All is quiet on New Year's Day
A world in white gets underway
I want to be with you
Be with you night and day
Nothing changes on New Year's Day
On New Year's Day
- U2 New Year’s Day
A world in white gets underway
I want to be with you
Be with you night and day
Nothing changes on New Year's Day
On New Year's Day
- U2 New Year’s Day
Out with the old and in with the new. For college coaches the beginning of August is our New Year’s Day. A time for resolutions as we look forward to the new season full of optimism. Not sure about night and day, but the days are long in preseason. I usually get into the office before 8am and let’s just say there aren’t too many dinners at home these days. I’ve heard stories about some mad football coaches sleeping in their offices on air beds. Not for me. I still like to get home and see the wife and kids and sleep in my own bed.
We reported back on August 3rd, which is the earliest we’ve ever come back. It did shorten the summer, but no complaints. The Euros occupied the first part of the summer. Only the Irish and Spanish went home happy. Spain because they won and the Irish because, well, just because we’re Irish and we’re always happy. Sure didn’t everyone say we were the happiest supporters there, singing all the time. Our team was the worst in Poland, but the fans were the best. as they earned wide acclaim for their singing as Spain hammered us.
We reported back on August 3rd, which is the earliest we’ve ever come back. It did shorten the summer, but no complaints. The Euros occupied the first part of the summer. Only the Irish and Spanish went home happy. Spain because they won and the Irish because, well, just because we’re Irish and we’re always happy. Sure didn’t everyone say we were the happiest supporters there, singing all the time. Our team was the worst in Poland, but the fans were the best. as they earned wide acclaim for their singing as Spain hammered us.
Low lie the Fields of Athenry
Where once we watched the small free birds fly.
Our love was on the wing we had dreams and songs to sing
It's so lonely 'round the Fields of Athenry.
It was interesting to see the shift in public opinion about Spain. For the last four years they have been more popular than the Ice Cream Truck on a summer’s day. But now all of a sudden they have become more boring than synchronized swimming. I’ll get back to the Olympics later. Anyway, congrats to Spain. You are the best!
I was able to go to the Cape for a short vacation that was rudely interrupted by the sharks in Truro. My swimming wasn’t even close to being synchronized. Da Dum, Da Dum. The good news is that with my pale Irish skin it’s highly unlikely that I will be mistaken for a seal. Still, no need to take any chances so I headed back to New Britain. For the last two years we have been building a new soccer field and stadium at CCSU. I’m happy to report that it’s almost finished. Almost finished is like almost going to the prom with the hottest girl in the school. The new field looks fantastic, but we’re not allowed anywhere near it. The good news is that it will be ready for our opening home game on September 2nd. The bad news is that I didn’t get to go to the prom. Oh, don’t feel sorry for me. We didn’t have “prom” in Ireland. But if we did, the hottest girl in the school …
I digress! Back to soccer, and preseason. And driving in the vans over to Farmington Sports Arena. Let’s just say that if I hear Rihanna’s “Where have you been” one more time on the radio, my head will explode. And who had the bright idea to schedule the Olympics in the middle of preseason training. NBC have been very obliging waiting to put all the good stuff on after 11pm when I can get home to watch it. I’ve seen enough gymnastics to last me four years. Fair play to Michael Phelps, but thank God we don’t have as many soccer events as they do in swimming. Spain win the 5v5 Gold. Mexico win the 11v11 Gold. Neymar wins gold for most touches in the juggling competition. England win the crossbar challenge and Wayne Rooney wins gold for diving. I suggest we dump some of those swimming races and bring back the Tug-of-war. And who would have thought that Posh Spice would get to participate in the Olympics and her husband wouldn’t.
I was able to go to the Cape for a short vacation that was rudely interrupted by the sharks in Truro. My swimming wasn’t even close to being synchronized. Da Dum, Da Dum. The good news is that with my pale Irish skin it’s highly unlikely that I will be mistaken for a seal. Still, no need to take any chances so I headed back to New Britain. For the last two years we have been building a new soccer field and stadium at CCSU. I’m happy to report that it’s almost finished. Almost finished is like almost going to the prom with the hottest girl in the school. The new field looks fantastic, but we’re not allowed anywhere near it. The good news is that it will be ready for our opening home game on September 2nd. The bad news is that I didn’t get to go to the prom. Oh, don’t feel sorry for me. We didn’t have “prom” in Ireland. But if we did, the hottest girl in the school …
I digress! Back to soccer, and preseason. And driving in the vans over to Farmington Sports Arena. Let’s just say that if I hear Rihanna’s “Where have you been” one more time on the radio, my head will explode. And who had the bright idea to schedule the Olympics in the middle of preseason training. NBC have been very obliging waiting to put all the good stuff on after 11pm when I can get home to watch it. I’ve seen enough gymnastics to last me four years. Fair play to Michael Phelps, but thank God we don’t have as many soccer events as they do in swimming. Spain win the 5v5 Gold. Mexico win the 11v11 Gold. Neymar wins gold for most touches in the juggling competition. England win the crossbar challenge and Wayne Rooney wins gold for diving. I suggest we dump some of those swimming races and bring back the Tug-of-war. And who would have thought that Posh Spice would get to participate in the Olympics and her husband wouldn’t.
It was great to see the US women’s soccer team winning Gold, but my personal highlight was Ireland’s Katie Taylor winning Gold in boxing. Katie is also an exceptional soccer player and has played for the Irish National Team. I tried to recruit her years ago. Fortunately for her, she stayed in Ireland to pursue boxing and was rewarded with winning gold (and an estimated $6 million in endorsements).
We’ve had a couple of scrimmages this week too. We played St John’s first and tied 1-1 in what was a very good game, especially considering it was preseason. I thought both teams played good soccer and a draw was a fair result. Next up was Manhattan College. After a scoreless first half we found our goal scoring boots in the second half and won 4 -0. It was great to see four different players score too.
In between we had a great day out in nearby Newington on the Town Rope’s Course. If you’ve never done it before I highly recommend it. Great fun and good team bonding too. Next up is a trip to Boston University on Friday for our opening game. Nancy Feldman has done a terrific job building the Terrier program and her teams are always fun to watch play. They had another great season last year and are ranked in the Nation’s Top 20 by most of the polls. It will be a tough game to start the season, but our players always enjoy a challenge and we will do our best on the night. So here we go. A new beginning. Happy New Year to all our Soccer Banter readers and the best of luck to you all in your upcoming seasons. I’ll leave you with the late great Phil Lynott.
We’ve had a couple of scrimmages this week too. We played St John’s first and tied 1-1 in what was a very good game, especially considering it was preseason. I thought both teams played good soccer and a draw was a fair result. Next up was Manhattan College. After a scoreless first half we found our goal scoring boots in the second half and won 4 -0. It was great to see four different players score too.
In between we had a great day out in nearby Newington on the Town Rope’s Course. If you’ve never done it before I highly recommend it. Great fun and good team bonding too. Next up is a trip to Boston University on Friday for our opening game. Nancy Feldman has done a terrific job building the Terrier program and her teams are always fun to watch play. They had another great season last year and are ranked in the Nation’s Top 20 by most of the polls. It will be a tough game to start the season, but our players always enjoy a challenge and we will do our best on the night. So here we go. A new beginning. Happy New Year to all our Soccer Banter readers and the best of luck to you all in your upcoming seasons. I’ll leave you with the late great Phil Lynott.
Guess who just got back today?
Them wild-eyed boys that had been away
Haven't changed, haven't much to say
But man, I still think them cats are crazy.
- Thin Lizzy Boys Are Back In Town
Them wild-eyed boys that had been away
Haven't changed, haven't much to say
But man, I still think them cats are crazy.
- Thin Lizzy Boys Are Back In Town
Until the next time,
Enjoy the game!
Mick
Enjoy the game!
Mick
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