The WPS (Women's Pro Soccer) is really taking off!! I absolutely look forward to Sunday nights when I get to turn on the TV (well, at a friend's house) and catch a great game of soccer on each week! And, every now and then, going up to DC to see the Freedom in action!
Last week's game--Freedom v FC Gold Pride--was absolutely amazing! From goalkeeper saves, to possession, to attacking, to all the goals!!! Definitely an on-the-edge-of-your-seat type of game! Congrats to the Freedom for earning their first win!!!! And on a personal note, it was so incredible to see Kati Jo Spisak playing in goal! To think that I trained with her and now she's playing over Briana Scurry (with all due respect, of course)... it's just a true example that the "little people" get their chances! All the best to KJ : )
And this week's game was just as riveting! First, the game showcased the winless/scoreless St. Louis Athletica vs. the freshly-first-win Freedom. Of course, my allegiance was with the Freedom, but I was really hoping that the Athletica could score a goal. Fortunately, I got to witness this game in person, with my soccer pops, Phil : ), and you can just ask him what I said: "I'd love to see Athletica score a goal, but then it'd be even better if we scored 5... and won!" Well, the Athletica did score a goal, x3, but the Freedom came storming back and tied it 3-3 to end the game. World-class goals by each team! Some great saves by both KJ and Solo (my favorite part of any game!!)! I really hope Daniela is okay. Praying it's not an ACL...
Well, this coming weekend, it's Sky Blue FC @ Chicago Red Stars. 6pm on FSC. Be there or be sad when you miss all the exciting top-level action!
Washington Freedom: www.washingtonfreedom.com/dc
WPS: www.womensprosoccer.com
EVERY SUNDAY NIGHT, 6PM ON FOX SOCCER CHANNEL (FSC)
*And then you'll have to watch the W-League Championship game on FSC on Fri or Sat, August 7 or 8 to see me playing in goal for the Hampton Roads Piranhas, and beating the other team to win it all : )
Hampton Roads Piranhas: www.hrpiranhas.com
W-League: http://wleague.uslsoccer.com/
Schedule: http://www.uslsoccer.com/schedules/2009/13598774.html
Monday, May 4, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
First-ever Win in PCHS History!!!!
I am so incredibly proud of the boys' and girls' soccer teams at Page! The boys began the night with a bang as they quickly jumped out to a 2-0 lead against Luray! They went on to post their first tie of the season, 2-2! They played hard. They played with purpose. And they played as a team!!
And my girls brought home Page County High School's first-ever win and shutout!!!!! We beat Luray 2-0! The girls played with such confidence, determination and passion! I couldn't be more proud! : ) There wasn't one star for us, either. I can't start singling out one person's exceptional play tonight, because I'd have to mention how each player raised her level to accomplish this win! Every single person on our team (even the two who unfortunately had to miss this game) contributed to this win... with their high work rate. their commitment to the team. their zest for learning how to play. their unselfishness. and with their collective goal of being aggressive!
Go Panthers!!!!!
And my girls brought home Page County High School's first-ever win and shutout!!!!! We beat Luray 2-0! The girls played with such confidence, determination and passion! I couldn't be more proud! : ) There wasn't one star for us, either. I can't start singling out one person's exceptional play tonight, because I'd have to mention how each player raised her level to accomplish this win! Every single person on our team (even the two who unfortunately had to miss this game) contributed to this win... with their high work rate. their commitment to the team. their zest for learning how to play. their unselfishness. and with their collective goal of being aggressive!
Go Panthers!!!!!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Women's Professional Soccer plays Inaugural Match today!!!!
I am so beyond excited for the return of professional women's soccer in the USA!! Today's inaugural game will feature the two biggest stars in the game today as the Washington Freedom travel to LA SOL. Marta v. Abby. Women's Pro Soccer v. the world. History in the making!!!
Of course, I keep saying, "we" are going out to play the LA SOL, but that's just cuz I know my girls : ) It's going to be so surreal watching them play, knowing that I trained right along side of them, pushing them, encouraging them, and making them better. Wow! I'll definitely be wearing my Freedom shirt today as I'm watching the game at a friend's house!!
GO FREEDOM!!!!! and GO WPS!!!!
Of course, I keep saying, "we" are going out to play the LA SOL, but that's just cuz I know my girls : ) It's going to be so surreal watching them play, knowing that I trained right along side of them, pushing them, encouraging them, and making them better. Wow! I'll definitely be wearing my Freedom shirt today as I'm watching the game at a friend's house!!
GO FREEDOM!!!!! and GO WPS!!!!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Making History at Page Co High School!!!
Wow! What a rush of emotions today!
Today... March 17, 2009... history was made at Page Co High School. We played our very first soccer game!!! The girls hosted non-district foe Mt. Carmel and played sooooo well!!! There are not enough words to describe how I feel about how we played today, and what this big step means for Page Co Public Schools!
Coming in, we had lost our two scrimmages to Luray (don't worry, we'll get 'em twice this season!) and Madison. And the latter game was not so pretty, but there were bright spots. So, with a week to prepare for Mt. Carmel, we went on the defensive, learned how to keep our opponent in front of us, and how to protect the ball. Our goalkeepers also got some great training (by your's truly!) which was the first step in the right direction!
Let me just put it this way... compared to how we played last Tuesday, we were 100x better tonight! Though we didn't get to score a goal or win the game, I really hope the girls were pleased with their effort (only 12 players available today), excited about the future, and that they had fun!! I AM SOOOO PROUD OF MY GIRLS!!!
----
The rest of the week holds practices and hopefully catching the boys' game at Broadway tomorrow night. Then, Saturday is some needed "girl" time with some of the greatest gals (and guy) I teach with, before heading to VA Beach Saturday night in preparation for Sunday's 10am tryout with the Hampton Roads Piranhas of the W-League (semi-pro). Before you know it, Monday comes, bringing on a new week filled with endless possibilities!!!
~Joyful
PS. (for my girls) Dream Big. Persist. Trust. Do it Right!
Today... March 17, 2009... history was made at Page Co High School. We played our very first soccer game!!! The girls hosted non-district foe Mt. Carmel and played sooooo well!!! There are not enough words to describe how I feel about how we played today, and what this big step means for Page Co Public Schools!
Coming in, we had lost our two scrimmages to Luray (don't worry, we'll get 'em twice this season!) and Madison. And the latter game was not so pretty, but there were bright spots. So, with a week to prepare for Mt. Carmel, we went on the defensive, learned how to keep our opponent in front of us, and how to protect the ball. Our goalkeepers also got some great training (by your's truly!) which was the first step in the right direction!
Let me just put it this way... compared to how we played last Tuesday, we were 100x better tonight! Though we didn't get to score a goal or win the game, I really hope the girls were pleased with their effort (only 12 players available today), excited about the future, and that they had fun!! I AM SOOOO PROUD OF MY GIRLS!!!
----
The rest of the week holds practices and hopefully catching the boys' game at Broadway tomorrow night. Then, Saturday is some needed "girl" time with some of the greatest gals (and guy) I teach with, before heading to VA Beach Saturday night in preparation for Sunday's 10am tryout with the Hampton Roads Piranhas of the W-League (semi-pro). Before you know it, Monday comes, bringing on a new week filled with endless possibilities!!!
~Joyful
PS. (for my girls) Dream Big. Persist. Trust. Do it Right!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Results...
Hello all!
After Saturday's scrimmage (first half--potential starters vs. non-starters/tryout participants), Head Coach Jim Gabarra met with each of us individually to let us know whether to pack up and go home, or to stay another week, or to offer a contract. I was let go...
He told me that he'd love to be able to offer me a contract, but with 2 GK's already signed (Scurry, McLeod) and with me not beating out the other GK, there was simply no way they could keep me--which for the record, I suspected on Monday already, after only 3 sessions!!
He told me that he and Nicci (GK coach) were happy with my training and impressed with my talent. Unfortunately, their W-League team is set with GK's, so he'll try to hook me up with their affiliate teams--Hampton Roads Piranhas (http://www.hrpiranhas.net/) and the Northern Virginia Majestics (http://www.novafc.org/women/index_E.html). So I will seek those out.
He commended me on coming from obscurity to the final round of tryouts, and hoped that they could call on me this summer if (hypothetically) one or more of the GK's were injured or had to leave the team. And I said, "Heck yes, call me!!" : )
So, I'm back at Page County High School, teaching and coaching the girls soccer team! It was actually great to be back and to see my students! Our second scrimmage is tomorrow, away!
I'll be looking for a W-League team to play on this summer (semi-pro league, more competitive than the WPSL, which I played in last year), and if for some reason that doesn't pan out, then I'll be looking at playing with the Lancaster Inferno or one of the Philly/Delaware/Atlantic City teams (owned by Matt Driver, owner of the newly-forming Philly professional (WPS) team next summer).
Thanks again for everyone's support, encouragement, and prayers! They were deeply appreciated and felt throughout the past 2 weeks especially! It was a very unique and unreal experience that I'll never forget, but hope to encounter again next year!!! (Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures).
Love, Joyful
After Saturday's scrimmage (first half--potential starters vs. non-starters/tryout participants), Head Coach Jim Gabarra met with each of us individually to let us know whether to pack up and go home, or to stay another week, or to offer a contract. I was let go...
He told me that he'd love to be able to offer me a contract, but with 2 GK's already signed (Scurry, McLeod) and with me not beating out the other GK, there was simply no way they could keep me--which for the record, I suspected on Monday already, after only 3 sessions!!
He told me that he and Nicci (GK coach) were happy with my training and impressed with my talent. Unfortunately, their W-League team is set with GK's, so he'll try to hook me up with their affiliate teams--Hampton Roads Piranhas (http://www.hrpiranhas.net/) and the Northern Virginia Majestics (http://www.novafc.org/women/index_E.html). So I will seek those out.
He commended me on coming from obscurity to the final round of tryouts, and hoped that they could call on me this summer if (hypothetically) one or more of the GK's were injured or had to leave the team. And I said, "Heck yes, call me!!" : )
So, I'm back at Page County High School, teaching and coaching the girls soccer team! It was actually great to be back and to see my students! Our second scrimmage is tomorrow, away!
I'll be looking for a W-League team to play on this summer (semi-pro league, more competitive than the WPSL, which I played in last year), and if for some reason that doesn't pan out, then I'll be looking at playing with the Lancaster Inferno or one of the Philly/Delaware/Atlantic City teams (owned by Matt Driver, owner of the newly-forming Philly professional (WPS) team next summer).
Thanks again for everyone's support, encouragement, and prayers! They were deeply appreciated and felt throughout the past 2 weeks especially! It was a very unique and unreal experience that I'll never forget, but hope to encounter again next year!!! (Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures).
Love, Joyful
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