It's over with a 2-1 loss to Barstow. Charles worked his tail off. But it's as if the boys expected him to get it done alone. That's a lot of pressure for one sophomore stud. The thing is...he almost did it. At one point, he and Lucia nearly scored a goal within 13 seconds of kicking it off...it was magical to watch them careening around Barstow together.
His sister, Mary, took her team to the next round though...click to read about it in the Redlands Daily Facts.
See you next season. Tessa and Aliyah will be walking by then, isn't that crazy? They'll be able to rush the field when thier daddys and their team win CIF. :)
Until then,
Rachel
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Playoff Bracket
Check out the playoff bracket, go to sports, soccer, boys soccer, playoff brackets. ACA is in division VI along the bottom of the document. Here it is: playoff bracket.
Then, if you're interested or really bored, you can use Max Preps to research opponents. You can research common opponents, records, and players to watch. Have fun.
ACA plays Barstow Friday. I'll let you know what happens.
Until then,
Rachel
Then, if you're interested or really bored, you can use Max Preps to research opponents. You can research common opponents, records, and players to watch. Have fun.
ACA plays Barstow Friday. I'll let you know what happens.
Until then,
Rachel
Monday, February 16, 2009
ACA vs Western
It was pouring rain when I arrived at the game. And Charles always decides what uniform combination the boys wear. Unfortunately, he decided on the all whites. Pouring rain and all white uniforms....that was not "all white" (alright) with me. Oh well.
About 7 minutes in, Western struck first.
...you know what...why don't I just let you read it fom The Redlands Daily Facts.
Later,
Rachel
About 7 minutes in, Western struck first.
...you know what...why don't I just let you read it fom The Redlands Daily Facts.
Later,
Rachel
Thursday, February 12, 2009
ACA vs OC
This is rivalry week in college basketball and ironically the ACA/OC game was this past Tuesday also. Unfortunately the games are always ugly between these two schools. The soccer is always fierce (not always quality). But it's the tempers, both on and off the pitch, that are ugly...or perhaps intense is a better word.
Because of the win/loss record of ACA and OC this game was loaded with consequences. ACA needed a win or tie in order to stay in first place in the Christian League. OC needed a win to be in first, but a loss pretty much guaranteed third place for the Knights.
No matter what the standings, ACA/OC games are always a battle.
It was a chilly night, I had Tessa bundled in clothes and a hat and wrapped in 3 blankets. The Beebe's had also reserved a spot for me by their propane heater (bless their hearts). Tessa slept and smiled off and on as the game thundered on...she must have been quite content in her little cocoon.
The starting lineup was different again due to the fact that Josh Phillips was unable to start...or should I say benched...due to the fact he had missed 3 days of practice without explaination. So here was the lineup
Robbie,Duggan
MJ, Charles, Mooch, Stephenson
Martinez, Lucia, Ishida, Beebe
So I guess it was a 4-4-2. Though Greg might tell you it was a 4-3-3...with Charles as a withdrawn forward. Or he might say it's a 4-3-1-2, or a 1-3-3-1-2 with Lucia as a sweeper and Charles as a withdrawn forward. I don't think either is a true formation.
ANYWAYS...
So, the game.....
It started of quickly, both teams playing frantically. Neither team seem composed at first. ACA seemed to have the run of play, but OC continually got counter-attacks that should have been put away. Each attack was scary. Manny (10 shirt for OC) was so quick and dangerous with each touch of the ball.
But ACA had chances too. Finally, after an on the edge-of-your-seat 20 minutes, Charles took a long throw-in which flew through the box to Duggan who headed it into OC's goal putting ACA in the lead 1-0.
My head was buried in Tess's cocoon for much of the game, not because I was cold, and not because she was unhappy, but instead it was buried in there due to the drama of the match and the profound impact it had on the crowd - well at least the crowd of people near me. It was the kind of game which kept discussions to a minumum because you didn't want to take your eyes away from the game for a single minute.
I was sitting by the Beebe's (like I said before). But because they brought heat - that also brought people near seeking warmth...namely Mr. Pearce. I actually love Mr. Pearce because he says things as they are. He has some mighty one-liners. Thoughts I have, but could never put words to...and he says things that even if I was clever enough to think of I wouldn't say aloud, certainly not that loud. So, as I said, my head ended up in what would've been my hands, but my hands were holding Tess. Many times I tried to hide my giggling.
And there certainly was controversy. OC earned two yellow cards during the game. I felt that one of them could've been a red. OC boys continually pushed and then sometimes even kicked our boys once they were down, literally. Charles was shoved quite a bit, by one kid repeatedly. And you know there are a lot of swear words floating around the pitch when Reeves can hardly remain composed. He was also gettting shoved and he kept looking at Schenks and throwing his hands up.
OC got the equalizer on a fluke shot in the 70th minute. It's a difficult one to explain. The whole situation came from nothing. OC came with pace and a boucing ball struck somewhere near the 18 blasted by Mitch.
And then ACA just needed to hold on for the tie. But Lucia had a different strategy. He was playing for the win and kept pushing forward. I believe he was in the offensive third at least twice in the frightful remaining 10 minutes. Once he made an overlapping run and crossed the ball into the box, and the other time I believe he may have been inside the 18 with the ball at his feet.
Needless to say, that left 3 ACA defenders to keep OC away from the net. But with 10 minutes remaining in the game, OCs Manny (#10) was on a breakaway. Lucia ran with him and then took him down from behind, which is an automatic red card. It's a "professional foul". OC didn't score but at the cost of Lucia. He was out for the remainder of the match. ACA played a man down and Lucia will have to sit out the next match against Western.
The 1-1 tie with OC makes Friday's game against Western big. Whoever wins the game becomes the Christian League Champions. We'll see what happens.
Until Later.
Rachel
Because of the win/loss record of ACA and OC this game was loaded with consequences. ACA needed a win or tie in order to stay in first place in the Christian League. OC needed a win to be in first, but a loss pretty much guaranteed third place for the Knights.
No matter what the standings, ACA/OC games are always a battle.
The girls played just before the boys and lost 4-0 to the OC girls. They had previously tied, so the outcome was disappointing. The ACA girls will now place second in the Christian League.
It was a chilly night, I had Tessa bundled in clothes and a hat and wrapped in 3 blankets. The Beebe's had also reserved a spot for me by their propane heater (bless their hearts). Tessa slept and smiled off and on as the game thundered on...she must have been quite content in her little cocoon.
The starting lineup was different again due to the fact that Josh Phillips was unable to start...or should I say benched...due to the fact he had missed 3 days of practice without explaination. So here was the lineup
Robbie,Duggan
MJ, Charles, Mooch, Stephenson
Martinez, Lucia, Ishida, Beebe
So I guess it was a 4-4-2. Though Greg might tell you it was a 4-3-3...with Charles as a withdrawn forward. Or he might say it's a 4-3-1-2, or a 1-3-3-1-2 with Lucia as a sweeper and Charles as a withdrawn forward. I don't think either is a true formation.
ANYWAYS...
So, the game.....
It started of quickly, both teams playing frantically. Neither team seem composed at first. ACA seemed to have the run of play, but OC continually got counter-attacks that should have been put away. Each attack was scary. Manny (10 shirt for OC) was so quick and dangerous with each touch of the ball.
But ACA had chances too. Finally, after an on the edge-of-your-seat 20 minutes, Charles took a long throw-in which flew through the box to Duggan who headed it into OC's goal putting ACA in the lead 1-0.
My head was buried in Tess's cocoon for much of the game, not because I was cold, and not because she was unhappy, but instead it was buried in there due to the drama of the match and the profound impact it had on the crowd - well at least the crowd of people near me. It was the kind of game which kept discussions to a minumum because you didn't want to take your eyes away from the game for a single minute.
I was sitting by the Beebe's (like I said before). But because they brought heat - that also brought people near seeking warmth...namely Mr. Pearce. I actually love Mr. Pearce because he says things as they are. He has some mighty one-liners. Thoughts I have, but could never put words to...and he says things that even if I was clever enough to think of I wouldn't say aloud, certainly not that loud. So, as I said, my head ended up in what would've been my hands, but my hands were holding Tess. Many times I tried to hide my giggling.
And there certainly was controversy. OC earned two yellow cards during the game. I felt that one of them could've been a red. OC boys continually pushed and then sometimes even kicked our boys once they were down, literally. Charles was shoved quite a bit, by one kid repeatedly. And you know there are a lot of swear words floating around the pitch when Reeves can hardly remain composed. He was also gettting shoved and he kept looking at Schenks and throwing his hands up.
OC got the equalizer on a fluke shot in the 70th minute. It's a difficult one to explain. The whole situation came from nothing. OC came with pace and a boucing ball struck somewhere near the 18 blasted by Mitch.
And then ACA just needed to hold on for the tie. But Lucia had a different strategy. He was playing for the win and kept pushing forward. I believe he was in the offensive third at least twice in the frightful remaining 10 minutes. Once he made an overlapping run and crossed the ball into the box, and the other time I believe he may have been inside the 18 with the ball at his feet.
Needless to say, that left 3 ACA defenders to keep OC away from the net. But with 10 minutes remaining in the game, OCs Manny (#10) was on a breakaway. Lucia ran with him and then took him down from behind, which is an automatic red card. It's a "professional foul". OC didn't score but at the cost of Lucia. He was out for the remainder of the match. ACA played a man down and Lucia will have to sit out the next match against Western.
The 1-1 tie with OC makes Friday's game against Western big. Whoever wins the game becomes the Christian League Champions. We'll see what happens.
Until Later.
Rachel
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Aquinas and Loma Linda Matches
ACA battled Aquinas last Tuesday night. Josh Phillips was moved to striker and it made quite an impact. Phil scored 4 goals and Charles has the other goal I believe. ACA won the match 5-2. Greg and Dan have been playing a 4-3-3, now it's a 3-5-2 with Josh and Robby up top.
Next they battled Loma Linda...and for some reason...didn't put them away like they should have. ACA did win the game 3-0, but did not look strong.
On Tuesday, ACA will go to OC and then come home for thier final regular season game against Western on Friday.
Next they battled Loma Linda...and for some reason...didn't put them away like they should have. ACA did win the game 3-0, but did not look strong.
On Tuesday, ACA will go to OC and then come home for thier final regular season game against Western on Friday.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
It's Been a While
I'm only going to write about league play. Matches before that are a mere blur to me.
The night before Ontario Christian the boys came over to our house for the traditional pasta dinner...I served lazagana and bread and Sarah brought salad and the most amazing dessert...homemade (from scratch) brownies and sugar cookies decorated like soccer balls with "ACA", "Go Eagles", etc. written in frosting. Sarah always adds the stellar quality to any meal with the dishes she brings. The boys collided into our home a car-full at a time. It's truly amazing how 20 highschool boys can be in our house and it never felt crowded just always moving...filled with laughter, conversation, and music (Mitch on the old guitar and Martinez on the piano). But after all that effort, fun, and fellowship...the boys didn't perform well. (OC had tied Loma Linda 3-3 a week before). Ugly game. Laziness and complacency...in my opinion...mixed with the "big rivalry" match pressure...made for an unexpected 0-0 tie.
Aquinas and Loma Linda were both easy games for the boys, they won both, big. The win over Aquinas was something like 6-1, the win over Loma Linda was 7-0 I think...all I remember was that Charles had 6 goals that game. 6 goals in one game...3 before halftime and he quickly scored 3 more before Greg and Dan could get him subbed out.
The other thing I remember about Loma Linda is that Charles got new boots. He had been searching for the Ribery Nike Mercurial Vapors (they're pink)...
...but had no luck...they were limited edition I guess. I had been looking also - just to help out. Here's what he bought instead:
The night before Ontario Christian the boys came over to our house for the traditional pasta dinner...I served lazagana and bread and Sarah brought salad and the most amazing dessert...homemade (from scratch) brownies and sugar cookies decorated like soccer balls with "ACA", "Go Eagles", etc. written in frosting. Sarah always adds the stellar quality to any meal with the dishes she brings. The boys collided into our home a car-full at a time. It's truly amazing how 20 highschool boys can be in our house and it never felt crowded just always moving...filled with laughter, conversation, and music (Mitch on the old guitar and Martinez on the piano). But after all that effort, fun, and fellowship...the boys didn't perform well. (OC had tied Loma Linda 3-3 a week before). Ugly game. Laziness and complacency...in my opinion...mixed with the "big rivalry" match pressure...made for an unexpected 0-0 tie. The Western Christian match up was much the same as the OC game...ugly...0-0 tie. Greg still says "we lost 0-0" that's how embarrassing the tie is to him.
So, not great news to report. I hope the second half of league play is more successful.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
ACA vs Bloomington High School
The game against Bloomington was interesting to say the least. There's never been a game quite like it. I showed up early because Danno and I rode together to the game. Coaches need to be there well ahead of time, so I got to see some of the JV game. JV lost by a good margin, perhaps 7-0...I'm not remembering right now.
But I was able to see one of my favorite aspects of the game of soccer...the pregame warm-up. It always amazes me the variety of drills coaches choose to do. One of my favorite aspects of ACA's warm up has nothing at all to do with playing or anything...they lay their jerseys on the pitch right in front of their bench in number order. Rain or shine, the jerseys are laid on the field prior to the game. I love it.
Another thing I noticed during pregame was Mitch...he was warming up Kirk Pearce in goal. Mitch's finger was wrapped from surgery, 2 pins, out 4-6 weeks.
Game started and the game was back and forth for a while. Bloomington flirted with offsides many, many times. I think the referee got tired of calling it because Bloomington scored 2 goals, both of which were scored by Bloomington players in the offside position. Kirk was tough though, he broke up many, many plays, came aggressively off his line, and took the ball off the feet of opposing players causing me to gasp many times.
Then came the moment when I couldn't gasp, blink, or breathe. Kirkland came out hard to break up a play right around the 18, there was quite a collision and Kirk went down hard. He lay on his back...arms above his head...he was not moving. He was laying much to still.
Greg and Schenks were waved on the field...Kirk started to move and sat up slowly. But then he just sat there...for a long time. Finally, the guys helped him off the field. We all knew Lucia (Senior, captain) would be in goal, but he's such a good field player, you just hate to lose him from the back line. Thing is, he's also quite a keeper...however...none of us can quite understand it, but he refuses to wear gloves.
Kirk lay on the sideline for a while and kept asking Mitch what was going on...he seemed to have no short-term memory. He ended up going to the ER at halftime. He had a concussion and CAT scan was clear.
The score at halftime was Bloomington 3, ACA 0. In the second half Charles just didn't want to get scored on anymore and moved himself to the back to help out the defense now that Lucia was in goal. At one point a PK was called. Bloomington made kind of a mockery of the whole thing and brought their backup keeper all the way from his goal to take the kick on Lucia. Lucia made an AMAZING diving save. Later on, ACA received a PK and Lucia ran out of his goal to take the kick for ACA...hammering it into the back of the goal. ACA fans roared.
And that's about how the game went...not a great one.
But I did get a prime seat right in front of the Beebe's propane heater...me and the babe stayed nice and toasty.
Until next time,
Rachel
But I was able to see one of my favorite aspects of the game of soccer...the pregame warm-up. It always amazes me the variety of drills coaches choose to do. One of my favorite aspects of ACA's warm up has nothing at all to do with playing or anything...they lay their jerseys on the pitch right in front of their bench in number order. Rain or shine, the jerseys are laid on the field prior to the game. I love it.
Another thing I noticed during pregame was Mitch...he was warming up Kirk Pearce in goal. Mitch's finger was wrapped from surgery, 2 pins, out 4-6 weeks.
Game started and the game was back and forth for a while. Bloomington flirted with offsides many, many times. I think the referee got tired of calling it because Bloomington scored 2 goals, both of which were scored by Bloomington players in the offside position. Kirk was tough though, he broke up many, many plays, came aggressively off his line, and took the ball off the feet of opposing players causing me to gasp many times.
Then came the moment when I couldn't gasp, blink, or breathe. Kirkland came out hard to break up a play right around the 18, there was quite a collision and Kirk went down hard. He lay on his back...arms above his head...he was not moving. He was laying much to still.
Greg and Schenks were waved on the field...Kirk started to move and sat up slowly. But then he just sat there...for a long time. Finally, the guys helped him off the field. We all knew Lucia (Senior, captain) would be in goal, but he's such a good field player, you just hate to lose him from the back line. Thing is, he's also quite a keeper...however...none of us can quite understand it, but he refuses to wear gloves.
Kirk lay on the sideline for a while and kept asking Mitch what was going on...he seemed to have no short-term memory. He ended up going to the ER at halftime. He had a concussion and CAT scan was clear.
The score at halftime was Bloomington 3, ACA 0. In the second half Charles just didn't want to get scored on anymore and moved himself to the back to help out the defense now that Lucia was in goal. At one point a PK was called. Bloomington made kind of a mockery of the whole thing and brought their backup keeper all the way from his goal to take the kick on Lucia. Lucia made an AMAZING diving save. Later on, ACA received a PK and Lucia ran out of his goal to take the kick for ACA...hammering it into the back of the goal. ACA fans roared.
And that's about how the game went...not a great one.
But I did get a prime seat right in front of the Beebe's propane heater...me and the babe stayed nice and toasty.
Until next time,
Rachel
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