DARIEN SPORTSPLEX, ILLINOIS-Great goalkeeping from Luke could not overcome defensive lapses by the Polar Bears. Two goals by Brian were accompanied by a slew of unlucky and mis-struck shots by Kyle, Daniel, Sean, Jeff, Peter, James, Michael, Billy, Ted, Danny, Chris M., Anthony, and Chris G. Congratulations on an excellent indoor effort to train for the real game--on to outdoor!
DARIEN SPORTSPLEX, ILLINOIS-Continuing to spin away from pressure and play the ball into the seams, the Polar Bears cruised past the Downers Grove Roadrunners, 7-2. Goals by Brian (2), Kyle (2), Chris M., Daniel W., and Ted were accompanied by near misses by Jeff, Peter, James, Michael, Billy, Danny P., Anthony, Chris M. and Luke. Jeff and Michael played well in goal to earn the victory. Let's possess the ball and increase our developmental velocity with a strong push through the final weeks of indoor.
DARIEN SPORTSPLEX, ILLINOIS-Two mistakes resulted in two goals for Darien, offsetting an entire game controlled by the Polar Bears. Luke was again fantastic in goal, and the Polar Bears' ball movement continued to look much improved. Goals by Sean and Brian were the result of some excellent work by Kyle, Daniel, Jeff, Peter, James, Michael, Ted, Chris M., Anthony, and Chris G. Many good shots met unlucky fates, as the crossbars and posts were unkind to the swarming Polar Bears. Keep up the hard work, it will pay off when we head outdoors!
DARIEN SPORTSPLEX, ILLINOIS-Olympic-caliber goalkeeping by Luke and the season's strongest ball movement powered the Polar Bears to a 2-0 victory over the Tinley Park Bobcats. Goals by Peter and Sean were the result of the entire team's hard work at our development sessions. Great two-way play by Kyle, Daniel, Jeff, James, Brian, Michael, Billy, Ted, Danny, and Chris M. bodes well for our upcoming outdoor campaign.
DARIEN SPORTSPLEX, ILLINOIS-Three first half turnovers resulted in three goals for Darien. Excellent goalkeeping by Luke and Jeff could not overcome the Polar Bears' 1st half turnovers and inability to meet passes. A much more intelligent effort in the 2nd half resulted in a goal by Brian. However, the Bears' improved ball control in the second half was offset by some unlucky bounces of the ball. In the closing 20 minutes, Daniel, Sean, Peter, Michael, Ted, Danny, and Chris G. showed some excellent flashes of what's to come outdoors. Team defense, efficient ball movement, and communication will be hot topics prior to our next match.
DARIEN SPORTSPLEX, ILLINOIS-Strong netminding by Luke could not save the Polar Bears. A lone goal by Kyle did not reflect the offensive control of the squad. Dan, Sean, Jeff, Peter, Brian, Michael, Billy, Ted, Danny, Chris M., Anthony, and Chris G. worked hard. Limiting our opponent's scoring chances is a primary goal of the Polar Bears.
DARIEN SPORTSPLEX, ILLINOIS-Great play by Luke and Jeff in goal kept the Moraine Valley squad frustrated for most of the contest. A first half goal by Sean was the only goal for the Polar Bears. Fantastic runs by Danny P. created several great scoring opportunities. Kyle, Dan W., Peter, James, Brian, Michael, Billy, Ted, Chris M. and Chris G. put forth another strong effort. Greater efficiency with passes behind the defenders & into the seams, movement without the ball, and spinning away from pressure continue to be the objectives of the Polar Bears.
DARIEN SPORTSPLEX, ILLINOIS-Luke and Michael made some highlight reel saves to earn the first shut out of the new year. Improved defensive positioning and awareness limited the Orland Park Stars to a few chances. With a focus on spinning away from pressure and passing to the second post, the Polar Bears cruised to six goals and many more near misses. Brian (3), Anthony, and Sean (2) found the net after some nice movement by Kyle, Daniel, Jeff, Peter, James, Michael, Ted, Chris M., Chris G., and Luke.
DARIEN SPORTSPLEX, ILLINOIS-It was just one of those days for the Bears as nothing seemed to go their way. The team worked hard, but couldn't find a rhythm in falling to Downers Grove Roadrunners Black, 1-3. Luke and Jeff performed well in goal as Brian scored the squad's lone goal. Kyle, Daniel W., Sean, Peter, James, Billy, Ted, Danny P., Chris M., and Chris G. ran their hearts out.
DARIEN SPORTSPLEX, ILLINOIS-Excellent passing into the seams and laser-like finishing allowed the Polar Bears to control the Moraine Valley Lightning, 8-2. Early shots into the Moraine Valley keeper's midsection were followed up with precise shots into the corners and open areas. Anthony, Brian (2), James, Billy (2), Chris G., and Daniel found the back of the net. Danny P. made some outstanding runs without the ball, Kyle and Michael displayed great vision and ball control, Luke just missed on two chances in front, Sean won many 50/50 balls, Jeff got stronger in goal as the game progressed, Peter and Ted displayed their best passing to date, and Chris M. distributed the ball intelligently. Thank you to the entire Polar Bear team for our first 100% attendance game!
DARIEN SPORTSPLEX, ILLINOIS-Excellent goalkeeping and spectacular saves by both Luke and Michael could not save the Polar Bears as they slipped to the Tinley Park Bobcats, 2-4. Bright spots included better control of balls in the air and well placed shots by Billy and Brian. Unfortunately, Tinley Park crossed the ball effectively and found open players on the weak side for four shots which could not have been stopped even by Coach Prince. Kyle, Daniel, Sean, Jeff, Peter, James, Ted, Danny, Anthony, and Chris G. played hard.
DARIEN SPORTSPLEX, ILLINOIS-Maintaining possession of the ball and keeping the ball on the ground, the Polar Bears controlled the Lisle Stingers Killer Bees, 10-1. Goals by Kyle, Daniel, Sean (2), James, Brian, Billy, Ted (2), and Chris M. allowed keepers Jeff and Michael to direct a team effort under little pressure. Spinning away from aggression, passing into the seams, and improved movement in the offensive 1/3 of the field were bright spots for the hard working Polar Bears. Great effort!
DARIEN SPORTSPLEX, ILLINOIS-Excellent team passing and intelligent decisions with the ball allowed Peter, Sean, and Kyle to score while Luke was again awesome in goal. Near misses by Danny, Brian, Anthony, James, Michael, Daniel, Billy, and Ted (to name a few) were not reflected in the final score. Excellent two-way play by Chris G. and Jeff kept the older LTSC '90-91 in their own end for the majority of the match. The Polar Bears' strategy of playing possession soccer with limited usage of the boards will pay dividends when the Lightning returns to the outdoor pitch in the spring of 2002.
DARIEN SPORTSPLEX, ILLINOIS-Keepers Luke and Michael combined to shutout the Downers Grove Roadrunners White, 3-0. Two goals by Sean and one by Ted were only part of the offensive story, as the Polar Bears launched shot after shot at the Roadrunners keepers. Excellent hustle by Daniel, Jeff, Peter, Brian, Billy, Danny, Chris M., Anthony, and Chris G. kept the ball in the Downers Grove end for the majority of the match.
DARIEN SPORTSPLEX, ILLINOIS-Luke continued his shutout streak with a perfect first half and the Polar Bears dominated play and established a 3-0 halftime lead behind goals from Peter, Michael, and an own goal by Orland Park. With everyone taking turns in the midfield and back line, the Polar Bears tuned up for the future while showing the heart of champions. In the second half, Jeff made many courageous saves and a closing goal by Chris M. propelled the Polar Bears to a 4-3 victory. Ted, Peter, Chris G., and Luke played well in their first match for the Polar Bears. Kyle, Daniel, Sean, James, Brian, and Danny passed and controlled the ball intelligently.
