If Olivia begins to play with consistent passion and intensity, she will be unstoppable up top
--Coach Sam
has selected the following players as
Players of the Week.
Under 9 Team : Barnett Ford Stars
Amora Albano
Under 12 Boys: Academy Little Professionals
Aziz Al-Harbi
Sam Dispenza
Under 12 Girls: Lady Tigers
Olivia Carson
Ryann Ritchie
This week these players have been selected by the coaches of these teams...
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Under 9 Team : Barnett Ford Stars
Amora Albano
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| Amora taking on 5 players in Week 1. |
Amora can change the game...and she did this past Saturday. In a match against a team that had beaten the Stars in week two of the SOSL season. Amora used the overlapping run from her position as last defender to apply pressure, set up chances for teammates, and score goals.
She played every minute as we had no subs, and capped the day with a sleepover camp-out with a teammate... This game ended in a tie, when the opponent had to come from behind, repeatedly.
In game two she played goalkeeper and deflected a point-blank blast over the bar. She brought her Full-On Game-On Attitude for her team, which is quiet as a peach until the ball arrives at her feet and the space is offered her.
Under 12 Boys: Academy Little Professionals
Aziz Al-Harbi
Sam Dispenza
Aziz Al-Harbi
Aziz has played for the Academy consistently since the Fall of 2012 SOSL season. Without hesitation Aziz can be placed in any position on the field and do the job needed. Aziz scores goals, but his most effective strategy is to use the ball control he possesses --and that he perfected in the indoor game-- to outwit the opposing midfield, then to send a pass forward for the attack to finish.
Aziz also plays goalkeeper, and to watch this player make the kind of acrobat-saves he makes, is as inspiring as anything done with the ball.
تهانينا لصديقي،
Sam Dispenza
Sam also plays for the Academy Little Professionals, and Sam's professional approach to the game Saturday is what elevated his performance above his usual contributions to earn this recognition.
Sam entered the game in the first half and returned in the second without having found his rhythm.
There were two balls in particular on which we lost possession that Sam would typically have controlled and brought into the attack.
Coach saw an opportunity to make use of a quick substitution, and Sam came over for a quick reset.
I reminded him of a play from week three. He found space wide on the right. He had already taken the defender down the line, and this time, he attacked the defender's back-leg and turned toward the center of the field. He then served a ball that found the end of a run and we finished with finesse rather than power for a world-class goal.
This memory clicked, and Coach could see that click. Sam re-entered the game, and became the player he has been from Day 1 this Spring season. He brought a new pace to our attack, and allowed us to dominate the right flank.
Each week Coach sees players show reasons why they deserve the recognition of Player of the Week. But there is sometimes a leap that players make which deserves recognition beyond the field. To Change Your Game, and Raise Your Performance is the hallmark of someone gaining full benefit from the game they play.
Congratulations and Well Done, Dispenza!
Under 12 Girls: Lady Tigers
Comments from and selections by Coach Sam
Olivia Carson
Ryann Ritchie
Olivia Carson
While it took a while for the girls to warm-up last weekend, they finally did in the second half of the second game. Olivia's goal was a product of team work. It was a string of passes that led to an opportunity for Olivia to use her speed up top. Olivia never quit on this ball and truly wanted to score!
Olivia has moments of pure drive and intensity that, more often than not, result in goals. If Olivia begins to play with consistent passion and intensity, she will be unstoppable up top.
Ryann Ritchie
I would also suggest Ryann Ritchie. She played in goal and did an awesome job, especially considering it was her first time playing that position all season! She was one of the main reasons we were able to have a shut out and eventually win.
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