Captain's Blog.....Delegating Tasks

This week's entry has been submitted by Ainsley and Caroline.  


Great success!! Cougars had a great start to the weekend with a 3-0 win over the Medicine Hat Rattlers at our home opener. Thanks to all the fans who came out to support us! The weather was beautiful and everyone manufactured some vitamin D. The first half was pretty tight as both teams struggled to get the first goal. But we came into full form in the second scoring three stellar goals. Courtney Elliott was player of the game with an outstanding performance in defensive mid. After an early morning bus ride to Lethbridge, the Cougars played through another scorching hot day. Despite an early goal against, we pulled off a 3-2 victory at the home of the Kodiaks. Coach Fusco tested us by changing the starting line up and moving players around such as Lesley Oosterhoff who from attacking winger to defense and was awarded player of the game. Practice this week will prepare us for two home games against Lakeland and Red Deer at noon on the Mount Royal pitch. Having lots of fun, we are eager for the upcoming competitions.
Love Ainsley and Caroline 


Editor's Note: Ainsley was also voted Cougar's player of the week along with Lesley Oosterhoff the week previously.... view full story

Getting to Know.....1st Year, Danika Cook

Hey Cougar fans! Time for another little newbie baby interview! This time I chose Danika Cook and found out what makes up her shining personality

Jan: What made you choose mru?
Danika: its local, and the class sizes. I also heard good things about it.

Jan: What program are you enrolled in?
Danika: undeclared bachelor of arts

Jan: how are you going to balance school and soccer?
Danika: time management skills, do my homework at school!

Jan: What do you think of the team so far?
Danika: I love them! They're really fun to be around and I think they have some good soccer skills. 

Jan: How long have you been playing soccer?
Danika: 12 years

Jan: What position do you enjoy playing?
Danika: center midfield

Jan: What is your favorite soccer memory?
Danika: travelling with my teams has been great

Jan: So...window or aisle seat?
Danika: aisle

Jan: What are you most nervous about entering mru?
Danika: getting good grades

Jan: What are your expectations for the season?
Danika: improving myself as a player and hopefully making an impact on the team. Also, getting to know the players more

Jan: fave food?
Danika: japanese food!

Jan: fave pizza?
Danika: bbq chicken

Jan: What are your thoughts on bringing homemade bagged lunches for the captains on roadtrips?
Danika: hahaha, all for it! You didn't say what I had to pack though...

1st Year Kellie Burchill...

Kellie joins her older brother in the Cougar BLUE this season....see link to read full story. 

http://www.mtroyal.ca/facetime/FTDATA_soccer_092211.htm

Can you handle the pressure..... (sorry Ross)

Cougar Women's killing some time on the road...playing a little SASK

RAP(TOR) FIRE....with Courtney Elliott (hosted by Monica Neilson)

(dated...september 17-18, 2011 while on the Lakeland/Red Deer road swing)

MRU Seasonal Home Opener

The Soccer Home Opener for 2011 is Saturday, September 24th vs Medicine Hat College.  Last season the team went a perfect 5-0 and at home....can this be repeated?

Tell your friends, family, your co-workers, your tweet followers - get them to the game.   BBQ and half-time events to be included.   CHANCE TO WIN AN IPAD!!

For this home match the MRU Cougars will support the local soccer community by inviting the Cochrane Girls U16 team to be their "guest of 'Game Day' honour". 

The girls will get the opportunity to meet the players and coaching staff as they arrive and prepare for the home match.  Be invited into the team dressing rooms for the pre game talk as well be involved in the team's starting XI photo and walk out with the team for O'Canada while wearing and supporting their local team colours.   After the match, the players and parents will meet up with the head coach, Tino Fusco, to speak about opportunities regarding playing at the post-secondary level.  

Wear your Cougar GEAR.... get out and support!

MRU Soccer to Host Calgary HighSchool All-Star Game

MRU Women's Soccer will be hosting the Calgary High School Association All-star Game this Friday, September 23rd at 4:00pm on its Stadium Field.  We wish all competitors good luck and hopefully next year you can be wearing the Cougar BLUE and continuing to play on one of the best natural grass fields in the city.

MRU Women's Soccer to Stream Home Games Live

Hello MRU Soccer Supporters!

We thank you greatly for wearing your Cougar BLUE and coming out to cheer on the Cougars.  For those parents who live out of town....we can hear you too.  Now we want you to see us play....

Here is a link that you will be able to log on 15 minutes prior to our home match kickoffs and view the matches.

http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/mtroyal.portal#

Enjoy!  Go Cougars!

Captains's Blog...(unedited)

First weekend trip, CHECK. Our long trek to llyodminster proved worthwhile, coming out of our first game with a 4-0 win against the Lakeland rustlers. Congrats goes out to speedy raptor Monica Neilson for winning player of the game. Her defensive performance proved too much for the rustlers to handle. The high of winning the Lakeland game carried over into the second game against Red Deer college queens where the Cougars controlled the first half with their high tempo and solid play. Unfortunately, a few mistakes led to a 2-1 loss to the Queens but these errors are easily fixed and the Cougars know what to do going forward. Overall, it was a successful trip with many laughs along the way. Everyone is looking forward to our home opener against MHC this saturday, see you all there! Ps be ready for some new fundraising events (calendar or carwash;))

2011-2012 CCAA Female Apprentice Coach Program Participants

The CCAA (Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association) is pleased to announce the successful candidates participating in the 2011-2012 CCAA Female Apprentice Coach Program.

Now in its seventh year, the CCAA Female Apprentice Coach Program will offer coaching opportunities to 20 apprentices training under mentor coaches in soccer, cross-country running, badminton, basketball and volleyball.

The CCAA Female Apprentice Coach Program targets female graduating student-athletes to participate in collegiate sport as apprentice coaches. The program provides grants for professional development opportunities and operational costs associated with the apprentice coach. Apprentice coaches typically aid in player scouting, team communications, training exercises, skill development and administrative duties throughout the season.

The CCAA Female Apprentice Coach program is funded by Sport Canada.

We are pleased to announce the candidates for the 2011-12 CCAA Female Apprentice Coach Program:

Mount Royal University Cougars, ACAC - Soccer

Apprentice: Ashley Dixon
Ashley Dixon completed five years of CCAA eligibility with the Mount Royal University Cougars participating in soccer and badminton. Her soccer honours included being named a three-time CCAA All-Canadian and the 2008 CCAA Female Soccer Player of the Year.
"Following my athletic career on the field, I believe I am ready to see the other end of the spectrum and try to help ladies grow as a team by guiding them from the sidelines," says Dixon.

Mentor: Tino Fusco
Now entering his third year as head coach of the Mount Royal University women's soccer program, Tino Fusco is eager to participate in the CCAA Female Apprentice Coach program. "With the recent growth of soccer, and the exciting news of Canada hosting the 2015 Women’s World Cup, I feel the future of women's soccer is in Canada. I am dedicated to helping improve the development of female coaching in my community."

Getting to KNOW....1st year Courtney Elliott

This week I decided to use our lovely 5 hours of travel time to learn a little bit more about Courtney Elliott, the rookie with some serious tude. 

Jan: What made you choose mru?
Elliott: I didn't want to go away and its nicer than u of c

Jan: What program are you enrolled in?
Elliott: Physical education

Jan: How are you going to balance school and soccer?
Elliot: My schedule makes it very easy to do homework, I only have one class on monday wednesday friday.

Jan: What do you think of the team so far?
Elliot: Good...were winning and that's always good. Its fun, everyone gets along.

Jan: How long have you been playing soccer? 
Elliott: 14 years 

Jan: What position do you enjoy playing?
Elliott: Defense haha I love defense 

Jan: What is your favorite soccer memory?
Elliott: Nationals in 2009, that was fun.

Jan: Window or aisle seat?
Elliott: Window

Jan: What are you most nervous about entering mru?
Elliott: Human anatomy, the course haha

Jan: What are your expectations for the season?
Elliott: Get into provincials! And hopefully win them!

Jan: What's you're favorite food?
Elliott: Lasagna!

Jan: Favorite pizza? 
Elliott: Hawaiin

Jan: What are your thoughts of bringing homemade bagged lunches for the captains on roadtrips?
Elliott: You have enough! Haha  

Thanks Elliott! Our readers will be rivited by your sparkling personality.

CCAA Week One Rankings - MRU Ranked 11th in Canada

April Spring League Match Dates Confirmed

MRU Women's Soccer has confirmed the dates for it's Spring League.

Matches will be played at Rundle College on their state of art turf stadium field under the lights.
April 13th 6pm
April 17th 6pm

Opponents have not been confirmed and will be updated once finalized.

*These matches will follow the 2012 ACAC Futsal Season.

Match Day 1: Pre-game Interviews and Reviews

Match Day 1: MRU @ SAIT September 11, 2011

Coaching Comments;

I thought the team started well.  From the pre-game video below you can tell that nerves for a younger team was normal for a first University match.  Starting three rookies in the lineup the team showed well, keeping possession and creating many great chances early on.  As Dixon stated: "Christmas Gifts"!  

Unfortunately, and credit to the SAIT goalkeeper, but we were not able to capitalize on our initial chances.  The team kept up the pressure and managed to get one by the GK, with Hodl scoring first.  

Lockhart had a solid game and was unfortunate with her chances she created for the attackers.  She did manage to earn a PK for the squad prior to halftime and Kinzner stepped up to the spot and stuck it nicely in the corner.  Score at half 2-0 MRU.  

As a coach, I was cautious and notified the players at half, that the game was far from over.  SAIT earned a PK in the 64th minute and converted successful making the score 2-1.  MRU battled back and earned another goal by Hodl in the 73rd minute and solidifying the win with a 3-1 away result.  

Not bad for an away game that was fairly physical and saw two yellow cards.  Definitely one area that needs improvement is the offsides in the match.  Too many wasted chances.  We'll continue to look to improve in our training and prepare for the Lakeland/Red Deer road swing. 

Quick MRU Match Stats: 

Offsides = 11, SOG = 7, Shots = 6, Corners = 4, Corners Allowed = 2, Fouls Provided = 5

POM: Kinzner

Pre-Season Team Crossbar Challenge Event

Captain's Blog: Part 1 - First week of school

First week back at school and first game of the season this weekend, MRU vs. Sait!!! Going into the game this weekend I think the Cougar ladies are thoroughly prepared after this week of training, we got a lot covered this week. But of course we all managed to have some fun in the process! Friday night the cougs got together for the mother of all feasts which included mother Burchill’s famous fudge and Luci’s famous chip dip…and of course there was green healthy things and lots and lots of water. This week also included the Cougars famous Crossbar Challenge! Everybody got their chance to strut their stuff in front of the camera; especially Mallory Pauline Mcnab...legs for days on that one!! I think this year’s squad has found a good balance between hard work and fun. We are all looking forward to the game this Sunday so come out and support your Cougars!

 Sunday 12pm @ Sait … BE THERE.

Getting to Know.....1st Year, Kellie Burchill

Note: Interview conducted by Captain, Janelle Carbert. 

Moving right along, my second rookie interview involved learning more about Kellie Burchill. Although most of us know her incredibly interesting brother, Sean through the mens program, I wanted to know more about Kellie and how she measures up to the Burchill name. 

Janelle: What made you choose MRU?

KB: The nursing program, I heard so many good things about it. It seemed like a good fit and the classes are small.

Janelle: What program are you enrolled in?

KB: Bachelor of Nursing 

Janelle: How are you going to balance school and soccer?

KB: I have enough breaks through the day that hopefully I'll be able to get my studying done through the day and play hard at soccer at night.

Janelle: What do you think of the team so far?

KB: I think that the team is going to be great this year, lots of good new talent. Also, lots of leadership and talent from the older players. I think collaboratively its going to be a great season for MRU. 

Janelle: How long have you been playing soccer?

KB: Almost 16 years

Janelle: What position do you enjoy playing?

KB: Center Forward

Janelle: What is your favourite soccer memory?

KB: Uhhh, sounds kind of weird but I'd have to say the thing that will stick with me forever is Shawn Lowther calling me out for being lazy in his thick english accent.

Janelle: So...window or aisle seat?

KB: Window, I love looking out the window as well as I have something to lean my head against besides my neighbours shoulder.

Janelle: What are you most nervous about in entering MRU?

KB: Not doing well in school

Janelle: What are your expectations for the season?

KB: To just come together as a team, play well, support eachother. Simply push each other and win an ACAC championship. 

Janelle: What's your favourite food?

KB: vietnamese food, mmm love me some pho.

Janelle: Favorite pizza?

KB: Pepperoni

Janelle: What are your thoughts on bringing homemade bagged lunches for the captains on the long road trips?

KB: haha I can ask my mom but she already complains about making food for me...I'll pretend its for Sean and you two can share.

PERFECT!

Thanks Kellie! I really enjoyed getting to know a bit about what makes you, YOU! 

2011 League Preview (from the ACAC)

Click here to view article

Are you up for the challenge?

No one person is going to make or break the team.

Yet without leaders, the team is nothing.

Realize that nobody is forcing you to be here.

If you are new to the team, keep quiet and listen.

If you are a veteran, keep listening.

Your value to the team has nothing to do with what position you play.

Don’t tell us where you play, we’ll tell you.

Everybody and we mean everybody, puts away and carries the equipment.

Helping your teammate helps you.

You will not always agree with the coach and that’s okay.

If your first priority is to stand out from the team, you will be left standing out.

Don’t hide. Make sure you contribute.

You are not here to impress the coaches or the fans. Impress your teammates.

You cannot fool people into thinking you are a team player.

It’s not always going to feel comfortable around here.

Good players play on good teams. Great players play on great teams.

Great players make great plays.

Flair plus reliability equals genius.

If you aren’t reliable, we don’t care how much flair you have.

The soccer world is a small world. You can’t run from your reputation.

Own everything you do. No excuses.

We sweat the small stuff around here. It’s the little things that matter.

If you’ve got a problem, you need to find a solution.

Good teams set high standards. Great teams achieve the standard.

Teams achieve excellence when everyone understands their role.

You will have a role. Understand it.

Every team needs a leader in every situation.

Remember why you came here. If you can’t, then it’s time to leave.

Decision, decisions – can you make one?

Be ready to be physical or you will continually pick yourself up from the ground.

If you think you are irreplaceable, you are wrong.

Remember the long-term plan. Focus on short term steps.

Remember what team you are on.

Remember that your team is part of a school.

Put your school and team before yourself and you will earn everyone’s respect.

Enjoy yourself and play hard every game.

But most of all; make a difference at practice! 

Is this you?

Getting to Know....1st year Kelsey Kinzner

*Interview conducted by senior team captain: Janelle Carbert

Great way to get to know the new girls we have this year on the squad!

I decided to interview Kelsey Kinzner and learn a little more about the face behind the talent!

Janelle: What made you choose MRU?

KK: Its a good school, with small class sizes. We played you in futsal and the team seemed awesome!

Janelle: What program are you enrolled in?

KK: Bachelor of Science, in 5 classes 

Janelle: How are you going to balance school and soccer?

KK: Haha, basically school during the day and soccer at night, it should be interesting.

Janelle: What do you think of the team so far?

KK: I really like it! Its a really good group of girls and we have some great talent, I think it'll be an awesome season

Janelle: How long have you been playing soccer?

KK: 13 years

Janelle: What position do you enjoy playing?

KK: Inside mid or striker

Janelle: What is your favourite soccer memory?

KK: Probably nationals in St. Johns Newfoundland, it was so cold but still fun!

Janelle: So...window or aisle seat?

KK: Definitely window

Janelle: What are you most nervous about in entering MRU?

KK: School and doing well 

Janelle: What are your expectations for the season?

KK: I want to help MRU end on a high, and take home a gold at the ACAC championships!

Janelle: What's your favourite food?

KK: Spaghetti!

Janelle: Favorite pizza?

KK: Hawaiian

Janelle: What are your thoughts on bringing homemade bagged lunches for the captains on the long road trips?

KK: No thanks....

Thanks for doing this Kelsey! It really helped me gain an idea of what the new players are most excited about as well as fearing for the up-coming season. If any of you newbies are ever nervous about balancing school and soccer, don't be; YOU CAN DO IT! After all, we did...and we're still here...barely.

PS. Were trying to plan some sort of team dinner or BBQ for the night of Friday September 9th after practice. We were thinking potluck style but we will discuss at practice this coming week, but try to keep that friday night open!!! 

Captain's Blog - week 2 pre-season.....

Hey Cougars!

 

Were just heading into the end of our second week of Cougar training and

the team is coming together nicely! The weekend came with some highs and

lows. One of our highs was a 3-1 victory against local Calgary team U of C Dinos! A great

kick off to the season!! Even though the weather conditions were comparable 

to the Arabian desert everyone busted their butts on the field and coach Tino

was very impressed by the hard work. And a congratulations to team Captain

Janelle and defender Mallory who clocked over 300 minutes of hard work on

the field!

After some recovery from the weekend the Cougars jumped right back into things

amping it up with 2 weeks of two a days so we can be the utmost prepared for this season

because COUGARS TAKE NO PRISONERS!!! Lets hit the next two weeks full force

ladies! Go Cougars!!