Congrats to Miles for scoring our team's only goal today!!! It was, unquestionably, our best effort of the season. Even against a team that towered over us (the other team was all 2nd graders, and even one third grader ... while we have all 1st graders except one 2nd grader) our kids were REALLY working as a team today. After weeks and weeks of very tentative play, the boys really went after the ball today with a lot of energy.
I have to admit to almost tearing up (happy-tears) when Miles put the ball in the net. Our team had several other 'near misses' prior to our only goal, and I was afraid we might have another scoreless game. The expression of PURE joy and feeling of accomplishment on Miles' face as he ran back from scoring the goal was something I won't soon forget. Very, very cool dad moment, and even better coaching moment.
I of course wanted to give the "player of the game" award to Miles for scoring, but it seemed more appropriate to give the award to "the team" today, in an effort to recognize a breakthrough in teamwork. Miles seemed to really like the fact the entire team got the award, proudly proclaiming "I've been player of the game twice now! Once on my own for being goalie, and once with my entire team when I scored!"
Pictures taken at home after a celebration trip to Dunkin' Donuts. Miles wanted to reenact the goal so that I could take a picture to share with Kristen (who is in Wisconsin this weekend with the Playgroup Moms).
Emery, by the way, offered to be the Assistant Coach today, and she worked hard on the sideline with me. She felt particularly helpful when she noticed that Kevin's finger had a small cut on it, and she fished a band-aid out of my duffle bag. In true Emery style, she carefully planned out a "matching outfit" to wear on the sidelines this morning.
