Brockport Tournament Commentary

Just want to say a couple of things about the Brockport tournament. Had occasion to say some of this to the players at the end of the tournament but it bears repeating and perhaps elaborating upon. Please share this with your daughter.

Our competition at that tournament was comprised of elite teams from Cortland and Canada and a Rochester area A division U19 team. ALL of the teams were made up of mostly college players. Yes we have a couple of girls that are heading to college and many of those intend on playing as well. However our competition has already gained benefit of having been there and the training that goes along with a college athletic experience. What I am getting to is we played TOP level teams who are well trained, well coached.

What I told our players is I know that they are disappointed. No one goes into a tournament looking to do anything other than play well and win. Really something special about that glow that comes at the end of a game when you played well AND have a few more points on the scoreboard than your competition. The first game we really should have won. Marisa had possession and the goal the Canadian team scored should not have been allowed. We should have received 3 and 1/2 points for the win and a shut out.

Prior to the Empire United game our girls over heard them saying how we looked like a bunch of 8th graders. Well if that’s the case the modified team scored first. And for most of the 60 minutes we played even with the best team at that tournament. Unfortunately in the final game we just could not put the ball in the net. We definitely had some very good opportunities but just did not capitalize. Afterwards the other coach told me that it was the best game of the tournament for his team and we played his even.

Key in what I told the players is they played smart, they played with skill and they played with heart. The competition they faced in the tournament will make them better. When they play against teams like Cheektowaga and Sweet Home, yes they come away with a 10-0 win but have gained very little from that game. They are not tested. Nothing about a blowout will will make them stronger. Last weekend they were tested and met the challenge. They have absolutely no reason to hang their head.

The Empire United coach was beside himself most of the game. He got downright belligerent to his players. And afterward he could barely see fit to shake our hands. However his assistant did shake my hand, looked me in the eye and say "You have a very nice team. They did well today We are lucky to win"