The Edison Eagles U13 Boys Travel team is a member of Edison United Soccer Association playing in the Mid-New Jersey Youth Soccer Association.

Our goal is to assist our players in developing their individual skills and group tactics within an atmosphere of encouragement and enjoyment. We believe that ability is important, but that attitude is more important. We recognize the importance to the players of striving for a successful game outcome, but we appreciate the greater importance of making the effort within the boundaries of good sportsmanship and fair play.

Arrive at each game 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. This allows us to warm up, check in with the referee and start on time. And by now you should all know what equipment is required and/or highly recommended. Come prepared to participate enthusiastically and to have your efforts highly appreciated by the coach, regardless of the score.

Attend as many of our scheduled practices as possible. We are a team and we should all be committed to learning to play as one. If you must miss a practice, please tell me. The person responsible for taking a player home from practice must be certain to find out the intended ending time and should return early so that the coach is not forced to wait for them to arrive. The same equipment requirements and recommendations apply to practice as to games. Players should bring their own water to practice and it is helpful if you bring your soccer ball.

General Directions for Both Days:

• Take Route 1 South
• Approximately 6 miles south of Route 18, look for Finnegans Lane and turn RIGHT (NOTE: If you miss Finnegans Lane, you can turn right onto Henderson Rd or New Rd which are further south, and take either one of those streets to Route 27)
• Take Finnegans Lane to Route 27 and turn LEFT onto Route 27
• Continue through Kendall Park to Route 518 and turn RIGHT
• Stay on Rte 518 through Rocky Hill and turn RIGHT onto Rte 206 North
• Once on 206 NORTH go about 2 miles to the 3rd LIGHT
• NOTE: At this light the street to the left is Sunset Rd and the street to the right is Devon Dr - SEE BELOW FOR SPECIFIC DIRECTIONS FOR DAY 1 AND DAY 2.

DAY 1: Friday, November 23
Game 1: 9:45 am, High School Field #1 (be there no later than 9:30)
Game 2: 12:15 pm, High School Field #3 (be at the field no later than 12:00)

• Turn LEFT onto Sunset Rd.
• Proceed to Burnt Hill Rd and turn LEFT
• Pass the High School (on your left) and a little farther up the road turn LEFT into the driveway to the Middle School.
• Field #1 appears (on the map I was given) to e just beyond the parking lot on your left. Or you may proceed to the Middle School parking lot, which appears to be just beyond the field. Field #3 looks like it is a short walk north of Field #1.

DAY 2: Saturday, November 24
Game 3: 11:00 am, Harlingen Rd Field #9 (be there no later than 10;45)
Game 4: 2:45 pm, Harlingen Rd Field #9 (be at the field no later than 2:30)

• Turn RIGHT onto Devon Dr.
• Follow Devon Dr through the housing development. The name of the road changes to Harlingen Rd. Continue past the first group of fields (this is where we played our first game of this season).
• Near the intersection of Harlingen Rd and Mill Pond Rd you will see a small parking lot on your right with 2 fields beyond it. The field to the right is Field #9. (Eagles from last spring may remember that this is the same field where we played our first game of that season on a bright and chilly day.

September 23 - Montgomery Cannons - Montgomery Park, Upper Field - 1:45 pm (be there at 1:15)

• From Edison take Route 1 South.
• Approximately 6 miles south of Route 18, look for Finnegan Lane and turn RIGHT (NOTE: If you miss Finnegan Lane, you can turn right onto Henderson Rd or New Rd which are further south, and take either one of those streets to Route 27)
• Take Finnegan Lane to Route 27 and turn LEFT onto Route 27
• Continue through Kendall Park to Route 518 and turn RIGHT
• Stay on Rte 518 through Rocky Hill and turn RIGHT onto Rte 206 North
• Once on 206 NORTH go about 2 miles to the 3rd LIGHT and turn RIGHT onto Devon Dr (NOTE: At this light the street to the left is Sunset Rd and the street to the right is Devon Dr - so don't be confused if the first sign you see says Sunset instead of Devon)
• As you proceed on Devon Dr you will see Harlingen Rd on your left. DO NOT TURN HERE, but note that at this point as you drive straight, Devon Dr becomes Harlingen Rd
• Stay on Harlingen as it curves sharply to the right.
• Montgomery Park Upper Field is the first one on your right. Park in the first lot. (The field is less than 2 miles from the point where you turned off Route 206.)

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October 14 - Montclair Cobras - Woodman Practice Field/Essex Avenue Park - 3:00 pm (be there at 2:30)

• From Edison take Garden State Parkway North to exit 151, Watchung Avenue in Bloomfield.
• Head WEST on Watchung Avenue and proceed straight across Broad Street.
• At the second traffic light after Broad Street Turn LEFT onto Grove Street.
• Proceed SOUTH on Grove and turn RIGHT onto Chestnut St.
• Proceed three blocks and turn RIGHT onto Essex Ave.
• Woodman fields are on the left; the practice fields are at the far end. Park on Essex and enter at the gate by the practice fields.

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October 21 - Millburn Mercury - Millburn High School, Football Practice Field - 4:00 pm (be there at 3:30)

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From the Garden State Parkway:
• Take Garden State Parkway to Exit 142 for Route 78 East (there is no exit for 78 West on the GSP North). Once on 78 East take the first exit (Hillside/Irvington) and follow signs for 78 West. You will be making several right turns to cross back over Route 78 to get onto Route 78 WEST.
• Route 78 West splits after approximately 4 miles. Stay to the RIGHT to continue on Route 24 WEST.
• Take the first exit after the split (Springfield/Summit/Millburn).
• Bear LEFT and proceed through the light (Wendy's is on the left) onto Morris Ave.
• Proceed approximately 1 mile and turn left onto Millburn Ave. (Grease Monkey on far left corner).
• Continue on Millburn Ave. through the traffic light.
• Millburn High School driveway is on the RIGHT approximately 1/2 mile past the light.

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From Springfield, Westfield & Cranford:
• Take Mountain Ave. north over Route 22.
• Take Mountain Ave to the end and turn LEFT onto Morris Avenue.
• At Millburn Ave. turn RIGHT (Grease Monkey on the corner).
• Continue on Millburn Ave. through traffic light. High School driveway is on the right approximately 1/2 mile past the light.

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Once you arrive at the High School:
• As you walk through the gates at the field complex, the first field on your left is the varsity field. The varsity field is OFF LIMITS - please DO NOT EVEN WALK ACROSS THIS FIELD.
• Directly south of the varsity field, behind the far goal (to the left as you walk on the walkway) is the Football Practice Field.

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November 4 - Piscataway Team USA - Green Acres Field - 1:00 pm (be there at 12:30)

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Route 287 from Edison:
• Take Route 287 West and exit at "Exit 7 South Randolphville Rd to Piscataway/Middlesex"
• At the end of the ramp turn LEFT onto South Randolphville Rd
• Travel 3/4 mile and turn RIGHT onto Behmer Rd
• Proceed less than 1/4 mile and turn left onto Sidney Rd
• Look for the Green Acres fields and parking on the right. I have been told that you can¹t miss it.

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November 11 - St. John Vianney Wildcats (Colonia) - St. John Vianney Church - 11:30 am (be there at 11:00)

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On Inman Ave, Colonia:
• From Martin Luther King Elementary School take Inman Ave east toward Colonia. If you are coming from south Edison you can make your way to Route 27 in Metuchen and take Grove Ave north past Metuchen High School - continue past J.P. Stevens High School - make the quick left and right at the lights to continue north on Grove (past St. Helena's Church) - continue to end of Grove and turn RIGHT at the light onto Inman.
• Traveling east on Inman Ave through Colonia, drive past the Walgreen's
• Go through the next light, at West St, and the Church grounds and soccer fields should be on your left.

GAME 1 (Week B on the schedule) 9-23-01 at Montgomery Cannons [Eagles 2, Cannons 3]

Our first game turned out to be a good match up. It took us a little time to organize an effective offensive drive, but I think we should all be encouraged by the improvement in communication and coordination of effort as the game progressed.

Although we were forced to play "catch up" in the second half, I believe that we actually had more scoring opportunities than our opponents, and as we continue to learn to work as a team we should be able to turn those opportunities into goals.

I would like to congratulate the team for maintaining their intensity even when we were behind, and for creating a high level of excitement in the closing minutes of the game. These things, along with the excellent manner in which the players conducted themselves in terms of sportsmanship and positive team spirit cause me to rate this game, not only as a success, but as a success we can build on.

At half time no one was dwelling on what was going wrong. But we were reminding ourselves of what we could do right. By the end of the game we had a better idea of what we need to work on. But we also had an excellent idea of what we are capable of.

We may come up against tougher opponents as the season wears on, and the score may not always be an accurate measure of our overall performance, but we know that we have a solid base of individual skills and team chemistry, along with enormous potential. I hope everyone is looking forward to seeing the Eagles in action again as much as I am.

GAME 2 (Week C on the schedule) 9-30-01 vs Piscataway Team USA at home [Eagles 4, Team USA 4]

I think the three words that best describe our second game are action, action, action. That ends the short version of the game report. Here's the expanded version:

Both teams deserve compliments for a well played back-and-forth battle, under a steady rain, with an unscuffed, water-slicked, new ball. This game may have been very nearly what the league envisions as an ideal game. The skills and styles of the two teams were well matched. There may have been some questionable calls, but none developed into controversy and the game played on. At first, neither side was giving ground and when, finally, the scoring began, with the lead changing several times, neither side relaxed the intensity of their play. Domination of the action continually shifted from one team to the other, creating the kind of drama that the spectators and players alike were fortunate to be a part of.

You may be familiar with Pele's description of soccer as "the beautiful game." Well, I think the game our team played represents exactly the kind of competition he was referring to.

I hope that the Eagles appreciate the fine effort they gave, take pride in the way they conducted themselves, and begin to get a sense of their development as a team. You all continue to earn my thanks and encouragement.

GAME 3 (Week D on the schedule) 10-7-01 vs St. John Vianney Wildcats at home [Eagles 2, Wildcats 1]

While the score often tells only a very small part of the story of a game, and while I profess (for the most part, sincerely) that the score doesn't mean that much to me, it's still nice to have our record looking respectable. At 1-1-1, no other team in our flight can boast of having had, or hoping to have such wonderfully symetrical statistics. And, by the way, for the moment at least, we are in third place out six (and if we had played the game that we postponed, the result would not have affected the current standings).

The team was impressive, completely connected.
The game was exciting, it's what we expected.
They took the field briskly, but lost the first score.
Our opponents all cheered, but we'd give up no more.
So we rallied our forces, and focused our drive,
And tied up the game before half-time arrived.
With winds whipping at them they swept down the field
And relentlessly caused the opponent to yield.
Neatly scoring the goal that would give us the lead,
They continued to press, that was all that we'd need.
So they grow day by day, yard by yard, stride by stride
As a team with a spirit that can't be denied.

My contention last fall, when we had slim hope of creating a team, and my contention last spring, when the original Eagles looked better than we had reason to expect, and my contention at the start of this season, when we had to create one team out of two, was that we were involved in a grand experiment with an uncertain, but potentially very promising future. Looking at the earlier stages, and seeing where we are now, I can only conclude that, so far, the experiment seems to be working.

One more thing I should mention. If anyone noticed that one of our coaches was conspicuous by his absence, I must assure you that this does not indicate in any way a lack of commitment. If anything this resulted from information overload due to a very great commitment to our kids and to our great sport of soccer.

GAME 4 (Week E on the schedule) 10-14-01 at Montclair Cobras [Eagles 5, Cobras 1]

I don't know that we necessarily needed a "confidence builder", but we got one. This game was marked by more than a few nicely coordinated set-ups for scoring (not to mention, our usual relentless effort). Three of the goals developed from organized movement up the field, followed by well-played placement of the ball to the center for the shot on goal. And one goal came off a corner kick which floated in for a quick attack at the goal line.

In order to avoid violating the "maximum goal differential" rule, we rearranged our positions at the start of the second half, with many players in positions that might not be considered their "regular" spots. This was actually interesting to watch, and some of them performed quite well in unfamiliar locations. It also very effectively balanced the game, and resulted in several scoring opportunities for our opponents and a little more action for our keeper.

I seem to keep saying that we improve with every game. But it's true. Keep up the good work. Keep up the good sportsmanship. Keep up the good attitude and spirit. There's no telling how far we can go.

GAME 5 (Week F on the schedule) 10-21-01 at Millburn Mercury [Eagles 3, Mercury 6]

This week the Eagles experienced their most challenging game of the season. We played the only team in our flight which hasn't lost a game yet, and we managed to score more goals against them than any other team they have played this season.

Our offense pressed their advantage every time they had the chance, and made some excellent passing combinations, including three well played scoring drives. Our defenses were heavily pressured throughout the game, but they never relaxed their efforts, even in the face of a commanding early lead.

We continue to develop an effective "team mentality." The communication, the tactics, and the spirit are in a constant state of growth. Thanks for another great game. (And the cheering from the spectators side of the field was rather impressive, too.)

GAME 6 (Week G on the schedule) 10-28-01 vs Montgomery Cannons at home [Eagles 5, Cannons 2]

I seem to keep stating that I see improvement in our game each week. This week we actually saw some objective evidence of that improvement. This was our first game against an opponent who we had already played. And we unquestionably demonstrated an improvement in our play. In our first game against them we were taking shots, but not making them. This time our attack was more organized and we were making solid passing and scoring combinations. In the first game our defense looked like they needed some experience. This time they looked like they had learned a few things from experience.

We were able to build up an early lead and held steady when the opponent tried to exert some extra pressure in the second half. We had some controversy over the effectiveness of an unusual pair of cleats. We saw a rare shot on goal by the keeper. We saw a late-game, nicely placed penalty shot by a scrappy mid-fielder.

All things considered, it was an entertaining game and another step forward in the steady growth of the Eagles. Keep up the spirit and the excellent effort!

GAMES 7 and 8 (Weeks A and G on the schedule) 11-3-01 vs Millburn Mercury at home [Eagles 1, Mercury 5] and 11-04-01 at Piscataway Team USA [Eagles 3, Team USA 3]

What's so great about playing two games in one weekend? I get to conserve my meager supply of free time by offering an Election Day Special Two-For-The-Price-Of-One games commentary.

Our Saturday game against Millburn started well, with the first half ending with one goal apiece. However, as the second half wore on, the relentlessly accurate passing ability of our opponents began to pay off. For the record I will state that their skills are a bit more developed than ours, but I honestly don't think that the margin of ability between the two teams is that big. If our players have the desire to take that next step up, if they are willing to make the effort to build their individual and team skills, then they could certainly move to that next level of play. But they have to want to do it. Nevertheless, the game was far from disappointing. The Eagles, as always, kept it exciting and interesting. That's enough for me.

Our Sunday game was against Piscataway, the team we played to a tie earlier in the season, and we had hopes that we could make a better showing this time. Again, the first half proved to be the better one for the Eagles. But in the second half the opponent brought the game back into balance and played us to another tie. Some might say we lost our game in the late stages. Some might say our opponents found their game. Some might wonder why we didn't play better, or why we made certain mistakes, or why the defense or the offense failed to do one thing or another. I can answer all these wise whys with an exact and precise answer. The reason is, "That's how we play right now." We continue to play our game. We will continue to make decisions which cause us to lose possession of the ball or to give up a goal. As we gain experience we will make less of those. We will continue to make some great defensive plays, some impressive saves and some masterful scoring combinations, and as we grow, I can guarantee we will see more of those.

My point is: The team is doing what it is supposed to be doing. They are fulfilling my expectations. The energy, enthusiam, and potential of this team (not to mention the character of each player - and we do have a few real characters) make it a pleasure to be associated with them. What we (all us non-players) need to supply is a little restraint, a measure of patience, and a large quantity of encouragement.

Also, if anyone asks me about that chant they were engaged in before the start of the game, I can honestly say that I don't have a clue.

GAME 9 (Week I on the schedule) 11-11-01 at St. John Vianney Wildcats [Eagles 2, Wildcats 2]

After an evenly matched challenge on a leafy field on a bright and balmy autumn day we played to another tie score, thus bringing our record to an unusual 3-3-3. I guarantee that doesn't happen too often. If I were in a philosophical frame of mind, I might suggest that the perfect balance suggested by these statistics are clearly symbolic of the balance which we are striving for, and which in good measure we have attained. The players on the Eagles have a nice balance of skills and an interesting balance of temperaments. They also seem to have a well-balanced view of their sport. This is demonstrated by their consistent enthusiasm regardless of the ups and downs of the game. An opponent can pressure them, but they can't repress them. They can be slowed down, but they refuse to be stopped.

I realize that this particular report is relatively brief. I apologize. But the fact that the report is short is balanced by the fact that it has been a very long week.

GAME 10 (Week J on the schedule) 11-18-01 vs Montclair Cobras [Eagles 5, Cobras 4]

If you were at this game, you don't need me to tell you that it was a cliff-hanger of a finish to an exciting season. If you weren't there, I hope someone has already told you all about it. With real-life action like this, who needs fiction.

Briefly, the Cobras made the first, early score, and were quickly answered by an Eagles goal. Later in the half the Eagles scored again, going into half-time with a one point lead. Early in the second half the Cobras tied the score, at 2-2. A penalty kick and another goal gave the Eagles a two point lead. Late in the second half the Cobras put on the pressure and connected with 2 goals in quick succession, to tie it up again. And in the final minutes of the game the Eagles scored the go-ahead point, which secured the season ending win.

The effort that our players consistently display is deserving of applause. The general good attitude of the individuals and the overall team unity that is rapidly developing is deserving of recognition and appreciation, as well. Thanks to the team for everything they give to us. Thanks to my assistants for their good advice and support. Thanks to the families for their enthusiasm and encouragement. As for me, I'm only in this thing because all of you are worth the effort.