October Soccer

October was a great month for soccer.  The girls both played in pouring rain, freezing cold and glorious sunshine.  Often, Lee and I were split up, in different towns, as the girls played simultaneous games.  It is tough to miss one play, but I try to enjoy the time with the one I'm with as much as possible.  I've also learned to cherish the car rides to and from the games, and the great conversations we have - sometimes, we talk nothing but soccer and other times, we talk about everything but soccer.

Emily and her soccer bestie Abby were captains for one game. 

Emily has worked very hard on her throw-ins and it really shows.  When she has a bad throw during a game, we usually work on it afterwards.  After one game, she threw for 45 minutes.  It was only because we had an appointment that she was willing to stop.  Her desire for perfection and her work ethic is going to take her far in this game.

Battling against a premier team (one level above travel) on a cold Sunday morning. 

Although she enjoys striker, Emily thrives on defense and decided that she wanted to work on her goal kicks.  We arrived early for one of her games and she got in about fifteen minutes of work before team warm ups started.  The coach was watching us and when it came time for the first goal kick of the game, she called for Emily to take it - boy was Emily thrilled!  She did about 6 or 8 during the game. 

I love this photo - and not just because of Emily's excellent form, but because of the shoving battle that is taking place on the field.

First team photo for these guys. 

With Abby, her soccer bestie.

Elizabeth played a lot in October as well.  She started a few Friday night games and played almost an entire game in the pouring rain (better to be running on the field than freezing on the bench), getting two assists!  Unfortunately, her playing time is not consistent, and so we have not seen kind of gains we had hoped to see this fall. At this point, she still enjoys the game, the coach and most of the players on the team, so she is sticking with it.  I just love that she refuses to give up.

Not afraid to get physical.