USWNT Gold Cup Game

 The United States Women's National Team is playing in the Gold Cup tonight at 5:15pm PST. You can tune in via ESPN+ for the quarterfinal game vs. Colombia. If we win, we play Canada in the semifinal next. Let's go USA! 

Teamwork

 Teamwork: "combined action of a group of people, especially when effective and efficient."

Keys: 

1. Communication

2. Cooperation

3. Trust

Some of my favorite memories with my teams growing up and in my later years were spent off of the field. The trips to Big Bear for training sessions, the funny moments in hotels, traveling on the busses together, etc. Building trust can be challenging. Understanding doesn't usually happen easily. It's a practice. 

Just like learning the ABC's, then the letter sounds, then being able to sound out the words, then learning some words can't be sounded out and are sight words you just have to memorize... All of that is involved in teamwork. There are building blocks and it starts with initiation being trustworthy on all levels. 

Giving a teammate the "keys" to the team. "The action of beginning something." A "combined action of a group of people, especially when effective and efficient".

To Give Your All

 The Empire Strykers are currently my favorite team to watch right now. Maybe because that's where my attention is centered currently, but it just is. I am cheering for them and want them to win but it seems as though they have had a losing streak, even though they've given the games all they've had. I'm pretty sure we've all had games like that as athletes and we understand how it feels to be so close and still not accomplish the goals we set out to accomplish. 

The truth is, we're all going through that in the world right now. Losses we've endured when we've given all we were capable of, but still it wasn't enough to keep that person or those people in our life. What could we have done differently? We ask ourselves like somehow we could've changed the outcome of what happened had we gone back and changed the course of our life. 

Watching the Strykers play these last few games has left me feeling like they so deserve to win and when it's within reach, we're left with frustrations and the feeling of defeat. It helps me understand the parallels in our life right now. Yeah, we left our heart on that field every single game, but damn it still wasn't enough to accomplish those goals we wanted to happen. 

When will it turn around and when will we be able to feel hopeful again that those goals we set out to accomplish may actually happen? How do we find the strength to overcome the losses? It's not from a lack of effort, ability or talent, it just is until it just isn't anymore. Sometimes there's a glimmer of hope. We know we've got to step out onto the field and give it all we have, once again, every opportunity we get. 

Without a chance for the playoffs, without a championship to play for, we're just playing because we still have love for the game of soccer, of life. We have love for our family, for our team, for each other, for the sweet innocence still left in the world. We still find a way to give our all, to play with all of our heart while we help one another pick up the pieces. 

Away Game Night

 The Empire Strykers have a game tonight against the San Diego Sockers and it's in San Diego. You can tune into the game via Twitch.tv if you can't get to San Diego on time for the game. Search MASL_soccer on Twitch.tv for the live game at 7:35p.m.

Game Prep Tips

 "Visualization: Spend some time visualizing yourself performing well during the game. Imagine yourself executing plays successfully, making key moves, and contributing to your team's success. Visualization can help build confidence and focus your mind on positive outcomes.

1. Positive Self-Talk: Practice positive self-talk to boost your confidence and mental resilience. Replace any negative thoughts or doubts with affirmations and encouraging statements. Remind yourself of your strengths, past successes, and the hard work you've put in to prepare for the game.

2. 
   

   Relaxation Techniques: Use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation to calm your nerves and reduce pre-game anxiety. Find what works best for you to help you stay calm and focused under pressure.

3. 
   

   Pre-Game Routine: Establish a pre-game routine that helps you get into the right mindset before stepping onto the field. This could include listening to music, doing a light warm-up, or engaging in a specific mental preparation ritual that helps you feel mentally and emotionally prepared for the game.

4. 
   

   Focus on the Process: Instead of getting overwhelmed by the outcome of the game or external pressures, focus on the process and what you can control in the moment. Concentrate on executing your skills, following the game plan, and supporting your teammates to the best of your ability.

5. 
   

   Set Goals: Set specific, achievable goals for yourself before the game. These goals could be performance-related (e.g., completing a certain number of passes, making successful tackles) or mindset-related (e.g., staying focused, staying positive). Having clear goals can give you a sense of direction and purpose during the game.

6. 
   

   Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adapt and adjust your mindset as the game unfolds. Things may not always go according to plan, and being mentally flexible allows you to respond effectively to changes and challenges during the game.

Remember that mental preparation is just as important as physical preparation when it comes to athletic performance. By incorporating these tips into your pre-game routine, you can enhance your mental readiness and set yourself up for success on the field." - Chat GPT

"Jimmy Nordberg: A Legacy of Leadership with the Empire Strykers"

 "In addition to his role as Executive Vice President of the Empire Strykers, Jimmy Nordberg brings a wealth of coaching experience to the table. Having played soccer at the collegiate level and with a passion for the sport ingrained in his DNA, Jimmy transitioned seamlessly into coaching after his playing days were over. For several years, he served as the head coach of the Empire Strykers, guiding the team with his strategic vision, tactical expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

During his tenure as coach, Jimmy Nordberg's leadership left an indelible mark on the team, shaping not only their performance on the field but also fostering a culture of unity, resilience, and growth. His ability to inspire and motivate players to reach their full potential was evident in the team's achievements and the camaraderie that flourished under his guidance.

Though Jimmy has since stepped away from coaching to focus on his role as Executive Vice President, his impact continues to resonate within the Empire Strykers organization. His legacy as a player, coach, and leader serves as a guiding light for the team as they strive for greatness both on and off the field." - Chat GPT 3.5

A Short Story for the Strykers by Chat GPT 3.5

 "The Strykers had been training tirelessly, pushing themselves to their limits, yet victory seemed to elude them in every game. It was a pattern that had become all too familiar - they would come so close, only to fall short at the final hurdle.

But amidst the disappointment, there was an unwavering determination within the team. They refused to let defeat define them. Coach gathered the team in the locker room after yet another heartbreaking loss. His words echoed with passion and purpose.

"Listen up, Strykers," Coach began, his voice firm but encouraging. "I know it's been tough. I know we've come agonizingly close to victory time and time again, only to see it slip through our fingers. But let me tell you something - champions aren't made in the easy moments. They're made in the face of adversity, when the odds are stacked against them."

The team listened intently, a fire igniting in their eyes. They knew what needed to be done.

"We've trained too hard, sacrificed too much, to let another opportunity slip away," Coach continued. "We're not just a team; we're a family. And families stick together, support each other, and fight for each other until the very end."

With renewed determination, the Strykers stepped out onto the field for their next game. The energy was palpable, a sense of unity and purpose coursing through their veins.

As the game progressed, it was clear that something had shifted within the team. They played with a newfound sense of confidence and cohesion, each player giving their all for the greater good of the team.

And then, in the final moments of the game, with the score tied, it happened. A perfectly executed play, orchestrated with precision and determination. The ball soared through the air, finding its mark in the back of the net.

The stadium erupted in cheers as the final whistle blew. The Strykers had done it - they had emerged victorious, breaking the cycle of defeat and proving that perseverance and belief could conquer even the toughest of challenges.

As they celebrated their hard-earned victory, a sense of pride washed over the team. They had faced adversity head-on and emerged stronger because of it. And as they looked to the future, they knew that no obstacle was too great as long as they faced it together, as a team."