I referees 7 games this weekend, 3 rec games, 4 ECNL games. I got to show 4 yellows in my U13 rec game. I had another one I could have shown a player a 2nd yellow/red but chose to talk to him about being in control. His coach yanked him from the game anyway. For a game that ended 12-0, it had way too much drama and chippiness.
ECNL Weekend: First, Scheels is getting there in terms of being the best in the state. A couple of the grass fields have some patchiness in terms of their grass consistency, but overall WAY better than when my son played out there. They probably need to repaint the lines in the turf fields a little more often. Tough to see in a high sky. Other than that, of the 4 games TSC only won the U13B game vs FC Westlake (Austin). U13G got curb stomped (8-1) by a Sting team yesterday. String scored in the first 30 seconds and then were up 3-0 before 5 minutes had been played. U16B lost to FC Westlake 6-0 and TSC maybe had 1 shot on frame. Westlake had a striker who was just a phenomenal player. Found space, created space, played with his head up and created chances for his teammates. Excellent work rate and he was exceptionally quick on and off the ball. TSC's coach was former TU player Chris "Critter" Taylor. He and I spoke for a few minutes before the game. He actually remembered I had a son about college age (Chris was a coach at one of the camps my son attended and had him in his group). Chris is a good coach and he's good with this age group and understands the game exceptionally well.
U13B won 6-2 and were in control for most of the game. TSC coach sort of called off the dogs and let subs play a while and he had them playing possession in the back trying to hold the ball.
Then I had the U13G again today against a different Sting team. Closer game but this TSC team really struggled to hold onto the ball and string passes together. And they were in disarray for much of the game. GK was trying to set a wall for a free kick just outside the box. Wall didn't listen to her and left a wide gap on the near post open, and Sting striker stung a nice free kick into the net.
Speaking of my son, his club team moved to 7-0 on the season. 26 GF, 0 GA and currently ranked #2 in the east region behind Boston. College.
