Girls Soccer 9-24-11, Milton: 2 BFA St. Albans: 1 OT

Milton's Maddie Loucy tries to get through BFA's Tori Hubbard (15) during Milton's 2-1 OT win Saturday (all game photos soon available at www.fcsportsonline.com)

        I don't even know where to begin with this blog. I didn't think I was going to see another game as good as Thursday night's until at least the postseason, if at all. But there I was, 48 hours later and on the very same field, watching two sides absolutely battle and leave it all on a wet, muddy field. It was an incredibly clean game full of chances and short on whining. Neither team dominated and neither team shrunk away. I could get used to watching soccer like this. I feel a little sorry for BFA after watching both its soccer teams lose by a single goal over homecoming weekend. But it's easy to get past the pity, knowing each squad can do great things over the coming weeks if they play as they did this weekend.

The first game I wrote a blog on was the Milton girls loss to South Burlington. I wrote that the Yellowjackets looked OK, but didn't have the swagger I'd come to expect. Senior Sam Rock commented on the blog, promising they wouldn't disappoint me again. The next time I saw them was in a lackluster 1-0 win over a young MVU team (I missed Milton's apparently excellent draw with DI powerhouse CVU). I saw Rock briefly after that game and she seemed almost apologetic. Standing in front of the Milton bench after tonight's game, Rock saw me, grinned and said, "We had swagger tonight!"

She was right. On a field beaten up by soccer and football games on consecutive nights, neither team was going to win big. This contest was going to come down to grit, and Milton had the edge by the slightest of margins. Even after giving up a game-tying goal midway through the second half and missing a certain winner by inches with 20 seconds left in regulation, Milton carried itself like a team that thought it deserved to win. 

A little bit lost in the shadow of a brilliant game-winning goal for Milton (we'll get to that shortly) is the fact that BFA had its own swagger tonight. I wrote after its win over Enosburg that the Comets had no alpha dog and lacked an identity. Well, there still is no alpha dog, but BFA does have an identity. The Comets are a true team. The girls on the field trust each other and are refreshingly positive in attitude. When coach Toof puts a sub in, it's not looked at as a downgrade, just a change. It's clear these girls understand what it means to be a team, and that's BFA pride if I've ever seen it.

It would have been very easy for the Comets to give up after falling behind a team with such a (well earned) great reputation like Milton. The field couldn't have been fun to play on and there's no shame in a 1-0 loss to Milton. But there was no letdown. In fact, BFA dominated the rest of the first half after conceding. When November rolls around, I don't care what seed BFA has or what field it's playing on, the Comets are going to be a tough out in the DI tournament.

As for Milton, it may be impossible to oust this team from the DII playoffs. The passing, the speed, the teamwork, the soccer IQ, it's just fun to watch. Rock is now 13 goals away from becoming Milton's all-time leading scorer, but what impressed me tonight was her passing. She seems to make the right decision every single time -- not something to be overlooked in a high schooler. If Rock were a more selfish player (or even just a poorer passer) she would already have the record. I may be alone in this thought, but I could care less if Rock scores another milestone goal, she belongs on the short list of great female soccer players in Vermont...

...Along with Jenna Morrissey. In fact, I think about 80% of the boys teams in the state would be better off with Morrissey patrolling the midfield. She didn't make it in to the score book tonight but I can't think of many other girls who are a threat to score every time they cross midfield.

As stellar as Rock and Morrissey were tonight, the MVP was Brooke Phillips hands down. She spent most of the season making defenders look like the white guys on the wrong side of an "And 1 Mixtape" highlight. I knew she was fast, I knew she was good. What stunned me was how Phillips could still be moving at a full sprint and beat two defenders down the right sideline 89 minutes after the opening whistle. 

Once clear of the defense, Phillips sent a perfect cross to Rock in the center of the box. Comet goalkeeper Dani Schreiner made a brilliant save on Rock's one-time attempt. But like a true soccer player, Rock stayed with the play, jumped and headed the rebound into the goal. An appropriate finish to a phenomenal game.

On a less exciting note with Milton, midfielder Gina Abbiati was clearly not herself. Hampered by an ACL injury, she couldn't move like the "warrior" I referred to in that first blog about the team. Abbiati missed significant time in last year's championship game, perhaps her presence would have impacted the 1-0 upset defeat at the hands of Harwood. Milton is a perfectly good team, but I hope the other girls are working on helping a star senior contribute to one more title run.

Somehow in my rambling, I forgot to mention just how impressed I was with BFA's goal tonight. Freshman Phoebe Martell-Crawford received a pass from Mercedes Blais just inside the box with BFA 21 minutes away from defeat. I expected the play I'd see from most high school athletes (freshman or senior): a poorly judged one-time shot 30 feet over the crossbar. Martell-Crawford had the composure to settle the ball, pick out the only opening in the goal and calmly place her shot there despite a charging defender. BFA has a bright future built around Martell-Crawford.

--Full game article with photos available in 9-26 edition of The St. Albans Messenger

Boys Soccer 9-22-11, MVU: 1 BFA: 0

MVU's Caleb Lothian slides to block Caleb McLane's run toward goal in MVU's 1-0 win Thursday (all game photos soon available at www.fcsportsonline.com)

         Of all the sportswriting I've done, I haven't had anything more negatively received than my blog on the first BFA/MVU boys soccer game of the season. I ended the caption of my photo from that game by saying football fans might want to check out round two. In all honesty, I was still expecting the worst tonight. Some personal disputes arose from the first meeting and had the potential to explode tonight. Throw in a soaking wet field and I thought the odds of a memorably ugly game were high. But when the final whistle blew, I was satisfied and a bit relieved to have seen the best soccer game in Franklin County so far this year.

*I don't mean to say this game wasn't physical or without penalties. There were even a few cheap shots (and there always will be). But what seemed different tonight from the first game was that each side was focused primarily on playing good soccer and used aggressiveness to support their style.

*I felt like Caleb McLane, Camilo Cuadra and Matt Thayer did an excellent job of applying pressure to MVU's defense all night (no easy task on a bigger field in poor conditions). Unfortunately for them, Missisquoi's Caleb Lothian is one of the best pure sweepers I've seen in a long time -- both in terms of talent and leadership. 

*Both keepers played well, though it was T-Bird Eamon Murphy who was called upon to make more difficult saves. He definitely earned the shutout.

*I'm happy with the way BFA is playing. The results aren't ideal yet but there is clearly improvement . If the Bobwhites continue to play like they did tonight, the second half of its season will be just fine.

*My main concern with BFA right now is its chemistry. There seemed to be big problems internally both in its first loss to MVU and in its win over Milton. I wasn't around the Bobwhite bench enough tonight to see if that's gotten better, but the 11 men on the field certainly played like a team against Missisquoi.

*MVU is good. T-Bird haters wrote off their 3 boys titles last year by saying things like "We could have won in Division II." (False: only BFA's baseball team was on the same level as MVU last year, and that was a push). Many (myself included) expected a mighty struggle this year after the graduations of 5 of the 6 athletes who played on all 3 title teams. Missisquoi is still incredibly strong and could potentially beat any team in the state when it plays its best soccer.

*I made a comment about 5 minutes before his spectacular goal that Matt St. Amour was the best player on the field by a large margin. He may receive more praise for his basketball excellence, but I am constantly in awe of his play on the soccer field. The smarts and creativity that make him a great basketball player show just as well on the pitch. 95% of high school players would have tried to shoot the ball around the defender and goalie from 15 yards and maybe made the shot. St. Amour saw the defender moving too fast to stop on the wet grass and stopped on a dime, giving himself essentially an empty net from the 6 yard line.

*I was in no position to see, but heard from some reliable people that St. Amour was offsides when Nic Kosac fed him the ball for the game's only goal. Again, I have no idea due to my position (behind the BFA goal) but tend to believe these people based on both their position and trustworthiness. I hate to see a 1-0 game decided by a missed call, though anyone with a brain can tell you one call doesn't decide a game.

*I expected to hear all kinds of complaining from BFA students and fans about the officiating in the final 20 minutes, but have not so far. Certainly many whistles went against the Bobwhites late, but that's to be expected when a team has to come from behind late and step up its aggressiveness. BFA handled itself well.

*I don't usually have a favorite in a BFA/MVU game, but was quietly rooting for a Bobwhite goal in the final minutes simply because I wanted the game to go on just a bit longer. Thanks to both teams for a hell of a show tonight!

--Full game article with pictures in 9-23 edition of The St. Albans Messenger

Boys Soccer 9-20-11, Winooski: 1 Enosburg: 2, OT

Dallas Desroches (1) takes the role of team photographer as Enosburg celebrates Gabino Hernandez's game winning goal (all game photos soon available at www.fcsportsonline.com)

     This entry will be particularly short since my last entry was on the Enosburg boys and not much changed from Saturday to Tuesday (it's mostly shortened because I'm trying to sandwich my writing between Sons Of Anarchy and the second airing of Tosh.0). Anyway, some thoughts on Tuesday's Hornet win:

*Gabino Hernandez reminded fans why he'll be Enosburg's leading goal scorer. He is ALWAYS in the mix when the Hornets are creating offensively...

*...There isn't enough creation offensively. I spent most of the first half complaining to anyone who would listen that Enosburg wasn't playing with any confidence in the offensive end. For all its skill possessing, the team has no killer instinct near the box. I was glad to hear coach Randy Swainbank say I wasn't the only one noticing this issue, and I'm confident the squad will find its way in the next few games.

*Cody Couture hasn't had to do much in the two games I've seen, but has been spectacular in goal when called upon. It's a toss up between Couture and Fairfax's Cameron Loller for top keeper in Franklin County bragging rights.

*Coach Swainbank's teams are always fun to watch. Sportsmanship is never an issue and he gives his players great freedom. Senior Will Gleason is the base of the Hornet defense, but works his way in to the offensive mix whenever possible. Soccer is just more fun to watch when it's a free flowing game and not based on x's and o's.

*I talked about team chemistry in my last piece on the Hornets. If you don't know what I mean by that, the picture at the top of this piece should tell you all you need to know.

Enosburg Girls Soccer Update and Boys vs. Lake Region (L 1-0) Thoughts

     Before I get to some brief thoughts about the Enosburg boys loss to Lake Region, I'd like to add some thoughts to my comments from my last entry on the EFHS girls team. I've gotten a lot of negative feedback from Hornet players and coaches and just hope to make sure all readers understand I'm not out to run down any team. Here's the part of the blog some readers took offense to:

**The Hornets aren't a dirty team at all and are usually good sports on the field. I have, however, noticed a theme with this team over the last few years of focusing way too much on the officials. I don't remember covering one if its games in the last two years where a player or coach didn't say the refs "hate us" or are "out to get us". I'm not trying to say Vermont's refs are the best in the world, but I also know them well enough to know they are not "out to get" anyone. Like anyone, they want to do their jobs the best they can. Putting blame on the refs occasionally is a good way to take it off your players, but to do so constantly gives the players an excuse and eventually does push officials into holding a grudge.


     A valid point was brought up regarding the game in question: a yellow card was given to the MVU bench in that contest, but none was given to Enosburg's. I perhaps did a poor job of stating that my issue with Enosburg was a pattern of behavior I've noticed in recent years. I don't recall ever seeing a card given to a Hornet girls soccer coach or assistant nor have I ever witnessed anything over the top as far as complaints to officials. I stand by my thought that this particular team devotes a bit too much attention to the way games are officiated (and that even small, quiet complaints can hurt a team), but apologize if I made it sound like it's been a major problem. I love the teams I cover, and wouldn't choose to drive from St. Albans to Enosburg to cover a game if I didn't share the same respect for the Hornets that I do for any other school. I wanted to take extra time to write a blog (unpaid) because I like my local athletes; if this were just about a paycheck I would ignore things that aren't pleasant to write about and get my job done as quickly as possible. This forum is new to me and hopefully I do a better job of making points without making enemies in the future.
    
      Now to some quick thoughts on the Enosburg/Lake Region game:

Will Gleason (19) is fouled by a Lake Region player in Friday's 1-0 loss to the Rangers (all game photos soon available at www.fcsportsonline.com)

*Regardless of the final score, the Hornets weren't outplayed by the Rangers at all. Enosburg looked every bit as good as the Rangers and were a few bounces here and there away from drawing or even winning Friday's match.

*Less than a minute before the only goal of the day, Gabino Hernandez forced a diving save from the LR goalkeeper. Enosburg appears to be a fairly well balanced team, but based on what I saw Friday, Hernandez is the team's most dangerous offensive weapon.

*Lake Region's goal was a pretty one - a perfectly flicked header off a corner midway through the first half.

*Hornet goalkeeper Cody Couture's diving save on a 12 yard shot 13 minutes into the second half was the nicest save I've seen this season.

*Dallas Desroches sent an excellent cross to Zach Lundborg with 22 minutes left and Lundborg's volley shot barely went over the cross bar. That was Enosburg's best chance of the game to that point....

*....Until Hernandez's header nine minutes later forced a diving stop

*Hernandez, Will Gleason and Ben Jackson all had good chances in the final 10 minutes, it simply wasn't Enosburg's day.

*This Hornet team plays a refreshing brand of soccer. It could stand to be a little more physical at times but the chemistry is there. Friday's was the only game I've seen so far, but there wasn't any negative attitude to be seen. I'm not certain this squad is talented enough to make a deep playoff run, but you just never know when a team has chemistry like this one.


--Full game article with photos in 9-19 edition of The St. Albans Messenger

Boys Soccer 9-17-11, BFA St. Albans: 2 Milton: 1 OT

Milton freshman Nick Goodrich  and BFA's John Pion battle for a ball in Saturday's 2-1 OT win for the Bobwhites (all game photos soon available at www.fcsportsonline.com)

     To say I received a bit of backlash after my first blog involving BFA's boys soccer team would be an understatement. Both BFA and MVU read that piece angrily and were certain I had an agenda against them. I would just like to make clear that I wouldn't do what I do if I had something against any local athletes or programs. On the contrary; I want to see the teams I cover succeed. So when I see athletes playing or acting in a way I feel hurts is chances of success I'll speak up. But I'll also praise and point out the positive (note* look or an eerily similar paragraph next time I write about the Enosburg girls). So I was glad when BFA left me with a good feeling Saturday.
     After BFA's loss to MVU, coach Luke Laroche's biggest gripe was that his team wasn't playing at all like a team. The Bobwhites looked well on the right way Saturday and scored two incredibly unselfish goals late to win the overtime dogfight.
     Some quick thoughts on BFA/Milton:
  
*Each team looked better than the other at different points Saturday: Milton for the first 20 minutes, BFA for the next 20 and a pretty even split for most of the second half before BFA took over down the stretch.

*The first half was a pretty dull one for both sides. Neither squad did a great job of counterattacking and thus neither goalie had to make a tough save in the first half.

*I made a note at halftime that BFA's Camilo Cuadra and Owen Dean were doing an excellent job possessing but either weren't making excellent passes forward or BFA's strikers weren't making great runs. Whatever the issue was, the Bobwhites resolved it by halftime.

*Milton's lone goal came while BFA's starting keeper was off the field for 20 seconds because its coach came on to the field to check on an injury. Yellowjacket captain Chayce Phillips made a gritty run to goal and was able to get a shot past the reserve keeper as he was being pulled down. There was little that could be done from the net, but it should be noted that starting keeper Cameron White did not surrender a goal Saturday.

*The Yellowjacket defense would have stolen the show had it not been for BFA's great finish. Everett Gander headed a certain goal away while standing on the goal line with the game still scoreless. Taylor Gingras made an equally brilliant save, sliding across the line to keep a ball out of goal with just six minutes to go.
**It almost looked like Milton sat back a little too much with its lead. BFA fired shot after shot in the final 15 minutes and were bound to score an equalizer eventually. Scott Larose and Dominic Castine joined Gander and Gingras in holding down the fort well in the second half.

*For a team which had been playing pretty selfish soccer over the last two seasons, it was great fun to see what the Bobwhites could do when egos were checked at the door. Its tying goal with 1:46 left in regulation came when Collin Cain passed up a shot on a 25 yard free kick to send a short pass to Kyle Bouchard. Bouchard, too, passed up a contested shot to set up a better chance for Cuadra. Cuadra's shot was blocked but Dean was in perfect position to knock the rebound in and send the match to overtime.

*BFA's momentum carried right through to overtime. Cain nearly ended the match when his 40 yard, cross field service set up a close shot for Matt Thayer. Thayer's try missed but five minutes later, Cain's perfect thru ball to Bouchard set up a simple touch for the winning goal.

*This game wasn't as physical as BFA/MVU, but still involved plenty of penalties and pushing. The difference I saw Saturday was that BFA used its physicality to enhance its skill, making sure Milton didn't attempt to cheat in its defense of the Bobwhite's passing game. The shots against MVU were hitting for the sake of hitting. Penalties Saturday were cleaner and with purpose.

*Milton has had an unlucky start to its season, opening with four overtime games. The Yellowjackets lack an identity it seems, but do play fairly well as a team and will be stronger for this tough start. It's unfortunate these two don't face off again, but it will be interesting to see which BFA team shows up under the lights of Collins Perley to battle MVU Thursday night.

--Full game article and photos in 9-19 edition of The St. Albans Messenger

Girls Soccer 9-15-11, Enosburg: 1 MVU: 1

MVU's Mallory L'Esperance (left) shields Enosburg's Liza Bordo in Thursday's 1-1 draw (all game photos available soon at www.fcsportsonline.com)

  I shed a small tear as I threw on jeans and a sweater before heading to Swanton this afternoon. It's always a little depressing when that first game of fall comes along that I can't watch in shorts and a t-shirt. But at least the rain stopped before kickoff, and I had an excellent game to watch. Going to use a different format for tonight's blog, might try this one out more often when I have a lot of writing to do before an early morning. Some quick thoughts on Enosburg/MVU:

*I was terrified for Missisquoi this season after a rough year last year and the loss of some key players to graduation/moving. Its 1-2-1 start (all 1-goal games) is very encouraging. This team is already doing better than expected.

*As I've written before, I was equally concerned for Enosburg this year. They, too, are proving too strong to go down without a fight and should have a fine season despite a rough schedule.

*T-Bird goalie Laura Flint is one hell of a leader on a very young MVU team. Her voice is heard all over the field constantly. She is positive and seems to know what she's talking about. I've always felt a good goalie has to do more than just block shots, it's the only player on the field who can see everyone at all times. Flint will be a big reason for any success MVU has this year, and that goes beyond number of saves.

*Enosburg mixed things up a little today, putting Kaitlin Knoff, Liza Bordo and Arianna Modugno (all seniors) on defense for the first time. All three were outstanding and each helped break up a scoring chance at one time or another. Freshman Natalie Jackson has done well on defense all season and should remain back there. The entire Hornet defense needs to work on turning its clearances into better placed passes, but for now they're on track to being the key to Enosburg's fate.

*MVU potentially has a very exciting offense. Best of all, its top attackers are all underclassmen and could be deadly over the next 2-3 years. Mallory L'Esperance, Kelli Patterson, Hannah Boudreau and Amanda Conger are all skilled and speedy. They aren't totally in sync yet but are only a few games away from causing a lot of headaches for Lake Division defenders.

*I felt Enosburg lost the physicality battle slightly. McKenzie Gleason went out with an apparently serious injury just five minutes into the game. Gleason is an imposing figure when she's healthy and on the field, nobody pushes her around. The Hornets will need to find a way to play more physically without playing dirty if Gleason misses an extended period of time.
**The Hornets aren't a dirty team at all and are usually good sports on the field. I have, however, noticed a theme with this team over the last few years of focusing way too much on the officials. I don't remember covering one if its games in the last two years where a player or coach didn't say the refs "hate us" or are "out to get us". I'm not trying to say Vermont's refs are the best in the world, but I also know them well enough to know they are not "out to get" anyone. Like anyone, they want to do their jobs the best they can. Putting blame on the refs occasionally is a good way to take it off your players, but to do so constantly gives the players an excuse and eventually does push officials into holding a grudge.

*Thursday's game might have been the most entertaining one I've been to this year. Each team had its share of chances and stops. Patterson's goal was a perfectly placed shot and Mariah Irons' for Enosburg was a true goal scorer's goal: a toe poke on a loose ball in the box (the kind of goal that isn't necessarily pretty but occurred because the player knew it was the only way that ball was going in to the back of the net). Both teams were fit enough to play a strong overtime, and that too had its share of scoring chances. I'm certainly looking forward to the rematch at Enosburg on October 21.


--Full game article with photos in 9-16 edition of The St. Albans Messenger--

Girls Soccer 9-13-11, Enosburg: 1 BFA St. Albans: 3

McKenzie Gleason (7) and Aly Hardy (5) fight for a ball during Tuesday's game while Enosburg's only scorer, Rachel Lombard, looks on (All game photos soon available on www.fcsportsonline.com

     Readers of my first two game entries will be glad to see I finally have something positive to write after a match. Let's get to some quick thoughts on the Hornets and Comets.
     This was my second Enosburg (1-2) game of the season, and significant progress has been made from its first game to today's third. The Hornets are extremely young (four freshmen and three sophomores all see good playing time) and are naturally going through some growing pains. To make matters worse, Enosburg plays a brutal Division III schedule - coach Donna Flanders pointed out to me that her team won't face another D-III team until the playoffs. Their schedule includes two games with D-I BFA and another pair with "might as well be in D-I" Milton. Freshmen like Michaela Lombard and Natalie Jackson and sophomores Shayley Russell and Chloe Longe are already playing beyond their years. Flanders pointed out that her more experienced players are doing an excellent job of tutoring (Shelby Sheridan, Kaitlin Knoff, Liza Bordo and Alice McDermott stand out as vocal leaders on this team, and I'm sure they're not the only ones). Enosburg is still lacking some chemistry and confidence. The chemistry is there, I found this out firsthand while helping with their team photos yesterday, it just doesn't translate to the field yet. The confidence will be tougher. Last year's team was anchored by seniors with great confidence and attitude, those roles still need to be filled on this team. It'll be tough for this young team to gain that confidence with such a tough schedule, but here's hoping they find it.
     This was my first look at BFA (2-0) this season, and I was pleasantly surprised. The girls looked and acted like they've been playing together for years. Coach Jake Toof (and assistant Dave Martin) must be doing something right, his teams always seem to be having a great time. What I couldn't figure out from today's game was exactly what BFA's identity is going to be this year. Last year, 10 solid players stood in behind superstar Olivia Biron. This year there is no superstar. Not to say that's a bad thing, the balance I saw today was refreshing. A team full of fairly equal players is likely to get along well (this team clearly does) but I'm interested to see who this squad will turn to when it needs a late goal. In writing my game report for "The Messenger," I named four midfielders and forwards who contributed to an attack at some point Tuesday, and that excluded the five players whose names ended up in the scorebook! Elizabeth Qua, Lauren Larose, Kate Dillon and Aly Hardy all look capable of taking the alpha dog role offensively,  but that contest could open up even more as the season goes on. Defensively the Comets are solid too, but the leader in the back is not TBD, it's clearly Kiah Hamner. Hamner, usually the smallest girl on the field, clears the ball with the foot of a giant and is nearly impossible to get around as far as I can tell.
     It looks like I'll have to miss the BFA @ Milton girls game Saturday at 11 because of work, but I suggest any local soccer fans check it out.

**Full game article with photos in 9-14 edition of The St. Albans Messenger

Boys Soccer 9-10-11, BFA: 0 MVU: 2

Though MVU and BFA can't play each other in football, pigskin fans looking for a new rivalry to enjoy might want  to look up the next boys soccer game between the two schools. (All game photos available at www.fcsportsonline.com)

      I don't usually find myself getting frustrated while covering a game, but couldn't help myself while watching BFA and MVU "battle" on Saturday. The usually physical series went beyond that this weekend to just dirty and annoying. The entire Bobwhite team seemed more concerned with making a hit than creating a scoring opportunity. Missisquoi didn't do anything to make the game more watchable, content to push, shove and trip after securing the lead. Worst of all, there didn't appear to really be any true bad blood between the players. From the sidelines, neither team seemed to have a particular axe to grind. It was as though 22 players just decided it would be easier to turn the game into UFC 156 than to focus on improvements as a team. All the penalties and chirping prevented any flow and really made the game little fun for the many fans attending. Soccer haters are quick to point to games like this one when arguing that soccer just isn't fun to watch. Those of us who love the game know that a well played game is the equal of an artistic performance. I guess that's what was most frustrating for me; I know those two squads are more than capable of putting on a performance, they just chose not to.
     I also take the journeys of these teams a bit more personally than I should. As an MVU graduate, I can't help but root for it a little. Last year's three-title season may have spoiled fans a bit, but it also showed us how much fun being a T-Bird fan can be. Some players from that magical year graduated, but plenty are back and there's no reason expectations should be lowered. These athletes should want to max out their potential, not win a tough guy contest.
     I attended BFA for two years and 2003 was my first experience with high school soccer. That was also that last year the Bobwhites had a truly great soccer team. The 2003 Bobwhites finished the year as co-champions with a loaded CVU team (those of us attending the title game will always maintain Pete Andrews' shot went in BEFORE the final whistle and BFA should have been crowned champions). The 2003 team could certainly hold its own in a battle, but loved the game and proved itself by outscoring opponents. If the 2003 BFA squad played this year's team, 2003 BFA would laugh off the cheap shots of 2011 BFA as it tried to see how many goals it could score in 80 minutes. It's tough to watch a program with such a rich history play its current brand of soccer. A lack of talent isn't the problem, nor is a lack of knowledge and effort from the coaching staff. Whatever the problem, those of us watching high school boys soccer all over Vermont would love to see something different.
     I should also note that this entry has been a case of the pot using a couple hundred words to call the kettle black. As a high school athlete, I was mouthy and lazy. A team full of players like me probably wouldn't have been fun to watch either. Maybe watching some of these games is my punishment; at one point Saturday I turned to a friend working on the MVU sideline and said "These kids are obnoxious, they remind me of me and it's pissing me off!" I like to think that despite my shortcomings, I had enough respect for the game and my teammates to prioritize properly. That's all I really want from my local teams. I don't need them to win title upon title or collect a sportsmanship award. Just put your teammates and the game ahead of yourself and appreciate being a high school athlete.
     There's still plenty of time.

*Full game article available in 9-12 edition of The St. Albans Messenger

Girls Soccer 9-9-11, South Burlington: 3 Milton: 1

Jenna Morrissey fires a shot in Friday's loss to South Burlington (all game photos available this week at www.fcsportsonline.com for low cost purchase)

  


     I anxiously headed to Milton this afternoon to watch the season opener of the team I've been most excited to see this season - The Yellowjacket girls. Milton has been to the last three DII state championship games, getting upset by Harwood last fall. The team lost three huge pieces from last season (sweeper Hannah Fraser, goalie Hillary Turner and midfielder Danielle Hurley) and underwent a coaching change heading in to this one. Everyone else was back for one of the top programs in any division in Vermont, and it stands to reason the goal for this squad is still championship or bust.
      Milton got off to a hot start, looking every part the contender it's expected to be. Shannon Wells and Samantha Rock wreaked havoc on the Rebel defense in the early going. Wells made a quick habit of sending nearly perfect crosses in to the box toward the always lethal Rock (on pace to become Milton's all time leading goal scorer this season). Brooke Phillips and Maddie Loucy were right in on the action; Phillips joined in the creation of multiple early scoring chances and Loucy moved at 100 mph, never allowing South Burlington to create rhythm. 24 minutes in, Rock finally flicked a perfect shot into the goal and put Milton ahead 1-0.
     Unfortunately, things soon moved downhill for Milton. SBHS missed a couple of easy shots in the final 10 minutes of the first half and picked up some much needed momentum before halftime. The Rebels capitalized on that momentum and tied the game just three minutes in to the second, suddenly Milton was on its heels. The Yellowjackets looked an entirely different team from the one I'd expected and had seen for the first 30 minutes. It looked a little lost, and totally lacking the swagger which has defined this team for years. There was no one player to put the blame on, 11 girls with tremendous talent at times looked like they were playing together for the first time. SBHS scored again on a penalty kick and added a dagger with three minutes left.
     New coach Corey Payson hinted that the preseason shortened by one week from years past had much to do with that. I tend to agree with him. What I saw today won't be repeated in a few weeks. Jenna Morrissey will take total control of the field and dominate play for extended periods of time. Midfielder Gina Abbiati is most effective as an all out warrior, and she is clearly still not 100% after a serious offseason knee injury. She'll soon be back to her complete self and will be a force to be reckoned with (her superb long-distance passing still seems to be there though). Emma Stinson will find more opportunities to get involved often, she still showed signs of excellent chemistry with her teammates when she has the ball at her feet. Loucy will learn to pace herself and will be as effective for two halves in other games as she was for one today. This team will look more like a team soon enough, and hopefully the few minutes I saw of "kick and run" soccer today will be the last for the Yellowjackets.
     Payson saw plenty of positives today, and he saw correctly. Milton was up a division, playing one of the bigger schools in DI. Tests like South Burlington will pay big dividends come November. Sophomore Addison Wennar looked wonderful at sweeper, the void left by Fraser's graduation won't be noticed long. Bethany Berger looked strong for the most part in goal, and will do a fine job of filling Turner's cleats.
     The biggest disappointment for me in this game was the lack of swagger Milton had. What hooked me to this team last season was the way the players carried themselves before, during and after games. They looked confident nearly all the time last season, they were a unit and trusted eachother. I didn't see that today, but after talking to Payson, I have plenty of faith I'll see it soon enough.
     Everyone else on Milton's schedule, consider yourself warned. You don't want to be looking across the field at these girls when they finally hit full speed.


**Full game report will be available in 9-12 edition of the St. Albans Messenger**

Introduction

     You may already (but probably don't) read my blog. I'm starting a second one to write things I wouldn't otherwise get to about the local sports I cover. Some brief background: I have covered and photographed high school sports for the St. Albans Messenger since September 2003 and have done play-by-play announcing for Channel 15 (public access) for about 9 months. My game reports for "The Messenger" are intended to be all facts and quotes to tell readers who couldn't be at the game what happened there. I don't have a chance to share much of my opinions there, so that's what this blog will be. I'll try to post something after most of the games I cover and entries will typically be short. I would never write something negative about a local athlete or coach in "The Messenger" and I won't here either, but that doesn't mean I won't share my true feelings. Entries on this blog will be of little interest to anyone but the players, coaches and fans of the teams I discuss. I don't see enough teams during a season to make accurate predictions or rankings, so I'll try to avoid attempting to. Though I do interview coaches after games, I do not identify myself as a blogger, just as a newspaper reporter. So I may share some general feelings I get from coaches, but for the time being will refrain from including quotes from them. If athletes, parents or anyone else would like to comment I hope they will; I know how much people love to talk about the teams they're involved with and this could be a great place to do so. Feel free to comment anonymously, but inappropriate or offensive comments will be deleted and ignored. I don't expect this to be a huge deal, but I do hope a few local athletes and parents enjoy this outlet to discuss local sports. Feedback is welcome and encouraged.

                                                                                              Ben Kaufmann.