Team Update

I just checked the roster again and things seem to be coming together well. As of right now, we have 16 people on the roster:

Myself, Dan M., Pat Q., Roger J., Cal P., Adam D., Joe T., Kenny M., Bill B., Eric R., Steven G., Greg K., Tony D., Paul R., Brian N., and Joe F.

I've heard from Matt V., Liz M. and Jeremy A., all of whom are in the process of registering. Also, there is Rick R., Dan B. and Liz and Dan's neighbor, Mike, who may also join. If you're one of these people, be sure to have your registration done in the next couple weeks.

At this point, we're looking at between 19 and 22 people on the roster. A few (Cal, Pat, Liz and Roger) have suggested they won't be able to make it as often as we'd like, but as long as we can get 16 or 17 each week, we'll be in much better shape than last year.

From what I can tell, Kenny, Roger, Joe F, and Greg will need shirts as will Rick and Mike if they join. I have almost enough; we still need to buy a couple back from people from last year if we can, otherwise I'll order a few more.

As far as line-ups are concerned, Dan M. and I were talking this weekend and we're looking at a 4-2-3-1

Goalie: Steven, Dan M

4 - Defense: Adam, Eric, Brian, Cal, Paul, Dan B, Me, Dan M

2 - Holding Midfield: Myself, Dan M, Roger, Joe T, Eric

3 - Attacking Mid: Pat, Liz, Joe T, Cal, Roger, Kenny, Jeremy, Me, Bill, Rick, Tony

1 - Striker: Matt, Roger, Dan B, Tony, Pat

I'm not sure where Mike, Greg, or Joe F. play, but we'll definitely be able to find a spot for them.

I'd like to see the outside defenders getting forward up the wings and then the central defenders or holding midfielder covering for them. I'd also like to try not worrying too much about right/left/center w/ the attacking midfielders and have them switching and rotating all the time. As long as each area is covered, it doesn't matter who is covering it. That means we need to work on the communication though. The other issue to keep in mind is our reluctance to go backwards. Often, we left our striker a bit stranded w/ no where to go but 40 yards straight to goal which rarely works. If we can hold up the play a bit and control more in the middle, as we move up, the striker will have support and more options. We have a lot of options and I think the changes we've made will really strengthen the squad.

The other thing we discussed is the possibility of a beer-list. If people are interested, as soon as I get the schedule, I'll set something up so everyone can pick a week to bring beer.

Let's plan to get together on a Saturday soon for a kick-about. That will give us a chance to get to know the new folks and say hi to the old folks.