July 10-Let the Games Begin

This was quite a day in so many ways. Everyone was so excited today to actually get started. As you know, we have been managing expectations because we knew that the competition would be fierce, and because we understood that our team has limitations. Nevertheless, we have had some strong practices, and as I said yesterday, soccerfest made it clear that we could compete.

We got to the fields early, set up our canopy and began to prepare for our first game against our new friends from Diamond Head. I told the girls that they needed to give a maximum effort, from the opening whistle, if we were to have any chance. We came out hot, firing on all cylinders, and knocked the Diamond Head team back on its heels. But we could not score. After the first quarter, the game seesawed back and forth, with both teams getting some chances, but not scoring. Charlotte was awesome in goal, and made a number of amazing saves. Geena anchored the defense, which played wonderfully. The entire team possessed the ball and passed and cut with surprising aplomb. At one point, Adam said to me--"who are these people wearing our uniforms?" Late in the game, Diamond Head put on pressure, and we held on for a 0-0 tie. So, yes, we got points at the National Games. This was, without a doubt, the best I have seen this team play.

After the game, we took a joint picture with the Diamond Head team, which you can see in the blog. But all was not great. Sarah needed medical attention for her breathing issues, and Adam needed to get his wrist x-rayed from yesterday's injury, so Katharine took them to a medical clinic. We are still waiting for Adam's results, and for more info on Sarah. In fact, our team, like many in the tournament, is suffering from a number of sprains, strains and bruises. This is clearly the most intense tournament that most of these players have ever participated in. In fact, it is unclear who will be able to play tomorrow, but we hope for a full roster.

Between games, the girls watched our U16B team beat Diamond Head 1-0, and had lunch, and explored the National Games site. The excitement built as we prepared for our second game, against Central Torrance, the birthplace of AYSO. The girls were confident that they could do at least as well as they did against Diamond Head. But it was not to be. Torrance played beautiful soccer, passing and moving the ball with ease. We were quickly playing desperation soccer, clearing the ball away from goal, and not being able to get much rhythm. A number of our players needed to sit out some or all of the game with injuries, resulting in a jury-rigged lineup, that, nevertheless, played hard and well. Although we were ultimately able to get some flow to our game, Torrance was just too much, and we lost 5-0. Again, Charlotte was amazing in goal, making great saves. Kudos also to Susie for some amazing defense, and to Kayla for singlehandedly getting the ball up field and giving us chances. It was a courageous performance by our team, out classed and undermanned, but still playing hard until the final bell.

We limped back to the hotel, Katharine, Adam, Hannah and I went to dinner with Katharine's friend and her family (the ones with the great beach house) at their regular house in the hills above Honolulu. Great view. The girls dined at the Cheesburger Waikiki around the corner and returned to the hotel for a well deserved rest.

I have to tell you that this is one tough bunch of girls. All of the injured players insisted at bed check that they would play tomorrow. They have pulled together as a team and are really a sight to see.

Tomorrow, we play the fearsome (or so we hear) Mililani team at 11, and Santa Barbara at 5:15. Wish us luck.