In four years coaching the girls I never had to wait so long for a first match. Yes. SAS cancelled.  The argument was that they had puddles on their field. I did not check their field so I cannot say anything about it. What I know is that the girls were ready. I remember ACAMIS Dalian when it was pouring down, field full of puddles and we still played.

Anyway, with the match cancelled, we had a light practice. Kyra is out of combat at least until next week, Suh-Young and Tehillah bailed out so we invited two boys from varsity team to help us out; Shingo (mini-Tacuma) and Eiji (mini-Rintaro). They are extremely good so besides asking them not to dribble but pass, I had them on my team. Domo Arigatô, guys!

Before the scrimmage we practiced trapping a high ball. I would kick it really high and the girls had to trap it really close to their bodies. Sinead was really good in it as Alva, a couple of times.

The scrimmage was only 50 minutes but it was nicely played. It was Mikayla, Phoebe and Bella, Alva on the right, Inês center, Alice left and Franziska as a striker. My team had me as goalie, Emma and Greta defending, Sinead left midfield, Shingo center and Eiji right. Hailey was the striker. One thing that we could learn from this practice, Mikayla was not in a good day. I blame Bella’s gloves. I never saw her conceding such easy goals. On the other side, Franziska was alternating amazing sprints and ball control with shots that went to the other compound. But practice it’s like this. It’s where we can make all the mistakes. Alice once more was very strong on ball control, Greta and Phoebe were solid defending and at the end was a tie between yellow and red team. We are definitely getting into shape and I have a feeling our midfield with Inês being the brain will get better and better. We are passing better than last year. I want those girls to play like Barcelona does, with a lot of Tiki Taka.

Let’s hope that finally this Thursday we can play. I can’t wait to start the season. At least I had the chance of cutting my hair before the first match. Yes, as a good Brazilian I have my … traditions before matches. Once we start the season (official matches) I cannot cut my hair and for every match I wear the same white, yellow and green shirt. Well, if does not help, at least does not harm. 🙂