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Spartacus continued their season with a game last Thursday against North York Cosmos, followed by a game on Monday versus Hillcrest.

The game against North York Cosmos was close only on the scoreboard, as Spartacus dominated in both possession and scoring opportunities. Misssed opportunites was the common theme of the day as Spartacus failed to capitalize on the many scoring chances they created, and credit must also be given to the Cosmos goalkeeper for pulling off many fine saves.

Spartacus did take an early lead but allowed Cosmos to tie the game soon after. From that point the majority of the game was played in the Cosmos half, yet Spartacus seemed destined to finish the game even on the scoreboard. However, with virtually the last kick of the game Spartacus earned a deserved win as a hard well placed shot which beat the outstretched Cosmos goalkeeper.

Against Hillcrest Spartacus scored early and often. From the opening whistle the pattern of the game was established, as Spartacus moved the ball around through short passes while Hillcrest seemed content to kick the ball long at any and every opportunity. Despite very little pressure the Spartacus defence stayed focused, as well as determined to not even allow a shot on goal by the opposition. By the end of the game Spartacus had earned a 6-0 victory

It is worth noting new additions to the team do not look out of sorts playing alongside established players as they become familiar with a team philosophy that demands playing as a team when in possesion of the ball, as well as an expectation every player must work hard to regain possession when possion is lost.

As a result Spartacus has a perfect record, conceding only one goal so far this season, often playing attractive football resulting in games where Spartacus has dominated time of possesion.

Spartacus’ participation in the Ancaster Heritage Days tournament exceeded everyone’s expectations. Despite having never played a competitive 11 verses 11 game prior to the tournament, and playing against teams a year older, Spartacus completed the tournament undefeated.

Spartacus’ first game against Waterloo saw Spartacus start brightly. Despite the opposition’s physical advantage Spartacus dominated possession, and attacked using intelligent passing tactics. What was also impressive was Spartacus’ ability to consistently win tackles, as well as their ability to contain a team who preferred long ball tactics to create offence. Waterloo also mistakenly believing they could simply run the length of the field dribbling the ball. At the end of the game Spartacus was unlucky not to have obtained a better result than a 1-1 tie.

The second game saw a similar game develop. Spartacus continued to impose their tactics of passing and building an attack down the wings, while St. Catherines Roma was content to kick long balls for their forwards to chase. Despite going down a gaol in the first half Spartacus remained resolute to push forward, creating many scoring opportunities but lacking a finishing touch. However, Spartacus were rewarded for good transitional play, creativity and a willingness to pass the ball as a team, and eventually won the game 2-1.

Spartacus’ third game was against a team which relied heavily on playing very physical, and tried to stop open play whenever the opportunity arose. There were many cynical challenges by the Windsor team, yet Spartacus refused to be intimidated by such tactics.� Once again Spartacus found themselves down a goal early, but as before refused to give up without a fight. Finally Spartacus scored a much deserved tying goal.

The physical and mental demands of playing three 11 versus 11 games on the same day against older teams began to take their toll in the second half, with tired legs making it difficult to execute a successful and consistent passing game.

Therefore a tactical change by the coaches was made to allow players to support each other defensively, which proved to be effective as Spartacus saw the game out to a 1-1 tie.

Without any previous competitive 11 versus 11 experience and playing against older opposition Spartacus should be extremely proud of the fact overall Spartacus played much more attractive football than their opposition. Moreover the physical advantage the opposition had was rarely a hindrance to the tactics Spartacus set out to play.

Players, coaches and parents should feel extremely optimistic about the team as they continue the transition to playing 11 a side games on a permanent basis next fall.

The game against Hillcrest demonstrated that a pitch with overly long grass, together with opposing team tactics which comprised keeping their players well behind the ball and clogging up the area in front of a very small sized goal net, is a recipe which makes it difficult to score goals.

Despite dominating possession and accumulating an overabundance of quality scoring opportunities, Spartacus was not afforded the number of goals their overall play merited.

Spartacus continued to show they are team that likes to build offence via team passing, and their forays down the wings were too numerous to count. However, the team’s crossing needed to be a little more efficient, as many crosses were directed too close to the opposition’s goalkeeper, although this aspect of their game improved in the second half.

As the game progressed Spartacus quality, skill and overall team dominance prevailed, as they went on to win the game by a score that failed to reflect the vast quantity of high quality scoring opportunities they constructed over the course of the game.

In less than six months Spartacus must permanently change over to playing 11-a-side football. Moreover, at that time Spartacus will be competing in a league which will consist of most of the other best teams in the region.

Therefore Spartacus participation in 11-a-side tournaments such as this weekend’s Ancaster Heritage Days Tournament is a crucial component of the team’s summer programme if they are to be properly prepared for this significant change rapidly approaching.