In their last regular-season match Norwich put an end to Newcastle's plans for an undefeated season. On Sunday, Norwich played the role of spoiler once again, this time dashing the hopes of Queen's Park. Park had rushed to the top of the Champions League after four matches with three wins and a draw. Their 17 goals scored was second in the league against only 6 goals given up.
The Norwich game plan was simple: defend like their lives depended on it and run like there's no tomorrow. Cy did both masterfully. Making use of his blazing speed and his smarts, Cy seemed always to be wherever the play was. He would support the play in our offensive zone and then be waiting to pick up the counterattack back in our defensive zone. And he never let up during the 60-minute match. Pure hustle, yes, but with brilliant tackling skills to finish the job.
Cy was supported by the now famous Norwhich brick wall defense of Zack S, Ted, Alex, and Max H. Nobody at any point in the match was able to beat Zack S one-on-one. He was quick to pressure any Queen's Park attack but patient and careful not to over-commit. Ted ran down everything that came into our half of the field. He never, ever gave up on the ball and was an absolute menace to Queen's Park forwards all afternoon. Alex was his usual reliable self, always goal side, patient, and sure footed. He did well to push the ball outside, out of the danger zone, wait for the attacker to make his move, and then come in for the tackle. Max H also pressed the ball outside, and refused to allow any Park striker a decent shot on goal. He was always in the right position and always two steps ahead of the Queen's Park attack.
Still, a team like Queen's Park is going to create chances. Fortunately, Norwich was able to answer with exceptional goalkeeping again this week. Zack G got the start in net and also closed out the game to protect a slim Norwich lead. He was a busy man in there, but he was solid, saving half a dozen shots on target at least. Zack would contribute to the attack as well, helping to initiate plenty of chances for Norwich on the other end of the field. Josh came in to relieve Zack about a third of the way into the match and continued to smother the fierce Queen's Park attack. Tom took over after Josh and his sure hands kept the game within reach for Norwich.
Queen's Park scored in the 21st minute to take an early lead but Norwich countered 5 minutes later when Tom put one in the bottom left corner on a penalty kick. At the half, the match was tied at 1 goal apiece.
The Norwich attack picked up some steam in the second half and gave their defense some room to breathe. The brilliant possession play of Max F kept the pressure on the Park defense--and just as importantly kept the pressure off the Norwich defense. Speedy and always on the run, Max shed every Queen's Park marker, and he was open all afternoon. His excellent passing ability and quick thinking kept the ball at Norwich feet in their offensive zone for much of the second half. Jake provided speed on the other side of the field and moved the ball well to set up several promising chances. He simply outran everybody on the field. Josh gave Norwich some offensive support as well, taking command of midfield and working the ball northward to Tom and Max.
Ultimately, the offensive effort would pay off. Given a free kick from well beyond the penalty area, Tom let it fly and somehow found the back of the net. A spectacular shot to give Norwich the lead for the first time in the match. Tom completed the hat trick and provided some insurance with a shot from the corner that found its way in behind the Queen's Park keeper. The match would end 3-1, Norwich.
Two victories in two consecutive regular season games against two previously undefeated powerhouse clubs. Norwich has certainly come a long way since week one.
We face another monumental challenge this Saturday against mighty Wolverhampton at Healy. See you there!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Practice Canceled Again!
The Town has kept Cricket Field closed, so we're off tonight.
It would be great to try to find another spot and sneak a practice in, but Needham Soccer Club has issued a stern warning against that.
Maybe we'll get one in next week...
It would be great to try to find another spot and sneak a practice in, but Needham Soccer Club has issued a stern warning against that.
Maybe we'll get one in next week...
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
3rd Grade (U9) Travel Team Tryouts Oct. 29
Any Norwich 3rd graders interested in trying out for the U9 travel team should register for spring soccer on the NSC website by October 17.
Tryouts will be held on October 29 from 4:00-5:00 at the Memorial turf field.
For more info, see the announcement on the NSC website.
Tryouts will be held on October 29 from 4:00-5:00 at the Memorial turf field.
For more info, see the announcement on the NSC website.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Norwich to Play Three Matches in Jamboree
Next Saturday, October 15, Norwich will complete in a Champions League jamboree. We will play three 30-minute games, all on the turf at DeFazio.
Here is the schedule:
11:30 Norwich v. Wigan on Brock A (DeFazio turf field)
4:10 Norwich v. Manchester City on Brock A
4:45 Norwich v. Fulham on Brock B
This should be a lot of fun. Please let me know if there are any games your son will not be able to make. Otherwise, see you there!
Here is the schedule:
11:30 Norwich v. Wigan on Brock A (DeFazio turf field)
4:10 Norwich v. Manchester City on Brock A
4:45 Norwich v. Fulham on Brock B
This should be a lot of fun. Please let me know if there are any games your son will not be able to make. Otherwise, see you there!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Norwich Out-Duels Previously Undefeated Newcastle
Newcastle arrived at Healy Field with a certain swagger having won 2 and tied 1 in their first 3 matches. Their air-tight defense had only allowed 2 goals all season. They didn't quite know what to make of a team that had already yielded 14 goals, but they seemed to like their chances.
The numbers, of course, never tell the whole story. What Newcastle didn't know was that Norwich had made steady improvement from week to week defensively and was due to make a big statement on the offensive side. Newcastle could not have known anything about the blazing speed of players like Jake, Max F, Cy, and Patrick. They could not have known anything about the relentless hustle of players like Caleb, Max H, and Josh. They knew nothing of the brick wall that is Zack S, Alex, and Ted on defense. They knew nothing about the footwork of Zack G and Tom. They had no idea how hungry Norwich was for their first victory of the season and how hard they would be willing to work to get it--all 12 players for all 60 minutes.
The match began with an impressive stand on defense as Newcastle mounted a high-pressure attack right from the start. Zack S set the tone defensively with several key tackles deep in our defensive zone, and Caleb was anywhere the ball was. The young speedster plays with an amazing intensity and energy, and he never, ever gives up on the ball.
The Newcastle attack saw that it was going to be very difficult to find any daylight near the Norwich goal. But the Norwich attack found a hole early, in the 10th minute of the match, when Tom cut and weaved his way to an opening in front of the net and touched it past the keeper to score. The goal was set up masterfully at midfield by Max F who found passing lanes and moved the ball quickly to Patrick and Tom. The play was a lesson in how to work together, passing and moving to space. These guys would do it all afternoon.
Newcastle was not going to be contained forever, though, and they answered with two quick goals of their own to take command 2-1.
But Cy was determined not to go out like that. Once again, he would use his speed very productively at midfield and on defense. His tackling skills, quick thinking, and crisp, accurate passes would create counter-attack after counter-attack. Zack G, who has worked tirelessly all season to develop his ball-control skills, also made good use of the ball, moving it upfield quickly and accurately. Along with Cy and Zack G on the counter-attack, Josh's much improved passing and dribbling skills helped move the ball to the striker and create a multitude of good scoring chances. In the 48th minute, Tom was again able to capitalize on the work of these guys, and receive the ball at close range in front of the net, where he placed it just past a diving goalkeeper to tie the game at 2 with about 10 minutes remaining.
That is when Patrick, who had been a one-man wrecking crew throughout the match, somehow dialed up the intensity and went on a rampage. He challenged nearly every ball, won it, and turned it upfield. When he wasn't winning it or carrying it past defenders, he was in perfect position in front of the net for a cross. Tom found him there with a short cross from the left side and Patrick punched it into the net for what would be the winning goal.
There was work yet to be done, though, as Newcastle threw everything they had at the Norwich defense. In net,Ted saved the game with a stop on a hard strike at short range, and Caleb was absolutely brilliant, once again, closing the game with several spectacular highlight-reel saves.
Our keepers were certainly grateful for an exceptional defensive effort during the last 10 minutes of the match. Max H, well-known by now for his hustle and smart play, disrupted the Newcastle attack, and forced the ball outside, away from the danger zone in the middle. Jake used his speed to stay goalside, slow down the attack, win the ball, and move it upfield. Alex, whose masterful tackling ability began to showcase itself in last week's match, was able to get the ball off the most skillful Newcastle ball-handlers all afternoon. But, his defensive work was never more critical than in the final moments of the match, when he made a key tackle and delivered the ball outside to our midfielders who were able to move it into our offensive zone and possess it there for the remainder of the game.
A tremendous team effort for Norwich resulting in our first victory of the season. Hustle, hard work, and smart play from all 12 players made it happen. Congratulations, Norwich! I have a feeling there's more where that came from.
The numbers, of course, never tell the whole story. What Newcastle didn't know was that Norwich had made steady improvement from week to week defensively and was due to make a big statement on the offensive side. Newcastle could not have known anything about the blazing speed of players like Jake, Max F, Cy, and Patrick. They could not have known anything about the relentless hustle of players like Caleb, Max H, and Josh. They knew nothing of the brick wall that is Zack S, Alex, and Ted on defense. They knew nothing about the footwork of Zack G and Tom. They had no idea how hungry Norwich was for their first victory of the season and how hard they would be willing to work to get it--all 12 players for all 60 minutes.
The match began with an impressive stand on defense as Newcastle mounted a high-pressure attack right from the start. Zack S set the tone defensively with several key tackles deep in our defensive zone, and Caleb was anywhere the ball was. The young speedster plays with an amazing intensity and energy, and he never, ever gives up on the ball.
The Newcastle attack saw that it was going to be very difficult to find any daylight near the Norwich goal. But the Norwich attack found a hole early, in the 10th minute of the match, when Tom cut and weaved his way to an opening in front of the net and touched it past the keeper to score. The goal was set up masterfully at midfield by Max F who found passing lanes and moved the ball quickly to Patrick and Tom. The play was a lesson in how to work together, passing and moving to space. These guys would do it all afternoon.
Newcastle was not going to be contained forever, though, and they answered with two quick goals of their own to take command 2-1.
But Cy was determined not to go out like that. Once again, he would use his speed very productively at midfield and on defense. His tackling skills, quick thinking, and crisp, accurate passes would create counter-attack after counter-attack. Zack G, who has worked tirelessly all season to develop his ball-control skills, also made good use of the ball, moving it upfield quickly and accurately. Along with Cy and Zack G on the counter-attack, Josh's much improved passing and dribbling skills helped move the ball to the striker and create a multitude of good scoring chances. In the 48th minute, Tom was again able to capitalize on the work of these guys, and receive the ball at close range in front of the net, where he placed it just past a diving goalkeeper to tie the game at 2 with about 10 minutes remaining.
That is when Patrick, who had been a one-man wrecking crew throughout the match, somehow dialed up the intensity and went on a rampage. He challenged nearly every ball, won it, and turned it upfield. When he wasn't winning it or carrying it past defenders, he was in perfect position in front of the net for a cross. Tom found him there with a short cross from the left side and Patrick punched it into the net for what would be the winning goal.
There was work yet to be done, though, as Newcastle threw everything they had at the Norwich defense. In net,Ted saved the game with a stop on a hard strike at short range, and Caleb was absolutely brilliant, once again, closing the game with several spectacular highlight-reel saves.
Our keepers were certainly grateful for an exceptional defensive effort during the last 10 minutes of the match. Max H, well-known by now for his hustle and smart play, disrupted the Newcastle attack, and forced the ball outside, away from the danger zone in the middle. Jake used his speed to stay goalside, slow down the attack, win the ball, and move it upfield. Alex, whose masterful tackling ability began to showcase itself in last week's match, was able to get the ball off the most skillful Newcastle ball-handlers all afternoon. But, his defensive work was never more critical than in the final moments of the match, when he made a key tackle and delivered the ball outside to our midfielders who were able to move it into our offensive zone and possess it there for the remainder of the game.
A tremendous team effort for Norwich resulting in our first victory of the season. Hustle, hard work, and smart play from all 12 players made it happen. Congratulations, Norwich! I have a feeling there's more where that came from.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Norwich Continues to Improve Defensive Effort
In its first game, a porous Norwich defense allowed 8 goals to a highly prolific Newcastle attack, 6 of which came in the first half alone. After that game, the boys made a commitment to improve their defense. Last week, in game 2, Norwich made good on that promise and cut that total in half, allowing only 4 goals to an even stronger Sunderland squad. On Saturday, game 3 saw that total cut in half again. In a match-up against what was probably the toughest opponent they have faced so far this season, Norwich held West Bromwich to 2 goals. It was by far their best defensive performance of the season from the standpoint of goalkeeping, tackling, positioning, jockeying, tactics, and most importantly, heart. For most of the game Norwich simply outran West Bromwich.
Goalkeepers Tom, Zack G, and Caleb were reliable in net for Norwich. Tom was challenged early in the game but managed several spectacular saves to keep it a 1-goal game through the first 25 minutes. Zack was quite skillful and knocked away several good shots on target. He contributed on the offensive end as well maintaining pressure with at least three scoring threats. Caleb was nothing short of brilliant in net during the final 20 minutes of the match. He managed to get hands to several shots that would have blown through a brick wall and found the upper corner. Somehow, inexplicably, Caleb was able to knock them away. Simply astonishing!
But it takes more than sturdy goalkeeping to contain an attack like that of Bromwich. Before the game, Norwich set a goal for the match: work harder than their opponents. They set out to do just that on the defensive side, outworking and outhustling the West Bromwich attack. Max F's energy, smarts, and speed kept Bromwich from setting up deep in our defensive zone. He challenged for the ball aggressively (but without over-committing) and made life difficult for Bromwich all afternoon. Jake provided very reliable defensive support. He jockeyed and pushed the ball outside, allowing very little in the way of real scoring chances. Max H was everywhere he needed to be to stop Bromwich. With relentless speed and hustle, he harassed Bromwich attackers at midfield, before they could set anything up. The most outstanding bit of tackling skill was demonstrated by Alex who took on the Bromwich striker--one of their best players--late in the game and just swallowed him whole. He put down a block and slipped away with the ball before the attacker knew what had hit him. Josh was a vital part of our defense as well. He took to heart our recent work in practice, and jockeyed every play outside, away from the "danger zone," the middle of the field in front of our goal.
Midfield was claimed, owned, and dominated by Patrick, who patrolled the middle third of the field like it was his own back yard. If the ball came into it, it was his ball, and he was going to take back what was rightfully his. With his speed, tackling ability, and ball control, he was able to keep constant pressure on the Bromwich defense, especially during the second half.
Patrick was able to set up strikers Tom and Zack S, and both had a couple of very near misses. Unlucky. Tom made good use of his speed to create a breakaway that the keeper was just barely able to disrupt. Zack S put himself in perfect position in the middle of the field all afternoon and was able to put together a couple of real scoring threats.
The most promising chance of the afternoon came about two seconds before the final whistle. On a corner kick, Ted positioned himself in the middle about 20 feet from the goal. The corner kick came through the air and Ted got a good foot on it. He hit it well and right on target, but the Bromwich keeper and the referee's whistle ended play before Norwich could finish.
This match featured the best soccer to date by the Norwich boys. But, stay tuned... It gets even better. Norwich takes on Newcastle this Sunday at 12:30.
See you there!
Goalkeepers Tom, Zack G, and Caleb were reliable in net for Norwich. Tom was challenged early in the game but managed several spectacular saves to keep it a 1-goal game through the first 25 minutes. Zack was quite skillful and knocked away several good shots on target. He contributed on the offensive end as well maintaining pressure with at least three scoring threats. Caleb was nothing short of brilliant in net during the final 20 minutes of the match. He managed to get hands to several shots that would have blown through a brick wall and found the upper corner. Somehow, inexplicably, Caleb was able to knock them away. Simply astonishing!
But it takes more than sturdy goalkeeping to contain an attack like that of Bromwich. Before the game, Norwich set a goal for the match: work harder than their opponents. They set out to do just that on the defensive side, outworking and outhustling the West Bromwich attack. Max F's energy, smarts, and speed kept Bromwich from setting up deep in our defensive zone. He challenged for the ball aggressively (but without over-committing) and made life difficult for Bromwich all afternoon. Jake provided very reliable defensive support. He jockeyed and pushed the ball outside, allowing very little in the way of real scoring chances. Max H was everywhere he needed to be to stop Bromwich. With relentless speed and hustle, he harassed Bromwich attackers at midfield, before they could set anything up. The most outstanding bit of tackling skill was demonstrated by Alex who took on the Bromwich striker--one of their best players--late in the game and just swallowed him whole. He put down a block and slipped away with the ball before the attacker knew what had hit him. Josh was a vital part of our defense as well. He took to heart our recent work in practice, and jockeyed every play outside, away from the "danger zone," the middle of the field in front of our goal.
Midfield was claimed, owned, and dominated by Patrick, who patrolled the middle third of the field like it was his own back yard. If the ball came into it, it was his ball, and he was going to take back what was rightfully his. With his speed, tackling ability, and ball control, he was able to keep constant pressure on the Bromwich defense, especially during the second half.
Patrick was able to set up strikers Tom and Zack S, and both had a couple of very near misses. Unlucky. Tom made good use of his speed to create a breakaway that the keeper was just barely able to disrupt. Zack S put himself in perfect position in the middle of the field all afternoon and was able to put together a couple of real scoring threats.
The most promising chance of the afternoon came about two seconds before the final whistle. On a corner kick, Ted positioned himself in the middle about 20 feet from the goal. The corner kick came through the air and Ted got a good foot on it. He hit it well and right on target, but the Bromwich keeper and the referee's whistle ended play before Norwich could finish.
This match featured the best soccer to date by the Norwich boys. But, stay tuned... It gets even better. Norwich takes on Newcastle this Sunday at 12:30.
See you there!
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