Let’s approach purpose in the game two ways.

The 1st is immediately thinking of what you as a player do specifically during the game. The 2nd is understanding how that affects the bigger picture of the team.

At the base of being a good player is identifying with your personal purpose in the game. At this stage, players must be confident in their touch and ability to link with other players, regardless of positioning. When the player has this ability, then the player can easily identify with the 2nd purpose of effecting the team.

As a history lesson, being able to identify and play with personal purpose is reminiscent of what Cruyff and the Orange termed “total footballer” (total player), skilled and knowledgeable in attacking purposes throughout the field, yet disciplined to “hold” and exchange defensive responsibilities as they arise.

Please realize when you have taken the personal reigns, or responsibility, all you have to do is look up to see how it affects the team.

Without a “purpose” in the game, then players will not recognize and anticipate the game’s development, let alone build off the possible limitless ways to play soccer. Don’t let the purpose of play be lost on an individual or team basis. This will always cause frustration for all involved.

Good Luck, and play with purpose!

Hats off to Pachuca (and to Mongoose for his prediction) for their treble winning ways. Already holding both the Copa Sudamericana and Champions’ Cup, Pachuca had to get past a revitalized America to claim the coveted Mexican League trophy.

The Clausura Championship Finals got started off on Friday with Pachuca playing away at Aztec Stadium, but showing no fear as they pulled out to a 2 goal lead in the 2nd half–the striker Juan Cacho providing both clinical finishes.

But just as it looked as the 2nd leg on Sunday would be a mere formality, American maestro, Cuauhtemoc Blanco finished a controversial penalty to give America a hope of winning something (they got punished by Santos in the Copa Libertadores) this season.

So, with Sunday finally coming around, it was up to America to keep a clean sheet and put 2 goals past the gigantic Calero in goal. Blanco came through again by opening the scoring in the 68th min. Pachuca, however, was not to be denied as Cacho levelled the scores in the 82 min., securing a 3rd piece of silverware for Los Tuzos.

To read May 25, 2007 Edition, Click here

To learn more about Aerobic Soccer Training, Click here

By the grace of soccer scheduling, Spain has decided to remain the only league open for business into the summer.

2006/07 Spanish Primera Division Standings
Club               GP    W    L    D   PTS   GD
Real Madrid     35    21    8    6     69     22
Barcelona         35    20    6    9     69     40
FC Sevilla         35    20    8    7     67     28

I urge you Savages place your calls for the Kings of Spain. Dead heat is the word with three games to the crown. Only the best are involved on this run–the two traditional top dogs with newly crowned Uefa Cup Champions Sevilla entering as the dark horse.

Again Savages, I would like to remind you that this is a rare for this league to still be in play, let alone without an outright winner. Barca, by this time last year, was counting their blessings, and Ronaldinho was not counting how off he was going to be in the World Cup.

One year down the road. Barca has been busted, Real Madrid has been transformed, and Sevilla is sick of third. This makes dipping at the line all the more important. Sevilla seems to have the edge due to finishing a cup tournament two years in a row. Dani Alves along with a quartet of top notch finishers can sneak into a 3rd and most coveted trophy in recent history.

F.C. Sevilla’s Remaining Schedule:
Sun 5/27   H-Real Zaragoza
Sun 6/10   A-Mallorca
Sun 6/17   H-Villarreal

The schedule is in their favor as Barca has to battle Ivan de la Pena and the Uefa Cup runners up Espanyol in a cross town derby where I don’t think its Barca’s year.

Barcelona’s Remaining Schedule:
Sat 5/26   H-Getafe
Sun 6/10  H-Espanyol
Sun 6/17  A-Gimnastica de Tarragona

As for Real Madrid they are the spoilers to the sweet Cinderlla Sevilla Story. The boys in white are back, and they are quality again. Players from obscurity are back to business–Roberto Carlos (I have always been loyal, and another trophy in your case is my pleasure to call); David Beckham, what a wonderful life to be a good footballer and be coming to the U.S. in open arms. Actually one arm open because the other will be holding a Primera Title. Your on the ball Becks! I think it is because he has seen how the Galaxy is playing and is thinking this is his last year in soccer .

Real Madrid’s Remaining Schedule:
Sat 5/26   H-Deportivo La Coruna
Sun 6/10  A-Real Zaragoza
Sun 6/17  H-Mallorca

So, Real Madrid is my pick to hold the Reigns in Spain!

Mongoose quote “Beckham we expect three extra sprints here .”

You wouldn’t recognize him, but New York Red Bulls’ new high profile striker, aka Juan Pablo Angel, could just be the ace needed by Bruce Arena and the Red Bulls Organization to put some zip back into an area that once claimed the likes of Pele, Beckenbauer, Carlos Alberto, and Giorgio Chinaglia.

Probably forced out by Martin O’Neill at Aston Villa, it seems the seasoned Colombian striker has finally called time on his career and has had to undergo a makeover to keep American defenders from recognizing the threat that Johnny Angel possess. Even though they have him trimmed and proper in truly American fashion, thankfully they have not been able to sterilize his prowess for goals.

It’s a deal that has already begun to pay dividends as Angel has 3 goals in 3 games and looks like the player that can finally push New York to the top of the Eastern Conference. At his best, the Colombian is not only a lethal goal scorer, but can also bring other players into the game with off the ball runs and one-twos that can upset the best of defences, let alone MLS back-lines.

He was definitely at it last night, scoring early along with the youngster Altidore and then added a 2nd late on to defeat the Chicago Fire. New York now shares the lead in the East with New England on 17 pts.

Look for Johnny Angel to continue to shine this summer in New York, even if the spotlight moves to LA when Beckham is finally unveiled.

When I predicted the overhaul of Liverpool by AC Milan in this Champions League Final, I have to admit that I thought it would be by that same shear class that saw them lose out in Istanbul 2 years ago.

However, when Inzaghi is on the field you just never know what type of goals will be bungled in. And truthfully it was Liverpool that looked likelier to score in the 1st half as Milan struggled to create any sustained offense with its adoptive one striker lineup. Of course the Milan defense coped well enough with Liver-drab and looked satisfied with a nil-nil scoreline going into half-time.

Then Inzaghi seized his opportunity like a rat when you least expect it, redirecting a Pirlo well-struck free kick with an eye-brow raising arm deflection right before the break. It proved to be the killer blow for Liverpool, even though the Italian striker scored a 2nd goal of undeniable quality (the table set by Kaka’s defense killing through pass) to remind everybody that Milan are capable of more than just nuts and bolts.

Gerrard had an excellent opportunity (and probably the only real one for Liverpool) in the game to level the scores, but Dida came up strong and saved the shot, not spilling it for any takers. Liverpool revived a brief life-line though as Dirk Kuyt slicked home a header in the final minutes to cut the lead; however, no heroics this time for Liverpool as AC Milan went on to claim another Champions League trophy (second only to Real Madrid).

AC Milan will now have the pleasure of defending the cup next season, pulling themselves up from negativity in the Serie A to a Champions League finish.

America avenged last season’s semifinal disappointment to Chivas, by beating the All-Mexs this time around 2-0 on aggregate on Sunday.

America followed up their 1-0 victory at home in Aztec Stadium on Thursday with another 0-1 victory on the road at Jalisco to set themselves up for a Mexican showdown with Pachuca. Thanks largely to their goalkeeper, Francisco Ochoa, America was able to keep 2 clean sheets against Chivas’ usual high scoring power.

Las Aguilas will be hoping to follow the lead of the standard set by Pachuca by winning a brace of trophies (hopefully they can keep Pachuca from winning a 3rd) to close out this Clausura Championship. With a great chance to take the domestic league trophy, America is still alive in its Copa Libertadores Quarterfinal tie with Santos though they face a tough return match in Brazil on Wednesday.

With scores level at nil-nil, the Mexicans will be hoping that an away goal or two will be all that’s needed to reach the semifinal. And behind their small shot blocking goalkeeper, Francisco Ochoa, and the leadership and experience of Blanco and German Villa in the midfield, American seem to have the nerve, discipline, and quality to propel another Mexican club into the World Football spotlight.

Even though Las Aguilas are in flight, the only question now is will the eagle be landed?

To read May 19, 2007 Edition, Click here

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The FA Cup Final kicks off tomorrow morning and though both clubs didn’t get to the the cup final [Champions League] they really wanted, the match tomorrow in the new Wembley stadium will be the last chance for Man Utd. and Chelsea to add to their cabinets this year.

Chelsea has already won a cup final this year having defeated (2-1) a youthful Gunners side in the Carling Cup. Though outclassed througout the match, Chelsea’s experience and discipline finally bailed them out when their quality of play was pulled into question.

Of course, Man Utd. has the more important EPL league trophy, as Ronaldo and Co. finally put an end to Chelsea’s choke hold on the EPL and captured another title for Sir Alex.

So, that leads us to the ultimate showdown tomorrow where the two Giants will do one last battle to put their lasting mark on the season. My only question is–what will happen to next season’s Charity Shield kickoff when Man Utd. puts another dent in Mourinho’s shield?

When you decide to play soccer for real, you must accept that it is work that is real—that it is your responsibility to prepare yourself to keep a high standard in the game. You will have to work to be better and definitely to win. How much work are you willing to throw down? Do you love to work hard? You must, if you want to make it! This is playing for real. 
 
Even if you’re a novice coach with beginning players, you can work to instill the concepts of training by having an organized session. Would it be surprising if you could do all that with “fun” activities? At the youngest ages, coaches must remember to emphasize the quality of the skill (in terms of ball control). The more physically demanding aspects of soccer, such as stamina, explosive movements and battles of strength, will be inevitably introduced as the player gets older.
 
For players to really improve, they need to see that they must decide to be better. Once you’ve decided, then this is where playing soccer really kicks in. If you are able to fuse the aspects of discipline with the enjoyment of playing for fun, even the youngest of ages can begin to open up an understanding of the flow of soccer. The love for the game is built and instilled, while you provide an environment to improve. Then work turns to play, and the play will start going through the roof!
 
Coaches, remember to go into your practices with a standard of discipline necessary for a training environment, but with a disposition of a fan. Put together sessions that address specific aspects of the game (obviously level and age will determine the topics). Try to remember that your player is a player in development, and needs to know this information if they want to tackle the challenge of going forward. So that is playing soccer for real!

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