Champions

What a start to the new season, new team, and new club! With a game three win this morning, the boys advanced to the afternoon championship game. They had a shut-out of 2-0 and took the title. 

Look at that smile. I’m so happy to see Evan so happy. 

H and E have played together all but one year since we moved to Tennessee in 2012. It’s so good to see them together again. 

These boys played together for another club in 2014-2016. They are playing their last year of club ball together again. 

There were no parking lot threats today - just clean fun! This is going to be so much fun to watch!

Regionals Tournament

We made it to Greensboro, NC and the US Youth Soccer Region 3 tournament. As the Tennessee D1 state champions, we are representing the state in the southern regional championship.

Today’s events included a trip to the Greensboro Coliseum for opening ceremonies.

On the floor, the boys traded shirts and small tokens with teams from other states. Evan traded one training shirt for a girls small jersey, a Texas keychain, and a rally towel. 

Tomorrow we play the first place South Carolina team. It should be a great game. 

Winning Weekend

I saw those looks of pity. I heard the apologies and all of the reasons why I was just about to spend my long holiday weekend the absolute worst way...in the 100 degree temps and on the soccer field.

My co-workers obviously don't know me well

I can't think of a better place to spend a holiday weekend. Unless, of course, we were playing soccer at the beach.

And when you win? Well, that's just icing on the cake! This weekend the boys placed third out of 22 teams.

Next weekend it will finally be Keagan's turn.

Happiness

Happiness is standing on the sidelines and watching my boy play some soccer.

Happiness is watching my boy "break some ankles."

Happiness is seeing this beautiful smile after he blocks a shot.

Happiness is watching these guys celebrate a first place win.

Happiness is knowing we have found the perfect team. 

End of Season Gator Party

The U-10 Gators end of season party was tonight. The phrase "end of season" must not be taken too literally because most players are attending soccer camp this summer or plan to play 3v3 at the local rec center. "Fall" season begins in August so none of us are really taking a break. 

One of the parents took pictures of the boys at every tournament, and she took the best shots to produce posters of the team and of each player. The boys loved them!

Spring Soccer

My lazy Saturdays are no more; the spring soccer season has arrived. Evan's first Gator game was today, and we played the most exciting game ever. We won 1-0. Evan blocked the penalty kick in the last minute of the game that would have led to a tie. He jumped sky high to block the kick and then fell to the ground to cover the ball. It was amazing. I might have cheered a little bit, and I came to my senses a good five minutes later yelling, "That's my Baby!!!!" I think I heard Wes give a sigh of relief along with a, "Thank you, Sweet, Baby Jesus!"

It was truly amazing. Did I mention it was amazing? It was amazing.

I am researching goal keeping academies and summer camps because performances like today's do nothing in our argument that Evan cannot play keeper well.