Saturday we played Messiah. They are ranked #9 in the nation and we knew they were going to be solid. The real exciting news is that I got my first collegiate start. The junior that usually starts hadn't been playing as well, so I was called on to start the game. I was announced and got to run out with the team for the National Anthem. And mom was there to see. It was pretty neat. I played well and created a few chances. They scored within five minutes on a free kick which was their only goal of the game. We fought the whole game to get it back, but had no luck. We unfortunately lost 1 to 0 after a hard fought game. We hung with them though which is a positive to look at. There was definite improvement from WEdnesday's game as well which is good. I didn't start the second half and didn't play as much as I wanted but I got some time so it's alright. I just need to keep getting better and getting more and more time. If coach sees that I keep working to get better and better, I will get more time and potentially more starts. We shall see. I also really appreciate Andrew Bajwa coming out to support me and the team. It's always nice to have supporters in the stands.
I spent the rest of the evening with Mom. We went to Mass and then out for dinner at Dupont Circle in downtown. We ate at a place called ELephant and Circus and I had a huge steak and mashed potatoes with green beans. It's always nice to have a break from the cafeteria food. We then said goodbye on the metro and I headed back to campus while she flew out the next morning.
SUnday was a relaxing day. I slept in and watched football. Great to see the Eagles off to a 2-0 start! I spent most of the day procrastinating my work and watching football. I got some work done later in the evening though.
Today I just finished my English and Philosophy classes. In English I got a B+ on my second paper which is a slight improvement from the B- on the first one, but still not in the A's where I want to be. I just want to keep improving, slow and steady. Philosophy papers will be given back this week which are a big part of the grade, and to be honest, I'm kind of nervous about getting that back. I just really do not enjoy Philosophy and am not very good at it. Calculus is up next and our first exam is on Wednesday. Going to be doing a lot of studying for that these next two days!
Anyway that's what has happened over this past weekend. My point is that all I want to do is keep improving, whether it's in soccer to keep improving my play and playing time, or in school with grades and writing papers and such. I just need to keep getting better and making an effort with coach and my teachers to get where I want to be by the end of the season / semester. I know somedays might not always get better but that's what I'm working for. Improvement is the recipe for success.
Get better everyday,
-TZ
