Some Rough Spots on the Road
We played a solid game on Thursday against Montenegro. Unfortunately, we could not close it out. After taking a two goal lead with two and a half minutes to play in the game, we allowed Montenegro to tie the score. The game ended in a 7 - 7 tie and went directly into a penalty shootout (World League rules). We lost in the shootout which sets up a quarterfinal game against Croatia.
The bottom line in the Montenegro game was that we had our chances but did not finish. We were 2 out of 11 on our 6 on 5 opportunities. This is very bad and shows that we are not yet working together at the highest level. The 6 on 5 is part of the game that requires the most team work. We also seemed a little tentative - especially after we missed our fist couple.
On the bright side our 5 man defense was strong only allowing the Montenegrans to score 3 out of 11. Unfortunately they scored on their last two to tie the game. On the most crucial 6 on 5’s we did not stop them. We still have some growing to do...
Yesterday we played Croatia in the quarterfinals. It was ugly. Right from the beginning it was apparent that we were not mentally ready. The loss against Montenegro had taken it’s toll on us. I need to examine what I could have done better to properly prepare the guys. We were flat and just a little slow on everything. At one point we were down by 5 goals. I guess on a positive note we did continue to fight but it was two little too late and we lost 13-11. The officials also allowed the Croatians to grab and hold quite a bit and it was tough for us to drive and move.
So now we are in the 5-8th place bracket. The best we can do is 5th and we have to get the guys focused to do that. We play China today and then probably Spain again on Sunday. Lots of water polo still to play.
This team has come a long way and one bad game will not set us back. We will rebound and find our groove again. It is a journey for us and all of us need to continue to grow in that journey. We have the pieces here it is really just all about putting those pieces together and forming a team that is ready to lay it on the line for each other.
We are close and I am confident that we will get there. The guys have experienced what being on a authentic team feels like and they all want that back. For now we have to get focused on beating China today and then making sure that we get fifth in this tournament.
See you at the pool.
Coach
The bottom line in the Montenegro game was that we had our chances but did not finish. We were 2 out of 11 on our 6 on 5 opportunities. This is very bad and shows that we are not yet working together at the highest level. The 6 on 5 is part of the game that requires the most team work. We also seemed a little tentative - especially after we missed our fist couple.
On the bright side our 5 man defense was strong only allowing the Montenegrans to score 3 out of 11. Unfortunately they scored on their last two to tie the game. On the most crucial 6 on 5’s we did not stop them. We still have some growing to do...
Yesterday we played Croatia in the quarterfinals. It was ugly. Right from the beginning it was apparent that we were not mentally ready. The loss against Montenegro had taken it’s toll on us. I need to examine what I could have done better to properly prepare the guys. We were flat and just a little slow on everything. At one point we were down by 5 goals. I guess on a positive note we did continue to fight but it was two little too late and we lost 13-11. The officials also allowed the Croatians to grab and hold quite a bit and it was tough for us to drive and move.
So now we are in the 5-8th place bracket. The best we can do is 5th and we have to get the guys focused to do that. We play China today and then probably Spain again on Sunday. Lots of water polo still to play.
This team has come a long way and one bad game will not set us back. We will rebound and find our groove again. It is a journey for us and all of us need to continue to grow in that journey. We have the pieces here it is really just all about putting those pieces together and forming a team that is ready to lay it on the line for each other.
We are close and I am confident that we will get there. The guys have experienced what being on a authentic team feels like and they all want that back. For now we have to get focused on beating China today and then making sure that we get fifth in this tournament.
See you at the pool.
Coach
posted by Dr. Terry Schroeder at
7:13 AM
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