PDA Spring Kickoff

This past weekend, Emily and I traveled to New Jersey with the CFC Sound 05s for the PDA Spring Kickoff.  Emily (who is an 06) was asked to play up with the 05s for the tournament because a few girls were hurt and a few were on vacation.  To be honest, we were worried about playing time and not even sure if we should go.  The 05s play 11 v 11 on a much larger field and she's only played two outside games with them all season.  As it turned out, she ended up starting every game and as the tournament went on, she became more and more comfortable and really played well.  According to the parents, the play and chemistry on the team has been off for a while and this weekend was the best soccer they've seen them play.  The girls tied one and beat two very strong NPL teams from New York and New Jersey to secure a spot in the finals, including a game that no one thought they had a chance of winning.  The final game ended 1-1 (against the same NPL team they'd tied the day before) and the tournament rules sent the girls right to PKs.  Their goalie came up big, saving two of the first four shots; CFC girls made three of the first four shots and it was all over.  The weather should have played a huge part, but it didn't.  With only two subs, they battled 90 degree heat on Saturday and "feels like" of 30 on Sunday, with 14 mph winds.  As they closed in on their win on Sunday morning, you could feel their excitement and intensity.  It was a such a fun weekend and so great to see them play so well.

Road trip with my favorite soccer player. 

Afternoon in the pool with the team. 

Waiting for the PKs to begin. 

Rushing to the goalie after PKs, Emily leading the charge.

The awesome trophy.