Tough Night at NIxa--Injuries Continue to Plague

Well, what can we say, it's hard to gauge ourselves against a quality team such as we saw last night when we can't have our whole squad healthy and ready to play. Nixa gave us a good wake-up call last night in their 6-0 victory. Probably the most valuable lesson we can take from this match is that every single player on the field needs to be ready to fill in at any position. Every player has to give it all in preparation because whether you are a JV or Varsity player, starter or reserve, offense or defense, you are likely going to be called on at some point when the game is on the line. 

After 10 games (varsity) this season, we can reflect on some things that we've done well and some things that we need to improve on to prepare for districts. I want to focus on the positive however. In ten games, we have yet to play a single minute of any match with all 11 starters on the field. Whether it's injuries, disciplinary issues, or yellow card accumulation, we have always been down at least one and usually 2 starters. Despite this we have been successful in winning up to this point. Our young players have stepped up either as substitutes or starters, and sometimes into positions they've never played and held their ground. The experience they have gained we be vital in preparation for districts as well as seasons to follow. 

To put the current season into a little perspective, we have essentially the same core personnel as last season. At this point in 2008, having faced basically the same opponents, the Webb City Soccer team had a  record of 2-8. Through the whole grueling season, we maintained hope that each loss was a learning experience--to make us better for the future. Some attitudes on the team began to turn to defeat around this point in the season, these attitudes continued to poison the team until nearly all hope was lost. 

Out of the ashes of the 2008 season arose a new team! Destructive attitudes were done away with. The lessons learned had seasoned our young players into experienced veterans that because of their experience of defeat, could better appreciate victory. A new DESIRE for redemption has captivated this team and led us to prosper against all expectations. 

This change was not a result of a change in coaching or a change in support from the community. This change came as a result of a squad that decided that if they wanted something bad enough, they were going to have to work for it. 

As we enter the second half of this season, we must not become complacent. Nothing has changed! If we want success, we will have to work for it. If we rest now on our laurels and accept that we will be "good enough," then we may as well throw in the towel. 

Let us then rededicate ourselves to the commitment we all made to constantly improve. We owe this to ourselves, each other, and every person that has and will support this team. We move forward with this season with confidence that our efforts have not and will not be in vain. 

As I know that our opponents will be viewing this site seeing the words written here, I challenge them on behalf of this team to bring their best game. We'll be ready!

Coach S