Santa Fe Corner

Buchholz is a bunch of queers with no skills they just like to run.....

[gargs]

Practice resumed this week with the news of Syami Erving's injury while playing in the R3PL for Leg-A-Z last weekend. He hyper-extended his knee and got an MRI on Monday to check for possible structural damage. Hopefully, the MRI will clear him to play soon. Syami is a very important part of the Raiders hopes this year. The team is crossing their fingers that they will get good news today or tomorrow.

Thanks for pointing that out. I can be forgetful. Actually, Syami's father is a good friend of mine and reads this thread. He never said anything but good things about it. In fact, he told me he has written as a guest in defense of my postings. I'll ask him myself if he was taken aback by it.

I don't see such a report as any kind of violation of an "intimate medical condition" as you put it. Perhaps something like losing a testicle could fit into that category. I believe you are either over sensitive or prone to fault-finding. Injury reports are status quo in sports.

[gargs]

Buchholz is a bunch of queers with no skills they just like to run.....

I know several Buchholz players who are quite skillful.

[gargs]

Last night Coach Miller sent me a quote to forward to a local newspaper that really stimulated some thoughts. He said:

"I had no idea what to expect coming into this season. Losing 8 starters is usually a complete nightmare, and I wasn't really sure how we were going to fill such big holes. However, we have been extremely fortunate. Our underclassmen have really stepped up, we had an unexpected surprise of three new seniors, and Syama Allard, Syami Erving, and Joey O'brien have been turning in their usual solid performances. I think we've already surprised some teams this year. And--as has always been the case with us--if we can keep it together upstairs, we've got a shot at a really incredible season."

Actually, we lost 9 starters from last year's team to be precise. Eight to graduation, namely Jaggy Rivera, Nila Guzman, Quitty Nicoloff, Reid Monyhan, Zack Jackson, Alan Snyder, Govi Allin and Abhay Kharuna.
In addition to that, we lost Alex Baucom due to school transference.
We also lost our backup goalie, who would probably be starting by now, and Owen Anderson, who now plays for Buchholz.

Only two starters, Syami Erving and Shyam Allard returned from last year. Other returning members are Austin Bishop, Didi Knighten, Nitai Diniz and Joey O'Brien.

That means the rest of the current roster were either playing for JV last year or not playing for us at all. Considering these facts, it's pretty impressive that Santa Fe has been able to start 4-0, including 3-0 in their district.

As Coach Miller mentioned, some of the reasons for the team's ability to bounce back from losing so many key players include a good crop of players from last year's JV team, addition of a number of upper class-men who never played high school soccer before, and the stepping up of the returning players. Last year's JV team only lost a couple of games and those players have given significant contribution to the success of the team. Quentin Polly, Krishna and Balaram Rodriquez, Naveen Allin, Caitanya Jansen, Dakota Quinn and Collin Mixon are all talented players who for the most part have been able to make immediate contributions.

Josh DeGrove, Alex Wigglesworth, Adam Palpant, Thakura Borrero and Justin White are upper classmen who are all new to the team this year. Thakura has 3 goals and 4 assists through 4 games, while Josh has scored three goals while coming off the bench. Justin White is the backup keeper who appears to be set to give Caitanya Jansen a good run for his money.

Another factor, not to be underestimated, is the return of junior Mathura Rico, who sat out all of last year due to injury. Due to his intensity, it's an offensive player's worst nightmare to be marked by him all game.

Tonight Santa Fe gets it's biggest test of the season vs. 5-0-1 Columbia. They are a big and fast, counter-attacking team that is good in the air. Last year the teams tied 2-2 at Santa Fe. This year Columbia is missing star Nick Nyson to graduating. Still, they have lots of firepower with speedy Alan Watson and often-shooting Malory Leighty up top. They also have a very good sweeper and a physically active midfield. Santa Fe will have to use their skill and ball possession ability to beat this team tonight.
Columbia just beat Vanguard 2-0 on Tuesday. Their only non-win of the season was a 1-1 tie versus Eastside.

Gargs, I heard that you were trying to schedule Fernandina? how is that coming along?

[gargs]

Gargs, I heard that you were trying to schedule Fernandina? how is that coming along?

They asked offered to play us a specific date there. We agreed to go there but couldn't play that specific date. We suggested another date but have not heard back from them.

I hope we can play them to get a chance to see where we stand. I would rather have Santa Fe get beat by a good team than beat an easy team. Columbia is a good team for them to get some idea tonight. Of course, Fernandina went to the Finals for 4a last year. I know they went down a class but I'm sure that makes no difference in their play. I don't know how many seniors they lost.

Two years ago Santa Fe's record was 8-6-1 but they had a much tougher schedule. They tied Nease, lost to Niceville by one goal, and beat Buchholz and Eastside. They had to play Middleburg, who went to the Final, twice. This year we are 4-0 but have an easier district. One of our wins came against Hawthorne, a team which even a below average team could beat 8-0. I think our team can be good but have no idea yet how far they may be able to go. I wish they had more quality opponents on their schedule. Time will eventually tell the story of this season. After tonight, I'll have a better idea.

Last night Coach Miller sent me a quote to forward to a local newspaper that really stimulated some thoughts. He said:

"I had no idea what to expect coming into this season. Losing 8 starters is usually a complete nightmare, and I wasn't really sure how we were going to fill such big holes. However, we have been extremely fortunate. Our underclassmen have really stepped up, we had an unexpected surprise of three new seniors, and Syama Allard, Syami Erving, and Joey O'brien have been turning in their usual solid performances. I think we've already surprised some teams this year. And--as has always been the case with us--if we can keep it together upstairs, we've got a shot at a really incredible season."

Actually, we lost 9 starters from last year's team to be precise. Eight to graduation, namely Jaggy Rivera, Nila Guzman, Quitty Nicoloff, Reid Monyhan, Zack Jackson, Alan Snyder, Govi Allin and Abhay Kharuna.
In addition to that, we lost Alex Baucom due to school transference.
We also lost our backup goalie, who would probably be starting by now, and Owen Anderson, who now plays for Buchholz.

Only two starters, Syami Erving and Shyam Allard returned from last year. Other returning members are Austin Bishop, Didi Knighten, Nitai Diniz and Joey O'Brien.

That means the rest of the current roster were either playing for JV last year or not playing for us at all. Considering these facts, it's pretty impressive that Santa Fe has been able to start 4-0, including 3-0 in their district.

As Coach Miller mentioned, some of the reasons for the team's ability to bounce back from losing so many key players include a good crop of players from last year's JV team, addition of a number of upper class-men who never played high school soccer before, and the stepping up of the returning players. Last year's JV team only lost a couple of games and those players have given significant contribution to the success of the team. Quentin Polly, Krishna and Balaram Rodriquez, Naveen Allin, Caitanya Jansen, Dakota Quinn and Collin Mixon are all talented players who for the most part have been able to make immediate contributions.

Josh DeGrove, Alex Wigglesworth, Adam Palpant, Thakura Borrero and Justin White are upper classmen who are all new to the team this year. Thakura has 3 goals and 4 assists through 4 games, while Josh has scored three goals while coming off the bench. Justin White is the backup keeper who appears to be set to give Caitanya Jansen a good run for his money.

Another factor, not to be underestimated, is the return of junior Mathura Rico, who sat out all of last year due to injury. Due to his intensity, it's an offensive player's worst nightmare to be marked by him all game.

Tonight Santa Fe gets it's biggest test of the season vs. 5-0-1 Columbia. They are a big and fast, counter-attacking team that is good in the air. Last year the teams tied 2-2 at Santa Fe. This year Columbia is missing star Nick Nyson to graduating. Still, they have lots of firepower with speedy Alan Watson and often-shooting Malory Leighty up top. They also have a very good sweeper and a physically active midfield. Santa Fe will have to use their skill and ball possession ability to beat this team tonight.
Columbia just beat Vanguard 2-0 on Tuesday. Their only non-win of the season was a 1-1 tie versus Eastside.

Gargs, good luck with Columbia. I was at the Vanguard-Columbia game on Tuesday night and you are correct, they are a good team. Good first touch, lots of skill, great ball movement around the pitch. They pretty much controlled the whole game. They are clearly the best team that I have seen Vanguard play this year. Should be a good benchmark for your team. Is this game home or away?

[gargs]

The Santa Fe Raiders received a healthy dose of reality at the hands of the surging Columbia Tigers 5-0, at Columbia last night. The Tigers were led by two goals each from forwards Mallory Leighty and Alan Watson. The other goal was an own-goal attempted clear, that was fired right at unsuspecting goalie Chay Jansen. Santa Fe, playing without three starters,namely All-State midfielder Syami Erving, former ODP state pooler Mathura Rico, and right midfielder Quentin Polly, got dominated in many phases of the game.

Columbia attempted 29 shots, compared to just 7 for Santa Fe. The Tigers had 19 shots on frame, while Santa Fe could only manage a paltry 2. The score was 2-0 with about 20 minutes left in the game when the Raiders imploded, squashing all hopes for a miracle comeback like last year against Columbia, when the Raiders scored 2 goals in the last 8 minutes to knot a 2-2 tie.

Columbia played their brand of counter-attack very well. They made fast crisp passes and did not hold onto the ball very long. Santa Fe's disorganized defense was almost constantly in trouble. The center backs stabbed at the ball, played too far up at times and out of position. Chay Jansen actually performed admirably, considering how many shots were fired at him.

Shyam Allard played a decent game in the middle, but it was too little for the overwhelmed team. Naveen Allin hustled on the outside. Leading scorer, Joey O'Brien did not get many touches. If Santa Fe was going to win this game, especially without 3 of its best players, they were going to have to control the ball and the tempo of the game. It's hard to do that when one of your main players records 15 turnovers and frequently blames his teammates for his poor decisions. It's also difficult to accomplish when the defense fails to clear the ball and gives too much space to the offense.

For Columbia, it's kudos all around. They played aggressively offensively and stingy on the defensive side of the ball. For Santa Fe, however, it's back to the drawing board. It would also be nice if it's players would behave themselves long enough to get their best team on the field. Then, perhaps, they can get start working on playing smarter and organizing themselves better. Hopefully, this embarrassing setback will inspire them to re-focus and dedicate themselves. I still believe they can do well this season. Failure is the pillar to success.

well said

It's hard to do that when one of your main players records 15 turnovers and frequently blames his teammates for his poor decisions. It's also difficult to accomplish when the defense fails to clear the ball and gives too much space to the offense.

gargs as a high school player i think u should leave comments like that to high school players..... no offense but ur way too old to be badmouthing players specially the ones that play for your sons high school.

( and i belive sham had his own bundle of turn overs)

Gargs is Shyam Allard's father?

It's hard to do that when one of your main players records 15 turnovers and frequently blames his teammates for his poor decisions. It's also difficult to accomplish when the defense fails to clear the ball and gives too much space to the offense.

gargs as a high school player i think u should leave comments like that to high school players..... no offense but ur way too old to be badmouthing players specially the ones that play for your sons high school.

( and i belive sham had his own bundle of turn overs)

Well said.

[gargs]

It's hard to do that when one of your main players records 15 turnovers and frequently blames his teammates for his poor decisions. It's also difficult to accomplish when the defense fails to clear the ball and gives too much space to the offense.

gargs as a high school player i think u should leave comments like that to high school players..... no offense but ur way too old to be badmouthing players specially the ones that play for your sons high school.

( and i belive sham had his own bundle of turn overs)

I'm not badmouthing anyone. I appreciate all the players on Santa Fe and high school soccer in general. There's a distinct difference between bad mouthing and telling something honestly how I saw it. I kept the stats on the game and if I was to critique as to why we lost the game I would have to be frank. If any player truly wants to improve they have to be able to take constructive criticism. Otherwise, they are bound to keep making the same mistake over and over. That leads to nothing but losses against stronger teams. If you notice, I did not mention the names of anyone I attempted to constructively criticized. I also think they would stand to learn something from my observations. If they don't agree with me, then that's fine too. Shyam had five turnovers in the game though he had many touches. Me being his father doesn't change the fact that I thought that he played decent. As his father, I should not give him unnecessary praise, nor should I turn a blind eye when he plays well. I feel I can be objective in this respect because I have a detached enough attitude. After all, this is only a soccer game. It may simulate real life in different ways, but it is not real life. If he had fifteen turnovers, I would have mentioned it. I thought, for the most part, he played within himself.

The trouble with our team in this game (besides the obvious of being without three starters), was trying to rush and force our offense too much (thereby giving the ball away to the other team), and not getting back on defense. Columbia is a good counter-attacking team and they took advantage.

The same player I criticized indirectly, I have praised directly many times this season. I don't think he should take offense because I was discreet enough and because I care enough to speak my mind for his benefit. I thought the idea was the players want to become the best players they can be. At least that's the sincere attitude that someone would have if he truly wanted to get better. They would welcome such "criticism" with open arms, I would think.

This other notion that I should say nothing because I am not a high school player is fallacious logic. Says who? First of all I am not bad mouthing, I am attempting to help. Second of all, it is older and more experienced people who are more qualified to give constructive criticism based on their experience and observation. Perhaps you are too young to be talking to me in such a conceited and know it all fashion. You should be humble and understand there are many things in this lifetime that you have yet to learn. If someone's feathers get ruffled because I point out a contributing factor toward losing a game, then they should work on making their feathers more humble. If a team or player truly wants to get better and win then they would leave their false egos off the soccer field and welcome and consider my point of view for their own good. The choice is clearly between false ego and selfishness or considering a well wisher's frank observations for one's betterment. I guess it all depends what matters most to a person.

I love you gargs!

[gargs]

I love you gargs!

I love you too. Whoever you are.