soccer tourneys

Promise, we do more than just soccer. It's just been a crazy season with the weather. Alex had two end of season tournaments and T & E each had one. So we were watching soccer for hours. 

Triston had a good season. His team is playing P3 and right in the middle of the pack. He continues to play 9v9. Half time goalie, half time field player. He works so hard and has a good time playing. His team played in the Stenger Cup over Memorial day. They didn't win the tournament, but they worked hard, as always. 

Alex's team played in the Rock Cup and played pretty poorly. We don't know what happened. But, he was still happy because he was playing soccer. He loves it that much. A highlight for us was the referee during the first game. Look how cute that ref is! That weekend, Ethan was able to ref eight games and will make about $150. What a job for a 12 year old boy. And, he was a great referee even if he called a foul on his brother! He reffed a lot of 7v7 games and three 4v4 games for little kids. He did a great job. 

Even though these boys didn't win this tournament, they still had smiles on their faces because they love each other and the game so much. It makes me happy to see them so happy and silly!

Alex's team is now the age of competitive soccer which means saying farewell to their awesome coach Nick. He has taught these boys so much. It has been a great two years watching them physically and emotionally grow together. We are grateful for Nick and his time and talents. We are also sorta saying good bye to Jina as the team manager/mom. She was incredible. She helped every family at some point in the last two years. She has become a very special friend to us as well. 

Ethan, aka Ravi played in the Real Cup over Memorial Day weekend. His team is changing as well this year. He will move onto a bigger field with more players and more running! His new team will be 11v11. And man, what a year he's had with John and Joni as his coaches. They have been so supportive and encouraging to him. He tends to get distracted when a ref calls a bad call and loses focus on the game. It was a challenge for all of them to help him work through that situation. The team got together two years ago in silver, if I remember right and John has worked with them to move them up to the Elite division. Man it has been awesome to watch. They are in the top of their group and are so committed to soccer. 

Alex's team made it into premier league against the best of the 09 players in the area. It was a hard season. A season of losing and growth. Much better than winning each match. Anyway, I mentioned their changes above. I'm sure many of these boys will be separated and placed onto two top teams, while adding some new players to the mix from other clubs. (Tryouts are going on this week).

These boys played in the Real Cup over Memorial Day weekend and ended up in a PK shoot out for 2nd place. I won't mention that it was Alex's goal that didn't go in.  But, all the goals he stopped from entering the net throughout the game, balance it all out. He and Josiah saved every ball during the entire final game to have a score of 0-0 and a very angry coach on the other side! It was the first time he's played defense for the Rapids. He's always been forward due to his speed, but Spain he was defense and I think he's found his new position. 

Background...two weeks ago, we played Casa at their home field. We were 7v7 and lost the game 7-1. It was awful on many levels. No referee, terrible field, afternoon game and we just stunk. Fast forward to last Sunday morning when the teams met up again at Real, 9v9 and we lost 2-1. Then on Monday, 0-0 with the PK shoot out resulting in a 2nd place win for the Rapids Select 09 boys team. How far the boys came in a short period of time. We did have four new players on the team which helped, but the boys were so focused and in the game. It was an amazing match to watch. So proud of them all and grateful for the opportunity Alex has to play his favorite game with some of the best players the area has to offer and with dedicated coaches. It was a fun, exhausting weekend. And now summer can begin. If someone would please just notify the sun!