Tuesday, April 17, 2007 7:56 PM
Costa Rica Girls ODP Event
Online Journal
Another bright, very warm day.
Our game wasn't until 3:00. First half was extremely slow with no scoring, and a real slow pace. Our kids were very frustrated with the tempo of the game. Meanwhile, on the other field Region II was ahead 1-0 against Costa Rica and working hard to make it 2-0.
A pep talk at the half, and back on the field. Four minutes in our midfield sent a ball thru and our striker was able to convert making it 1-0. Ten more minutes, and a foul in the box gave us a penalty shot. 2-0 Panama received a red card at this point. More work, now it was our turn to slow the game down. Five more minutes and the third ball found its way into the net making it 3-0. Meanwhile on the other field, Costa Rica scored to make it 1-1. The fans from Costa Rica were celebrating.
Our game continued with a few challenges, but the girls did a good job of trying to control the ball and the game. Keeping an eye on the other field, Region II must have had 10 or more opportunities to go up 2-1, but the ball just would not go in. A win by Region II would give them second place behind Mexico, unless we scored a 4th goal. On an exciting final play of the game Region II took a shot (off the post), back to a player who shot and a defender literally knocked it off the line. Game over 1-1.
Our game ended about four minutes later 3-0. Region 1 finished second in the tournament overall behind Mexico.
Larry and I have had a wonderful time getting to know your daughters and I look forward to seeing them again at the ODP tournament and camp.
We leave for the airport very early tomorrow and will be arriving in New Jersey at 3:11pm. I have a connecting flight, so we will make sure players get to either their connecting gate, or the exit. Please be sure to be at the airport early so that you can meet your daughter.
Mon, 16 April 2007 8:08 PM
As you heard, we lost 2-1.
We arrived at the field, and the wind was blowing so hard that all the tents had been pulled out of the ground and were twisted and in one heap. We estimate the wind was blowing about 30 knots (so say the guys in attendance).
The game started with a quick run down the field, a great shot by one of our players that looked like it was destined to go in. As luck would have it, as if in slow motion, a defender hit the ball out.
Half ended with a 0-0 score, both sides feeling like the game was going well. We each had opportunties, but no real almosts after that first shot.
Midway thru the second half, we made a change and even before we could get ourselves in postion, Mexico was heading for our goal and alas it went in. Shortly after, a second goal was scored. We scored with about seven minutes to go (seems to be our magic minute), and then try as we might just couldn't keep the ball in front of us.
Peyton made the local newspapers, so she is famous!
We stopped at an adidas outlet. Not like our outlets at home, but some of the kids (and adults) were able to purchase a few things. Lunch, an hour break, and then back on the bus for a tour of San Jose, and a trip to a small market for more shopping. I can assure you, they have all purchased a gift for themselves and for all of you as well at this point.
Big treat tonight, they are going to TGI Fridays! They are excited to have something other than chicken, rice and beans and salad! I have heard more conversation about hamburgers and what they are going to eat when they get home than you can imagine.
Tomorrow we play Panama, and we look forward to a positive conclusion to the tournament.
Until tomorrow.