all that!

You need to dribble the ball. Try to dribble past players. If you're dribbling too much, your teammates will let you know. And they'll help you make the decision of when to pass and when to dribble.

You decide when to shoot. When you're dribbling toward the goal and the goalkeeper is 20 yards away, and the adults are screaming at you to shoot, don't pay attention. Because if you get closer to the goal, it will be harder for the goalkeeper to stop your shot.

One of the really cool things about my job is that I get to interview the best coaches in America. And you know what the national team coaches tell me? They say young players are far more likely to become great players if they're allowed to make their own decisions when they play soccer.

They say that coaches should coach at practice, and when it's game time, it's time for the children to figure things out on their own. It's like at school. The teachers help you learn. Your parents may help you with homework. But when you get a test, you're on your own.

That's just an analogy. I'm not saying soccer is school! Soccer is your playtime.

I hope you have lots of playtime, on the soccer field and elsewhere. But I bet that you don't have as much time playing without adults around as we did when we were children.

When we were kids we had summer days when we would leave the house in the morning, be only with other children all day, then see our parents when we got back in the late afternoon.

Things have changed. The reasons adults are much more involved in your activities than they were when they were children are complicated, and a result of your parents' good intentions.

But sometimes we adults forget how important it is for you to play without us interfering. We love watching you play, especially on the soccer field, because it is such a wonderful sport. But we need to be reminded that it's your playtime.

You should decide. Ignore the shouts if you can. But don't be afraid to say, "I'm trying my best. Please, don't scream at me."

(Mike Woitalla, the executive editor of Soccer America, coaches youth soccer for East Bay United in Oakland, Calif. His youth soccer articles are archived at YouthSoccerFun.com.)

We're on Facebook!

2011-08-25T09:51:00.000-04:00

If you're on Facebook, check out our page (click here).

Dealing with heat

2011-07-22T20:39:00.002-04:00

With temperatures and heat indexes dangerously high, the National Soccer Coaches Association of America website has a good article on the importance of staying properly hydrated (drink lots of liquids and the right kinds... sodas, energy drinks and fruit juices are the wrong kind) in the heat and how to avoid serious heat related situations: click here to read more.

What to drink and the importance of sleep

2011-06-08T12:14:00.004-04:00

Soccer America's youth soccer blog has two excellent articles.

The first is on the importance of sleep for all teenagers, especially athletes. (Click here for the article)

The other is on the importance of drinking fluids not only during, but before and after sporting events. It points out that athletes should NOT be drinking soda or energy drinks around sporting events. It adds that sports drinks like Gatorade are okay during sporting events but athletes should not be drinking them constantly throughout the day because of the calories they contain; water should be drunk during the day. (Click here for the article)

Additionally, this website now has a section devoted to information for kids and parents on player development. (Click here)

(Still) smart guys

2011-06-07T17:15:00.004-04:00

Congrats to the 14 modified players who made honor or merit roll for the second marking period of 2010-11... that's over 87% of the team (again!).

8th grade honor roll: Justin Fizzuoglio, Logan Kunst, Jared McIntosh and Pat Resse.

8th grade merit roll: John Cote.

7th grade honor roll: Andrew Bulmer, Liam Forbes, Luke Kelly, Cooper Knapp, Peter Mauro, Andrew Nichols, Mike Schrammel and Kellen Wolfe.

7th grade merit roll: Austin Shufelt.

Great job gentlemen!

Smart guys!

2011-02-09T19:08:00.007-05:00

Congrats to the 14 modified players who made honor or merit roll for the first marking period of 2010-11... that's over 87% of the team!

8th grade honor roll: Andrew Bulmer John Cote, Logan Kunst and Patrick Resse.

8th grade merit roll: Justin Fizzuoglio and Jared McIntosh.

7th grade honor roll: Liam Forbes, Cooper Knapp, Peter Mauro, Andrew Nichols, Michael Schrammel and Kellen Wolfe.

7th grade merit roll: Luke Kelly and Austin Shufelt.

Great job guys!

2010 action photos

2010-11-22T21:44:00.007-05:00

Photos courtesy of Mr. Schrammel. Click on any photo to enlarge.

Team awards

2010-10-31T12:19:00.003-04:00

Thanks again to Luke Kelly's family for hosting this year's end of season party and for making the mini-trophies that everyone received.

This year's team awards were as follows:

John Cote – Helping foot (most assists)

Luke Kelly – Golden gloves (most saves)

Logan Kunst – Golden ball (most valuable player)

Jared McIntosh – Golden boot (leading scorer)

Michael Schrammel – Tough as nails

Patrick Resse – Top goal of the year

Andrew Bulmer – Top newcomer

Cooper Knapp – Most improved

Peter Mauro – Most improved

Sean Barnes – Most likely to wear a blue t-shirt and insist it’s black

Zach Dewall – Most likely to forget something

Justin Fizzuoglio – Most likely to break his glasses trying to head a ball

Liam Forbes – Most likely to chase a field mouse during a game

Kellen Wolfe – Most likely to attack someone for a piece of chicken wing pizza

Austin Shufelt – Most quiet/serious

Andrew Nichols – Most likely to annoy Coach by wearing something with a Yankees’ logo

Thanks again to all for an impressive season and I hope everyone plays next year.

Notable achievements

2010-10-26T20:53:00.002-04:00

Several notable individual and team achievements were attained this year.

Patrick Resse: 100 career saves (#3 all-time)

Jared McIntosh: 5 straight games with at least one goal and with at least one point (both records)

John Cote: 3 straight games with at least one assist (ties record) and 6 assists this season (4th highest single season total)

Team: 11 games out of 12 with at least one goal (T-#1 all-time)

Team: 34 total goals (#3 all-time)

Team: 5 players with at least 10 points (T-#1 all-time)

Team: 69% of team scored at least one point (#2 all-time)

Note: all records can be viewed here.

Congratulations to everyone on a good season. All the players and especially the team showed remarkable improvement as the season went along. I hope everyone will continue with soccer, either JV or modified, next year!

Game report: J'town 0-3 GF

2010-10-23T13:36:00.005-04:00

Saturday October 24
Johnstown 0-3 Glens Falls

Glens Falls completed an excellent second half of the season with a comfortable 3-0 shutout win at Johnstown. The Indians began slowly after a long bus ride and an early morning start. But Logan Kunst opened the scoring in the 5th minute when he took a pass from John Cote and rifled a shot past the keeper. This was Cote's third straight game with an assist, tying a modified team record. Late in the first quarter, Kunst played a ball to Kellen Wolfe on the left wing who chipped it over the keeper to double the advantage. In the 22nd minute, Andrew Bulmer played a ball into space to Jared McIntosh who took what look like an intended cross but it sneaked past the keeper's near post. This was McIntosh's fifth straight game with at least one goal, breaking the modified team record. The Indians applied relentless pressure in the second half but couldn't expand the lead. Sean Barnes had several chances to score in the third and fourth quarters but was denied by a couple of fine saves by the Johnstown keeper. Playmaker Logan Kunst dominated the midfield, constantly setting up teammates. Pat Resse and Luke Kelly combined for four saves for the team's third shutout of the year.

SHOTS ON GOAL: Johnstown 4; Glens Falls 11
SAVES: Pat Resse 2; Luke Kelly 2
MAN OF THE MATCH: Logan Kunst

SCORING
5'-Logan Kunst (John Cote)
13'-Kellen Wolfe (Kunst)
22'-Jared McIntosh (Andrew Bulmer)

Click here to view season stats

2010 team photos

2010-10-20T23:30:00.007-04:00

If anyone has game action shots they'd like posted, please email me. Click on any photo to enlarge.

Front row (L-R): Liam Forbes, Andrew Bulmer, Luke Kelly, Michael Schrammel and Austin Shufelt.

Middle row: Peter Mauro, Cooper Knapp, Zach Dewall, Jared McIntosh, Patrick Resse and Dylan Pratt.

Standing: Andrew Nichols, Kellen Wolfe, Logan Kunst, Sean Barnes, Justin Fizzuoglio, John Cote and Coach Farenell.

Team leaders (L-R): Captains Jared McIntosh and Logan Kunst, alternate captains Patrick Resse and John Cote.

Game report: GF 1-4 SGF

2010-10-19T18:42:00.001-04:00

Tuesday October 19
Glens Falls 1-4 SGF A

Despite what was by far their best performance of the year, Glens Falls fell by 4 goals to 1 to a very strong South High A team. The Indians played 53 minutes of near perfect soccer but were undone by a brief period right after halftime when the Bulldogs scored three quick goals. GF’s goal was scored when John Cote played a through ball to Jared McIntosh whose shot hit the cross bar and bounced down over the goal line. GF’s central defense was led mostly by Sean Barnes and Andrew Bulmer who did a fantastic job in allowing the Bulldogs very few good chances. The few that did get through were well dealt with by goalkeeper Pat Resse.

SHOTS ON GOAL: GF 4; SGF 18
SAVES: Patrick Resse 14
MAN OF THE MATCH: Andrew Bulmer

SCORING
51’-Jared McIntosh (John Cote)

Click here to view season stats

Thanks

2010-10-17T18:54:00.001-04:00

Thank you to all the parents who brought food to the tailgate party yesterday, to the Wolfes for organizing it and to Mr. Cote for graciously inviting the Gloversville team to join us.

Game report: GF 10-0 Gloversville

2010-10-16T12:48:00.009-04:00

Saturday October 16
Glens Falls 10-0 Gloversville

Glens Falls won its third in a row with an impressive 10-0 victory over an undermanned Gloversville team. The win equaled the all-time modified record for biggest victory. The Indians performance was remarkably efficient. Of their 14 total shots, 13 were on goal and 10 went in. A number of players had impressive scoring performances, including Logan Kunst (2 goals, 2 assists), Jared McIntosh and John Cote (2 goals, 1 assist) and Peter Mauro (1 goal, 2 assists). Cooper Knapp had another strong game at defensive midfield while Austin Shufelt and Zach Dewall both had improved performances at defense. In his first action of the season in goal, Sean Barnes made 5 saves for the shutout.

SHOTS ON GOAL: GF 13; Gloversville 5
SAVES: Sean Barnes 5
MEN OF THE MATCH: Logan Kunst and Jared McIntosh

SCORING
2'-Jared McIntosh (Logan Kunst)
8'-McIntosh (Kunst)
9'-Patrick Resse (Peter Mauro)
26'-Liam Forbes (Mauro)
36'-Mauro (Cooper Knapp)
40'-Kunst (Resse)
41'-Kunst (Kellen Wolfe)
48'-John Cote (McIntosh)
51'-Cote (Forbes)
53'-Andrew Bulmer (Cote)

Click here to view season stats

Game report: GF 4-1 Qby

2010-10-14T18:51:00.012-04:00

Thursday October 14
Glens Falls 4-1 Queensbury B

Glens Falls played its most impressive game of the season with a dominating 4-1 victory Queensbury B. The Indians won back-to-back games for the first time in two and a half seasons. GF controlled the first quarter and had many chances but couldn't score until playmaker Logan Kunst dribbled past several Spartans and launched a shot from 25 yards that curled past the keeper. The score stayed 1-0 for most of the rest of the game, despite GF having 29 total shots to Queensbury's 5. Midway through the fourth quarter, Jared McIntosh played a perfect through ball to Andrew Bulmer who dribbled past a defender and put his shot in the corner of the net. A few minutes later, roles were reversed as Bulmer played a ball to McIntosh who dribbled through the defense and scored. The lead was cut the lead to 3-1 when a series of defensive errors allowed a Queensbury player to dribble through the entire defense and poke it past goalkeeper Andrew Nichols. The final margin was secured on a Queensbury own goal in the last minute. Despite recovering from an injury, Michael Schrammel played the entire game in central defense and gave an excellent performance.

SHOTS ON GOAL: GF 15; Qby 3
SAVES: Andrew Nichols 2
MEN OF THE MATCH: Mike Schrammel and Logan Kunst

SCORING
13'-Logan Kunst
52'-Andrew Bulmer (Jared McIntosh)
57'-McIntosh (Bulmer)
60'-Own goal

Click here to view season stats

Game report: HF 2-5 GF

2010-10-12T18:35:00.014-04:00

Tuesday October 12
Hudson Falls 2-5 Glens Falls

Glens Falls defeated a much improved Hudson Falls team today by 5 goals to 2. Kellen Wolfe opened up the scoring in the 4th minute when he controlled a rebound and lifted it past the keeper. Patrick Resse doubled the lead five minutes later when a clearance went right to him and he lofted it home from 25 yards. Hudson Falls made it 2-1 when Luke Kelly made an excellent save on the initial shot but a Tigers' player scored on the rebound. GF restored the two goal lead late in the third quarter when Logan Kunst, who did an excellent job in central midfield spreading the ball around, found himself in perfect position to poke home the rebound of a Peter Mauro shot. Jared McIntosh scored two goals in the fourth quarter, both on long mazy runs, with assists from John Cote and Kunst respectively. Hudson Falls scored the final goal off a penalty kick. Luke Kelly had a fantastic game in goal, making several huge saves in the first half to preserve the lead and 11 stops total. Mauro and Austin Shufelt also had excellent games, even though they didn't get on the scoresheet.

SHOTS ON GOAL: HF 13; GF 15
SAVES: Luke Kelly 11
MAN OF THE MATCH: Luke Kelly

SCORING
4'-Kellen Wolfe
9'-Patrick Resse
43'-Logan Kunst
46'-Jared McIntosh (John Cote)
53'-McIntosh (Kunst)

Click here to view season stats

Game report: Scotia 7-1 GF

2010-10-10T21:36:00.011-04:00

Saturday October 9
Scotia-Glenville 7-1 Glens Falls

A very shorthanded Glens Falls fell to Scotia 7-1 yesterday. The Tartans did most of their damage in the beginning of the first and third quarters. They scored less than 25 seconds into both halves and scored 6 of their 7 goals in the first 7 minutes of both halves. Due to injury and illness, Glens Falls started the game with only 12 players and finished it with 11. But the Indians played fairly well against an extremely talented and physical Scotia team despite the circumstances and the scoreline. GF created several chances during the course of the match but couldn't translate many into shots on goal. The only GF goal was scored when a John Cote cross was mishandled by the goalkeeper and Kellen Wolfe was there to put in the rebound. Three GF goalkeepers combined for 18 saves.

SHOTS ON GOAL: Scotia 25, GF 3
SAVES: Pat Resse 9; Luke Kelly 7; Andrew Nichols 2
MAN OF THE MATCH: Pat Resse

SCORING
50'-Kellen Wolfe

Click here to view season stats

Game report: GF 0-1 SGF

2010-10-07T17:53:00.005-04:00

Thursday October 7
Glens Falls 0-1 South Glens Falls B

Glens Falls failed to score for the first time this season in falling to the South High B team. The Indians controlled the 1st quarter but failed to get off any good chances. GF was slow and lethargic in the 2nd quarter and fell behind when an SGF shot went through the hands of goalkeeper Luke Kelly. The Indians were again low on energy in the 3rd quarter but woke up to dominate the final frame. GF created a number of good chances but several shots were other saved by the Bulldogs' goalkeeper, blocked by the defenders or just missed the net.

SHOTS ON GOAL: GF 8, SGF 6
SAVES: Luke Kelly 5
MAN OF THE MATCH: Peter Mauro

Click here to view season stats

Inside and outside shield turns

2010-10-05T12:30:00.002-04:00

Game report: Qby 4-1 GF

2010-10-04T18:14:00.003-04:00

Monday October 4
Queensbury 4-1 Glens Falls

Glens Falls fell to Queensbury's A team 4-1 on a cold afternoon. Three of Queensbury's goals were scored when the Spartans took advantage of poor defensive clearances. Their fourth tally was an own goal that deflected in off a GF defender. The Indians goal was scored early in the 2nd quarter when Jared McIntosh squared the ball back to Logan Kunst who fired it home from about 10 yards out. Luke Kelly had 6 saves in goal for GF.

SHOTS ON GOAL: Qby 10, GF 6
SAVES: Luke Kelly 6
MAN OF THE MATCH: Logan Kunst

SCORING
17'-Logan Kunst (Jared McIntosh)

Click here to view season stats

Game report: GF 3-0 HF

2010-10-02T12:06:00.010-04:00

Saturday October 2
Glens Falls 3-0 Hudson Falls

Despite missing 4 starters and being down to 1 sub, Glens Falls earned a hard fought 3-0 win over Hudson Falls. The Indians took another early lead 90 seconds into the game when John Cote's tenacious work on the right wing got off a cross that Kellen Wolfe collected and shot past the keeper. GF struggled to find a rhythm in the second quarter with slow touches and failure to use the space on the wings, but regained their form after halftime. Midway through the third quarter, Patrick Resse's impressive free kick from 35 yards out floated past the keeper and into the top corner of the goal. Halfway into the fourth quarter, a corner kick was flicked on by Liam Forbes to Austin Shufelt who poked it past the keeper for his first ever modified goal. John Cote and Peter Mauro were particularly influential on the right side, while Justin Fizzuoglio was very strong in the several different positions he played in the game. Resse and Andrew Nichols shared the shutout in goal.

MEN OF THE MATCH: John Cote and Justin Fizzuoglio
SHOTS ON GOAL: GF 10, HF 0
SAVES: Andrew Nichols 0; Patrick Resse 0

SCORING
2'-Kellen Wolfe (John Cote)
36'-Patrick Resse
54'-Austin Shufelt (Liam Forbes)

Click here to view season stats

Game report: SGF 6-1 GF

2010-09-27T23:02:00.007-04:00

Monday September 27
South High 6-1 Glens Falls

Glens Falls fell 6-1 to South High's A team in a hard fought match. The Indians played reasonably well against a tough team but the Bulldogs were just a little more aggressive in key situations. SGF scored late in the first quarter when a player on a breakaway poked the ball past keeper Pat Resse. The Bulldogs scored twice in quick succession shortly before halftime to take a three goal lead. Late in the third quarter, Jared McIntosh dribbled the ball 60 yards through the entire SGF team, around the keeper and scored to cut the lead to 3-1. The Indians put a lot of pressure on the South High goal after that but the Bulldogs scored three times in the final quarter as GF was pushing forward. Andrew Nichols and Logan Kunst had excellent games in defense while Andrew Bulmer caused a lot of problems for SGF defenders.

SAVES: Pat Resse 11
SHOTS ON GOAL: SGF 17, GF 1
MAN OF THE MATCH: Andrew Nichols

SCORING
43'-Jared McIntosh

Click here to view season stats

Game report: GF 1-3 BP

2010-09-25T13:23:00.010-04:00

Saturday September 25, 2010
Glens Falls 1-3 Broadalbin-Perth

Glens Falls lost a hard fought contest to Broadalbin-Perth by 3 goals to 1 at Kensington. The Indians had a perfect start with a goal in the very first minute of the match. A Peter Mauro cross was redirected by Michael Schrammel to Kellen Wolfe who shot it past the keeper. GF continued the pressure for most of the first 15 minutes but was unable to get a second. BP scored twice before halftime following mix ups in the back. The Patriots scored a third in the second half when a hard shot went through the hands of Luke Kelly. The Indians dominated the last 10 minutes and had several chances on free and corner kicks but were unable to close the gap. GF did well in the stretches when they used the width of the field and will get more chances in the future if they can do this consistently.

SAVES: Luke Kelly 8
SHOTS ON GOAL: GF 2, BP 11
MAN OF THE MATCH: Jared McIntosh

SCORING
1'-Kellen Wolfe (Mike Schrammel, Pete Mauro)

Click here to view season stats

Game report: HF 1-4 GF

2010-09-20T19:38:00.001-04:00

Monday, September 20, 2010
Hudson Falls 1-4 Glens Falls

Glens Falls notched a win in its opener by comfortably defeating Hudson Falls, 4-1. John Cote opened the scoring in only the 2nd minute off a rebound. Cote’s did good work to get a cross off to Andrew Bulmer only a few minutes later to give the Indians an early 2-0 lead. The Tigers made it 2-1 off a botched goal kick but GF scored again shortly before halftime when a Patrick Resse corner kick found Peter Mauro who poked it home. Bulmer’s hard work all game paid off late in the 3rd quarter when he fought through several defenders, shot and knocked home his own rebound. Logan Kunst played well in the center of midfield controlling the play with Mike Schrammel doing good defensive work behind him. Mauro and Liam Forbes worked very well together on the right side. Team defense was very strong in allowing only one shot on goal. A good start to the season for everyone.

SAVES: Luke Kelly 0; Pat Resse 0
SHOTS ON GOAL: HF 1, GF 21
MAN OF THE MATCH: Andrew Bulmer

SCORING
note: 25’-Mauro (Resse) means Mauro scored in the 25th minute with an assist from Resse
2’-John Cote
6’-Andrew Bulmer (Cote)
25’-Peter Mauro (Pat Resse)
42’-Bulmer

Click here to view season stats.

2010 team page

2010-09-11T06:53:00.030-04:00

2010 GAMES
Sept. 20 at Hudson Falls: Won 4-1 (report)
Sept. 22 vs Queensbury A (scrimmage)
Sept. 25 vs Broadalbin-Perth: Lost 1-3 (report)
Sept. 27 at South Glens Falls A: Lost 1-6 (report)
Oct. 2 vs Hudson Falls: Won 3-0 (report)
Oct. 4 at Queensbury A: Lost 1-4 (report)
Oct. 7 vs SGF B: Lost 0-1 (report)
Oct. 9 at Scotia: Lost 1-7 (report)
Oct. 12 at Hudson Falls: Won 5-2 (report)
Oct. 14 vs Queensbury B: Won 4-1 (report)
Oct. 16 vs Gloversville: Won 10-0 (report)
Oct. 19 vs SGF A: Lost 1-4 (report)
Oct. 23 at Johnstown: Won 3-0 (report)

Click here to view season stats

2010 ROSTER
Sean Barnes, #18
Andrew Bulmer, #19
John Cote, #5, alternate captain
Zach Dewall, #10
Justin Fizzuoglio, #13
Liam Forbes, #7
Cooper Knapp, #1
Peter Mauro, #8
Luke Kelly, #21
Logan Kunst, #15, captain
Jared McIntosh, #11, captain
Andrew Nichols, #6
Dylan Pratt, #16 (white)/#17 (black)
Patrick Resse, #14, alternate captain
Michael Schrammel, #2
Kellen Wolfe, #20
Austin Shufelt, #23

2010 team stats

2010-09-02T20:15:00.024-04:00

RECORD
6 wins, 6 losses
34 goals scored
29 goals allowed

(vs combined teams: 5 wins, 2 losses)
(vs A teams: 0 wins, 3 losses)
(vs B teams: 1 win, 1 loss)

TEAM GOALS BY HALF
GF 17-17=34
Opp. 13-16=29

TEAM SHOTS ON GOAL
GF 113
Opp. 111

SCORING
Jared McIntosh: 8 goals, 3 assists = 19 points
Logan Kunst: 6 goals, 4 assists = 16 points
John Cote: 3 goals, 6 assists = 12 points
Kellen Wolfe: 5 goals, 1 assist = 11 points
Andrew Bulmer: 4 goals, 2 assists = 10 points
Patrick Resse: 3 goals, 2 assists = 8 points
Peter Mauro: 2 goals, 3 assists = 7 points
Liam Forbes: 1 goal, 2 assists = 4 points
Austin Shufelt: 1 goal = 2 points
Mike Schrammel: 1 assist = 1 point
Cooper Knapp: 1 assist = 1 point
Team: 32 goals, 25 assists

TOTAL SHOTS-SHOTS ON GOAL
Logan Kunst: 54 shots – 39 on goal
John Cote: 22 shots – 15 on goal
Andrew Bulmer: 21 shots – 13 on goal
Jared McIntosh: 18 shots - 14 on goal
Kellen Wolfe: 11 shots – 10 on goal
Peter Mauro: 13 shots – 8 on goal
Patrick Resse: 7 shots – 6 on goal
Liam Forbes: 8 shots - 3 on goal
Sean Barnes: 2 shots - 2 on goal
Justin Fizzuoglio: 1 shot - 1 on goal
Cooper Knapp: 1 shot – 1 on goal
Michael Schrammel: 1 shot - 1 on goal
Team: 159 shots - 113 on goal

Mininum 6 shots

SHOOTING ACCURACY (% of shots that are on goal)
90.9%-Kellen Wolfe
85.7%-Pat Resse
77.8%-Jared McIntosh
Team: 71.1%

FINISHING ACCURACY (% of shots that score)
45.5%-Kellen Wolfe
44.4%-Jared McIntosh
42.9%-Pat Resse
Team: 20.1%

GOALKEEPERS
Pat Resse:
225 minutes, 36 saves, 13 goals allowed
1-3 record
1 shutout
3.47 goals allowed and 9.6 saves per 60 minutes

Luke Kelly:
320 minutes, 39 saves, 13 goals allowed
2-3 record
1/2 shutout
2.44 goals allowed and 7.3 saves per 60 minutes

Andrew Nichols:
110 minutes, 4 saves, 3 goals allowed
2-0 record
1/2 shutout
1.64 goals allowed and 2.2 saves per 60 minutes

Sean Barnes:
60 minutes, 5 saves, 0 goals allowed
1-0 record
1 shutout
0.00 goals allowed and 5.0 saves per 60 minutes

The coaching staff

2010-09-01T16:43:00.002-04:00

Coach Brian Farenell -- head coach
Phone: 744-3067
Email: gfmodsoccer @ gmail.com

Click here to go back to the main page

Important information about fans (2010)

2010-08-31T20:41:00.001-04:00

-We expect fans to be supportive of and encouraging to the players. Fans should refrain from yelling instructions to players during the game. This confuses players and prevents them from learning the game themselves*; it's like doing their homework for them. Fans who do this or who are abusive to the other team or to the referee will be told to leave.

(*-For a good explanation of why this harms player development, read here and here)

-Fans should bear in mind that most of our games will have at most one referee who will be single-handedly responsible for 22 players, 2 coaches and over 6000 square yards of field.

-Fans should remain positive. This is middle school soccer, not the World Cup. Everyone (players, coaches and referees) will do the best they can.

Important information about practices (2010)

2010-08-31T20:32:00.001-04:00

-Practices will usually be held Monday-Friday starting at 3:30 PM**, typically ending at 5:00 PM. All practices at Kensington unless otherwise announced. Several will likely be moved to Crandall Park but that will be announced the day before and posted on the online.

***EXCEPTION: new state regulations ban all school sporting activity when the heat index is 96 degrees or higher. If it looks like the heat index will be in that neighborhood in the mid-afternoon, practice’s starting time may be moved to 5:00 or 5:30. If this happens, an announcement will be made at school and will be posted on the website and Twitter. Please make sure Coach Farenell has yours or your parents’ email address so he can send out such changes that way too.

-In case of rain or other bad weather, players should assume there WILL be practice (or game) unless an announcement is made at school. If a practice is canceled, it will also be posted online. If there’s bad weather on a weekend, you should check online.

-Players should come to practice prepared with: athletic shorts; red, white or black t-shirt; soccer cleats, socks and shin guards; sufficient water or a sports drink; a soccer ball.

-If players are late to practice because of extra help or other academic reasons, they should get a note from the teacher. If they are late because of a medical appointment, they should get a note either from their doctor or dentist or their parent. If this is known beforehand, the parent can either tell or email the coach in advance.

-Players are required to participate in nine practices before they can play in the first scrimmage.

Important information on games (2010)

2010-08-31T09:41:00.001-04:00

-Players must be properly equipped in order to participate in games. This includes the appropriate jersey, black shorts, black socks, shinguards and soccer cleats. Goalkeepers must wear a different color jersey and must have a helmet, mouthguard and goalkeeper gloves. All jerseys as well as the goalkeeper equipment will be handed out by the coaches. Players are NOT allowed to wear bracelets or necklaces during games. The only exception is medical necklaces, which must be taped to the players' chest. If a player is not properly equipped, he will not be allowed to play.

-Players will travel on the bus to all away games. Bus departure times will be announced the day before away games and will also be posted on the website. The bus will leave PROMPTLY at the announced time. If the bus leaves before school ends, players will be excused from early from their last class. If a player is late and misses the bus, he is out of luck. A player must travel to and from away games on the team bus, unless he has prior written permission from the athletic office. The bus for away games will leave in the back entrance of the high school (the one with the handicapped entrance). Players will be responsible for getting themselves to and from home games.

-Players will be permitted to bring food and drink on the bus to away games, provided they don’t leave a mess. However, players should not bring soda, iced tea, energy drinks, junk food, salted snacks or anything else unhealthy or inappropriate for an athletic competition.

-Most home games will be played at Kensington, although a few may be moved to Morse Fields.

2010 pre-season info

2010-08-01T09:47:00.000-04:00

FIRST PRACTICE
The modified first practice will be held on Tuesday September 7 at 12 noon at Kensington Road School. Players should arrive at least 5 minutes early so they have time to get ready. Important: Players will only be allowed to practice if they’ve already been medically cleared by the school nurse (see below).

OTHER PRACTICES
Practices are generally scheduled every weekday at 3:30 PM and they typically end around 5:00 at Kensington. We usually do practice in rain and other bad weather, except lightning. Players should always assume that practice will be held unless an announcement is made in school canceling it or unless the coach specifically told them the day before. During the first few weekends of September, practices may also be held on Saturdays.

WHAT PLAYERS SHOULD BRING TO ALL PRACTICES
Soccer or athletic shorts; a red, black or white tshirt; shinguards; soccer cleats; a soccer ball; and water or a sports drink. If you come to practice without any of these things, it is considered 'unprepared.'

If you don't have a soccer ball of your own, one will be lent to you for the season but you'll be responsible for bringing it to and from practice. There is also no easily available water at Kensington so it's important to bring enough water or sports drink to last you the whole practice.

MEDICAL STUFF
All players must get medical clearance from the school nurse before being allowed to practice.

**You can have a physical (free) with the middle school nurse. These will be held on July 8 and July 22 in the morning. You must call in advance to make an appointment: 793-3418. If you get your physical this way, you'll have to complete an update form (see below).

**If you have a physical with your own doctor, you must get a form from the school which your doctor will fill out. They have to use this form. You must submit this completed form to the school nurse. She will review it and to authorize you to play assuming there are no problems.

**If you have your physical before August 1, you will also have to fill out a medical update form. This is just to ensure that you haven't had any injuries since your physical. All that's needed is for your parent to fill it out and sign it and submit it to the school; you don't have to go back to the doctor.

All forms should be submitted to the middle school nurse or athletic office in August but no later than August 31 at 11am.

All forms can be picked up in the Athletic Department Office in the high school or in the middle school nurse's office or by clicking here.

It is strongly recommended that parents make and keep a copy of any medical forms in case there is a hiccup.

If you are not medically cleared for any reason, you will have to wait until the first day of school to see the nurse and thus miss the first few practices and possibly the first contest as a result. So if you are unsure about anything, please contact Coach Farenell (see below) or the athletic office in the high school.

Do NOT bring any of these forms to the coaches at practice. They must be given to the nurse. The nurse will provided to the coaches a list of players who are medically cleared. Coaches are not authorized to medically clear players nor to permit them to practice until they are cleared.

All are encouraged to check this website during the summer for any updates.

TEAM WEBSITE: GFmodsoccer.net

TEAM CALENDAR: tinyurl.com/gfmodsoccercalendar

TEAM UPDATES ON TWITTER: www.twitter.com/gfmodsoccer

ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS: Please contact Coach Farenell

Smart guys!

2010-07-30T11:48:00.001-04:00

Congrats to the 14 modified players who made honor or merit roll for the fourth marking period of 2009-10. Let me know if there are any omissions.

8th grade honor roll: Luke Collins, Noah Duell, Brian Dwyre, Sean Hooker, Ethan Katz, Dave Mauro, Jon White, Matt Wyman.

8th grade merit roll: André Chevalier, Travis Scarincio.

7th grade honor roll: Justin Fizzuoglio, Logan Kunst, Patrick Resse.

7th grade merit roll: John Cote

Great job guys!

New calendar and email addresses

2010-05-19T06:12:00.002-04:00

Please note that the team calendar has a new address. It can now be found at:

www.tinyurl.com/gfmodsoccercalendar

And also note that Coach Farenell also has a new email address.

Don't Be a 'Joystick' Coach (or Parent)

2010-04-16T16:11:00.005-04:00

Soccer America has a great article (click here) on why coaches or parents micromanaging kids during games is very harmful to player development.

Get your GF mod soccer news via Twitter

2010-04-14T16:17:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder that you can be instantly informed when this site is updated by following our Twitter feed at: http://twitter.com/gfmodsoccer -- or if you're already on Twitter, just follow @gfmodsoccer

2009 team awards

2009-11-08T15:43:00.002-05:00

Golden boot (leading scorer): John Cote, 4 goals - 8 points

Most improved players: Justin Fizzuoglio and Greg Lippy

Defender of the year: Logan Kunst

MVP: Sean Hooker

Thanks to all players for their hard work and dedication and to their parents for their support. To all current 7th graders, I hope to see you next year! To all 8th graders, good luck next year in JV.

Game report: J'town 0-1 GF

2009-10-27T19:50:00.000-04:00

Tuesday October 27
Johnstown 0-1 Glens Falls

Glens Falls picked a good time to record their first shutout of the year with a 1-0 victory at Johnstown. Nate Didio has his best game of the year and worked tirelessly winning balls and creating chances. His work rate was rewarded late in the first quarter when a perfect Justin Fizzuoglio through ball fed Didio in on goal. His first two efforts were well blocked by the keeper but he poked in the third. Glens Falls generally controlled the game with the shots on goal total being 12-3 in their favor, their lowest shots against total of the season. Jon White and Logan Kunst were rocks in the center of defense, preventing the Sir Bills from getting any good chances. Sean Barnes recorded 3 saves in the shutout. Nice way to finish the season!

SAVES: Sean Barnes 3
SHOTS ON GOAL: Johnstown 3; GF 12
MEN OF THE MATCH: Jon White and Logan Kunst

SCORING
15'-Nate Didio

Thanks

2009-10-26T08:13:00.001-04:00

A big thanks to Patrick Resse's family for generously hosting the team party and providing pizza for it.

2009 team photo

2009-10-22T13:07:00.010-04:00

(Note: you can click on the picture to make it bigger)

Front row (L-R): Myles Bray, Brian Dwyer, Patrick Resse, Travis Scarincio and Jared McIntosh.

Middle row: Logan Kunst, Sean Hooker (captain), Schuyler Woods, Noah Duell, John Cote, Andre Chevalier and Greg Lippy.

Back row: Coach O'Connor, Dylan Hermance, Justin Fizzuoglio, Sean Barnes, David Mauro, Jon White (captain), Matt Wyman, Luke Collins (alternate captain), Justin Ryan, Justin Orr and Coach Farenell. Missing: Ethan Katz, Nate Didio.

Game report: SGF 8-0 GF

2009-10-20T19:19:00.000-04:00

Tuesday October 20
South Glens Falls 8-0 Glens Falls

Glens Falls was defeated 8-0 away to SGF. Sean Hooker and Dylan Hermance worked tirelessly in the midfield and Nate Didio had one of his best games of the season. Patrick Resse and Sean Barnes each had 5 saves in goal.

SAVES: Pat Resse 5; Sean Barnes 5
SHOTS ON GOAL: SGF 18; GF 0
MAN OF THE MATCH: Sean Hooker

Game report: GF 0-3 Gloversville

2009-10-17T12:00:00.004-04:00

Saturday October 17
Glens Falls 0-3 Gloversville

Glens Falls was defeated 3-0 by Gloversville on a cold Saturday morning at Morse. The Indians started slowly again and some sloppy defending led to the Dragons' opening goal. However, Gloversville's second and third goals were spectacular long distance bombs, both from around 35 yards out, that most JV keepers would've had trouble stopping. Glens Falls played better in the second half, moving the ball around the field well. Sean Hooker, Dave Mauro and Pat Resse had several nice combination plays, but the team was unable to find the net. Hooker's curling shot from 25 yards hit the post and Sean Barnes' rebound shot was stopped by the keeper. Jon White has his best game of the year in central defense.

SAVES: Patrick Resse 5; Sean Barnes 3
SHOTS ON GOAL: GF 1; Gloversville 11
MAN OF THE MATCH: Jon White

Game report: GF 2-1 Qby

2009-10-13T18:24:00.001-04:00

Tuesday October 13
Glens Falls 2-1 Queensbury

Glens Falls won its first game of the season 2-1 over Queensbury on a pair of John Cote goals. The Indians controlled the first half with Sean Hooker's passes picking apart the Spartans' defense. He fed John Cote on a pair of breakaways that were saved by the keeper, but Cote made no mistake on a third striking the ball into the far corner for an early lead. Queensbury tied it up in the second quarter against the run of play when a a Spartans' player dribbled past a couple of defenders and blasted it in the top corner. The second half was sloppier with not many chances but a David Mauro through ball fed Cote for another breakaway and he slotted it past the keeper for the winning goal. Both teams had a late chance but couldn't capitalize. Patrick Resse made 8 saves in goal and his aggressiveness and good positioning prevented a number of Spartans' chances. Dylan Hermance had a monster game at defensive midfield.

SAVES: Pat Resse 8
SHOTS ON GOAL: GF 8; Qby 9
MEN OF THE MATCH: Dylan Hermance and John Cote

SCORING
7'-John Cote (Sean Hooker)
54'-Cote (Dave Mauro)

GF soccer updates now available on Twitter

2009-10-11T01:01:00.000-04:00

Glens Falls soccer updates are available on Twitter. Just follow...

GF modified news: www.twitter.com/gfmodsoccer -- Or just follow gfmodsoccer on Twitter.

GF varsity and JV news: www.twitter.com/gfsoccer

Game report: Scotia 6-0 GF

2009-10-10T23:56:00.000-04:00

Saturday October 10
Scotia 6-0 Glens Falls

Glens Falls fell 6-0 to Scotia on a cold, windy morning. The Indians actually gave their best performance of the season so far, but were undermined by some individual mistakes and difficulty in creating good scoring chances. A very strong Tartans' team scored on nearly every chance they had, scoring five of their goals in a short span in the first half. Pat Resse played well in goal, nearly shutting out Scotia in the second half. Overall, GF gave a greatly improved effort and hope to maintain the momentum next week.

SAVES: Sean Barnes 3; Patrick Resse 5
SHOTS ON GOAL: Scotia 14; GF 4
MAN OF THE MATCH: Pat Resse

Game report: HF 3-2 GF

2009-10-08T18:53:00.002-04:00

Thursday October 8
Hudson Falls 3-2 Glens Falls

Hudson Falls modified won its first game against Glens Falls since 2001 by beating the Indians 3-2. John Cote and Dave Mauro both scored for the Indians and played well; Luke Collins had a strong game anchoring the defense.

SAVES: Pat Resse 4; Sean Barnes 6
SHOTS ON GOAL: HF 13; GF 4
MAN OF THE MATCH: Luke Collins

SCORING
10'-John Cote
50'-Dave Mauro (Travis Scarincio)

Moves: the Maradona

2009-10-07T17:47:00.000-04:00

Game report: Qby 4-0 GF

2009-10-05T18:32:00.004-04:00

Monday October 5
Queensbury 4-0 Glens Falls

Glens Falls fell 4-0 away to Queensbury in a game that was much closer than the score would indicate. The Indians played their best game of the season, with better passing and greatly improved cohesion and were scoreless at halftime. GF was undone by a four or five minute lapse in concentration and energy that led to three of the four Spartans' goals in the second half. In the future, the Indians will need to make sure they focus for 60 minutes, rather than 55, if they want to give themselves a chance to win. However, the game was a promising step forward for the team.

SAVES: Pat Resse 10; Sean Barnes 4; Jared McIntosh 3
SHOTS ON GOAL: Qby 21; GF 2
MAN OF THE MATCH: Justin Ryan

Team stats are available here.

Further opportunities to play

2009-10-02T00:04:00.000-04:00

Below is information on some opportunities to play soccer beyond the fall school season.

One is with the Adirondack Sports Complex (the Dome). The other is with the Adirondack Soccer Club. Although the names are similar, the programs are separate, but both worthwhile.

The Dome Academy offers training and games during two winter indoor seasons.

Adirondack Soccer Club offers training and games during two winter indoor seasons and one spring outdoor season.

Both indoor programs train locally and have games at the Dome, on Upper Sherman Avenue in Queensbury.

Adirondack Soccer Club's outdoor program practices and has home games locally and has away games mostly in the Capital District area.

Players are strongly encouraged to play at least a little soccer outside the fall season if they can. It makes a big difference in helping their development and understanding as player.

If you have any questions on the Dome Academy's program, please contact varsity Coach Shaver or visit The Dome's website.

If you have any questions on Adirondack Soccer Club's programs, please contact Coach Farenell or visit their website.

Game report: GF 0-3 SGF

2009-10-01T17:57:00.004-04:00

Thursday October 1
Glens Falls 0-3 South Glens Falls

Glens Falls fell 3-0 to South Glens Falls on a cold, wet day at Kensington. The Indians started better than in past games, moving the ball well and spreading the field out but neither team could score in the first half. GF continued to create chances in the second half without being able to capitalize. The team needs to improve its in game concentration and cut back on repeated mistakes; individual errors in the second half led to all three Bulldogs' goals. Sean Barnes and Pat Resse combined for 12 saves and had no chance on any of the goals.

SAVES: Patrick Resse 5; Sean Barnes 7
SHOTS ON GOAL: GF 5; SGF 15
MAN OF THE MATCH: Sean Barnes

Team stats are available here.

Moves: The stepover

2009-09-30T23:48:00.002-04:00

Moves: The Cruyff Turn

2009-09-29T15:18:00.003-04:00

I will be posting regularly YouTube videos of moves, great passing sequences and other soccer highlights so that players can have examples to learn from.

The Cruyff Turn is named after the legendary Dutch player Johan Cruyff.

Game report: GF 2-2 HF

2009-09-28T19:09:00.002-04:00

Monday September 28
Glens Falls 2-2 Hudson Falls

Glens Falls came from behind to salvage a 2-2 tie with an improved Hudson Falls team for their first point of the regular season. The Indians scored early when a Logan Kunst free kick skipped past the Tigers' defense to Sean Hooker who took one touch and slotted it in the far corner. Glens Falls was sluggish yet again for most of the first half and when a Tigers' shot was deflected off a GF defender for an own goal. HF scored late in the first half on a breakaway that appeared to be offside. The Indians were improved in the second half with a little more energy and better passing. They equalized early in the second half when Hooker fed Nate Didio who dribbled 30 yards and shot it past the keeper. The game went to overtime, during which both teams had good chances but couldn't convert. Sean Hooker may have set a team record for shots in a game (12) and shots on goal (10). Jonathan White had a monster game at defensive midfield.

SAVES: Patrick Resse 7; Sean Barnes 5
SHOTS ON GOAL: GF 18; HF 14
MAN OF THE MATCH: Jon White

SCORING
8'-Sean Hooker (Logan Kunst)
40'-Nate Didio (Hooker)

Team stats are available here.

Announcement

2009-09-27T14:01:00.000-04:00

For the rest of the season, all players will be playing in all games (barring injuries, discipline or other exceptional circumstances). This change is effective immediately.

Game report: GF 1-3 BP 3

2009-09-26T12:20:00.004-04:00

Saturday September 26
Glens Falls 1-3 Broadalbin-Perth

Glens Falls played their best game of the season, despite losing 3-1 at Kensington to a slick passing Broadalbin-Perth team. The Indians played reasonably well in the first half but trailed 2-0 at halftime after a couple of defensive errors. GF came out strong after the break and largely controlled the second half, showing good aggressiveness, team work and ball movement. A mark of the team's improvement is that shots were 0-14 in the first half but 6-6 in the second. The Indians finally got on the board when a Sean Hooker cross was tapped into the net by John Cote. Although they created a number of other chances, GF couldn't find an equalizer and the Patriots put the game away late on a breakaway goal. Patrick Resse and Jared McIntosh made several good saves in goal. It was a much improved performance that Glens Falls can use to build on.

SAVES: Pat Resse 12; Jared McIntosh 5
SHOTS ON GOAL: GF 5; BP 20
MAN OF THE MATCH: John Cote

SCORING
39'-John Cote (Sean Hooker)

Note: Team stats are available here.

2009 final team stats

2009-09-26T00:01:00.011-04:00

Note: Stats are for games only.

RECORD
2 wins, 8 losses, 1 tie
8 goals scored
39 goals allowed

SCORING
John Cote: 4 goals = 8 points
Sean Hooker: 1 goal, 3 assists = 5 points
Nate Didio: 2 goals = 4 points
Dave Mauro: 1 goal, 1 assist = 3 points
Travis Scarincio: 1 assist = 1 point
Logan Kunst: 1 assist = 1 point

TEAM GOALS BY HALF
GF 4-4=8
Opp. 23-16=39

TEAM SHOTS ON GOAL
GF 62
Opp. 155

TOTAL SHOTS-SHOTS ON GOAL
Sean Hooker: 26 shots - 22 on goal
John Cote: 24 shots - 16 on goal
Nate Didio: 10 shots - 9 on goal
David Mauro: 15 shots - 7 on goal
Patrick Resse 3 shots - 3 on goal
Sean Barnes: 1 shot - 1 on goal
Luke Collins: 1 shot - 1 on goal
Logan Kunst: 1 shot - 1 on goal
Justin Ryan: 2 shots - 1 on goal
Jon White: 2 shots - 1 on goal
Justin Fizzuoglio: 3 shots

GOALKEEPERS
Pat Resse:
360 minutes, 64 saves, 22 goals allowed
1-5-0 record
3.67 goals allowed and 10.7 saves per 60 minutes

Jared McIntosh:
65 minutes, 16 saves, 7 goals allowed
0-1-0 record
6.46 goals allowed and 14.8 saves per 60 minutes

Sean Barnes:
251 minutes, 36 saves, 10 goals allowed
1-2-1 record, 1 shutout
2.39 goals allowed and 8.6 saves per 60 minutes

Game report: GF 0-6 Qby

2009-09-23T18:30:00.002-04:00

Wednesday September 23
Glens Falls 0-6 Queensbury

Glens Falls was shutout 6-0 by Queensbury at Kensington. The Indians played a poor first half with little organization and energy and were down 2-0 after a few minutes and 4-0 at halftime. To their credit, GF regrouped at halftime and showed what kind of soccer they were capable of in the second half. The team played very well in the 3rd quarter and early in the 4th, creating many chances though not quite being able to convert. Eventually, the Indians ran out of gas and the Spartans scored two late markers. As well as they played for much of the 2nd half, GF will have to in the future show that same energy and quality for 60 minutes. Sean Hooker and Nate Didio worked tirelessly in the attack while Logan Kunst and Ethan Katz did the same in the back. Brian Dwyre had a strong game at outside back while Jared McIntosh made several good saves in his first appearance as keeper. The Indians hope to rebound Saturday morning at Kensington vs Broadalbin-Perth.

SAVES: Pat Resse 3; Jared McIntosh 8
SHOTS ON GOAL: GF 3, Qby 17
MAN OF THE MATCH: Nate Didio

Scrimmage report: SGF 4-0 GF

2009-09-21T19:03:00.001-04:00

Monday September 21
South Glens Falls 4-0 Glens Falls

Glens Falls fought hard but eventually fell 4-0 in a scrimmage to a very strong South Glens Falls team. The defenders and goalkeeper Patrick Resse defended valiantly to keep the first half scoreless. The resistance eventually cracked as SGF scored three quick goals in the middle of the 3rd quarter before the Indians were able to stabilize things. GF played better in the final quarter but SGF added a fourth goal for the final margin of victory. Resse and defenders Logan Kunst and Jared McIntosh all had standout games.

SAVES: Pat Resse 10
SHOTS ON GOAL: SGF 14, GF 1
MAN OF THE MATCH: Jared McIntosh

Note: stats in a scrimmage are unofficial.

Scrimmage report: Glens Falls 3-1 Hudson Falls

2009-09-17T18:30:00.002-04:00

Thursday September 17
Glens Falls 3-1 Hudson Falls

Glens Falls scored two goals in the second half to break a halftime tie and beat Hudson Falls 3-1. Sean Hooker opened the scoring in 2nd quarter when he took a cross from Dave Mauro, turned and put it past the keeper. A defensive mix up led to an HF equalizer at the end of the first half but the Indians took the lead for good late in the 3rd quarter when Nate Didio fed Logan Kunst who slotted it into the corner from in close. Didio scored the final goal a few minutes from full time off an assist from Hooker.

The defense did a good job, limiting the Tigers to only two shots on goal. GF will need to improve upon team shape and better finishing against the stronger opponents they'll play next week, but it was a confidence-building start to the season.

Note: Stats in scrimmages are unofficial. Also, 22'-Hooker (Mauro) means Hooker scored in the 22nd minute off an assist from Mauro.

SCORING
22'-Sean Hooker (Dave Mauro)
43'-Logan Kunst (Nate Didio)
58'-Didio (Hooker)

SAVES: Pat Resse 1; Sean Barnes 0
SHOTS ON GOAL: Glens Falls 12, Hudson Falls 2
MAN OF THE MATCH (player of the game): Sean Hooker

Please do not yell instructions during games and scrimmages

2009-09-17T11:45:00.001-04:00

With the first scrimmages and games upcoming, parents are reminded of expected fan conduct.

In addition to being positive and supportive, it's critical that parents/fans not yell instructions to players during the game. This confuses players, particularly if what the parent is yelling is contrary to what the coaches have explained they want (e.g.: always booting the ball as far as you can rather than trying to keep possession).

Even more importantly, this prevents the players from learning the game themselves: it's like doing their homework for them.

Players need to be given the chance to make their own mistakes and learn from them. Coaches will counsel them when they return from the bench or after the mistake is made. But the learning can't happen if someone is constantly telling them what to do when they're on the field.

Constant yelling from either sideline creates players who are fearful and tentative and can not make quick decisions on their own, because they're not given the opportunity to do so. Well intentioned as it may be, it is one of the worst ways player development can be harmed.

Parental cooperation is in this regard is greatly appreciated.

Team updates available on Twitter

2009-09-17T06:01:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder that modified team updates are also available on Twitter. Just follow the username: gfmodsoccer

Or go to www.twitter.com/gfmodsoccer.

You can subscribe to get these automatically on your Twitter account

GF varsity and JV news is also available via: www.twitter.com/gfsoccer

Playing time

2009-09-15T18:20:00.001-04:00

It has been decided that bringing a full squad of 22 players to every game is unworkable for the coaching staff and harms our goal of giving everybody who suits up in a game enough playing time to learn and develop.

As a result, we have decided to bring only 16-18 players to every game. That group will be decided on a game-by-game basis and will be based heavily on attitude in practice (listening, following instructions, motivation, taking initiative, etc) as well as skill and taking into account the opponent. It is our objective that (barring discipline issues or injury) no player will sit out two games in a row. If a player is sitting more than he feels he should, he is encouraged to discuss this with the coaches to see what areas of his game he should focus on improving.

The playing roster will be announced at the practice before each contest and be posted on the website that evening. Players not on the game roster are welcome to come to home games but if they do, they will be asked to help out the team by being ball boys or scorekeepers. Anyone who wishes to come to an away game to perform those functions should ask Coach Farenell at practice.

If players or parents have any concerns with this, please contact the coaches and they will be happy to discuss this.

Scrimmage, game and practice updates

2009-09-15T12:35:00.001-04:00

The first scrimmage against Hudson Falls will be on Thursday September 17 at 4:15, but it will now be a home game played at Kensington.

There will be no practice on Saturday.

There is now a home game vs Greenwich on Saturday October 3.

Also see the team calendar.

Email list

2009-09-10T11:49:00.001-04:00

If any parents wish to be on our email list for in-season and off-season news updates, please email Coach Farenell.

2009 team page

2009-09-10T00:10:00.028-04:00

2009 SCRIMMAGES
Sept. 17 vs Hudson Falls: Won 3-1 (report)
Sept. 21 at SGF: Lost 0-4 (report)

2009 GAMES
Sept. 23 vs Queensbury: Lost 0-6 (report)
Sept. 26 vs Broadalbin-Perth: Lost 1-3 (report)
Sept. 28 vs Hudson Falls: Tied 2-2 (report)
Oct. 1 vs SGF: Lost 0-3 (report)
Oct. 5 at Queensbury: Lost 0-4 (report)
Oct. 8 at Hudson Falls: Lost 2-3 (report)
Oct. 10 at Scotia: Lost 0-6 (report)
Oct. 13 vs Queensbury: Won 2-1 (report)
Oct. 17 vs Gloversville: Lost 0-3 (report)
Oct. 20 at SGF: Lost 0-8 (report)
Oct. 27 at Johnstown: Won 1-0 (report)

Notes: at = away game; vs = home game. All games start at 4:15 unless otherwise noted. Also see the team calendar which will provide more details such as location, away game directions, etc.

2009 ROSTER
Sean Barnes, #19
Myles Bray, #24
Andre Chevalier, #5
Luke Collins, #13: alternate captain
John Cote, #3
Nate Didio, #17
Noah Duell, #6
Brian Dwyre, #8
Justin Fizzuoglio, #2
Dylan Hermance, #16
Sean Hooker, #12: captain
Ethan Katz, #11
Logan Kunst, #15
Greg Lippy, #4
David Mauro, #10
Jared McIntosh, #1
Justin Orr, #23
Patrick Resse, #9
Justin Ryan, #7
Travis Scarincio, #14
Jon White, #21: captain
Schuyler Woods, #18
Matt Wyman, #20

Scheduling notes

2009-09-09T23:15:00.000-04:00

Friday Sept. 11 practice will only last an hour: 3:30-4:30.

Saturday Sept. 12 practice will start at 9:00 AM.

Discount coupons available

2009-09-04T09:29:00.002-04:00

I have several dozen coupons that give you 10-20 percent discounts to various soccer merchandise at Dick's Sporting Goods in the Mall: balls, shinguards, shorts/socks, cleats, etc. If you'd like one, send me your postal address or just see me at one of the first practices.

Commonly asked questions...

2009-08-31T09:25:00.004-04:00

Q: Will there be cuts?

A: Normally, there are not cuts at the modified level but this year, it's possible. Numbers are low this year. If final turnout is between 20-25 (too many for one team, but not enough for two), there may need to be a few cuts. Hopefully, there will be enough players for both an A team and B team. Decisions about cuts will not be decided until practice starts, though if there are cuts, age/grade will not play a factor.

**

Q: A friend of mine missed the interest meeting in the spring but still wants to play. Can he?

A: Given the uncertainty, if you missed the spring interest meeting but still want to play, it's best if you contact Coach Farenell to find out what's going on.

**

Q: Is there a specific kind of cleat you must have?

A: It does not matter what brand, model or color shoes you wear but you must wear soccer cleats. Baseball or football cleats are not permitted. The actual studs on the bottom of the shoe must be rounded, not square or rectangular. Rule of thumb: if the studs have corners, they aren't soccer shoes. The typical soccer boot has something like 8-14 round studs on the bottom of the shoe. If the bottom of shoe has several dozen little nubs, then it's a shoe designed for artificial turf. If the bottom of the shoe just has grip like a regular sneaker, then it's an indoor soccer shoe. Soccer shoes designed for artificial turf or for indoor are not illegal, but they aren't appropriate for our purposes and will make it very difficult on the player. I am not certain, but I believe metal studs are illegal in school soccer so stick to the hard plastic molded ones.

**

Q: What about shinguards?

A: A new national rule was passed requiring officially certified shinguards on all players. If you can find shinguards with the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) label or logo, please buy those. That will ensure the player is wearing a size-appropriate shinguard. Since this is a new rule, the NOCSAE authorized shinguards may be hard to find at stores around here. In reality, I'd be very surprised if modified referees strictly enforced this rule. But make sure the player has a shinguard that covers most of his shin. The general guideline is that there should be no more than a couple fingers distance between the bottom of the shinguard and the ankle and between the top of the shinguard and the knee. As long as this is the case, then the shinguard should be fine. If a player is wearing an NOCSAE approved shinguard, then this won't be a problem as they are made and labeled height-appropriate.

**

Q: Is there any particular size ball my son should have?

A: At this level, we use a full size (size 5) ball. If he has a smaller (size 4) ball, it's not a big deal for practice. But ideally, he should have a size 5 ball so he can get used to what we use in the games.

**

Comprehensive pre-season information can be found by clicking here. But if you have a question not covered there, you can either contact me or just leave a comment in the comments' section of this entry. I'll update it if I get more questions.

-Coach Farenell

2009 A team schedule announced

2009-06-11T17:18:00.000-04:00

Key: at = away game; vs = home game

SEPTEMBER
17 at Hudson Falls
21 at SGF
23 vs Queensbury
26 vs Broadalbin-Perth
28 vs Hudson Falls

OCTOBER
1 vs SGF
5 at Queensbury
8 at Hudson Falls
10 at Scotia
13 vs Queensbury
17 vs Gloversville
20 at SGF
24 at Johnstown

Note: the B team schedule won't be known until mid-September.

Smart guys

2009-06-03T23:07:00.004-04:00

Congrats to the 27 modified players who made honor or merit roll for the third marking period of 2008-09.

8th grade honor roll: Todd Ash, Spencer Bray, Brandon Burrows, Fran Dougherty, Steve Feeney, Jack Girard, Evan McLaughlin, Kyle McMurtry, Tyler Mello and Joe Nichols.

8th grade merit roll: Mike Kenny and Jake Zanoni.

7th grade honor roll: Luke Collins, Nate Didio, Brian Dwyre, Ethan Katz, Dave Mauro, Tanner Sax and Matt Wyman.

7th grade merit roll: Evan Abess, Noah Duell, Sean Hooker, Ryan Keech, Pat Round, Travis Scarincio, Jon White and Schuyler Woods.

New website address

2009-04-26T09:22:00.002-04:00

Please note that the old gfmodsoccer.com (re-direct) address no longer works. This new address now is:

gfmodsoccer.net