The Goal

You know that moment in a sporting event where your team is down by one point? And there's hardly any time left in the game? And then someone makes this incredible last-minute touchdown or goal or basket to win the game? If you like that sort of thing, you  should have been at Ella's soccer game on Saturday.

Ella's team has really dominated most games they've played. They won every game of the fall AYSO season and lost only one game of this season (with one tie as well). But Saturday, they played a team that was really strong and fast. Plus, the girls on that team were really aggressive, doing things like body checking and shoving. I mean, we are talking about AYSO U7 here!

Ella was having a rough morning as it was, and then she spent the first quarter as goalie, where she proceeded to let two goals slip by her. I could tell she was really upset (she is fiercely competitive), and when they pulled her out for a break, she actually started crying. It was a rough start to the last game of the season, for sure.

After the half, you switch goals. This ends up being a huge advantage for us in every game because one goal (the one Ella was tending) is downhill a bit, which makes it easier to score a goal. So one of Ella's teammates scores a goal, and we're down by one. But the second half of the game, our girls are RIGHT by the opposing team's goal the whole time and try and try to score a goal. So many really close tries (their goalie was really excellent too). Ella had a couple goal kicks that were just a hair off. It gets to a point where the game is winding down, and this dad and I are going nuts because we've had a bunch of really close tries at the goal. I mean, for youth soccer, this was a pretty exciting game.

And then, just SECONDS before the end of the 4th quarter, Ella shoots and misses. Manages to get her foot on the ball again and scores a goal to tie the game. Seriously, best goal ever and a really cool way to wrap up the season. Go, Blue Fire!

Ella had the best team this year. I wish there was some way to keep this group of girls together for another season. Her coach also did a really cute thing when he passed out the trophies, telling each girl something that made her a great part of the team. He told Ella she was their fastest team member and a top goal scorer (this was true; she was one of three that really scored a lot). It made her day!

Sadie also wrapped up her soccer season. Although she was really disappointed that she never scored a goal (she plays with boys still in U5, and the boys are just faster and more aggressive) she really showed great improvement from last season to this season. I never thought I'd say this, but I am looking forward to next year!

Pictures!