Click continue below for 2010-2011 game reports...
MAPS vs Hans Soliz Result 1 - 5 loss Oct 1st 2011
After a delayed start, with no officials turning up, it was not the best start we were looking for. We went a goal down after 5 minutes, which i put down to the circumstances. We were under constant pressure, from a very talented team, with some very quick players, aslo.We relented again, a few minutes later, which was not down to any individual mistakes, but more of a collective, tactical one. Once we got up to speed with the game, defensively, we looked quite solid and repelled most of their attacks.We showed some good counter attacking play, but without no end product, but it was pleasing to see, us move the ball and show a real appetite for attacking.The opposition scored a couple more before the break, which was probably fair, pressure wise.After the half, we looked a whole lot more solid and showed some nice football, between defence to attack. We nearly scored a couple of times, but their keeper made some nice saves. We then let in another, but that really fired us up and we managed to score a very good goal, which had a majot impact on the confidence of the boys. Our passing improved, not to mention the movement and we started taking the game to them, for sustained periods of time. On paper, this looks like a bad loss, but i was really happy with the effort and determination of the players, which paid off, with a goal, and a huge psychological boost. We play this team again, in a few weeks, so that will be a good yard stick, with how far we can develop in the up and coming weeks.
MAPS vs Next Level Soccer Academy Raiders Result 2 - 1 win Oct 2nd 2011
Having played the day before, i was wondering how the boys would play after a big defeat, not to mention fatigue. I was pleasantly surprised with the initial start, where the boys went straight on the attack and managed to score after 10 minutes. It was a well worked goal, with some smart inter-change in midfield, to a seemed pass through their defense, and a good finish. We dominated play and restricted them to a couple of half chances, throughout the first half. After half time, we continued to dominate the game, but failed to capitalise on some good soccer. We had a momentary lapse in concentration with 10 minutes to go, and they managed to finish off a good opportunity, to tie the game up. I felt bad for the boys, as our display did not warrant a tied game, and wondered how they would respond. I was pleased to see a positive response, which paid off with another well worked goal. A withdrawn forward seemed the ball through to his strike partner, who struck it first time, into the back of the net, for the winning goal. The guys thoroughly deserved the win and worked hard for the result, so i was very pleased for them. Well done guys.
MAPS vs North Brunswick Arsenal Result 5-0 loss Oct 8th 2011
The boys started the game well, and kept a very strong, quick team at bay, relatively easily. We had a few good attacking opportunities but did not ammount to any clear goal scoring chances. We let a soft goal be scored upon us, with 10 minutes left in the half, which was a shame after all the hard work that had gone before hand. After the break, a lapse in concentration, let them score a second, within 2 minutes of the re-start, which knocked the stuffing out of us a bit. They scored a 3rd not long after which kick started a fightback. We had a lot more composure on the ball and started to attack them more, which led to a couple of chances. Unfortunately, with us pressing forward, it led to areas of space for them to attack, which led to their 2 remaining goals. We did manage a get a penalty, but this was not to be our day, as the keeper made a good safe to keep a clean sheet.
MAPS vs North Hunterdon FC Result 4-1 loss Oct 22nd 2011
This was always going to be a tough game, with a little more riding on it, as 3 of our players left this team, to come to JU. We did not start too brightly, as we gave away possession far too easily. Our throw ins were below average, giving the ball to the opposition on most of them, which is sad, as its a free pass. The game was pretty frantic, with no real good possession from either team. We gave up a goal mid way through the half, with some slack defending, however, we reacted well and started to maintain the ball better and link up the individual units. Just after the half, we scored a goal from some good build up and a nice shot, which gave us more momentum. However, about 10 minutes later, we gave the ball away and they scored from long range with a nice shot. This happened again, when we was searching for the equaliser, which is always frustrating. With not long left in the game, they managed to counter attack from there own half, as we gave up the ball, which led to the 4th and final goal, being scored. We showed good fighting spirit, but need to have more of a better individual and team understanding.
