Who: USSDA U18 and U16 Boys
What: USSDA Home Opener vs Chicago Sockers
When: This Saturday, September 22, at 11:00am (U18s); and 1:30pm (U16s)
Where: FC Milwaukee soccer fields, Germantown, WI
Germantown, WI - FC Milwaukee's USSDA U18 and U16 Boys play host to Sockers FC Chicago this Saturday, at FC Milwaukee soccer fields in Germantown, WI. The U18s kick off the action at 11:00am, followed by the U16s at 1:30pm.
"This weekend will be a big test for our guys. Traditionally, Sockers have been a very physical team that does not give away many goals. Our players must show discipline on both sides of the ball in order to get results at home this weekend," said Head Coach Phil Presser. In last weekend's season opening games on the road in Minnesota, FC Milwaukee's USSDA squad's results were mixed.
The U16s started the season on a positive note, earning a standings point in a 2-2 draw with Shattuck St. Mary's Academy last Saturday. On Sunday, they improved on match day 1's efforts by earning 3 points in a 2-0 shut out win, over the Minnesota Thunder. "The boys are beginning to show their personalities, which is vital for each player's confidence and comfort on the pitch," remarked Presser.
After falling 1-3 to Shattuck, and 0-2 to the Thunder, the U18s' experience, though fruitless in the standings, provided insights to players new to the league's high level of competition and reinforced what the coaches already knew. "Up until now we haven't worked on the attacking side of the ball as much as we would have liked because it is important that players understand that defensive discipline and focus is a priority. I was happy to see players communicating to one another more effectively within their defensive zones."
"One advantage gained playing on the road in the beginning of the season is the amount of time spent together that can be used to continue educating players both on the bus, and in the film room," added Presser.
Both teams hope such road benefits, paired with additional time spent this past week to improve overall fitness and to spice up their attacking play, will add the sweet taste of victory to this weekend's home cooking.
