Varsity Soccer v. Deerfield Academy

EAGLES KNOCK ON THE BIG GREEN DOOR, BUT CANNOT OPEN IT.

On the small and narrow but pristine field at DA, as the sun was setting on the beautiful Mount Pocumtuck in the background, the soccer game flowed and fluctuated as you might expect. At times it felt like I was at a hot air balloon display with the number of times the ball was shelled high into the dimming, blue sky. The Eagles learnt a harsh lesson on Monday, that if you make mistakes at this level, then you will be punished. The Eagles made three errors and each one resulted in a goal. That is always hard enough to deal with, but to their credit, the boys kept to their principals of playing soccer on the ground with pass and move, and they stayed positive and kept going right until the last whistle. The final 15 minutes of play was spent entirely in the DA half and despite goals from Juan Carlos and Connor, the big green door could not be opened wide, but just ajar and that proved to be the difference. DA played to their strengths and as a team we need to learn how to cope with all that teams throw at us, and even though we deserved more than what we got, this is a lesson that will resonate long and hard in our thoughts; because we will get better from this and move on with focus, passion, and our continuing belief in the way that we play. Amherst on Friday will be a huge challenge, followed by the return with Belchertown will show us where we really are as a team. For me, I can't wait. Roll on practice boys, let's get back out on the field and learn, learn, learn.....