This Season: Adversity

This season of Soccer had a lot of adversity to it, more than any season.  There were so many things that went weird and that we had to overcome. Lets see where to start?

• Girls who were on the team, but couldn't pay, so I booted them.
• 3 guys got injured during the same time frame
• 1 Red Card
• a whole lot of complaining
• Thanksgiving break (no games)
• "Come to Jesus" Moment
• Turning the season around
• Finishing 4th in the division and beating the #3, #2, and #1 teams to win the championship.
• 2 wives got pregnant (not a bad thing)

Yeah that's about it. All in 1 season.

What amazes me was how emotionally and physically down we were.  Omar got hurt, Steve got hurt, Zane was hurt, Paco got red-carded, Even our sub Jason got hurt.  Jen S got Pregnaut and had to leave the team.  Erin got Pregnaut but didn't leave the team (please don't get hurt).  Then there was alot of complaining and Individualism vs teamwork.  It got to the point where I had to bring everyone together.  I had to make sure that everyone was on the same page.  We turned it around and played our best Soccer, even better than our previous championship.

The turning point of the season was the game vs Diggers.  We finally got people healthy and back together.  And we had our worse game.  We got blown out 7-4.  After the game, the team scattered, fast, like mice scattering when the lights come on.  I knew something was up.  I talked to each member individually to figure out what was going on.  It was playing time.  No one was communicating and not everyone was playing.  So before the next game, I pulled everyone in and said, "5 times this season, I've heard people complain about playing time.  So this is an issue.  Let's figure out a way to get everyone in."  After some discussion, we found out how to organize ourselves.

The result: We found a technique to play and we played our best game of the season.

The next week, Round 1 of the playoffs, presented us with a rematch with Diggers. After being embarrassed by them, we conquered them 3-1.  Highlight of the game was a penalty shot.  It started as a corner kick, but Rob and the opponent got tangled up.  The refs called a foul on Rob.  The opponent got ready and took his shot.  Right side.  Right hand save!  Changed the game around and frustrated the opponent.

And then this week, Round 2:. we faced #2 Honeybadgers, for the 4th time this season.  We took it too them and won 3-1.  They didn't realize what hit them.  We were in sync.

As usual between games, I don't want my team to be tired out there.  So I REFUELED THE TEAM!  .  Gatorade and cliffbars.  No other team does this.  Just me.  It's a great way to say thanks to the team and show that I have faith in them.

Then the finals vs #1 Velocity.  A tough team who plays very physical.  They were also fresh, having a bye (we had to play Honeybadgers first, then the championship game 2nd).  Being underdogs, we ended up beating them up 5-2. I credit the Gatorade and cliffbars served between games. during half time, no one was drinking so I offered my bottle of gatorade.  Then I looked down and there was a lineup of gatorade bottles on the bench.  HA!  MY TEAM IS REFUELED FOR THE 2ND HALF!
Highlight of the Championship game.  The girl got on me and I pushed her accidentally. so they called a foul on me.  Ok whatever, we're up 4-1.  Penalty shot time.  And she took it.  She shot it to my left, Left hand save, and I kicked it out of play.  That frustrated them.  That was symbolic of how their game went.
This championship was different for me.  Before hand I felt like I just stood there but didn't make the "big save".  I let our offense outscore them.  But these last few games, both Mondays and Fridays, I felt like I was the difference maker.  (not to pat myself on the back).  I feel myself making the timely saves at the critical moments (such as the penalty shots).  So it feels good.

I'd like to thank my sponsors, Body Restoration Clinic, Strikers Den. I'd also like to thank my Trainer Eddie D who taught me everything I know.  Dana, Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta (oops wrong sport).  Howard and Sarah for manning the booths.  I love you San Jose!

I'd also like to dedicate this championship to Kevin, who passed away suddenly last season.  It came a season later, but you're still someone that impacts our lives, and My Life, every day.  Thanks buddy.

Oh by the way, next season... next week! Time to defend our title again. See ya next week.