End of the Season

The soccer season came and went. At the beginning of the season, I looked forward to sitting in the warm sunshine watching the games from the sidelines. Mother Nature had a different vision. The majority of the games were chilly, rainy, and even snowy at times. I didn't get tan lines, I got soaked. We all survived and actually had fun in the process.

Este's team finished their season in the middle of the pack. This is pretty good considering it was their first year in the state Division 1 category.

He had a great season and finished second in the league in scoring. He was two goals behind the leader and 7 goals ahead of third place. What did that accomplishment earn him?

We again hosted the end of the season party. Of course, weapons were involved as always. (Come to find out most 14 year old boys have aversions to getting their pictures taken. Therefore, there are no photos from the party.)

AJ also played a good season. There were several games where they didn't have a full team so he played the entire game. He is a good ball handler and loves the sport.

Savanah finished the season with new enthusiasm for the sport. By the end of the season she didn't play goalie and spent more time out on the field. She didn't care as long as she got to play soccer. Then she totally suprised me by saying she wants to take dance instead of playing soccer in the fall. Seriously?

Then there is Vanessa, who was far more interested in the team cheer and the treat than she was in the game. Her team was named the Pink Cheetahs. The boys on the team didn't care one bit. I did notice, however, when the dads substitute coached they would just yell, "Go Cheetahs" leaving out the all important pink part of the title.

Speaking of substitute coaching, I took my turn. I learned that coaching is harder than you think even at the U6 level. The kids didn't really listen to me before the game during our little practice drills. I meant to put our leading scorers in to start the game but, somehow they stayed out. The score was quite lopsided at the end of the first quarter. Our best scorers went into the game in the second quarter, I knew that was our chance for a comeback. Well, that's also when in started to get really cold and rain really hard. The game was called 2 minutes into the 2nd quarter. We lost and we lost miserably all because of me. That's precisely why I do not volunteer to coach. I really appreciate those who do, but it's just not for me.

Here is a few examples of her great soccer skills. Just look at that form.

Here she is strutting down the field. Notice her shin guards became calf guards part of the time.

She didn't know there was a number on her jersey until she was co-captain with her friend Livvy.

Ethan chose not to play soccer this year. Instead he has been going into the gym with Aaron and I three mornings a week. I figure exercise is exercise. He seems to enjoy the one-on-one time even if working out with Aaron insures sore muscles for a few days after. (I'm trying to figure out how to get photo of him in the gym without him or anyone else noticing me with my camera.)

Now that soccer season is over we are all in better shape, have a better appreciation for good weather and family dinners with everybody present, and we're a month behind on our yardward. Time to move on to the next adventure.