Thursday night (10/8) saw over 15 Falcon outdoor soccer hopefuls gather at Comer Field, the baseball home for the yeshivah that now doubles as the school’s outdoor soccer practice site. Under the leadership of Head Coach Edie Koslowe, a former Falcon herself who advanced her own skills as a member of Yeshiva University’s Varsity Womens Soccer team, the girls gathered to show that they have the ability and skill to transfer what they have developed during the Yeshiva League’s spring indoor season to the natural setting of the game that is thought to be the most popular team sport in the world.
It was clear from the start that this is a different game from what the girls are used to, as Coach Koslowe put a premium on conditioning, “The 11-on-11 game requires that the players be able to cover ground over a significantly larger playing area,” noted Coach Koslowe. “We will clearly spend time as we go working on skills and team strategy, but the girls need to know that it is extremely important to be able to run as hard at the end of the game as it is at the start. That is all about conditioning.” At the start, middle and end, Coach Koslowe directed the Falcon hopefuls to push themselves on full laps of Comer Field.
In addition to showing off their fitness levels, players also demonstrated their abilities with the ball, showing they can handle passing, receiving and striking on the less than smooth surface of natural grass. It was both challenging and satisfying for many of the girls. “This is great!” shared Senior Merle Dweck, Dweck has been one of the student-athletes who has been lobbying strongly to expand the school’s soccer offerings to include the outdoor game. “It is really amazing to finally get the opportunity to play outdoors, like almost every other school.”
For others, the tryout was a real eye-opener. “I did not know what to expect,” shafred Freshman hopeful Esther Hidary. “Coach Koslowe seems very demanding, but I am very excited to see what we will be able to do. She siad it did not matter whether players are Seniors or newcomers. The girls who show they deserve to play will get to play. I am really looking forward to our next practice.”
This first evening of outdoor soccer was clearly a new challenge, but if the energy and enthusiasm of the players is any indication, it is just the start of something great for Flatbush’s student-athletes!
For others, the tryout was a real eye-opener. “I did not know what to expect,” shafred Freshman hopeful Esther Hidary. “Coach Koslowe seems very demanding, but I am very excited to see what we will be able to do. She siad it did not matter whether players are Seniors or newcomers. The girls who show they deserve to play will get to play. I am really looking forward to our next practice.”
