Fall Soccer 2007

We had a great kick-off to the soccer season on Saturday. For the opening ceremony, all of the teams paraded in front of the parents. Shortly after the ceremony, Braden had his first game.

Braden's soccer skills have been steadily improving with each season he plays. I was so proud of him as I was watching him really get into the game. At one point, he ran toward the ball and slid right into a kick. Now, I don't know too much about soccer, so I didn't realize that that is against the rules. But the father of one of the kids on the opposing team said, "That's not allowed!" and went as far as to call our coach on it. Our coach good-naturedly said, "they're still just learning" but the father actually accused Braden of doing it on purpose! Not wanting to start a heated shouting match, I quietly said, "I am pretty sure he just fell," but no one heard me. The coach ended up going out to talk to Braden, and I stood there, quietly fuming, when I overheard the father who accused Braden saying, "That Number 12 is pretty good, huh?" He may have accused my son of intentional illegal slip-kicking, but he said he was good! All was forgiven. He has tried so hard for so long, and he is finally really coming into his own with soccer. Braden's team, the Blue Dragons, tied the Eagles 1-1.

Lydia's team is called the Transformers, and her coach's wife made this incredible banner for the opening ceremony parade.

Lydia's game was next, and she had so much fun! She first played defense, and was unsure whether she could move from her position, so ended up standing where her coach had placed her for most of the quarter. But when he put her on offense, she was all over the field! My favorite moment was when she was running after the ball, and caught sight of me. As she was playing, she smiled and waved at me. I wish I could have caught that on the camera! The Transformers won their first game 3-1.