Soccer: Round 4

It feels like weeks since our last round of soccer. We started with our first game and then nothing. Round 2 was moved to May because it was during the Easter long-weekend, and then because of the uneven amount of teams Round 3 for us was a Bye. This means Round 4 is actually only our second game, and even though we lost, we did score our first goal. Woot! In the end the score was 3-1.

It certainly wasn't a bad game this weekend against Olympia Blue, and I would definitely say that our skill level was quite evenly matched. Sadly a few easy goals got in, including a penalty in the box and it quickly put us behind.

The game was played at a pretty quick pace, with lots of good passing and lots of shots on goal. From what I saw at the back of the field, in right full-back position, we had majority of possession most of the game, we just had trouble getting the ball into the back of the net. The one goal we did get though was great. Emily ran it down the middle of the field, then passed it off to Hannah on the left, who kicked it and scored. It was well executed and well timed. Just what we needed after 80mins of play and no goal. Earlier in the game we missed out on a header, from a beautiful corner kick that hit the top of the goal bar and bounced off. It just wasn't our day to score goals. Despite the lack of goals, I still think we played really well as a team, and will continue to improve as the season continues.

I actually played in a right-full back position this week. A position I haven't played in for a long time, but I really enjoyed it. I remember when I first started playing soccer, all those years ago, I was placed in this position and told to just man-mark. It took me back a few years. I just hope that my skills have improved since then. My main struggle though is with my speed. I am just so slow. I struggle to keep up with players and get the ball once they are on the run. Also, since having Nicholas I feel somewhat fragile. A feeling I've never had before. I'm somewhat scared to go in and tackle. I really don't want to get injured. If I injure myself I can't look Nicholas properly and so maybe I am a bit reluctant to play 100%. At least I am aware of it, and I hope that I can overcome it.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to next week's game. It will be out first home game. I'll try and get Daniel to take some pictures as well :).

Soccer: Round 1

I have been training, but I still feel unfit. I lasted 85mins in a 90min game, but I was tired and could barely run. To be honest I could barely breathe. I need to get fitter!

If you haven't guessed it soccer season has started again and I decided to give it a go this year after taking last year off. I am enjoying kicking the ball around again, getting out of the house and being by myself for a while but I am unfit and rather slow. The girls we played against today were fast. I was constantly having the ball taken away from me. I felt weak and useless. Hopefully, with a bit more training and a few more games I will feel a bit stronger.

In the end we lost against Kingborough 6-1. I am ok with this. As a team we haven't been training for long. Plus, it can take a while for a team to find its groove, especially when we have new players and old ones coming back after taking time off. We worked hard but their shooting skills were impressive. Cassie (our goal keeper) just didn't have a chance to get to the ball in some of them. In top left and right corners, right out of reach. I'm sure not even a pro would be able to catch those! We did score one goal though and that boosted everybody's mood. Maybe we'll get two next game :).

As I look forward at the season ahead, I have a feeling it is going to be a difficult season with a few losses. This is the nature of moving up a league. The girls are more skilled. It is faster and a lot more competitive, but we will get there. As a team we work hard and that will be a real strength for us.
I'm looking forward to the rest of the season, which will hopefully be injury free for all involved :).

Here is a little picture of Nicholas during the first soccer game.  It was such a beautiful sunny day.

This is the caption Daniel used on facebook to accompany the picture: Watching mum play soccer is nail biting stuff.