Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Practice notes for 2/18

Hello everyone -- please keep an eye on the weather Wednesday, as there's a good chance of rain in the afternoon -- up to 90% chance around practice time. Remember, please call the CASL weather hotline (248-9516) before leaving for practice. They usually update around 2:00p and 4:00p.

I'll send an email out after the 2:00p update with the latest!

Thanks!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Spring has Sprung!

Welcome to the Spring 2009 season for the Blue Jays. We've received the team roster and practice schedule. The season schedule will be added to our calendar by the end of the week.

Go Blue Jays!

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Fall 2008 Schedule

http://www.caslnc.info/casl/fall08/R_M941.HTM

There are eight teams in the division this fall. We'll play everyone once and the Chargers twice.

Our schedule (also listed on the calendar on the right side of the page) is favorable to our location. We have two games in Cary -- the rest are either in Wake Forest at Smith Creek or at the WRAL Soccer center.

We won't have a game on 9/3 in observance of Labor Day and school holidays.

Just a reminder - I need your uniform sizes ASAP!

Monday, May 12, 2008

There has been a change to the Sunday's "late" game. The second game is now at 2:00p instead of 12:30p.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

CASL Cup Notes

CASL Cup 2008 Schedule

Be sure to keep up with the schedule and scores at the above link. You can also sign up for alerts to your email or cell phone with scoring updates. For all games, wear white jerseys.

5/17 8:00a Cardinals (3-2-1) vs Blue Jays (7-1) Centex B
We haven't played the Cardinals since Spring 07 when we tied them 2-2. Against similar opponents, the Cardinals are 3-2 (losses to the Cosmos and Crew).

5/17 11:00a Force (0-6-1) vs Blue Jays (7-1) Centex B
We played the Force last fall, winning 11-1. We did not play them this season. Against similar opponents, the Force are 0-6.

5/18 9:30a Cosmos (6-2) vs Blue Jays (7-1) Centex A
We beat the Cosmos 4-2 this season. They beat us 6-1 last fall. They won the CASL Cup in our division last Spring. We lost to them 1-0 in the tournament. They'll be looking for revenge. Against similar opponents, the Cosmos are 3-1 (loss to the Lightning).

5/18 12:30p Crew(7-1) vs Blue Jays (7-1) Centex B
We beat the Crew 1-0 to win the regular season. They beat us last fall 3-1 and went undefeated last season. As the only team to beat them and our matchup is the last of the tournament, I expect a very aggressive game. Against similar opponents, the Crew are 5-0

Blue Jays 1 - 0 Crew

The showdown for first place showcased the two best teams in the league: the Crew (7-0) vs the Blue Jays (6-1). With a tie or loss, the Blue Jays would remain in 2nd place. With a win, the Blue Jays would vault past the Crew for the Division title (The first tiebreaker is the head-to-head matchup).

The game was played close as both teams had skilled players and tactics. Whereas the focus of the Crew seemed to be individual play, the Blue Jays focused more on spreading the ball across the field. Both strategies have worked well through the season, but today, the opportunities created by the Blue Jays outnumbered the opponent nearly 2-1 on shots.

Congratulations to Caleb who put the gamewinner in the back of the net from close range. Every player today had solid contributions. Ultimately, that's more important than the score -- and most often the score is a result of those contributions.

Congrat to parents, players and coaches for a great season. No time to rest -- we need to focus on the CASL Cup!.

Panthers 4 - 1 Blue Jays

The Blue Jays visited Garner on 5/3 to see the Panthers outscore them 4-1. While only 2 referees were present from CASL, and their calls were questionable, the outcome of the game would likely have been the same -- just with different numbers. The Panthers outplayed us.

Congrats to Kristian who drilled the penalty shot through the hands of the keeper to prevent a shut out.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Blue Jays 7 - 0 Rockets

In a 9 v 9 matchup, the Blue Jays stalled the Rockets with a 7-0 victory at Smith Creek. Multiple players connected to put the ball in the net, including Blake, Caleb (2), Colin, Colton, Tory and Sean.

We tried players in various roles today and in most cases, the results were better than expected.

Congratulations to the Blue Jays in their victory today.

Remaining Schedule
May 3, 1:15
Panthers (1-3-1) vs. Blue Jays (6-0)
South Garner Park

May 10
Crew (6-0) vs. Blue Jays (6-0)
Green Hope HS

May 17
CASL Cup

May 18
CASL Cup

Saturday, April 19, 2008

2008 CASL Cup

All

The deadline for the CASL Cup Registration is April 28. I believe we should participate in the tournament this year. We're playing really well, and I've heard many similar sentiments from parents thus far this season.

You can view the details of the tournament online at the CASL website, but here's a brief rundown:

May 17-18 (Saturday & Sunday)
3 games guaranteed
All games at WRAL Soccer Center
$475/team ($32/player if everyone signs up)

Also,
All teams must provide 8 hours of volunteer time. 3 hrs for tourney preparation and registration, Thursday and Friday evening before the tournament weekend, and 5 hours for field marshall and other duties Saturday and Sunday during the tournament. Teams may opt out of this requirement for an additional $100
Think about entering the tournament this week and we'll talk more about it at practice on Wednesday.

Next game:
vs. Rockets
4/26
10:45a
Smith Creek Soccer Center, Field 3


Cosmos 2 - 4 Blue Jays

A beautiful day for the beautiful game at Smith Creek Soccer Center Saturday. At the start of the match, the Blue Jays and Cosmos were tied near the top of the table with 12 points (4 wins apiece) for a battle to clearly define 2nd and 3rd place.

The defensive efforts in the first half were outstanding, allowing only one shot from the opposition. Our passing game from midfielders and forwards was much improved today. If we can maintain the crisp passes and communication, the Blue Jays can continue to win against our opponents.

The forwards worked well together today, starting with Matt's direct pass to Caleb for the one-touch score inside the box, clearing the outstretched arms of the keeper. Later in the first half, Caleb followed up with a solo shot of his own, putting the Blue Jays ahead 2-0.

In the second half, the Blue Jays continued to pass well, but were not as aggressive due to the game pace set by the opposition. Raynor -- injured in the first half -- stoically played keeper for the majority of the 2nd half until a collision with an opponent caused him to leave the game.

While the Cosmos scored two late 2nd half goals, Blake and Tory each made connections on plays that forced the Cosmos to score "own goals". With their consistent efforts on the field in passing and winning the ball throughout, we'll count these as their goals.

Final score: Blue Jays 4, Cosmos 2.

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Blue Jays game for 3/8 has been postponed due the weather as of 6:00p Friday. Enjoy your weekend!

Friday, March 7, 2008

CASL Weather Hotline

Be sure to call the CASL Weather Hotline (248-9516) before making the trip to Green Hope High School Saturday morning. The forecast currently predicts rain from now until noon Saturday.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Uniform reminder

Just a reminder to get uniform information to me ASAP so I can place the order. We have white jerseys for the home games and blue jerseys for the away games, white shorts and blue socks.

If you're ordering a replacement jersey, be sure to indicate the matching number from your existing jersey.

Be sure to call the CASL Weather Hotline today before traveling to practice today: 248-9516

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Blue Jays surge past Chargers

The Blue Jays opened the season with a win on a windy first of March. Kristian's two goals in the first half gave the Blue Jays the Spring Season's first victory. Both goals were setup by assists from Colin.

Caleb, Blake, Sean, Matt and Bryce all had opportunities turned away by the Charger defense. Thomas and John-Michael stood tall in defensive efforts during the entire game, assisting Colton and Raynor in securing the shutout.

See you at practice Wednesday!

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Oops

Just realized this polling feature doesn't tell me who said they'd be at the game. I'll figure out another method. At least knowing the number is good!

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Welcome to Blue Jays Spring 2008

Hey everyone -- this may be the easiest way to keep up with everything going on this season. Check back here frequently for updates and the latest information about this season.

Go Blue Jays!