Golden 2 - Kusche 5

Certainly the best result we've ever got against Super Kusche. Even though the teams were not playing with their 'star' players.

Training had became hard in the last few days, and players are a bit tired. Now they are at rest for a week until the next off-season match.

We received an early goal, and missed to put the match 1-1 around minute 10. Kusche got a 3 goal advantage, and we could only score 1 goal before the end of the 1st half--beautiful goal by the way.

2nd half did not start very well. Minute 50 and we received another goal, and 8 minutes later another. We managed to score after good play made from the left, finished by Panchito whom only had to kick the ball to an empty goal.

We missed two other clear chances to score during the 2nd half, one as a result of strenght and stubborness from the defenders, trashing and bumping their way to the goal but failing on definition; the other one led by the unpredictable and audatious actions of the uruguayan mid-fielder, also failing on definition.

I can understand fans are probably a bit dissapointed, but they need to understand we were playing against a great team, which is growing fast and promoted to league VII as 1st on their series. We still have a lot to improve and reach that level, hopefully by the end of next season.

After the match we shared a personal 'coach chat' with Kel11, Manager of Super Kusche. We discussed about the match, pointing pros and cons for the upcoming matches both teams have in the next few weeks, and reviewed performance in our previous matches against each other.

We exchanged flags and club emblems, before the great banquet we had prepared. Bbq followed, then dessert, then dancing beautiful women, and after that...well...it's hard to remember.

1st Pre-season match

We are very excited regarding our 1st friendly after the end of the series. Very happy to measure our skills once again against the powerfull Super Kusche, one of the toughest teams on their series and capable of achieving promotion to the VIII series--Congratulations!

We have the after-match party planned as well, a total surprise for both teams, as we'll have end-season gifts for everyone, a mexican piñata and maybe some extra fun--if you know what I mean.

After evaluation over the season performance we set up the team mixing players from the 1st and the 2nd team. This match is very important as well, as it's the debut of Uğurcan Doğramacılar (17) in the defence. This youngster did very good within the youth team, making his way to his own promotion.

Some other players are having a few days off, as a reward of their hard work over the season.

I'm sure this match will be a good show for the fans, there's nothing less to expect with a great team like ours and Super Kusche.

Another departure...

Janco Wijnen left the club after the end of this season.

"I can't keep up with the training. I'm old for this. I used to kick trees with my bare feet when young, run in the sand with 50kg in my back, jump over 2 mts high for a headed...now I am not feeling it anymore. It's time to move on and have a real life. Wife, and kids...well...first, my own house, a real job...~snif", he explained, crashing in tears.

We completely understand his decision, I mean...he is 32 years old, still living with his parents, no further aim in life, no desires, no goals. If you ask me...I'd say he is still virgin.

Last Match of the Season

As expected, the team didn't go easy on Biet United in the last match of the whole season. We achieve victory and ended very close to Harimau FC in the roster.

4-4-2 formation and 'center attack' tactic were set from the beginning. The team had found itself very comfortable when playing under this formation and tactics.

We really improved on our set pieces abbilities, and it's shown with facts. Once again we scored after a corner kick, and I'm happy to say the scorer was one of the new guys, Markus. Our defenders are always participating in playmaking and attacking as any other forward, showing decision and focus in order to score.

Ernesto, put us up 2-0 after a great combination, precise pass, sprint and perfect definition. We see goals like this from Ernesto very often, as he trains really hard every week, giving all he got.

Sófocles showed his true nature as well, 'jogo bonito' and then the goal. Amazing playmaking, great goals.

Important win in order to raise confidence and spirit within the team.

This year was great, we got stronger. Older players are showin their experience and leadership, and younger players their stamina and speed. The team is united, solid as a rock, ready for the next step, ready for harder training and tougher opponents.

Negative results in two decisive matches (vs lennart 4-3, and vs Groningen 3-3) left us really close to promotion (3rd place, 2 points away from 2nd place--Harimau FC), we could have put an electrifying and better end to the series.

However, we continue working as hard as ever, and I guarantee to the fans that promotion will be achieve next year.

Lightning News!

*One player was discontinued the past week, due to unprofessional behaviour. The team had to bear several pranks from this player, to the point it started to affect our training. The player reached his limits when he duct-taped the family jewels of another player.

After a quick intervention of our medical staff (VERY quick...you know how duct-tape works, right?), and the proper ammount of cream (to treat the...well...skin) the player managed to get on his feet and walk again. The affected player stated he wanted a shave but not exactly under this conditions. We hope everything is ok now, and we'll probably require the assistance of a professional to help this player recover...I think it's probably psychological, otherwise I can't explain the 'shaving desire'.

*They are german, they are young, and they are unpredictable. Links, 2,3,4. Markus Maria Ueberschär (20) and Falko Höbart (19), are now part of the team. Very well welcomed by the team, despite of awkward jokes between the dutch and the german.

They had been spoted by our scout, who reported they were "cheap, but skillful". That's the combination I like.

Glückwünsche und viel Glück, werden Sie es brauchen.

*Sófocles Garrido (21) came to the team with one thing in mind: "I'm going to bring happines and greatness to the team! We're the biggest in the world!", if you're wondering where he is from, you already know there's only one option: Brazil.

Garrido is keeping his word so far, as samba rhythm is present on every training session (and works like a magnet with the girls, always lurking around the training field) and an enormous sign was placed at the entrance of the club, saying: "Ó máis grande do mundo" ().

He fit into the group quite quickly, and make it to the 1st team after the first training session. Always helpful and kind, he is one of the players showing optimism and advice to the rest of the team--although uruguayans (Jacinto and Juan) always make fun of his funny accent.

*Miloš Drincic (20) is another new player we found lost somewhere in Slovenia. It is unclear how my scouts spotted this player, but it seems he was traning by himself within the woods. No family, nor friends, nor home. Miloš does not speak english, so we are not able to communicate properly, thus he is only training with the 2nd team. We are trying to find a solution to this, although we realized he reacts quite well when we show him food.

*The loss on our last friendly match was not 100% negative. Players were relaxed, and we tried to train a new formation, and new tactics. The 2nd team is also trying to reach a higher level and it will take some time. We have confidence in the team and hope the fans will understand this and keep up with the great support.

Now the team is looking forward to the last match of this season. Even though it appears to be a tough match, I'm sure we'll be able to achieve victory.

Nothing will change in the roster, so I can say we are very happy for the development during this season, however we are already working harder to reach the promotion next year.

-2

Two of our players are no longer in the team, despite of our intentions for them to continue with us.

Vurnon van den Ouden (17) and Hendrick van Aerle (25).

Vurnon explained the difficulties he is bearing with College at the moment, and how their parents want a better future for him. We agreed he is not one of the best players, but still he could have achieve a standard level with some time. Apparently he doesn't want to continue training, thus he decided to focus 100% on his studies to become a Dice Inspector--as his father owns a Casino, and probably sees a bright future for his son over there.

Hendrick's story is a bit different. He realized he was not reacting to the training as expected, and was not feeling quite confident between all the new young players. Hendrick has been with the club from the beginning, and we wanted to keep him anyways, but his plans are rather different. He will be starting a rock band in the upcoming days, as he had that project in his head for a long time--as he explained. We respect his decision, and most likely he has more skills with the guitar than with football.

He wants to link the band to our club anyway, and will be around. We showed grateful for that, and will probably call his band to play on after-matches parties, or public events. We'll see how we can figure that out.

We wish the best for Vurnon and Hendrick, and hope they achieve their personal goals!

Thanks for reading.

Sneaked a WIN

As I stated yesterday in the press conference after the match, it was a great win against one of the best teams in this series.

It was a wonderful match. The Stadium looked great. Supporters were excited. It was a perfect show for our fans, for our team, and for me.

I'm happy with the showed performance by the team, and we'll continue working to push our improvement even further. I take this opportunity to announce that 3 more coach assistants joined our staff, as well as 3 physiotherapists. We want to set clear our possition that the team is not only made by the players, but also by the professional staff behind those players. We are working for the players, so that they can bring their best on every match.

This reached deeply into our players heart, and together with hard training they achieved what they wanted: VICTORY.

1st half, 18', and Harimau's forward goal got me nervous. Norbert was able to block a previous counter-attack, but not this one. However, 1 min after that the team reacted. Panchito showed the team that it was possible to overcome the disadvantages and, together with Dorian, led the team to the right path. He announced the reaction not one, but two times, and got an expectacular goal on his 3rd opportunity. 1st half ended. I made myself clear with the guys that I had 200% confidence on their skills, and that they will be able to win the match with the same devotion and hard work as in the training fields.

Two excellents attacks by Harimau, blocked by Norbert hardened the confidence and spirit of the team. Jeen Sieraal put us 2-1 ahead with a magnificent headed, after Panchito's perfect corner kick.Fans were euphoric.

Some fresh legs were necessary, so it was the time for two young players: Ennio Mangano and Jan-Willem Polman.

Ennio found the ball after a great free kick by Olag and, with extreme luck, put the final 3-1.

This victory was achieved as a result of hard training and a great confidence within the team. I'd like to congratulate this hard work with a party at the club's canteen. Entrance is free to all the fans willing to come and say hi to the team, however there will be security procedures in order to prevent any kind of problem within the fans.

Finally, I'd like to thank our friends from Harimau FC. They are still far ahead in the roster and will be promoting by the end of this season, so congratulations to Harimau FC, and their Manager DjManiac, as well.

To Victory and Beyond...

Today's Fight

One of the most important matches of the season is the one we have today. It will not make a difference in the roster, but it's more than a 'friendly rivalry' thing.

Both clubs started almost at the same time in this series, and we had been always exchanging ideas in order to improve our levels. We grew together, as training partners, as clubs. Today we test our skills against each other one more. The winner will proove whose training had been more succesful, whose players are better, whose tactics are better displayed.

We have great expectations on this match, and will be doing our best to get the win. We're not going easy on Harimau FC, besides our great friendship. I have confidence on the team, and they are prepared to achieve victory on this match.

I'd like to encourage our fans to support us 150% today, 'cause we'll need it.

Golden vs Maxx (3-3)

On regards to the last friendly match we have, I have to say we are very happy and satisifed with the results. The 2nd Team will be showing good results soon, and some of the players in the bench are alredy being considered to be part of the 1st Team.

1st half was terrific. We were winning 3-0 and the other team couldn't reach our goal, not even take a shot at it. Concentration was the key to victory over the 1st half. We showed order in our tactics. We showed explosion, and sonic sprints. We were able to whiplash our opponents defence with every attack, and that's why we got that result: 3 goals. After the 3rd goal the team leaned back, and that was crucial. We allowed our opponents to control action in a more accurate way, to control timings, and the most important thing: to control the ball.

2nd half was entirely different. Our friends from the MaxxTeam had the possession of the ball and that was important for them to achieve their goals. We ran out of fuel on the 2nd half, due to the exhaustive training I put my players through every day of the week. That could be considered my fault, however I'm proud of my team everytime they say, on every training session: "No, come on coach, chief, let's keep training a little bit more...we need to be the best". We all have to be proud of this team, as they are giving their very best on every training session, on every match.

We invited MaxxTeam to our canteen, to celebrate and discuss our actions, after the match. His Team were all gentlemen and showed respect at all times, far beyond being attached to a simplest football rivalry. We are grateful to be part of this friendship, further than any strong feeling against our teams.

Thanks again for all the support of our fans, that never stopped chanting. They are as necessary as every other part of this institution.

Friendly Match next Wednesday

Next friendly match is against 'Maxxteam', another of our friends within the dutch clubs.

The fans are quite enjoying our friendly matches, and we'd like to continue playing during the week in order to train the 2nd team, promote interaction within clubs and have a great time with friends.

'Maxxteam' requested this friendly match honorably, and we agreed proud for being chosen. Remember we were hanging out with some guys in the bar, watching some international matches on tv, and this guy came asking for a friendly match. It was so rude that caught the attention of everyone in the table. I refused and he threw a punch to me. Luckily enough, 'Maxxteam' manager was there to catch the punch in middle-air and swing and uppercut directly to his chin, saying: "That's not polite for a dutch person. You are a disgrace to the dutch community, this is how you ask for a friendly match...", he turned to me and continued, "Hi sir, I'm 'Maxdiss' and I'd like to play a friendly match with your team in my stadium, next Wednesday. I think your team is very competitive and it will be a good chance to train and have a great time", hand-shake followed, friendly accepted, afternoon continued between laughs, beer, and football chat, then night followed, some more beers appeared somehow, then a joint, suddenly I realized I was in a club, girls and booze everywhere, Max appeared with two blonde girls, house music pumping spirits, dj going crazy, blonde girl heading to my underpants, Max taking pictures of everything, everyone half-naked, tequila battles everywhere, and then silence...sun and headache followed, Max appeared with coffee. That's friendship right there. I''ll never forget.

Let's see what happens next Wednesday...with the match I mean.

Always good to win

Even though it appeared not to be an important match, it was. All matches are important. Despite what the press had been saying prior to the game, we showed they were wrong. The team showed solid, consistant, and won the match. New players are still adapting to the team, but I'm sure the most experienced players will help integration and keep promoting the proper teams spirit for the upcoming matches, and season.

1-3 the score. Congratulations to the team, I hope to continue this winning streak and keep training towards the next season.

Next Sunday's match is against, our friends and moral supporters, Harimau F.C. . We are not going to make it easy for them though, and we'll try to play at our best level.

Thanks!

New 'cuate' from México...ay,ay,ay,ayyyy!

Happy to announce we have another team member, a new Winger for the club: Pancho de Moral

Regardless of what the newspapers had been saying, Panchito's arrival was well received by the team as a whole, and no fights occured so far. It's not true that Panchito landed his fist on the face of another team member when someone touched his ass saying: "Did they vaccinated this new pig from México? I don't want to catch the flu, you know?" Yes,we took some preventive actions due to the influenza, but still no aggressions to the new player.

Newspapers are trying to attack the integrity of our team creating this stories, and I must say we are far beyond responding to that kind of statements. On the other hand, we have now a full 'press agent' team working to avoid this situations in the future.

Welcome Panchito, hope you show us some mexican spirit...and remember to put your mask on in every training session. ;)

Farewell

The most difficult news to the team this week was Goran Radeta's farewell.

His Manager received a good offer from 'Arsenal Olsztyn' and we couldn't refuse. It seems that Goran's Manager noticed we are aiming to have a younger team and probably started loooking for another option in order to avoid any situation that would prevent Goran from being in the 1st team (some players don't want to sit on the bench for a long time).

Best wishes to Goran, and good luck with the new team--considering he is now in Poland, I guess he is going to need it.

1st out of 3

The league is finishing and we have 3 exciting matches ahead. Important as they are to maintain our position and start thinking on the next season.

This Sunday we're playing against Zeeland FC, team that appears to be improving a little regardless of the age most of their players bear. The match seems challenging, and I know our fans believe it's going to be a tight game. However, I think we are better than them and the roster shows that clearly (12 points difference).

It's true that we have two bruised players: Ernesto Pagnocelli and Oskar Frieling, but both players requested to play this match, showing a lesson to the rest of the team, and I'd like to quote Oskar on this one: "Bruises and injuries are part of our job! We need to show we are better. We need to show that injuries are not obstacles and will not prevent us from winning this match!" That being said, the team raised fists together and released a war cry that made me shake on my feet. Unbelievable energy. I almost cried at such intense emotion and team proudness, and guts.

We hope the best for this match, the team will be:

Norbert Szilágyi (Keeper)

Janco Wijnen (Wing Back)

Olaf Meutstege (Inner Def)

Mariano Magalhães (Inner Def)

Oskar Frieling (Wing Back)

Siedo Wajwakana (Winger)

Ernesto Pagnocelli (Midfielder)

Dorian Menten (Midfielder)

Youp Zwaga (Winger)

Sweitse Flokstra (Forward)

Jeen Sieraal (Forward)

This will be defined as the 1st team from now on while we wait for Ionel to recover from his injury, and for the younger players to be up to the challenge of being part of the 1st team.

Lastly, I'd like to thank all the fans for their inconditional support every week.

Fresh legs, new faces, low price

Due to the unfortunate foot injury Ionel Bâlea suffered on his first match with the team, and due quantity of friendly matches we are coordinating for the upcoming weeks, we've been forced to start looking for fresh legs and new faces.

We are happy to announce that we have signed two new players: Jacinto Bazzi (18) and Juan Antonio Stipanicic (19).

Both players originated their career in Uruguay. Jacinto played in 'Sociedad de Gimnasia L'venir' (League IV), and Antonio in 'elbagaso' (League VI).

Many times we heard about the good quality of Uruguayan players, and we were astonished when we found this great promises at such a low price. To be honest, I didn't believe my eyes when I checked what they were offering for both players, then I called the sales manager in Uruguay. Funny guy, when I asked his name he told me: "No te hagas drama papá, me podés decir Paco. Todo legal" ("You can call me Paco, no worries"). We arranged the transactions and contracts, and everything ran smoothly. He promised to let me know when he is visiting Europe, so we can meet, have some time to chat, Managers stuff.

Moreover, a 3rd player joined us this week: Ennio Mangano. Young italian player coming from the team 'viva io', referred to us by Ernesto Pagnocelli's father. Ennio didn't show too confident during the tests we put him through this past week, but we signed him anyway (it's difficult to say no when you have an italian guy, wearing a tuxedo, with a cigar in the mouth, and pointing you with a gun in such a classy way you're the only one to see it). Anyway, I totally agreed that Ennio is a good player and I was willing to give him a chance to see how he reacts to training in the next few weeks (See? No reason to point me with the gun. We can be reasonable and reach an agreement like business men).

Jacinto, Antonio and Ennio, welcome to the team!

The Team

The time came up and I met the Team. That dutch speaking fellas, some of them very young, others a little bit old, others wearing glasses and hearing aid machines.

I started my intro speech. No one got a word, nor understood the idea. I skipped it. We went straight to the training grounds, I threw the ball to the ground, kicked it and yelled: "Por siempre hasta la victoriaaaaa!" I wanted to attached some spirit to it, but no one followed.

Training wasn't good, but good enough to be the first one.

We lost 6-1 our first match, and I knew a lot of work was needed to achieve our goals.

The 1st team by that time was:

Henko Hoogeveen (Keeper)

Luca van der Spek (Wing Back)

Jeen Sieraal (Inner Defender)

Olaf Meutstege (Inner defender)

Janco Wijnen (Wing Back)

Dorian Menten (Winger)

Boris Buurstra (Midfielder)

Ko van de Kerkhof (Midfielder)

Jesper Beesems (Winger)

Youp Swaga (Forward)

Sweitse Flokstra (Forward)

These guys were the beginning of this story, the pillars of what the team is today. They understood the essence of my ideas after a while, I know it was hard for them to embrace this mexican wrestling sessions I put them through--necessary requirements to improve; but because of that today I can stand up in the crowd and say: "Hey...listen...I'm proud of my boys, ok? My lads, my team, my 1st eleven, alright? No, no...don't 'shush' me...this is MY Team! Por siempre, hasta la victoria!!"--remember not to do that in the public transport ever again.

That's it: Golden Little Mask

My first change as a Manager, before meeting the Team, was the name of the Club.

Name is everything, is the essence of the Team.

I was astonished when I read the previous name of the Club: 'ioalies'. "Ave María purísima, this can't be real!", I thought.

I stood up from the chair, raised my eyes to the sky and, enlightened, had a grip on that amazing feeling, the very same I felt while watching wrestling shows in Mexico. I had been guided by a powerful force, far from anyone's understanding. I saw him: Mascarita Dorada.

"That's it: Little Golden Mask"

Then I realized: "Meh...I don't want people to think we are 'little' before 'golden'..."

"That's it: Golden Little Mask", I said...raising my fist with glory and with only one thing in mind: "I will bring greatness to this Club, with Mascarita Dorada as witness. Por siempre...hasta la Victoria!", and a tear fell down my cheek graciously.

Becoming the Manager

After very long journeys through Mexico City, Guadalajara, San Luís Potosí, Acapulco and a brief trip through South America (La Paz, Río de Janeiro, Montevideo and Buenos Aires), I tried luck in The Netherlands to fulfil my dream: be a real Football Manager.

I gathered a lot of experience in all my trips through the western continent, but never had the chance to put myself with such seriousness and such devotion into this career.

I met a lot of nice people, helping hands. Referrals were flying everywhere--as far as I remember. Suddenly I had a phone call.

The guy started to speak in dutch, and I kept saying 'ja, ja' after he said my name. After a few awkward silences I recognized the name of a street, then the name of the club and eventualy the words 'football manager'. Fair enough.

I showed up in this club and instantly fell in love with it. Someone received me at the reception, gave me a pen, and said something in dutch, showing me where to sign. I did, I signed. This person left the club in a rushly manner, so I assumed I was the owner now.

No one appeared to state otherwise so...here I am.

Golden's Blog is born

Welcome to the Golden Little Mask's blog!

Thanks to increasing fan support we bear at this moment, we were forced to create this blog in order to establish a way to interact with our fans in a proper way.

The team is very happy about taking this step, and will be also showing their gratitude with the fans via the blog.

Here you'll find whatever we feel exciting to share with the community, with the fans, with our family.

Here you'll find all you've ever wanted to know, insights of the team, training sessions, concentration and match preparations.

Here you'll find humor, laughs, and the heart of a team that stands up for the ultimate final goal: be champions in the most competitive leagues, and beat the toughest teams.

We have a long way to go, but we want YOU to be part of this journey.

Lastly, I'd like to thank our friends from the Harimau Team whom showed very supporting on this idea, specially their Manager: DjManiac

Now...let's kick off.