Flames Tournament

Flames

L to R: Mackenzie (goalie), Allie, Gabby, Moriah, Kiley.
2nd row: Todd, Madison P., Victoria, Casey, Kennedy, Madison, Peyton,
Back row: Marcus

Most of the girls on this Flames team have played together since last summer and have practiced together usually 2 times a week faithfully. They have improved amazingly over the last year. Madison really loves soccer! Last Fall they played U12 (age 12 and under) and did not score one single goal. This Spring they played U10 and scored 40 goals... only one team scored more goals (41) in the Northern Indiana Soccer League. Quite an accomplishment don't you think? Their end of season record was 5-0-1 (one tie). They finished #1 in their U10 girls league.

Today was their end of season tournament. Because of their record, they got a bye and didn't play yesterday. They played the Jr. Irish White at 10 this morning and won, 2-1. This team improved a lot from the first time we played them earlier in the year. It was not an easy game. Their second game was at 1pm. It was a difficult game... fatigue was a factor, it was hot and sunny, a starting player was gone etc... We dominated the entire game... the other team only had about 3 goal attempts and wouldn't you know it, one got in. The Jr. Irish Green planted 5 players in their goal box and basically played defense the whole game. Not a great strategy for quality soccer play but it worked. We lost 0-1. Our poor goalie was crushed. They always bear their own load of a loss like this...blaming themselves. I'm so glad Madison isn't a goalie! Too much stress...for me! Quite the bummer because we were favored to win. That's how it goes some days.

We were very proud of Madison and how she played, the effort she put forth, even though she has a cold/cough and was tired from playing the entire first game without a break. She played her heart out. I tried to take pictures but they move so fast, it's difficult to get a good shot! (Double Click for Close Up) It was a beautiful day but did get hot when sitting out in the sun for 6 hours! The Flames will take a break for 4-6 weeks now... a much needed and deserved break. The majority of these girls are from other schools/districts but when you spend so much time together you get to be good friends too. She is going to a soccer camp (mornings) in July and I'm sure she'll be ready to get back on the field by then.

Pakka was released from the hospital today. They drove straight to South Bend to get there in time for the 2nd half of the last game. He sat in the car next to the field and watched the game. I guess that's what you do when you are one of Madison's #1 fans! Ha!