Manual scores the game winner on a corner in the second half.

Got anything else for us keyplayer?

Watched this game on web and all I can say is ugly soccer or was it kickball.

Watched this game on web and all I can say is ugly soccer or was it kickball.

 

What??????

Highlands dominated possession for about 75% of the game. They moved well, passed very well and had many chances but could not finish. The goal came with about 4 minutes left in the second half off a header from a corner.

 

There were many calls in this game. It seemed like the game stopped every two minutes for a call that I didn't see. It was a very physical game.

 

It is so disheartening to lose a game where your team dominated so much. But the girls will be back on Saturday at 1:00. I'm not sure who they play.

Got anything else for us keyplayer?

 

Honestly, it wasn't a pretty game. Is what it is. HHS next plays in the 7th place game on Saturday.

Manual scores the game winner on a corner in the second half.

 

Highlands gives up another goal on a corner kick! I am no soccer expert, but the D on the corners leaves me scratching my head. Highlands had every defender behind the back post leaving the entire area in front of the goal wide open, the ball was kicked to the wide open area and Manual player ran up and headed it in. Is this a good way to defend a corner? Do you allow the offense to pull every defender away from the goal box and leave it totally open to kick the corner ball to? I know the are taught to each defend a player and stay with that man, but the other team just pulled the entire D away from goal leaving it wide open for the kick in. Can some one with more knowledge of the game tell me how this should be defended? Obviously HHS is not doing something right with all the Corner kick goals they have allowed this year (3 in last 2 games, lost count for the year).

Corner kick defense may seem like the easiest thing to defend but in reality it can be pretty tough depending on the team your defending. First thing is the setup on defense. The goal keeper is responsible for putting someone on her near post (normally shorter, so she can see over her) and someone on her back post (quick reflexes, someone taller). The other girls jobs is the simply mark up. I don't mean 2 feet away or 1 yard away. I mean on top of them in their personal space. You should be touching that player, between her and the goal. Everyone has a mark and you sit two of your players who are not marking outside the box to clear the ball out or defend in case of a deflection. Of course the other team could outsize you and be able to win the header. Not much you can do about that, just try to keep her off the ball. The other team of course could play corners in the box, short or long. Major responsibility falls on the girls marking and the goal keeper. You have to play tough on corners, even if it means a little pushing and a little jersey tugging. Its like basketball....BOX OUT!!!

Honestly, it wasn't a pretty game. Is what it is. HHS next plays in the 7th place game on Saturday.

 

I hear what you are saying.

Highlands gives up another goal on a corner kick! I am no soccer expert, but the D on the corners leaves me scratching my head. Highlands had every defender behind the back post leaving the entire area in front of the goal wide open, the ball was kicked to the wide open area and Manual player ran up and headed it in. Is this a good way to defend a corner? Do you allow the offense to pull every defender away from the goal box and leave it totally open to kick the corner ball to? I know the are taught to each defend a player and stay with that man, but the other team just pulled the entire D away from goal leaving it wide open for the kick in. Can some one with more knowledge of the game tell me how this should be defended? Obviously HHS is not doing something right with all the Corner kick goals they have allowed this year (3 in last 2 games, lost count for the year).

 

Defending a corner is first about positioning. Then you need to have kids that are willing and can be physical in the box. By that I mean willing to bump and grind the offensive player without fouling them. You cannot trail the offensive player or run side by side with them. Also need to be willing to get the ball out of the box any way possible which includes using the old noggin'. Key is to clear the ball out of the area and for ALL defenders except for the keeper to get their butts outside the 18 and to continue to mount a counter attack. Many good teams defend a corner and turn it into an offensive opportunity at the other end.

Manual was missing two very key players. Their center back played her first game in two weeks due to illness. Many players were in play at different positions than normal.

Manual was missing two very key players. Their center back played her first game in two weeks due to illness. Many players were in play at different positions than normal.

 

So are you saying that this game could have been much worse than 1-0 if Manual would have had these girls?

Manual was missing two very key players. Their center back played her first game in two weeks due to illness. Many players were in play at different positions than normal.

 

Why were their players playing different positions? I will be honest with you, the team I saw on the field for Manual last night was not very good.

The girl that scored usually plays as a defensive back. Midfield was not their normal midfield. The two missing play center mid and forward. They had minimal subs. This team beat Tates Creek 4-0 preseason tourney, but that was preseason and coaches are settling on positions. Manual has a very young team. The majority are sophmores.

The train wreck continues as another player quits the team. This time it is a starter.