Jets Place 2nd in Mighty Joe Selby's Final Tourny - December 23rd, 2007 - In the first Jets futsal tournament in over 4 months it was clear from the begining that the soccer-only regimine left some futsal cobwebs to be dusted.

The first match appeared shakey in the opening couple of minutes against the typcially young and fast Japanese side. Guts and experience, however, count for a lot. The tournament pace was set as the Jets stomped to a 4-0 win with goals coming from new meber Hidenori, two by Rob Keating, and one by Nate Gildart, assisted by the Man of the Hour Joe Selby who was bound for a new life in Singapore on Christmas Eve.

The next match was a 2-0 win for the Jets, but could have been by a much wider margin had the finishing been better. Mighty Joe provided the first and Hidenori added his second, which was assisted by Keating.

Feeling in the groove the Jets assumed the next match would be a cake walk, particularly because the side had only 4 men. Poor defending allowed one of the opposition quickly turn, toe punt, and embarrass the Jets with a goal - twice. Down by 2-0 the Jets settled down and dominated the last 6 or 7 minutes, but only in front of a tenacious defending 4-men. Using space well and unloading many shots, the mere 2 goals scored to tie the game only reflected more poor finishing but with some excellent goal-keeping. Keating and Gildart scored the two.

The fourth match was a dominating 2-0 win, with the futsal cobwebs still showing. Fraser Gould put in his first for the tournament and Hide added his third, demonstrating his goal-scoring prowess.

John Rayner stepped up to score two crucial goals in this one, a tyining and a go-ahead goal. Rob and Hide marked the other two, with Rob also being in on one of nig John's goals. 4-2 and the Jets fourth convincing win of the day.

The final was a rematch of the day's earlier 2-2 fiasco. This time, however, the Jets granted a request that the opponents play with a 5th man this time. The young, quick, and clearly futsal-trained team scored two quick goals with the same two toe-punts that sank the Jets' previous match against the same opponents, one coming from an early Christmas present passed directly to the nearest open man - an opponent just outside the goal area. Keating replied with an outstanding shot that squeeked into the corner, but the lone goal was not enough to lift the Jets.

Maybe it was rusty play, but the Jets' teamwork was lacking this time around with most goals coming from individual play and many lost opportunites due to fruitless foraging into marked territory, not to mention a king's ransom worth of lame finishing.

In the end a 2nd place finish would have to suffice, but a respectable result against all young and fit sides at the reputedly 'high level' Jexer Omiya tournament. Selby and his football talent will be dearly missed by the Saitama Jets organization. Good luck in Singapore Mr. Selby!

Decemer 23rd, 2007

Jets Win Season 0-30s Tourney in Tokorozawa - August 5th, 2007

The elderly members in the Jets camp begged to simply survive the blazing Tokyo heat, but ended up winning against other equally sweatty and aged teams. Game one saw Fraser come out strong with 2 goals from Rob and Nate. It should have been 5-0 if not for Nate's poor finishing, amoung chances others had.

In the second match Chris was nowhere to be found for the first half. Regardless, the Jets pressed on and defended hard with only 5 men. Though worthy opponents, the Jets again should have capitalized on more chances, and not let in a weak undefended goal. Fraser added his third goal, and second assist from Nate.

The third match was easily the most challenging, and on several occasions it was thought that the Jets would be on the losing end had it not been for Chris Piper's elastic play in goal (clearly, playing out is not the only area his spidery legs are useful). Nate and Rob finally got on the scoreboard, Fraser returning the favour to Nate and Chris pumping one to Rob.

The fourth and final match was another tight game, against an equally exhausted opponent. The game started with Nate firing a solid one away, only to have it returned. Nate scored again, and so did they. From the enter kick Nate took the ball past a single player and hit one hard enough to deflect off a happless defender. Although another goal would be returned the Jets went ahead 5-3 with Chris and John replying.

There is room for improvement. Dez hit the post several times, Nate missed a couple of free kicks. With some poor marking (from the beginning, so heat can't take all of the blame), poor finishing, and a need for more thoughtful team play from some, and self-control from others, we have a way to go if we want to play in higher level tournaments for the aged. To boot, with the Saitama Jets putting a team into the TML Third Division it's unclear how often futsal will be played this year.

And so a new campaign begins.....

August 5th, 2007

Fraser & Joe Go On Goal Rampage; Spencer Trips; Jets Win in Asagaya - April 15th, 2007

There was lots of scoring in this one, from several teams, but for the Jets it was all Joe and Fraser. In fact, both went on such a complete and consistent stomp for the whole tournament it's easier to round up the goals than to explain the matches.

Fraser had no less than a (most likely) tournament-leading 7 goals, with 3 of the being stripped from helpless defenders. The other 4 came from calm control, turing defenders inside out and confidently plopping the ball in the back of the goal.

And there's Lightning Joe, who scored a whopping 6 goals and 4 assists, all while playing last man back in our 1-2-1 system. Raping forwards of the ball 5 times, and then running through 2 more players with speed that reminded of steroid sprinting legend Ben Johnson, spanked in 5 goals. Another tally came from a Nate pass.

With such brilliant play the other goals hardly seem mere footnotes. Of Jack's two assists, one was certainly the best pass in futsal history, smoking the ball through an entire team to Dez, waiting at the top of the key, and making the turn and shot look too easy. Spencer had his goal of tournament. Nate added two more assists and a goal.

In the end the Jets one in a revenge match final against a team we had lost to 2-1. After tying the game from being down by one, Spencer landed awkwardly on his ankle with a pop that was felt back in Scotland. Sadly, the day was done for Spence, who was in clear agony. Nevertheless, while singing the Bonnie Lass of Fyvie-o, and surrounded by concerned futsal staff, play on was the decision. Fraser's 7th goal - the tournament winner - came with only a couple of minutes on the clock.

April 15, 2007

Jets Futsal Crash Out in PKs, Again, This Time with the Ladies' Team - March 11th, 2007

The Saitama Jets thought they'd be blessed by having skilled female players in a mixed tournament - a rare advantage - but in spite of being the best team in the tournament, lacklustre finishing in the elimination match led to our early exit.

Round robin play included a goal and assist from Holly, and a couple from her husband Hiro. Spencer had opened the tournament with the first goal, as usual, and left his tally at that lonely number, as usual. Nate didn;t make himself useful until later in the game, a 2-0 win against a team with a player that just simply pissed him off. It seemed as if Joe and Jun were a perpetual wall, allowing only a single goal to be scored in the entire tournament - the best defense of the tournament.

The team held up well with aggressive play from Christina, Lia and Akiko. Lia had almost scored on a few occasions, which would have given and even greater advantage to the Jets due to the (rather silly) 'girls' goal = 2' rule.

Then came the penalties. Jun had a brilliant run in the goal, making a save on the first shot - rare in futsal. Unfortunately, Nate was the only one to score in the penalty play-off - missing two shots being another futsal rarity. Thus ended the Jets' first mixed tournament of 2007, fun but a tad disappointing.

March 11th

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Jets Lose Men's Over 30s in PKs - February 25th, 2007

Although the Jets easily won their group and the crossover match, it came down to penalties and received nothing in spite of finishing 3rd of 12 teams. More depressing was the tournament format, which saw us watch two round-robin teams we defeated play in the final match. Nobody knows who scored the goals, so the tournament isn't registered in the statistics.

February 25th

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Jets Futsal Wins Mediocre Over 30s Tournament - November 23rd, 2006

The Saitama Jets won first prize in a small, 5-team Over-30s tournament. Although two matches were close, there was no question that the Jets, playing with more Over-30 players than opponents, were the dominant team.

The first win was by a score of 3-2 with three goals from Nate, assisted by Dez and Jun. One was scored from open play.

Nate hopped in the goal for the next game, with Rob stepping up to score the 2 goals needed to win 2-1. The opponents never really challenged, and Rob proved too much for their defense, scoring both from open play.

Nate put two more in with assists from Rob and Dez. Joe got himself on the scoreboard with a booming shot assisted by Rob.

The fourth and final match was no contest. So many people scored that nobody seems to know who assisted. Joe added two more, as well as Nate. Rob tallied again, and Jon and Dez both snuck one by each.

November 2006

Jets Futsal Seeing Some Success - October 29th, 2006

The Saitama Jets placed 2nd on Sunday October 29th in Machida City. Very skilled teams made up the tourney, but it was the Jets’ aggressive play that kept them undefeated in the first four matches. This time, nobody smoked Dez.

The pace was set from the get-go with a 2-0 win over a determined opponent. Rob was the first to tally from open play, stripping a defender of the ball and smoking the ball into the back of the net. Nate added a left-footed steamroller to seal the win.

In the second match the Jets expected more from a youthful side, but found themselves in a 4-0 winning position with only minutes remaining. The Jets’ overconfidence was evident as defenders chose to play forward, leaving the Jets with a lucky 4-3 win. Goals came from Rob, collecting Fraser’s rebound off he post; Nate from Rob and another on an individual effort; and Rob on a solo run.

Game three was a 6-0 hammering of another skilled, but heartless side. Three were from Fraser and three from Nate. Assists came from Matt, Nate, with Jack and Fraser on two. Nate seemed to beat the keeper on little taps from close range, but the highlight goal was a header from Fraser ? indeed a rare goal in futsal.

The game to win in the crossovers was from another seemingly talented team, which was easily beaten 3-0 with two goals by Rob, one an assist by Nate’s kick-in. Hardly a deserved assist due to Rob skinning two defenders before powering into the goal. Fraser also added a fourth goal to his tally, being assisted by Jack.

The fourth win found the Jets in the tournament final. Unfortunately the match began on a sour note, with a poor refereeing decision ? or no decision, rather ? that led to the opposition’s first of four goals. A ball-rolling free kick quickly taken a literal 4 meters ahead of the place of the foul turned into a simple goal for a player unopposed. Nate received a yellow ? and laughter from the stands ? as he quickly pointed out the goal as being the referee’s fault. After the match ended with three more goals from a sportsman-like opponent Fraser received his first yellow card after pointing out that there is a FIFA rulebook made especially for referees to study. Rob and Jack also received yellow cards earlier in the day. Such was life for the Saitama Jets during their third tournament.

Overall, 2nd place and 5 jerseys as booty.

October 2006

Jets Come Out Strong Again - October 8th, 2006

The Jets played in the second tournament of the new futsal branch of the Saitama Jets FC, starting out a little apprehensive of the high level, but rising to he challenge with an aggressive, attacking style of play. And once again, the theme bent towards Dez being ferociously attacked by his own teammates.

The first match saw Dez scrambling in the goal, but only after the Jets began to sit back on a 2-nil lead. The Jets' complacency almost led to coughing up a defeat. At 4-2, the Jets allowed another goal, but held on for a 4-3 opening win. Goals were scored by Spencer with a tough individual effort, Joe, Nate, and Yasu. The Jets could have beat the youthful team Pressure by more had Gildart not missed two clear chances - one an open net after beating the keeper on the left side of the goal area.

The Jets wrestled a 1-1 tie with Tenjou Shira's, but only by giving away a goal close to the end of the match. Could this be a bad futsal habit? Nate scored the uninspiring goal in the uninspiring game. Yasu was in goal.

Playing against who were thought to be a tough opponent resulted in a 6-2 drubbing, with Nate going on a 4-goal rampage, the more notable ones coming from Yasu beating a DCT defender with a tap in the air, which was chested and volleyed past the keeper, and Dez splitting the offense from his defensive end. The other two goals came from a strong ball knocked in by Joe, too powerful to hold as the keeper fumbled in into the goal, and Spencer.

0-2 was the score in the final match. It was a win-or-be-eliminated situation and the Jets went down by a goal early due to poor marking. The second goal came from our keeper attempting a game tying goal after making a save in the key, dribbling close to half and unleashing a ball that was easily picked off and lobbed into the net. Two goals down with a several minutes to go was too much against a young, skilled side. They eventually placed second in the tournament.

October 8th

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Jets Strong in Futsal Opener - September 18th, 2006

The Saitama Jets had a relatively successful inauguration Futsal tournament on September 18th, 2006. The day was eventful, with the first 5 minutes Deryk Bliss being knocked out of the match after a face-plant into Nate Gildart's shoulder. Voted Play of the Day, it wasn't enough to keep the tenacious Bliss as he returned for the other 4 matches ruffled and scathed. The first game was a 4-1 routing of a young side. John DiCesare had the first official Saitama Jets Futsal goal, a smoking bomb from inside the key. Yasuhisa Suyama provided the pass. DiCesare turned provided on the third goal, a beautiful split of defenders to an awaiting Gildart who held nothing back from the top of the key. Gildart scored the final goal of the game, stripping a sleeping defender of the ball and beating the keeper - for some reason out at half - for a simple pass into an empty net. Fraser Gould was in goal.

After assessing the next opponents Gildart played in the net. What was thought to be a tough match turned out to be a well-earned victory. The Jets' defensive play was superb by all four field players, giving the opposition few chances to shoot, let alone threaten. Fraser Gould got his toe on the end of a through ball from Suyama, easily beating the keeper for his first goal of he day. Newcomer Selby had an A-bomb of his own, smacking the ball from a tough angle from, open play,past a shell-shocked keeper. Moments later Selby put his youth to good use with furious runs at the opposition, one leading to a penalty kick masterfully taken by Suyama. The match ended 3-1 making the Jets 2-0 in the tournament.

The third game was a tougher affair with weaker opposition. Was it fatigue, or the loss of DiCesare's aggressive play wasted in the goal? With the Jets going down 1-0 the pressure was on to perform against a side as old, but seemingly less fit than the Jets. Gildart replied through a shot in open play, a low drive that was helped by the wet surface. In the final seconds - literally - Gould sent a though ball to a sneaking Gildart, who skillfully pulled the keeper wide and tapped the ball in for a nail-biting thrid win. With a 3-0 record, and two matches to go, the Saitama Jets looked to be the team-to-beat and on the road to a tournament victory in their first tournament.

Joe Selby and Jun Onishi played in the goal for the fourth and fifth games, respectively. The Jets had the carpet pulled out from under them as fatigue led to consecutive losses in the final two matches. The fouth was a particularly hard pill to swallow, being a 3-2 loss at the hands of a much weaker team. All three goals came from an excited defense pushing ahead, giving several two-on-the-keeper, and three-on-one plays that eventually led to three goals. Gildart stepped it up to pull back two goals from open play, one by grabbing the ball at half and turning it around the width of the court for a low drive into the bottom corner. The second loss came at the hands of a younger, slightly more skilled side. The score was luckily kept at 2-0 when Gildart beat two defenders to smack a hard ball into the front of the goal. With a determined run to the net Gould swiftly beat the keeper to a diffcult ball in the air. With the score at 2-1 the Jets fought hard for the equalizer to get second place until Gildart slipped while chasing a loose ball, which was unfortunately scooped up by a defender who put the final nail in the Jets' coffin for a 3-1 loss.

In the end, the Jets placed third, but were certainly the most aggressive and determined team. The lone consolation was that the Jets beat the eventualy tournament winners 3-1 decisively. Even better, Dez stopped bleeding by the time we reached the Dubliner's Pub.

September 2006