MSB soccer, champions of the GHAC league!

MSB soccer, champions of the GHAC league! MSB soccer, champions of the GHAC league! After our debut season in the GHAC league for middle school soccer in 2019/20, BIS Houston’s MSB Soccer team would have to wait until the 21/22 season to prove that our unbeaten debut season was no fluke. With just two players remaining from that successful side, Owen and Esteban, this new look squad had work to do. And work they did!

MSB Soccer: Season Review

After our debut season in the GHAC league for middle school soccer in 2019/20, BIS Houston’s MSB Soccer team would have to wait until the 21/22 season to prove that our unbeaten debut season was no fluke. With just two players remaining from that successful side, Owen and Esteban, this new look squad had work to do. And work they did!

 

Unlike the previous squad, this season’s players were made up predominantly of our younger players. Five Y7 and seven Y8. Y9’s represented by just four players. However, our young squad showed no signs of nerves in the season opener versus BAC. Running out convincing 9-0 winners at home. Blair x1, Owen x4, Samuel x1, Charlie x2 and Otto x1 the goal scorers. Man of the Match was awarded to Owen by squad vote.

 

Our second game versus EWS produced another fine display. BIS Houston winning 7-1. The goals coming from Blair x3, Owen x1, Jensen x1, Charlie  x1 and Calum x1. Blair  was awarded Man of the Match. With just two games played the boys had scored 16, conceding just one. Confidence was high.

 

Game three produced another high scoring result. BIS Houston defeating GS 10-0. At this point the squad was really beginning to gel. Playing some fantastic football. More pleasing however, was the real sense of team developing throughout the squad led by Captain Owen and Vice-Captain Esteban. Goals came curtesy of Owenx3, Samuel x3, Jerome x1, Jensen x1, Otto and Calum x1. Man of the Match, Owen.

 

In game four we faced our toughest opposition of the season so far, STE. Despite the increased challenge, BIS Houston would not be denied. Delivering a measured display to finish 5-0 victors. Goals scored by Owen x4 and Jensenx1. Man of the Match, Javier. This game confirming that BIS Houston were now title contenders!

 

Game five produced our biggest win of the season. A 16-0 victory over LSA. Despite missing four of our sixteen-man squad including losing Samuel to injury before kickoff. Goals were scored by Blair x1, Javier x2, Esteban x3, Owenx2, Samuelx3, Charliex1, Otto  x1 and Callum x3. Man of the Match was awarded to Esteban.

 

In game six we faced a strong FBCA, our closest rivals for the title. It would prove to be our most competitive game up to this point. However, now six games in, BIS Houston understood what they were capable of and showed real maturity to weather the pressure that came their way. Eventually winning comfortably 5-2. Goals scored by Owen x2, Sam x2 and Jensenx1. Man of the Match Owen. 

 

In many ways, game seven proved to be our most challenging of the season. Due to injury and illness, the squad was decimated. Having just 10 players available. The decision was made to play rather than forfeit to EWS. It turned out to be a significant moment. Each and every one of the ten available did themselves proud, the whole squad proud and myself proud. They produced a stirring 1-0 win away from home. Charliethe goal scorer. Ian taking Man of the Match.

 

Still missing key senior players for game eight, the squad next played GS with just 11 players. Despite taking a 2-0 lead through Daniel and Jensen. GS fought back to 2-1 and then were awarded a penalty. Samuel was our GK for the game. He stood tall and saved the penalty. Shortly after, Ethan produced a driving run and was brought down in the opposition box. Up stepped stand in Captain Javier to seal the points for BIS Houston. Final score 3-1. Man of the Match, Samuel.

 

Although still not at full strength, game nine saw the return of a number of players in time for a tough game versus STE. The physical home team made it tough for BIS Houston throughout but the technical ability of the young BIS Houston squad prevailed. Earning a 2-0 victory on the road. A freekick form Javier and a goal from Jensenenough to take the points. Man of the Match Otto.

 

The final game of the season saw BIS Houston host FBCA. Although still without Samuel, the influential Calum and also myself due to illness. I had full confidence that this squad of young men would deliver yet again. And deliver they did. Producing an emphatic 6-1 win against our nearest rivals. Goals were scored by Owen x1, Ethan x1, Samuel x2, Otto and a sixth via OG. 

 

Throughout the season the squad have voted each game for a Man of the Match. Perhaps a measure of this team and their character was evidenced by their decision to award each player Man of the Match for our final game. 

 

It has been my absolute pleasure to coach this team throughout this season and be a part of their journey. I have sincerely enjoyed every training session and every game. More than anything, I have enjoyed watching them all develop and grow into a team!

 

Wishing all four of our senior players success next season and I hope to see our year seven and eight back to defend our title! GO BULLDOGS! Championes! Championes! Ole, Ole, Ole!

Coach S. McCann

 

Player Profiles:

Blair, FWD | Blair has proven to be a valuable member of the MSB Soccer squad this season. Scoring seven goals and playing a part in many more. His speed and technical ability have troubled each and every defence he has come up against. He has also picked up three MOM awards, as voted for by his fellow squad members.

 

Javier, DEF | Javier marshalled our defence to great effect throughout the season, one which conceded just four goals in ten games. His speed, strength and ability to remain calm under pressure are assets that will no doubt prove effective to any team he plays in. Javier also seamlessly stepped into the captaincy for two games, chipped in with four goals and was awarded two MOM awards. Javier also played every game of the season.

 

Daniel, FWD | Daniel demonstrated throughout the season his commitment to the team. Always prepared to fulfil any role asked of him. This attitude enabled him to play an important role in the team’s success. On three occasions he kept clean sheets as the goal keeper, He scored a significant goal in a closely contested game and was awarded one MOM award. Daniel also played every game of the season.

 

Esteban, MID (VC) | Esteban, being one of our more experienced players led by example throughout the season, always prepared to put a shift in for the team. This commitment coupled with a work rate that was second to none gave him the ability to break up opposition play and then switch quickly and effectively to attack. This proved pivotal to our style of play. Furthermore, Esteban contributed three goals (a hattrick) and two MOM awards.

 

Tiago, DEF | Tiago, new to the squad this year developed significantly throughout the season. Always prepared to listen and learn, he was able to effectively implement new strategies and game related instructions to good effect. Such development was clearly evident during the final few games of the season where he defended excellently to help ensure the squad remained unbeaten. He was awarded one MOM.

 

Owen , MID (C) | Owen, having played a part in our previous unbeaten campaign in 2019/20, was the perfect candidate to captain this young squad. He led excellently throughout. Both in attitude and in ability. Often the playmaker due to his excellent close control and eye for a pass, Owen also contributed effectively with regards to his defensive duties. Despite missing three games, Owen finished top goal scorer with 17, was awarded MOM on four occasions and even kept a clean sheet in goal.

 

Ian, DEF | Ian demonstrated a game winning temperament throughout the season. He was reliable, consistent and also effective. He helped formed a solid defensive unit and was a significant factor in our defense conceding so few. Furthermore, Ian contributed three appearances in goal, earning two clean sheets. He was awarded MOM on two occasions. Ian also played every game of the season.

 

Ethan, DEF | Ethan has proven to be effective throughout the season as a modern fullback/wingback. Demonstrating an ability to defend with solidity and also attack with efficiency. Furthermore, he has demonstrated real consistency in his performances, playing a significant role in the team’s success. Ethan scored one goal and was awarded one MOM. Ethan also played every game of the season.

 

Scott, DEF | Scott has been part of a solid defensive unit throughout the season. Contributing significant performances that helped ensure we conceded so few goals. He has a real maturity which is always evidenced in his performances. Furthermore, Scott has stepped up on three occasions and played in goal. Keeping one clean sheet. He was awarded one MOM. Scott also played every game of the season.

 

Samuel, FWD | Samuel, as one of our senior players, has played a significant role in terms of leading by example. He has consistently demonstrated his ability to hold up play in attack to bring others into the game, create opportunities for others whilst also maintaining his keen eye for a goal. Samuel scored eleven goals in ten games, played once in goal. Keeping a clean sheet and saving a penalty and was awarded MOM twice. Sam also played every game of the season.

 

Jerome, FWD | Jerome is a busy forward who often troubled defenses throughout the season with his ability to turn in tight spaces. Jerome also developed a greater awareness of his position in terms of timing runs, knowing when to press or hold. As a result, he became a valuable member of the squad. Jerome scored one goal and was awarded one MOM.

 

Jensen, MID | Jensen, despite being one of the youngest in the squad, played a significant role in the success of the team. A key attribute is his desire to work equally hard in both defense and attack. On top of his work rate, he carries excellent technical ability and is able to beat a man to create goal scoring opportunities for others and himself. Jensen contributed six goals and earned one MOM across eight games.

 

Charlie, DEF | Charlie is an astute defender with the ability to be equally effective in attack. He carries excellent delivery from both open play and dead ball situations. Therefore, he has played a significant part in the success of the team. Charlie also has a mature approach to the game which will no doubt continue to serve him well moving forward. Charlie contributed five goals and was awarded one MOM.

 

Otto, MID | Otto, one of the youngest members of the squad, proved to be an influential member of the team throughout the season. His close control and quick turns often enabling him to instigate attacks and link the play to good effect. He also developed an excellent partnership with the senior members of midfield. Otto scored four goals in just six games, earning the MOM award on two occasions.

 

Samuel, MID | Samuel started the season full of promise and in the opening four games was developing his game to become a valuable member of the squad. He has a willingness to learn and a mature approach to the game. Unfortunately, Before the fifth game he was ruled out for the remainder of the season with injury. I look forward to his return next season!

 

Calum, MID | Calum, despite being one of our younger players, played a significant role in the success of the team this season. One of our more creative forces, Calum provided plenty of assists throughout the games he played. His ability to find space, go past a player and deliver passes under pressure provided the team with regular supply. Calum scored five goals in just six games. He missed the final four through injury but we look forward to seeing him back next season!

 

8th February 2022