Columbus Day Classic

Emily played in the CFC Columbus Day Classic over Columbus Day weekend with her premier club CFC. This is a huge tournament, spread out over several towns with hundreds of teams participating.  The weekend weather could not have been worse.  Although the ran held off for most of Saturday, it rained through her last game late Saturday afternoon and absolutely poured through two games on Sunday.  She had a 7:30 am game both mornings, which was tough (up at 5:45 and leaving the house when it was still dark).  Her 06 team's first game was against her team from last year and it was brutal.  I wasn't there (coaching cross country), but it was a bad loss. Emily can be a bit of a head case and playing against her former team really took a toll on her mentally.  She played better in their second game (which they won) and after resting a bit, went to play for the 05 team, where she had an assist on the only goal of the game.  On Sunday morning, her 06 team held it together quite well for the first half (down only 2-1 at the half) and then fell apart in spectacular fashion in the second half, for another brutal loss.  After a 45 minute break, she played for the 05s in torrential downpours, and played very well.  They won 3-0 (without their two top scorers) and earned a spot in the championship game.  The other team then forfeited the championship game because they felt that the fields were too dangerous to play - it was an anticlimactic way to end the tournament, but I think that overall, she felt good about how she played (other than against Sporting).

Magic teammates, opponents for a game.  Kudos to my friend Kate for getting this photo - Emily wanted no part of this picture, she was so upset about the loss.

I could barely hold the camera steady, it was pouring so hard and I was shivering so much.  Hoping to get better photos next weekend. 

Much to her dismay, I made her wear a poncho before warm ups for the championship game.  She was so embarrassed, but all of the parents (not kids, of course) were telling her how smart she was and how she must be staying so dry...... 

Abby and Emily sporting new tournament sweatshirts.  Note: Emily seems to be taller than Abby in this photo, although Abby was taller than Em in the summer.  She has recently started eating us out of house and home and this photo was taken after she inhaled an 8" roast beef grinder for lunch.  We are really hoping that she's having a growth spurt.

The 05s got their medals at practice last night and pulled Emily and Abby away from their practice with the 06s to make sure that they got their medals and were part of the team photo.

Sweet medals!