Kent falls to Stow, 2-1; WE MUST PROTECT THIS HOUSE.

Kent suffered a heartbreaking loss to crosstown rival Stow yesterday. Though the defense played solid most of the way through, it was the offense that failed to capitalize on several opportunities. Unfortunately, this is a trend we are seeing as this season unfolds. Roosevelt needs to refocus itself on offense; they even might want to add another player up on the forward line, or at least midfielders that typically play back up into the box. It's not that we are bad shooters-- it's that the offense, dominated last year by departing senior Katie Mitchell and a lesser extent by Brianna Serafin, is young and unexperienced. Rebecca Thomas provides good leadership on the forward line; however, she too admits to missing some easy opportunities yesterday. It's a matter of execution-- Coach Mitchell MUST get his offense reenergized. It's like my dad says, "it's hard to win games with one goal."

This has the added effect of putting pressure on the defense. After Roosevelt scored early (12') to go up 1-0, the pressure was on the defense to hold the lead. They did, arguably, a good job, but eventually fell apart-- Stow stepped up its game in the second half with two scores in the last 25 minutes. The pressure of holding a one goal lead is one thing, but when the offense continues to miss scoring opportunities, that  just may be the proverbial straw that broke the camel's, er, the Rider's, back. It must have been very frustrating to be a Rough Rider player yesterday-- I imagine the offense is kicking itself for missed opportunities, and the defense is doing the same for allowing their lead to slip away.

In the scheme of things, this isn't terribly important. Conference play starts up this Tuesday AT the 2008 conference champion Norton Panthers, the Riders' main competition last year. Remember what we talked about in preseason analysis-- for us to be successful, we need confidence. Our chemistry is there, our skill is there, but it's our confidence that can make or break this team. Senior leaders need to send a message to its squad that they will not put up with more preventable unnecessary losses. This is NOT the time for the team to doubt its ability; it IS the team for the team to reassert itself. After two tough non conference losses, Norton is a huge game for the confidence of the team. It's important for Roosevelt to know they can dominate their conference... headline Wednesday morning reads: "Roosevelt says 'YOU MUST RESPECT THIS HOUSE.'"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnECY26PSHk-- this is a bad-a commercial. Be inspired ladies.


P.S. A wag of the finger to OSHAA for continuing to sell tickets even after half time. I was hoping to prance in yesterday at halftime, saving the $6... but nooooo. The Stow ladies said they never stop selling tickets throughout the game. Well, boo boo to you you. I need to get a press pass or something... oh Mr. Rutskyyyy?

KR defeats Tallmadge 3-0

I will tell you, my friends, it is nice to have Abby Bradford in goal. Though the Riders didn't play their best game last night, especially in the first half, Bradford was spot on. Though passes weren't terribly clean, and though shots on goal weren't turning into shots in goal, and though the defense allowed some nice crosses into the Riders' box, there was Bradford to pick up our slack. It must be nice for the defense to know that EVEN IF they have an "off night," or even a not-up-to-par night, they have a solid field general directing them. This is Bradford's fourth shutout in six games (wow!).

This is not to overemphasize the degree to which Roosevelt didn't play "their" game. They allowed a relatively small number of shots on goal, a credit to the defense, and of course, didn't allow a goal. We at the blog love shutouts, prefer them really, so keep it going Roosevelt, if only to please us at the blog!

It was a particularly refreshing night-- it was cloudy, so those in the stands didn't have to watch the game with the glare of a setting sun in their faces. Expect more of these as winter approaches... ugh.

There was also quite a crowd gathered to watch our girls play! It seems this team has created quite a buzz around the school... now to keep the buzz going! Let's get 'em at Stow this Saturday, a crucial game from the standpoint of team confidence. Win or lose, let's play them tough!

KR falls to Cloverleaf, 5-0

Our Lady Riders fell hard Monday at Cloverleaf, 5-0. The game resembled very much last year's Massilon-Jackson game-- few solid possessions, inability to keep up with the offensive and defensive schemes, and just getting out hustled. Mitchell has taken this team far during the off season, let's see if he can correct the mistakes of this game, increase speed and quality of possession, so that when playoffs roll around and we play a team like Cloverleaf, we can better compete. Still, good effort girls, now for the HOME OPENER!!!!!1

Scrimmage roundup

The squad finished it's impressive scrimmage schedule with a 4-1 victory over visiting Niles McKinley on Friday. Goals were scored by Rebecca Thomas, who had two, and one each from Logan Bialik and junior Chloe Maxwell. Emily Hook had some dazzling assists, including a nice pass into the box to hook up with Maxwell at the end of the game.

Goalie Abby Bradford saw limited action in the second half, coming out with about 17 min. to play. I worry about this scrimmage schedule and the effect it has had on Bradford. She's had mega playing time, but little action in goal. I suppose Coach knows best, BUT, he better be cognizant of the little action Bradford's had.

Backup Jocelyn Schmidt did a bang up job in her stead, coming up with some tough saves. Schmidt showed her mobility, chasing ground balls on one side of the goal, and then leaping up to catch a sinking line drive from about 25 ft out. Though one goal was scored, I think this had more to do with defensive confusion, as Coach Mitchell was doing quite a bit of substituting in and out. The ability for Schmidt gives solid depth at the goalie position, and even puts Mitchell in a position to sub Bradford in at forward at times, a position she plays nearly equally well.

Now, a few observations, written down and texted to myself during the course of the game. These come not just from me, but from other fans, who unknowingly are finding their comments on this blog. Sorry guys!

1. There needs to be a better effort in defending throw-ins. What I saw was good positioning, but bad ball handling and passing when balls were won. Give your teammates dumps out there!

2. Carries were excellent. Good job on using speed and ball handling skills to get down the field quickly. This team is speedy, for sure. Advantage, Roosevelt!

3. Switches and short passes were great too. I was at my brother's soccer game yesterday. They are now in D-1 and U-13, meaning they use a field just as wide as high school pitches. However, they had struggles with using the whole field, resigning themselves to using mainly the middle of the field. In our Lady Riders' case, they have few of these problems. Michaela Kline and Liz Thomas were particularly bomb at nice switches, setting up teammates for scoring opportunities.

4. Taking scoring opportunities is still a bit of an issue, but this is bound to get better as the season progresses. Coach Mitchell has identified this as an issue, and is working on it with the girls. Passing into the box, though, was definitely better from the first scrimmage at Barberton.

5. Riders have got to keep up their speed, their intensity, and their confidence. They are a senior dominated team, with lots of team cohesion. This is one of Mitchell's most unified squads he's ever been a part of. I noticed the last scrimmage, energy was waning. Senior leaders and the coaches need to do their part to keep up the energy, especially as they encounter the tougher teams on their schedule.

Kent Roosevelt defeats Barberton (scrimmage)

The scrimmage last night was a treat for fans. The players put on a clinic of sorts, showcasing their skills in a variety of areas. What I thought was most striking were the clean passes being made, especially the clean crosses, and also the speed of the game. Coach Mitchell, whose priority this preseason were to clean up those spots, has done a great job in polishing this team for the regular season.

It was wonderful to be out in the stands again, as a fan. Thanks girls for putting on a great show.

Special shout out to Abby Bradford for a spectacular semi-whiff on a clear out kick, and then a nice scramble to save her butt. :) I don't blame her for it, she was getting much action on her side of the field.

Big games, and Coach's thoughts

Now that we have the schedules in front of us, let's look at the important games for the season. There are more non-conference games than last season, speaking to Coach Mitchell's desire to see the team improve by facing tougher opponents. Frankly, the PTC doesn't cut it for a soccer team looking to build upon each success it has during the regular reason. What will be important come playoff time is experience, and experience against tougher opponents. Thus, Mitchell's lineup includes Cloverleaf, Boardman, Hudson, Stow-Munroe Falls, Cuyagoa Falls, Wadsworth, Green, James Garfield, and Revere. While some of these teams may not have had great records in the past, and may not have the same skill level, fundamentally, than our Rider team, they do get to play tougher teams consistently through the season, which makes these games difficult to win. Plus, come playoff time in late October, it will be important for Roosevelt to have racked up some solid non-conference wins to secure a nice seeding, and hopefully win their way out of their section.

The conference should, as always, be a tight race between Ravenna, Crestwood, Norton, and RHS, says Coach Mitchell. RHS defeated 2008 conference champion Norton in earlier scrimmages this season pretty handily, so it should feel pretty confident going into their September 1 away match there. The Lady Riders should also be confident going into their match against Ravenna. For one, it's a home game. Secondly, RHS took down Ravenna in arguably their best game in a long while last year in the sectional playoffs. They should come in with a swagger, expecting to beat the hated Ravens. Who knows about Crestwood, but the Riders did defeat them twice last season. The point is, with this team, with its experience, leadership, and toned talent, RHS should expect to win every game they play in the conference.

Coach Mitchell highlighted this year's non conference schedule being the "toughest... during my time as coach. So what adjustments does the team need to make?

1. Goal scoring-- with goal machine Katie Mitchell graduated, new scorers need to step up. The front line should include freshman Annie Kenney, and sophomore Maggie Connell. In addition, junior Michaela Kline should provide experience and leadership on offense. The offense took a steep hit when it lost junior Taylor Murphy to some kind of virus, which has sidelined her for the season. We at the KRWS blog send our thoughts out to her for a speedy recovery!

2. Clean play-- passing needs to improve from last year. Many times, play was sloppy, touches were mishandled, which resulted in unnecessary turnovers. the final playoff game of the 2008 season, an unfortunate drubbing at the hands of Jackson. Now, Jackson was excellent. Their passing was impeccable, defense was unrelentless, and they had a girl who could throw a ball from the sidelines to the middle of the box, which resulted in at least two goals. RHS put up a good fight, and the game was enjoyable to watch. However, Roosevelt will simply be unable to compete with teams like Jackson without the ability to keep the ball in its possession for an extended period of time.

3. Lastly, speed is very important, and Coach Mitchell has stressed through in his early fall practices. Speed of movement with the ball, combined with good passing, will lead to favorable results for the Lady Riders.

4. Defense is important, obviously. Senior leaders need to step up and fill the gap left by Jessica Giulitto. Abby Bradford, goalie, needs to make her players aware of what they need to be doing to assist her in goal. Last year's team didn't have such a problem with this, but it's important I think just to highlight the need for better defense in the face of a tougher schedule. It's nice that Coach Mitchell has scheduled four (4) semi-tough scrimmages before the season is to start. It's important that the defense be consistently tested.

Any other improvements need to be made that I may have missed?

Now, the team already has several strengths that make it a serious contender not just for a conference crown, but to make it far in the playoffs. I'm sure I won't hit everything, so let me know if you have any more.

1. Team chemistry-- Coach Mitchell talks about his players as a very "positive" group, with "outstanding senior leadership." Whoever actually gets captain will almost be unimportant, as there are more than just three valuable seniors on the team, not just for their talents on the field, but for their ability to lead by example and stay positive through hard times I have been very impressed by the cohesion of the seniors through four years of high school soccer. The seniors should understand this team CAN do great things, but only through the COMBINED efforts of the outstanding senior class.

2. Goal keeping-- Abby Bradford is dope. That's it.

3. Toughness, both mental and physical-- I remember in the Ravenna playoff game of last year, a) the game was played at Ravenna Stadium in front of a hostile crowd, b) they were playing their rivals, c) the season would end if the game was lost, d) the surface of the field was astroturf, and very wet, which meant the ball was hydroplaning at every pass made, confusing players and taking them out of their fundamental game. This same game, Jessica Giulitto went out with a terrifying injury and goal keeper Abby Bradford (dope) got injured BUT stayed in the game. These were just some of the injuries sustained in the game. Ravenna was REALLY roughing up our players, getting more and more physical as the game progressed. And Roosevelt still won. Bradford played a great game in goal, stopping some very tough kicks. The defense held tight. The midline played great, passing well, focusing on advancing the ball with control. And in the end, though they were tired, dirty, and broken down, the team held strong, NOT letting these mental and physical hinderances prevent them from winning the game. This is DEFINITELY a characteristic of Roosevelt women's soccer. I love it.

New changes to shinguard policy, effective Fall 2012.

Cut and paste:

http://www.ohsaa.org/sports/so/SoccerRuleChanges_2-13-09.pdf

TAKEN FROM A FEBRUARY 22, 2009 PRESS RELEASE BY THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF STATE HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONS

A few important rule changes here:

1. One new rule prohibits shinguards from being more than two inches from the ankle. This is in response to an increase in on-field injuries, especially on the bottom part of the shin. In addition, shin guards must bear the seal of the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (N.O.C.S.A.E.).

“As is always the case, the Soccer Rules Committee is most concerned about minimizing the risk of injury for student-athletes,” said Mark Koski, NFHS assistant director and liaison to the Soccer Rules Committee. “The requirement of the N.O.C.S.A.E seal and height range on the front of the shinguard by 2012 is a good example of that. The committee wants to make sure that players are protected in the best way possible.”

This new policy will be effective by fall 2012 to give retailers a chance to manufacture shinguards according to these new standards.

EFFECTIVE 2009-10 SEASON:

2. "Joint" ankle braces will now be allowed to be worn OVER socks/stockings, providing braces are not metal or another hazardous material. This is in response to new advancements in sports medicine and athletic health care. Previously, only braces under the socks/stockings were allowed.

3. A change in rule 3-1-3 will allow any player to deliver the team roster to the field referee at least five minutes before the game begins. Previously, only the coach had the authority to deliver the roster. However, since high school coaches are very busy prior to a game, the new rule is being enacted.

4. The last change requires field refs to wear matching uniforms "distinctly different" from the field players of both teams, as to avoid confusion. Refs WILL be allowed to wear a uniform similar to that of the goalkeeper, just not the field players.

Any comments on these?

Women's Soccer Varsity Schedule (taken from official team schedule, subject to change)

Key:

(V)= Varsity team

(JV)= Junior varsity team

Scrimmages:

Wednesday, August 12 HOME against Barberton- 5:00 (JV), 7:00 (V)

Monday, August 17 AWAY @ Marlington- 3:00 (JV), 5:00 (V)

Wednesday, August 19 AWAY @ West Branch- 5:00 (JV), 7:00 (V)

Friday, August 21 HOME against Niles McKinley- 5:00 (JV), 7:00 (V)

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Season:

Monday, August 24 AWAY @ Cloverleaf- 5:00 (JV), 7:00 (V)

Wednesday, August 26 HOME against Tallmadge- 5:00 (JV), 7:00 (V)

Saturday, August 29 AWAY @ Stow-Munroe Falls- 3:00 (JV), 5:00 (V)

Tuesday, September 1 AWAY @ Norton- 3:00 (JV), 5:00 (V)

Tuesday, September 8 HOME against Ravenna- 5:00 (JV), 7:00 (V)

Thursday, September 10 AWAY @ Southeast- 5:00 (JV), 7:00 (V)

Saturday, September 12 AWAY @ Boardman- 11:00 (JV), 1:00 (V)

Thursday, September 17 AWAY @ Rootstown- 5:00 (JV), 7:00 (V)

Saturday, September 19 HOME against Cuyahoga Falls- 5:00 (JV), 7:00 (V)

Tuesday, September 22 HOME against Crestwood- 5:00 (JV), 7:00 (V)

Thursday, September 24 AWAY @ Hudson- 5:00 (JV), 7:00 (V)

Thursday, October 1 HOME against Field- 3:00 (JV), 5:00 (V)

Saturday, October 3 HOME against Wadsworth- 5:00 (JV), 7:00 (V)

Thursday, October 8 HOME against Twinsburg- 5:00 (JV), 7:00 (V)

Saturday, October 10 AWAY @ Green- 5:00 (JV), 7:00 (V)

OSHAA Tournament Draw

Tuesday, October 13 AWAY @ James Garfield- 5:00 (JV), 7:00 (V)

Thursday, October 15 HOME against Coventry- 5:00 (JV), 7:00 (V)

Saturday, October 17 HOME against Revere- 11:00 (JV), 1:00 (V)

October 19-24 SECTIONAL TOURNAMENT

October 26-31 DISTRICT TOURNAMENT

November 4 and 7 REGIONAL TOURNAMENT

November 11 and 14 STATE TOURNAMENT

(schedule taken from http://www.highschoolsports.net/defaultcal.cfm?ct=s&schoolid=OH4424019949&spt=7&lvl=1&division=2)

1st post

Hello, and welcome to the first entry of Kent Roosevelt Women's Soccer blog. My name is Chris Hook. My sister, Emily, plays on the squad this year. I have watched her and her friends play since they were very young, and have always been excited about the prospect of a new season. This year, harnessing the power of the Internet, and following the trend of sports journalism, I (and others, if they want) will write a blog, commenting on the ups and downs of the upcoming 2009 fall season.

This season, the team looks to build on an exciting year, which saw them reach the precipice of entry into the regional playoffs. The team, though losing vital attacker Katie Mitchell and defensive whiz Jessica Giulitto to graduation, remains strong, with a core of senior girls who have played together for many years, as well as a strong group of underclassmen. Coach Steve Mitchell, a recently naturalized citizen of the US (originally from the UK), is coaching the squad of girls, this his sixth year of coaching at RHS. Coach Mitchell has consistently proven his adeptness at running teams-- his past teams' successes speak to his fine understanding of soccer and his exceptional ability to communicate with his players.

This blog is for fun. We will avoid direct criticism of players, keeping in mind they are high schoolers and not professional athletes. Criticism, if there be any, will address team flaws, such as group chemistry or lack of energy. Furthermore, failures and successes in soccer can hardly ever be attributed to individual efforts-- there is truly no "I" in "TEAM" in the sport.

Being a spectator for three years thus far, I know that women's soccer at Kent Roosevelt High School is exciting, an emotional rollar coaster that will keep you glued to your seats biting your nails one second, to leaping over railings and swarming the players with hugs after a sweet sweet overtime victory, especially one over the Ravenna Ravens. The spectators laugh and cry along with the players during the season. This is what sports is about. I hope you enjoy the season!

If you would like to write for this blog, send me a message at chook@kent.edu. Feel free to also comment on blog postings... this is your forum! (but please, avoid direct criticism of individuals, and be polite, please).