Small-sided games are normal in training sessions throughout the world. Players break up into groups of three, five, seven players apiece and work on possession, movements, finishing in tight spaces or whatever the coach’s goal might be that day. It’s also normal in MLS training camps to have members of the club’s USL affiliate join for preseason.
So today when a First Team vs. RGV small-sided game broke out, it shouldn’t be all that noteworthy. Just another day on the pitch. Except this game featured the coaches from the Dynamo first team against the RGV FC coaching staff.
Wilmer Cabrera and his staff teamed up to take on Junior Gonzalez and the RGV FC staff (with additional technical staff members mixed in here and there to make the numbers work). For Cabrera, any chance to play is a good one.
“We are going to find ways to play,” Cabrera said. “I’m a soccer player, so even though I’m retired from the professional activity, we like to play. We like to be on the field, we like to touch the ball, and we have the opportunity to have a big number with Junior and his staff from RGV, so let’s have fun. Let’s enjoy 40-45 minutes to play, to run, to touch the ball. That’s the idea.”
The ball found the back of the net several times for both sides, and while it was a friendly kick-about, with the collection of former professionals on the pitch, you can bet that score was kept. At least the boss kept score, though he was quick to remind that it wasn’t the ultimate point.
“We won today, but the idea is not who is going to win,” he said. “The idea is to have fun and enjoy it, score a lot of goals, and make some movements and try to emulate the things that we don’t do anymore.
"And also, it helps us keep in shape."
No word on whether this was a one-off or the start of a new tradition, but at least for today, the coaches reminded everyone (including themselves) that they’ve still got it.
