Fall Soccer recap written 12/31/23


 I wanted to reach out to all of you again and make several posts to cover the rest of the year. This will be the soccer summary.

In addition to the boys placing 2nd in State Cup (previous post), they won their P1 Comp (Premier Competitive) Division, last one of their careers. We had a fun celebration party at Calle (a teammate's parent's indoor soccer place in SLC).

In November the boys also played in the first round of Desert League in Phoenix, currently ranking in 3rd place. Steve went with Justin and was able to connect with a friend of ours there also.

After that was National League Playoffs in Orlando in December. I was able to travel with the team this time, ironically my first trip to a far far away game.  

First off, we had SO MUCH FUN!!! 

Second, the ESPN Wide World of Sports facility, run by Disney, is a SUPER nice facility, and we only had one game in full afternoon humidity. You do sign your life away as you have to have an ID card and a fingerprint scan to get in 🤯 but the employees do line the walkway for the first game of the day to cheer on and encourage the players (and parents as we are walking in also). Fun and weird all at the same time.

They boys played SO well, every one played, and each opponent was ranked top in their state. New Jersey, Illinois and Maryland. In case you were wondering, we won our bracket!!! That earned the boys a place in the top bracket in the next round of Nationals, and we have already booked our trip to Tampa in February.

In spite of how much soccer Justin missed, it has been a great season for the boys, and a great time for Justin to be able to step in and join his teammates and friends.

For me, it was overwhelming at times to see him on the pitch in Orlando next to the palm trees and alligators. (I'm sure they were kicking around or eating the balls that went over the fence.) When he was in the hospital in August, the tournament in December was my "secret" goal for him, which he far exceeded by playing in October. We were also able to enjoy time at Cocoa Beach & Gator Land.

We are so grateful to everyone for their support for Justin and his love for the beautiful game! ⚽

 



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