Caps Rebound Strong

I am very proud of you girls!
I think the manner in which you played and the resulting win are a result of your heart, work ethic and belief in yourselves & teammates.


After two flat games and knowing we were missing some key players (below) you could have also come out flat for this game, but your heart and desire to win took us forward.

I am proud of how handily you out-played Vancouver in the first half and a lot of the second half. A number of you were placed in somewhat unfamiliar positions or without players you normally play with and you rose to the occasion. 
With Natalie confidently stopping a number of good shots and some very lovely passing by the team - especially our second goal - we were in control for most of the game.   Well done ladies!!

Also ... Good luck to our three players (Kristen, Brittany and Hannah) who were invited out to the Provincial tryouts on the same day.  We confidently told the three players go to the tryouts and concentrate on them and not come to the game.

Referring back to the three quotes I sent you a couple of weeks ago, I think you are proving these to be true ...
“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.”
"What doesn't kill us makes us stronger."
“The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall.”

The One That Got Away

I hate to make this sound like a fish story, but this is one that got away from us....

Today was a day where many factors got the best of us, most of which was the wind and luck.   The first half had North Shore pressing us and pinning us in our own end with the wind playing a huge factor ... we just could not get the ball out of our end.  North Shore launched a number of long shots and with the wind aiding them, they were able to score two goals against us in the first half.  We did get a couple of good runs at their goal in the first half, so all was not bad.

Of course, as luck would have it, as the second hald started the wind subsided a bit and it was not as big of a factor in the second half as it was in the first.  The second half did see the game turn and the Capitals pushed harder and had the Sounders pinned in their end a lot.  We were able to get one gol back but could not get that second goal needed to pull out a tie.

So, today marked our first loss and the first time a team has scored more than one goal against us in a game this season.  It was bound to happen.  It will be a day to both forget and remember ...
- Forget --> put this game behind us and draw upon your collective energy to go into battle vs Kaos next week
- Remember --> always remember that some times soccer is a game of one goal and who got the best shot at net or who was lucky.  Some times the best team does not win.  Use this loss to fuel your fires!

A Tired Caps Team Gives Away Two Points

A somewhat disappointing result over the weekend only because we know in our hearts we could have done better.  Given the past few weeks of Super Y and Metro, I think this “let down” was expected.  It is very difficult for a team to be on a high for a week or so (i.e. FLorida) and then come back to our normal daily life and not expect a bit of a let down.  Let’s use this experience, and build on it for future games.

On the good side of things...
- we scored first
- we did not allow them any shots in the first half (in fact North Shore did not make it in our half much)
- we threw a new formation at you and you adapted to it well and had a couple of very good scoring opportunities
- we are still unbeaten
- we are still on top of the standings
- life continues

I will leave you with a few quotes that I previously shared with some ...

“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.”
"What doesn't kill us makes us stronger."
“The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall.”

Snowball-Like Game

By Caps Press Services; Victoria Sunday November 8, 2009

Today's game was like a large snowball on a hill ... it was a slow start to get the ball rolling but once momemtum was gained, the ball just kept rolling faster with more power.

With a short bench due to teams illnesses and injuries the Caps found themselves starting out slower than normal.  However, as the game progressed the Cap's started taking charge, playing the fast high-rate passing game they like.

After going into half time with a 1-0 lead the Cap's momentaum took over and their second half surge overpowered the visiting Abbotsford team.  Three additional goals and a number of posts were the result of the surge. For the Caps ... Georgia helped take control in the back and Kristen was dominating the front.  The goal of the game was a lovely bit of individual work by Elise - who unleashed her magic & dazzling moves to dance through the Abbotsford backline and ping it off the post.  The rebound was put away by Rachel who was streaking into the 18 yard box from the back line and neatly put the ball in the back of the net.

An excellent job by call-up Kate P. today, fitting into the team system and making her mark on the field.

See photos by Lee at http://picasaweb.google.ca/victoriacapitals/HomeVsAbbyNov82009#

Another Physical Affair

By Caps Press Services; Victoria Monday November 2, 2009
It seems the only game plan teams can come up with to play the Capitals is to try and out muscle them ... it isn't working. The girls matched the physical challenge and added their high work rate to grind out a 2-0 win.

The aggressive play and the bantering from the crowd got in the way of the Capitals quick passing game but in the end Surdel couldn't stop the attacks on their net. At the 35 minute mark a beautiful pass sent Soraya into the Surdel 18 yard box 1 v1 with the keeper, Soraya calmly placed the ball in the corner (also some very nice touch and turning with the ball by Soraya). The Caps got a scare just before the half when Vanessa bravely challenged a 50/50 head ball, and both players knocked heads. Vanessa needed to leave the game with a rather big goose egg on her forehead. The Surdel player was taken to the hospital with a nasty gash on her head and possible concussion ... we wish her all the best and a speedy recovery.

In the second half the Capitals spread the Surdel back line out and sliced it apart with Kathy Forbes diagonal runs deep into the attacking 1/3. It wasn't long before the Caps sent Kathy in on a breakaway and Kathy made the best of it. The Caps continued to press and if not for the fearless play of the Surdel keeper Kathy would have added three more to her total for the day.

The Caps will rest up and ice a few battle bruises as they prepare to take on Abbottsford at home next weekend.

We were trying out a new photographer this week - Hannah. Let's just say she pulled herself from the game based on her play. :-)

Caps Form Returns To Stymie Golden Ears

By Caps Press Services; Victoria Monday October 25, 2009

Putting the Friday night game behind them, the Caps came out firing on all cylinders and pressured the Golden Ears team from the first whistle. In today's match, the Caps midfield controlled the game and locked down the middle of the field. Defensively, they were very stingy ... the Caps didn't give the Golden Ears midfield any time or room to build an attack. In attack ... the Cap's midfield used combination plays and daring individual skills to propel the attack.

The Capitals forwards were menacing for the Golden Ears back line creating dangerous crosses and deadly shots all day long.

Michaila and the back four made short work of the Golden Ears attacks allowing only a few challenges into our 18 yard box.

A convincing 5-1 victory over a hard working opponent.

PS No pictures from today ... Brad did not bring his camera today and our cameraman was a "no show" :-)

Just One of Those Days ...

By Caps Press Services; Victoria Saturday October 24, 2009
It was "Just One of Those Days" and Chilliwack stole some point from the Caps.

Yesterday's game found the Caps travelling to Chilliwack for a late game (5pm). It was a long day and may have affected the Caps finesse on the ball as we just could not put in one of our many chances. The first half we started off a little slow and allowed a couple of shots on net; however in the second half we seemed to be almost back to ourselves and really kept the Chilliwack team out of our half. They are a large, tough, and strong team but we showed that this does not intimidate us.

Some positive things to take away from this game ...
- we did come away with a point
- we came back after a tough own goal
- the second half we did not allow any shots (in fact hardly let them in our half of the field)
- we created many chances
- we were not hot and parched (it rained ... a lot!)

So let's put this in our memory bank and use it against Golden Ears on Sunday.

Thanks to our travelling parents for the help.

Caps Maintain League Lead

By Caps Press Services; Victoria Sunday October 18, 2009

This reporter overheard the Cap's players setting their team goals before the game on Sunday; these were ...
- game shape/discipline
- aggressive / first to ball
- focus / energy

The fans were definitely presented with an overwhelming display of team shape and discipline in the first half. Coquitlam were hardly allowed to entered the Caps half of the field. The second half saw some Coquitlam pressing harder and adding more pressure; however the Caps worked hard and took 3 points from a very tough defensive and physical team.

Thanks as always to Lee (and our back up photographer Maddy) for the game shots.

An Off Day Still Nets the Caps Three

By Caps Press Services; Victoria Sunday October 11, 2009

This weekend's Girl U14 Capitals match saw a second place Langley FC visiting the top of the standings Victoria Capitals team. Although early in the season, it was expected that the game would be a fairly tight game

Given that the Capitals were hampered by illnesses and injuries this weekend the girls would have to come up with a gutsy performance from their bench (and the younger call up). As expected, the game was fairly tight and the Caps used their strong work ethic and hard work to take three points from Langley FC and widen the point gap between them.

Michaila helped with goal keeping duties today for the second half of the game and ably kept Langley off the board for the Caps 4th shutout.

The win left the coaching staff wondering ... if they could pull of a win against a good team with several players missing/injured/sick ... what would the Caps do to teams when we are all present, healthy and full of energy?

To all players/parents, enjoy Thanksgiving with your family and friends.

Sticking to the Game Plan Reaps Rewards

By Caps Press Services; Victoria, Sun October 4, 2009 9:33 PM

The Victoria Capitals were visiting the three-time provincial champions Semiahmoo Thunder at the South Surrey Athletic Park turf field this weekend. The Capitals knew Semiahmoo would be a tough, fast passing team and they would have to play a strong team game to do well. The Capitals took it to Semiahmoo immediately with a high work rate and well-disciplined two-way game. The Caps game shape and discipline to it, and the players trust in each other worked well for them throughout the game giving up only a couple of shots with some nice forays into the Semiahmoo third. With a 1-0 lead at half-time, they came out in the second half and broke Semiahmoo’s spirit with a quick goal 1 minute into the second half. This was definitely their strongest showing to date.


The Caps victory, brings two quote to mind...

"Individual commitment to a group effort -- that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work"
Vince Lombardi – Football Great

"When a gifted team dedicates itself to unselfish trust and combines instinct with boldness and effort, it is ready to climb.”
Pat Riley

The Capitals wish the Semiahmoo Thunder great luck at the National Championships this week.

Photography by Maddy Y. (watch out Lee!)

A Team Effort Nets Three Points

Ladies,

Today was our best game/effort so far, the goals were all quality finishes (all coming from four different players). The second half was especially strong and our play had more flow and control to it. Defensively we did what we had to and kept them off the board, even a mystery PK didn't matter as Nat turned it away with a spectacular dive (caught of "film" by Lee ... see the series in the photo gallery).

So another step forward for the team.

No training Tuesday.

Click on the photo to see other great Lee Green photos.

A Hard Fought Point

Ladies,
Our first two games have seen us take on last years top teams and we have come away with 4 of a possible 6 points, that in itself is very good. The manner in which we have achieved this has not been pretty and we are capable of much better play.

Training will be intense this week so prepare yourselves as we fine tune things for next weekends battle with Upper Island in Nanaimo.

Bring extra water to training this week.
See you then,
Nigel.

Click on the picture to see more from the game.

Caps Beat Who??!!

The Capitals brought home our first victory of the season, by beating Guilford-Surrey by a score of 2-0.

Our play and game flow was very good at time but we know we can (and have) do better. The score really did not indicate the flow of the game as Surrey was a fairly skilled squad with some very good players. We will take the 3 points and learn from this.

More pictures available by clicking picture to the left.

Metro Schedule

The upcoming Girls Metro Soccer League schedule has come out.
See it at this link or at the link on the right-hand side of this webpage.

Some up-coming changes...

- We will be rescheduling the November 22nd game due to the Super Y National Championships. We will most likely need to play this game the Thanksgiving weekend (October 11th, or 12th) or Rememberance Day.

- We will try swapping our home/away series against Semiahmoo so they can go to the GU14 Nationals in Halifax as the BC rep.

- We will also try to reschedule some of our games that are in Vancouver durring the Olypics (pre-, during and post-)

We will keep you informed as soon as possible for planning purposes.

We're Singing in the Rain, Just Singing in the Rain!

A message from Nigel ...

Players/Parents,

A great weekend by all, the weather was as predicted (yukky wet!!) but with the help of the "Men" (Russ and Brad) and the "Ladies" (Robyn and Sue) the girls stayed dry under the biggest tarp of all time, had great meals and great care.

Robyn, you were super. The organization of the meals/travel etc was first class...thank you.

Susan, our additional team mom, you had just arrived and we put you to work immediately, you did so without hesitation....thank you.

Russ, we could not have done this without you, the tarps/transporting players and the transport of gear to and from the camp...thank you.

Brad, you da man!! The energizer bunny at all times making everything right....thank you.

Ken Garraway, the fields, the tent to stay dry, the game against the boys, the player feedback and advice were all made possible by you....thank you.

Players, well done on and off the field. Nothing was going to stand in your way of being positive and enjoying your time together. You rule at Saratoga speedway!!!...thank you.

No training Tuesday, back at it Thursday at PISE.
Take care,
Nigel.

Now my turn. These are things that made my weekend, made me think and made me laugh...

- Olivia K's "refusal" to wear shoes (You can take the girl off of Salt Spring, but ...)

- Tent 4 .... slobs (make that lazy slobs)

- Kathy's tarp (What did she bring it for?)

- Man-handling the boys (Erin's hip check)

- Vanessa before Saratoga Speedway ... Can You Say Pumped!

- Vanessa after Saratoga Speedway .... Can You Say Pumped!

- Soraya "owning" everyone at Saratoga Speedway .... NOT!

- Erin getting excited about ... just about everything

- Michaila, Harmony & Katie H ... work-horses around the camp (Robyn appreciates it)

- Coffee from Serious Coffee (note to self ... get them as Sponsors)

- The Russ Frawley caravan/equipment shed/4-wheel-drive/do-it-all truck

- Robyn and her fascination (obsession) with Zip- lock bags

- The world's largest zip-lock bags from Costco (Robyn ... relax!)

- Our "fans" who also travelled up to camp and watch the games ... thanks!

- How many pictures do we have with Olivia C have making a face

- My lack of arm hair

- I have learned a new card game from the girls ... *sshole (It had another name which I can't remember)

- Someones fixation with their hair

- Leaving Sue all alone in the glow of the lantern with her chips and drink

- the girls eating the slightly damp chips the next morning

- mmmmm ... Pepperoni over an open fire

You girls are the ultimate team mates!!!!

Our Competetion This Year?

Here are the 14 teams for the 2009/2010 Girls U15 Metro Season...
Abbotsford Mariners
Chilliwack Impact
Coquitlam Metro Ford Breakers
Golden Ears United Soccer Club Wildcats
Langley FC
North Shore Caps
North Shore Sounders
Richmond Red Hot Selects
Surrey United SC Selects 95
Semiahmoo Thunder
Surdel Vipers
Upper Vancouver Island Galaxy
Vancouver Kaos
Victoria Capitals

Some other information of interest from a recent Girls Metro Soccer League (GMSL) meeting held in Coquitlam on Augst 26th ...

• We are scheduled for 20 games this season.
• We may be travelling alone this season ...the LISA’s GU14 and GU16 will be “travel partners.” This means, that means those teams schedules are synchronized such that they play the same team each weekend.
• If a team is travelling for Canadian Nationals or Super-Y finals your metro league games must be played before you leave!! This is important for our team as many of the girls are travelling for the Super Y final in November. There are fines of up to $500 if games are not played prior to the schedule.
• Transfers are allowed this season ... we can draw from club teams and/or the U13 Metro team if we run into roster number problems
• Handshakes will be at the start of the game. If a player wants to congratulate an opponent at the end of the game that is okay but official team handshakes are now taken before the kick-off (as per Super-Y).

And They're Off!

The Victoria Capitals Girls U15 Metro/Select Team has kicked off their 2009/10 season training with a respectable show of girls - many are still having a well deserved family time holiday after the long Metro and Super-Y season.

Regular "two a week" practises start this week.

Click on the picture for a few more pictures of our session at Hampton.

As always, thanks to Gorge for supporting our girls program with field time.

Brittany Wows Them in Austria

Here is proof Brittany is practicing while in Austria! In this picture she is dribbling around her brother at a pitch they found in Feldkirchen Austria at about 1000m elevation ... so a hard workout after hiking all-day!

Thanks for the update Michael

Camping? or Soccer Camp?

Camping? ... or ... Soccer Camp? ... What about both!!??

The girls U15 Victoria Capitals are going camping. Here is the proposed itinerary...

Friday, Sept 4th:
- Heading up early afternoon
- Set up the camp at Miracle Beach
- We have a game that evening in Courtenay at 7pm so need to be at the field for 6pm.
- We'll have good pre-game snack before the game and then a late dinner when we return to camp

Saturday, Sept 5th:
- Training 10am-2pm Pinecrest School field in Campbell River
- afternoon team activities
- evening possible game.

Sunday, Sept 6th:
- Training 9am-12noon at the school field
- possibly- afternoon go-carts
- evening free

Monday, Sept 7th
- do Nigel's fingernails and toenails
- pack up by 11am, & head home

Move to The Next Level --> High Performance / DDC

LISA, with their partners in development, Victoria Highlanders FC, are implementing a High Performance/DDC programme that will be starting this October. It is open to metro/select players in the U14-U16 age groups.

There is no extra cost to the High Performance programme for Metro players, however, in order to participate you must commit to the full 17 week programme. Attendance will be monitored and if attendance drops below 80% you will be removed.

Dates are as follows:
* Girls High Performance 6:30 pm - 8 pm PISE
* Wednesday 7 October - Wednesday 18 November(inclusive)
* Friday 27 November - Friday 11 December (inclusive)
* Friday 15 January 2010 - Friday 26 February 2010 (inclusive)

If you wish to participate in the High Performance training please confirm your interest with the District Head Coach, Andrew Latham no later than Monday 21 September. Players will not be added after this date. If you have any questions please contact Andrew directly.

Go Show Your Stuff!

Through the DDC (District Development Program) BC Soccer will begin the regional evaluation process in late August.

This will be the fourth year of these regional evaluation camps and will act as OPEN evaluations for potential participation within the Provincial Teams Program Evaluation process and potential selection to Regional Programming (Y League). In addition, this will provide an opportunity to promote the necessity for players to participate in DDC programming with our regional partners throughout the province.

Any player that resides outside the lower mainland that has aspirations in participating within the PTP program will be required to attend the camp within their region. Players from these regions will not be allowed to attend the open camps on the lower mainland.

However, if a player from a region is unable to participate during their regional dates, they will still have the opportunity to be involved in the process as a player of distinction from the local DDC and/or recommendation from a recognized District/Club Head Coach.

"In our continuing efforts to advance the program and meet the regional needs, we feel that players and families from the regions outside the lower mainland are put in unnecessary financial and emotional stress attending the open camps in Vancouver and if we can remove that from the process, the player and family can only benefit." - Dante Zanatta, Manager of District Development Centres

Island Region - Nanaimo

September 12
U-14 Girls 3:00-5:00pm

U-15/16 Girls 5:00-7:00pm

@ Third Ave Field

Registration link http://activenet4.active.com/nanaimosoccer/

Mark Your Calendars ... Pre-Season Schedule

The following schedule is pretty much confirmed, there may be a couple minor adjustments here and there which we will communicate to you by email and revise this posting. But mark your calendars!

Metro Preseason
- Sunday, August 23rd, 10am-12pm at Hampton Turf
- Tuesday, August 25th, 5-6:30pm at Finlayson
- Thursday, August 27th, 5-6:30pm at PISE
- Saturday, August 29th 10am-noon --> Game vs CVSA U16 @ Duncan (Chesterfield)
- Sunday, August 30th, 10am-noon --> Game vs Gorge @ Hampton (To Be Confirmed)
- Tuesday, Sept 1st, 5-6:30pm at Finlayson
- Thursday, Sept 3rd, 5-6:30pm at PISE
- Sept 4-7th Soccer Camp/Camping at Miracle Beach
- Tuesday, Sept 8th, 5-6:30pm at Finlayson
- Thursday, Sept 10th, 5-6:30pm at PISE
- Sunday, September 13th --> Season Opener???

After Sept 13th our regular training times are as follows.
> Tues @ Topaz 5:30-7pm
> Thurs @ PISE 5-6:30pm

Are You Doing Your Summer Training & Skills?

Are you doing your off-season training & skills that Nigel sent out?

Brittany is!!

Here is a picture of Brit in Europe practising a Cruyff.

The Ankle Bone's Connected to the Leg Bone ...

Parents/Players

Please see the note below from LifeMark - a partner with LISA for player health. The BioMechanical Assessment will help identify a players strengths and weaknesses and look for muscular and skeletal problems which can then be corrected. Most girls got a series of stretches and exercises to help with any weaknesses found.

Again, this is free to all players on the LISA Metro/Select teams.

Hi Sharon,

I just wanted to touch base with you in regards to the BioMechanical Assessments for the Metro players. Stefan has scheduled himself full-time for the week of Aug.10-14th to get as many BioMech's done as possible that week. I was wondering if you could send out a notice to the coaches/players to let them know that we have set aside time that week and if people are available to give us a call and schedule.
We will not be able to accommodate everyone but will get in as many as possible that week and then continue to book throughout August.
Thanks for your help on this.

Rose Lefebvre
Office Manager

LifeMark Sport Medicine @ PISE
204-4371 Interurban Rd.
Victoria, BC
V9E 2C5

Ph:250-479-9970
Fx:250-479-5502
LifeMark Health...Helping You Reach Your Potentialwww.lifemark.ca

Money, Money, Money (and paperwork)

(sing the first part of the above to the Abba song of the same name)

Paperwork for metro will be needed in the office shortly. The Metro Registration, Medical and Code of Conduct forms will need to be completed by everyone. These forms are available on the Lower Island website, just click on the red tab "Forms" on the top. If you have completed the on-line registration, you will not need to complete another registration form.

The cost for Metro this year is $1600.00. Your $125.00 assessment fee will be applied to this. Outstanding amount owing is $1475.00. This may be paid in full, or with post-dated cheques in the following amounts:

September - $275.00
October - March - $200.00 per month.

The cheques and the forms may be either mailed into the Lower Island office at #101 - 1246 Esquimalt Road, Victoria, B.C. V9A 3N8, or dropped off at the office. Our office hours are Tues - Fri from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Kit Costs are as follows:
Shorts - $25.00 x 2
Jerseys - $30.00 x 2
Socks - $12.50 x 2
Sweats - $25.00 (optional)
Hoody - $20.00 (optional)
Bag - $35.00
Tracksuit - $95.00 (replacement pieces)
Track Jacket only - $60.00 (replacement pieces)

Please let your manager know what gear you will need. Your manager will then send in a team order list.

GU15 Roster Announced

As announced on the LISA website, the GU15 Metro team, in no particular order below.

We would like to thank all those players that tried out for the Lower Island Girls U15 Metro Team.
Nigel Large, Coach GU15 Victoria Capitals








1. Michaila Frawley
2. Natalie King
3. Katie Hanson
4. Georgia Grzybowski
5. Vanessa Perrin
6. Erin Hlasny
7. Elise Butler
8. Brittany King
9. Rachel Wams
10. Soraya Rizzo
11. Kathy Forbes
12. Harmony Wildman
13. Kristen Livingstone
14. Hannah Browning
15. Madison Yaseki
16. Olivia Cass
17. Sydney Green
18. Olivia Kornelsen

Metro Q & A

Some questions we have received ...

What do you get for all those Metro fees?
- Fees for the 2009/2010 season have been set at $1600 to include: Player registrations to League, BCSA, CSA, insurance; PISE testing (individual bio-mechanical and team testing); coaching honorarium; ferry fares; bus transportation from ferry terminal in Vancouver to games and return, training fields; practise/game fields; referees; officials travel jacket; High Performance training U14/15/16 (if selected); year end banquet (hall & food); college prospects U17/U18 programme and LISA administration costs..

How much playing time the girls get?
- Training is twice per week with a game on Sunday
- This season, the playing time is performance-based i.e. training hard and playing hard will result in more playing time.

How much travel is there?
- We play 50% of our games in Victoria and the other 50% in Vancouver
- Basically every second weekend we travel over to play

Do they travel only during the day or do they have overnight trips?
- Day only travel
- Games are normally scheduled for noon/1pm/2pm
- A typical travel day will involve the following ... Usually leave at Sunday 7-9am and return home by 7pm
- Nigel Large has many connections in the soccer world and there may be other things in store for the girls (a tournament? a trip?)

Do the girls travel together on a bus?
- Yes. The normal procedure is get to ferry terminal; walk on to ferry; get picked up by bus on other side and then play game; return to ferry etc.
- Last season the GU14 team travelled by ourselves and always room on the bus for "fans"

Who Are Your Coaches?

The LISA Board of Directors have approved the following coaching appointments for season 2009/2010:
Girls U14 - Chris Rehor
Girls U15 - Nigel Large
Girls U16 - Stefan Fletcher
Girls U18 - Joe Bratanovic
Boys U14 - Jamie Miller
Boys U15 - Frank Woods
Boys U16 - Yosu Iruretagoyena
Boys U17 - Mike Pawlak
Boys U18 - Steve Simonsen