Black and Blue Game- Cobras FC Boys U17

This year's event consisted of a team build on Veterans vs a team with a combination of some returning Kids and a bunch New Kids. The Vets started out with a bang by putting away the first goal. The New Kids were getting their feet wet and looked disorganized and unpolished the first 20 minutes. The Vets showed some class scoring two additional goals and took a commanding 3-0 lead. The New Kids saw some light scoring their first goal of the game with just under five minutes left in the half, but a quick response by the Vets ended the half at 4-1.

Not sure what was said at the coaches halftime speech, but the New Kids came out fire up with lightning under their feet. Goal's starting coming in quickly one right after another for the New Kids one, two, three to tie the game at 4-4. The game became really intense as players began getting physical on the ball. The Vets began to press hard, but the defense would not bend. The keepers on both sides made some great saves to keep both units in the game. Finally the New Kids put the game away scoring two quick goals with ten minutes left. Overall great first scrimmage between the boys. Good sportsmanship and bonding filtered the air at the end of the competition, and the chemistry became apparent throughout the entire squad. Excitement and preparation for the 2013 season are underway and the team is set for another successful run.

 

 
 

Cobras BU16 Season- Climb to the Top

To say that the 2012 season was a adventure, would be a understatement.  We had our ups and downs, but overall our team remained strong. This season had its dramas both on and off the field. I realized that this was going to be a challenge for us playing division one Thruway premier, up U17 in RDYSL and qualifying for the President's Cup in New Hampshire. I do not regret these decisions. These kids have grown as players individually and have experienced what most will never experience. Throughout the year they matured into young men and they have faced some of the stresses of being part of this team; kids going to various schools and the rivalries, pure pressure, clicks and alliances between them, work and life events.  In the past few years we became accustomed to winning and being on top of the mountain, this year was different.  We needed a challenge, and a challenge was what we got. The test would go beyond soccer, it would examine our character as a team and individually.

In soccer, no one is above the team. That includes the coaches, players and supporters, everything needs to gel to get to your goals.  If you conquer your fears and break through your fears, in the end you have grown.

 

We have tried as coaches and parents to give these boys the best experience possible when it comes to soccer and young manhood. We have build them up mentally and physically to play high school soccer and beyond. It is my desire to have them really appreciate the beautiful game and experiences surrounding it. I have taken a handful boys at 8 years old in the house league, we've added some great and exceptional kids and families along the way, and have brought them to the highest levels in WNY soccer and a national competition in their age group. This year was a celebration of that journey, win, lose or draw, our boys have been successful.

Highlights included;

2012 RDYSL Bu17 Divison II Finalist (playing up a age group)

2012 Cobras Tournament BU16 Champions