September Soccer: Goooaaaaalllll!!

The month of September was FULL of soccer for our family! We had 3 children playing. This was Janey's first year! She was on a coed team comprised of 1st and 2nd graders. After seeing her use the orange cones for megaphones at one of her practices, seeing the above pose at one of the beginning games and knowing of her love for dance and other "girlie" interests we questioned where her committment level would be on the soccer field! :)
(We're wondering if these boys are thinking, "Here is the problem with Coed Teams"!!)

But as the season progressed, so did Janey's desire to play! She started with the goalie position and eventually moved to forward. She did a great job keeping up with the other kids, and getting right into the thick of things!

Her team was undefeated, but as of the last game Janey had not scored a goal. She was very determined and told me before the start of the final game, "Mom, I REALLY want to score a goal!" I gently encouraged her and hoped in my mind that she wouldn't be disappointed. The score was 0-0 late in the fourth quarter. There was a clump of kids right in front of her goal. The ball came to Janey and with the following encouragement from Coleman (who was standing just behind the net) "Kick it, Janey...Kick it!!" That is just what she did. Nobody had to wonder if the goal was good because just as Janey saw it safely clear the line and hit the back of the net both of her arms shot straight up in the air!! (How does the sign for triumph come so instinctively??! We were glad she didn't run down the field and pull off her shirt!!) They went on to win the game to remain undeafeted. Needless to say, she is definately looking forward to next year!

This was Coleman's 4th season of soccer. He was on a 3rd/4th grade coed team. He did outstanding! We saw significant improvement from the previous year. (Maybe because he wasn't recovering from Mono?!)
He gave it his all every game, and now currently holds our family's record of goals with 16 this season!!
Kaycee is still in league play. She plays for the Salem Shooters Club Soccer Team.
Her team has had a winning season so far. They are getting better each game and Kaycee is continuing to improve her skills.
We love watching her run and play! It is such a great game and so good for your health...I often sit there thinking..."I wish I was as fit as she is...maybe I should be on a soccer team!"
She normally plays "center- mid", but is very proud of her left-footed goal she scored earlier in the season! And hopes to continue to improve in the forward position. Good job kids...you did great!