Our soccer team got our first win last Tuesday. We won 2-1 against a tough side, but did it with good preparation, skill, and heart. Here is the part of the game report that mentions me (I didn’t have anything to do with the team name, anyone who know me knows I wouldn’t choose such a name, I called my team Strength):

The Merkins took the lead for good on a fantastic display of effort by Ryan Chen-Wing and Corry Flatt. Azzurri had been frustrateed at a number of calls throughout the game, and it led to this goal when a number of players stopped in expectation of a call to be made at center. No call was made, and a long pass by Ryan and some smooth footwork and calm execution by Corry led to an easy goal.

At practice we talked about starting team warmup 30 minutes before the game and that’s what we did. Stu led the run, I did the stretching and Erik ran passing warmup. Our warmup helped us play hard right from the kickoff rather than using the beginning of the match to get up to speed.

We controlled the match well and stayed determined after they tied it up in the second half.

Some players on the other team were a little coarse. They swore a lot. In one case one fo their strikers fouled Nick and injured Nick’s ankle. The ref called it, but the guy just laughed. As we carried Nick off the pitch, there was no clapping as is customary when an injured player leaves the field.

They continued to swear and yell as we continued to repel their strikes. The referee ended up giving out two cautions and then ejected a player. The guy did not let up and the referee sent him to the parking lot. The referee woudln’t restart the match until the guy left the field and sidelines, but the guy moved very slowly.

I can’t imagine ever acting like that. It is too bad that things deteriorated like that, but eventually the game restarted and we finished it off for the win.

It was a qualifying match for the interleague cup, so we are good there. We just have to start getting results in our league play.