The 2020 ‘05G Elite Blue Team has had an incredible undefeated season . . . OK well, the truth is the team IS undefeated, but also untested. Either the other teams are scared to play, or the world is in the middle of a pandemic!
The ‘05G Elite Team is coached by head coach Michael Fisher and assistant coach Kevin Hagel. Michael has been coaching this age group for the past decade from the time the girls started playing soccer in the U06 age group in the Folsom Soccer Club to today in U16. The team has evolved and gone through a lot of changes, including the merger of Ethos, becoming the Earthquakes, and most recently affiliating with Surf.
At an age when many players decide to move on from soccer, Michael is most proud of the fact that 100% of the roster rejoined the team from last year. The team chemistry and camaraderie is a key factor in this. The players are dedicated to improving themselves and their soccer skills by motivating each other. But above all, they have fun together. Even with the lack of a proper tryout, the team was also able to grow by adding two new players to the roster.
From the beginning of COVID, the team learned how to communicate through Zoom. Together virtually the team held meaningful classroom sessions about soccer tactics and other life skills. Zoom also allowed for physical training together, but separately. Eventually they were able to meet in person, get physical exercise and play soccer (in a socially distanced way). With restrictions the team got to try new activities. “I must say, the players are much better at soccer tennis than they were before,” according to Coach Michael. 2020 was a difficult year for many of us, but the players have been fortunate to have an outlet to train and feel “normal” for an hour and a half, twice a week. Being able to train, play soccer, and be together as a team is truly a bright spot of the times, and has helped the players and coaches to cope.
Before the world came to a halt, the ‘05G Elite Blue team had a lot of momentum going into the spring season. The team won key league games against local rivals and brought home several tournament medals. In the semifinal of the 2019 CUFA Tahoe Fall Classic tournament their goalie, Riley, found herself in a one-on-one situation and blocked a great shot . . . Unfortunately, she was a foot outside of the penalty area. She was mercilessly shown a straight red card for DOGSO. The team managed to win the game, but the keeper was disqualified from playing in the championship game. The players rallied and played with heart and purpose in the championship game, as they dedicated their play to Riley! The game went to kicks from the mark after overtime. A huge crowd had formed to watch as the game was finally decided in extra kicks, and the ‘05G Elite Blue Team was declared the Champions! The entire team looks forward to the day when they can defend their title.
The ‘05G Elite Blue team is ready to play again once it is safe to do so. “Training is great, but we are also motivated by the prospect of taking the pitch again and competing. We are committed to staying strong and staying safe, while having as much fun as we can along the way. We work hard and play harder!” – Coach Michael