The Mustangs, Post Game Wrap-Up

Well, we finished the soccer season. I'd like to say we finished it strong and on top, but well, we didn't. But Grey had a lot of fun and definitely got better as the season progressed. He didn't miss a game or practice and I'm proud of him following through on that commitment. I'm tired of making the drive to the fields, but nonetheless, proud of the commitment thing.
Last week's game bestowed a new title on Mac. He was coach for that game. Our coach was called in to work at the last minute and asked Mac to fill in. He did a great job, the players, not so much. It was the first game where Grey didn't score any goals. I think he was so busy trying to be Mac's assistant coach that he couldn't focus on his job of actually playing the game. They got spanked (and elbowed a lot), plain and simple.
Today's game was once again with the Cardinals. (the Lifegroup shootout) We played hard with Grey scoring 2 goals, but alas, it was not enough to overcome the very talented Cardinals. We lost 4-2. Sigh....guess we'll be bringing breakfast tacos again..... Mac's coaching debut.

That's my boy!

Mustang Soccer Update

Let me catch you up on the latest Mustang Soccer. 2 weeks ago, the game was cancelled due to a visit from our old familiar friend, torrential rain. Last week against The Cyclones was a tie 3-3, with Grey scoring 2 goals. Then, yesterday we played a double header. First a tie against The Hoosiers 3-3, with Grey scoring 1 goal. The second game against The Badgers was a victory, 7-1 with Grey scoring 6 goals.
But, we are all a little more than excited about next week's game against The Cardinals. Grey's good friend AJ plays on that team and the coaches are in our Lifegroup. I'm not saying we placed any side bets, but there has been some talking smack so we shall see......

I wish I had action shots of Grey, but I get caught up in watching the game and trying to keep Mac in his seat and not yelling, "coast to coast, Grey", and "that's my boy" too loud. Nothing like a proud daddy.

Holland and The Junior Tar Heels

Oh people, this was not pretty, not at t'all. Whatever strides, small though they were, Holland had made in practice did not translate to this first game. The whining, the tears, the threats, the promises and that was just getting her hair in a secure ponytail. Magnify that by, oh, say, a thousand and you have Holland at her first soccer game. Nothing to scrapbook about, I promise. At several points, I was trying to mentally recall where I put the receipt to the cleats, and a few times I wondered how much I could get for the uniform on ebay. And then I thought, how much could I get for her on ebay. But my friend, Sheri, made a good point; soccer involves grass, bugs, heat, and running for an hour. Any one of those by itself is enough to send Holland over the edge. So to ask her to play soccer is really a big stretch for her. But, I'm gonna give it a couple of more weeks.....or maybe a couple more hours........
Um, Holland, that's your team out there on the field waiting on you........

Um, Holland, don't look now, but the game is being played behind you.

Okay, Holland the game is in play just inches behind you! Hello?

Grey and The Mustangs

On the other extreme, we have Grey and his team, The Mustangs. Due to sickness and travel, his team only had 4 players. So they played The Warriors 4 on 4 for all but the last 15 minutes when the coach gave them each a quick break. The other 3 would continue to play against the 4 Warrior players. That's dedication, folks, because it was hot. And you know what, it made the difference because The Mustangs won 4-2. Guess who scored all 4 goals. You got it, Grey. He couldn't have done it without the defensive plays of his teammates. They all brought their A game! Grey in the blue on the left side of picture.

Tony, Logan, Grey, Coach Mark, & Jordan

The Mustangs at half.

Soccer Practice : Holland Style

5:00 PM

5:05 PM

5:10 PM

5:15 PM

5:20- 6:00 PM

(Permanent Water Break)

First Soccer Practice

Holland also had her first soccer practice today. She is on the Junior Tarheels. (I'm still scratching my head on that name.) The field was wet and muddy, and the coach had to end it early because of the impending rain. (surprise, surprise) However, Holland really enjoyed it and totally participated and never showed any concern over the mud. If you know Holland. you recognize that fact as the rare gem that it is.

Notice that even though she is wearing her soccer gear, her foot is still in a ballet pose. You can't take the ballet out of this girl.

Upwards Soccer Evaluation

Grey and Holland had their soccer evaluations today for their upcoming soccer seasons. Mostly, the evaluations are to get a feel for the individual skill levels of the players so the teams are balanced. (Wouldn't it be nice if the SEC worked that way.)
Since Grey has played 3 seasons of soccer, he did pretty well. Holland, however, is brand new to the sport. At first, she was more excited about wearing her black and pink cleats than the actual sport, but when she got out on the field for her evaluation, she really listened and participated and did her best. People, there was mud out there. Normally, Holland does not do mud, but she totally ignored it and enjoyed herself. Now do I think she will make it through the whole season without a meltdown on the field, no. I mean, this is Holland, who was crying because she couldn't get maple syrup completely off her hands the other night. So a sport of running, sweating, grass, dirt, and somebody taking a ball away from her doesn't really seem up her alley, but we are going to give it a shot. She might just suprise us all....in a good way, I mean.

I think I might play if I got to wear shoes this cute.