Soccer Begins

The girls soccer season started a few weeks ago and last weekend, they each had their first game.  Elizabeth's team played a "friendly" game on Friday night and then had its first real game on Sunday afternoon, while Emily's team took part in the league jamboree, playing on Saturday morning.  They both did really well and we are very proud of their hard work at practice and in their games.

Soccer girl. 

Emily's team 

This is how she runs - bent like that.  But she's pretty darn fast.  Fast enough that it's taken us by surprise.

Going for the ball. 

When she came off of the field after playing for about six minutes, one of the dads on the sidelines told her not to be intimidated by the boys on the field.  I'm not sure what possessed him to say that (other than he has a boy on the team), as she clearly was not intimidated and it probably never occurred to her that she should be intimidated!! 

Throw in! 

 

Elizabeth is learning that play gets a little more physical as you get older.... 

Fighting for the ball (and winning the fight, see below) 

Neither feet are touching the ground. 

This kid is always smiling on the field.  She loves to play. 

After every game, the coach gives out a game ball to the hardest worker on the team.  After Sunday's big win, Elizabeth was awarded the game ball and couldn't have been happier.  Lee and I were a bit afraid that it would go to her head, but right away she said, "I'm one of the worst players on the team, but Coach gave me this because I'm working so hard to get better."  She loves her coach and even though it's only been two weeks, so do I!