Friday, June 18, 2010

Gotta get acclimated . . . heat and thin air

New Mexico's climate is very similar to Las Vegas where the heat is scorching but dry, little humidity - however the elevation makes the air very thin.  The boys took a quick rest then headed out for practice.

Coach Eric had the boys jog three miles, stretch and got some touches on ball to help get the boys used to the heat but mostly to help them get used to having to run in elevation.  US Youth Soccer has implemented a new substitution rule for this tournament where you can only sub in the amount of players (in excess of your starting 11) on your roster for each half.  That means, if we have 15 players, 11 are starting, we have four subs for each half.  The challenge is that once you sub out a player (or if an injury occurs and a player has to come out), that player cannot return to the game for the remaining half of the game.  So to make a long story short, we have 7 players who will need to be able to play the full 40 minutes of a half without a break (easier said than done).

The boys toughed it out and continue to hydrate - we have two more days to work things out before the tournament begins on Monday.

3 comments:

  1. Sheri... are the boys going to have any scrimmages prior to Monday's match? Just curious if you'll get any "game quality" play in. It makes a difference!

    Cheering for you all!

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  2. hi Jim,
    I don't think so - I know the Express girls have already had 2 scrimmages before we arrived. For the boys, I believe its just team practices from now through Sunday.
    Are you folks on your way to Seattle? I think Aundrea mentioned having to go to Seattle right after?

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  3. Ezra's team will leave on Wednesday for Seattle.
    The first FWR game for you folks will be crucial. Not knowing who you're playing... just remembering how the speed and intensity of Regionals is unlike ANYTHING else you'll have encountered... and it's very easy to be caught by surprise. Hopefully, the Cyclones will be up for the challenge!!!

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