Newberg, OR — Wow!! Wow!! Saturday's game is what I've been waiting to see out of our girls! I knew they had it in them, it was just a matter of fine-tuning the details and bringing it all to fruition!! The pace at which they kept the game was incredible! I saw a hustle across the board, I saw the use of skills from almost every player throughout the entire game! I saw communication and teamwork and adjustments being made where necessary! In the first part of the game we really struggled with not controlling the ball once we had possession. We would just respond kick it back to the other team instead of dribbling it or looking up and passing to one of our players. At half time, I address this issue with the girls and explained her that they were beating themselves by not using their passing abilities and keeping the ball and dribbling it themselves. We talked about defensive players holding the line and midfield staying in the middle of the field to receive that ball and pass it right back up to the offensive players to give us more opportunities to score. I saw many more shots being taken on the goal, which is the only way we are ever going to score! Their confidence is soaring !! They came out and did just that in the second half! They turned on the pressure and they just went nuts! It was so fun to watch and I just could not be more proud of all those girls! On a sidenote, I will not tolerate criticism of each other on the field. We had a little bit of that going on that I was made aware of after the game. I will talk to the players in question on Tuesday at practice. We are a team and we stand united and we support and encourage each other. Never do we place blame or criticize someone, especially during a game, for any mistakes being made. One other thing, several players have told me they feel confused because they hear parents on the sidelines yelling at them to either change their position or move to a certain location or telling them how to kick the ball. I would really appreciate it if the parents would just encourage the girls with positive support! Saying things like "you can do this or great kick or awesome job keep it up hot shots" are all welcomed ! I do my best to coach them from the sidelines but the field is huge and it is hard for them to hear and it only becomes more confusing when other people are trying to coach them from the sidelines as well. There is a method to my madness and you may not agree with all of my tactics, but I feel I am doing the best for the girls and our team. As for playing time, I've also had several girls asking on the sidelines when they will go in and when they will play and requesting certain positions. This is not only distracting but it is frustrating when I'm trying to coach a game. I have asked the girls not to do that while we are in the middle of a game. They are supposed to stand on the sidelines cheering for their teammates and be ready to go in at any moment. If the parents can reinforce that, it would sure be appreciated ! I am doing the best I can to rotate them in and out, to get them at least half of the game. Just a reminder, I can only substitute after a goal is scored or when we have possession of the ball for a sideline throw in. Many times the ref doesn't hear me yelling for subs, I can't just send them in, I have to get the attention of the ref. I also choose to place the girls in positions that I feel they will be the most successful at. That may not line up with where they want to play but that is where they will be successful and where the team needs them. I have asked them to trust that I will do what is best for them, while taking into consideration what they also love to do. Last, As parents if you question the instruction I am giving your girls or where they are playing or their playing time, please contact me either via email or phone or in person after a game or after practice. Criticizing my coaching techniques on the sidelines during games or practices does not help with team unity, I would much rather people come to me so we can get your questions answered and everyone be on the same page. Again, thank you for allowing me to coach your girls! I really enjoy every single one of them, they are a very talented group of young ladies! Sorry this was so long but there were several issues that needed to be addressed and dealt with and I had not had the time to do it. Coach Hess