Labor Day Shootout

Over Labor Day weekend, Emily's Magic soccer team played in the Nike Bernie Ward Labor Day Shootout.  This tournament is the largest in Connecticut and comprised of only the top teams in the tri-state area, many of which are premier soccer clubs.  All of the parents were a bit surprised to find out that the Magic coach entered the girls in the tournament, especially when we found out that their bracket was comprised of only premier clubs (we were the only travel team in the bracket, although there was one other at their age group in a different bracket).  The girls won their first game on Saturday morning, 4-2, with Emily providing a nice assist on one of the goals.  They won 3-0 on Saturday afternoon, with Emily scoring the first goal of the game.  On Sunday morning, they squeaked out a win 3-1, with Emily again providing a beautiful assist.  And then it was on to the finals - something none of us could quite believe.  The girls won the final game 2-0, with Emily scoring the game winner.  It was incredibly exciting for the girls, their coaches and the parents.  Several of us were with this team when they didn't win a single game during the season; and most of us were with them when they won two games over an entire year (fall, winter and spring combined).  To watch them work together, to play their positions appropriately (most of the time), the cover for each other and to pass to each other beautifully because they actually seem to sense their teammates is quite a thing to see and a testament to the girls genuine commitment to each other and their incredible coaches.  We are all hoping for a great year, including the girls' first ever quest for the Connecticut CUP.

This one didn't go in, but it was pretty to see. 

Her big goal in the final game - this is a very cropped photo (thankfully, Grammy was there to catch this as my camera was taking photos of the grass, I was too busy cheering!) of her celebration run!! 

The victory run to the parents!

Getting her medal. 

Middletown Magic U11 Girls 

Nat and Emily, hamming it up with the trophy. 

Emily and Gianna 

Abby and Emily selfie. 

What do ten year old girls do to celebrate winning a tournament?  Selfies!!  It was crazy! 

Holding the team trophy.