Sunday, July 19, 2009:

Today was a very poor day for us, from start to finish! When we got to the field, one of our players informed he forgot his game jersey at the hotel. His parents were able to retrieve it, just before kick-off. I knew we were going to be in for a very long day on the field. I cautioned them once again during warm-up about their lack of intensity and emotion, but this time we could not overcome some ancillary things that went on prior to this game. I will get into those in a bit, but suffice it to say, we were tired mentally, drained emotionally and physically. The score at half was 0:0 and we were lucky to be tied. Argentina really never had to work hard, as we had so many unforced errors in our passing and dribbling, they just waited for us to deliver them the ball and then they would attack. I cautioned them at half about way too much dribbling and losing the ball everytime they dribbled and the extremely poor passing in the first half. I told them they must sharpen everything up, or we would give up a silly goal. Well, 10 minutes into the 2nd half, it happened. An unforced error of a poor pass in our defensive third of the field, allowed them to beat us on the endline and pass it back to an unmarked Argentinian player for their 1st goal. We then had to start pressing everything forward in hopes of getting an equalizer, but it was not meant to be. With less than a minute remaining, we were all pushed forward and they scored a one on one breakaway goal to make it 0:2. Shortly after their second goal, the whistle blew signaling the end of the game. USA 0, Argentina 2!

Now to the mechanism that created this poor effort. Before we left for Israel, we had a long conference call, detailing all the rules and regulations for our junior athletes, regardless of sport. We were told in no uncertain terms, that no athlete would ever be allowed to leave the accomodation center with anyone, including parents. It was also stressed to us that no one would ever be allowed to spend the night away from our accomodation center. I also, upon arrival here, told our players that, as well as our managers. I have been coachinbg collegiate soccer for 27 years and including youth soccer a total of over 37 years. I do know what it takes to prepare a team for a semi final game. But, I can not prepare them if they are away from us. The proof of this, was how we played in group play in winning the group as the only undefeated team in either group. The kids were under our total control throughout the group play and that is why we were so successful. When administration allowed them be away all Friday and Saturday and some returning on Saturday night after our curfew, I knew this was not about winning anymore the correct way, but rather winning, if it happens, to be a by-product of being away to satisfy others and not doing what is truly in the best interest of the team. To allow a team to leave against the coach's better judgement, was doomed for failure. You can not win, if you are not totally immersed in the team atmosphere preparing for one of, if not the biggest game in their lives thus far....the semi-finals of the World Maccabiah games! You can not perform at your best when you are away from the environment of the team preparations, especially mentally and emotionally. When you are fatigued mentally, you make poor decisions and over compensate by dribbling extensively. That happened during the entire game, regardless of our constant prodding and pleading. Trying to over compensate only leads to wrong decisions and poor execution.

So, now the team is off until Tuesday at 4 PM, when we play Brazil for the Bronze Medal. We shall see what remains to be, in the closing of this adventure. Until then we will say good-bye.

Take care and stay well.

Best regards,

Preston and Sean from Israel