I have been dreading writing this blog. I haven't been this disappointed about a game in a long time. We left around 2 for Dickinson to play our season opener on Friday night. Since the spring, we have been looking forward to getting revenge and beating Dickinson since they're last year overtime goal on us which skeptically kept us out of an automatic bid into the NCAA tournament. So six months in the waiting, and it's game day. We arrive to a beautiful, brand new field at Dickinson and we are set to play under the lights. I couldn't think of a better soccer atmosphere. I was pumped to play and get the start at right mid. Early on we got a few chances and it was a very equal game, but we couldn't capitalize. That set the tone for the rest of the game. They scored two goals on their first two shots and we were set back immediately.
That is where I stopped writing on Saturday because I didn't want to write any more about that game. We ended up losing 5-3 where they scored three goals on set pieces and we were just unlucky with some bad referring calls. Overall it was a very disappointing loss and I was pretty upset about it.
But now it's Sunday afternoon and I am feeling much better! Fresh off our first win of the season against Greensboro College at home, and it feels much better with a win. We won the game 2-0 in a game that we definitely deserved to win. I unfortunately didn't get the start today, but I could understand due to Sykes' solid play on Friday night and a goal for him, but I played about half of each half coming off the bench while the starters just played the first half of each half. We scored early on in the first half and held on to a 1-0 lead for the rest of the half and most of the second. Then with about 20 minutes or so, we had a great series of passing through the midfield, Hunter found my feet on the outside left side, and I hit a cross right to our forward Larson for the assist of the second and final goal of the match. We held on to the lead and were happy with our first win of the year. I played solid, and very pleased to get the assist as well. Hoping to regain that starting spot for Wednesday's game against Shenandoah.
But for now we have Monday off from school and practice for Labor Day and it will be a great day to rest up. My body is very sore from some bruises and hits, but that's what to expect after playing two games in three days. I was also very happy to see my roommates and friends come out to support. Also great to have Dad and Nelson make the day trip up for the game. It's tough finding time to visit especially when they take day trips up, but I always appreciate having the family make efforts to come and watch (and bring me some extra treats, Kit-Kats and Cheerios etc. for the dorm room).
So I hope everyone has a nice Labor Day weekend and a day to rest up! I know I sure need it!
-TZ
