Criciuma City, Brazil
September 04, 2008
This week has consisted of positive training and scrimmages against top Futsal clubs in Brazil. The following is a recap of games and an updated schedule of the US Futsal National team. The main goal is finishing the first part of pre-season in preparation for the 2008 Fifa Futsal World Cup in Rio De Janiero, Brazil beginning Sept. 30th.
The US team has played three matches challenging two professional D1 teams in the beginning of the week; UNISUL and UNISEC. Loosing the first game against UNISUL 6-0, the first place team in the professional Brazilian Futsal league, was difficult but a great learning experience for the group. The US team was loosing 2-0 before 3 minutes left in the match but after pulling the 5th attacker and looking to get the magic goal, the experienced Brazilian team countered scoring four additional goals. The Brazilians were surprised to see a hard working and solid defensive unit from such a young team. The goals were a result in simple mistakes which were reviewed the following day through an intense and positive training session conducted by head coach, Keith Tozer and assistant coach, Vava Marquez.
This week has consisted of positive training and scrimmages against top Futsal clubs in Brazil. The following is a recap of games and an updated schedule of the US Futsal National team. The main goal is finishing the first part of pre-season in preparation for the 2008 Fifa Futsal World Cup in Rio De Janiero, Brazil beginning Sept. 30th.
The US team has played three matches challenging two professional D1 teams in the beginning of the week; UNISUL and UNISEC. Loosing the first game against UNISUL 6-0, the first place team in the professional Brazilian Futsal league, was difficult but a great learning experience for the group. The US team was loosing 2-0 before 3 minutes left in the match but after pulling the 5th attacker and looking to get the magic goal, the experienced Brazilian team countered scoring four additional goals. The Brazilians were surprised to see a hard working and solid defensive unit from such a young team. The goals were a result in simple mistakes which were reviewed the following day through an intense and positive training session conducted by head coach, Keith Tozer and assistant coach, Vava Marquez.
The second game was a definite improvement by the US side. The squad played with a more compact defense allowing only one goal before half time. During the second half, Sandre Namouski played a well weighted pass into the feet of Matthew Stewart who finished cleanly. The Brazilians were able to rebuddle with 3 more goals in the 2nd half, finishing the game 4-1. While the score may not have dictated the game, there were positives to take from the match.
The third game was a rematch against UNISEC. Again, the US side improved their abilities both offensively and defensively. The US was able to score first through a nice combination between Brett Weisner and Pat Morris. After leading the first half 1-0, the Brazilian side managed to score 2 goals in the second half, winning the game 2-1.
The past 3 games have been ideal for the US team in preperation for the Futsal World Cup. Each game presented different challenges allowing us to further improve our game. Each traning session and game, the team gained more chemistry and knowledge. These games in Criciuma have been nothing but positive and we look forward to getting a result Friday in Florianopolis.
After the Brazilian camp we will resume training in Milwaukee, WI. There we will play 4 games, 2 against the Japan national team and 2 against a talented New York side in order to finalize our preparation for the World Cup.
We appreciate all your support!
