NPL Soccer in Chicago

This past weekend my little soccer player and I zipped up to Chicago for some mother-daughter soccer time. Chris and I have committed to cutting our travel expenses which means carpooling, eating sandwiches in the car and sharing hotels. On top of saving money this weekend, we got to get better aquainted with some very special people. Ryann is new to the team and she is freaky fast! It's sad to admit, but joining this team is no picnic. There are some pretty mean people in this world, you know the kind who would be mean to a little girl because she's a flipping awesome soccer player. (whew, got that off my chest) Anyway, getting to know Ryann and her beautiful mom, Victoria blessed us in unexpected ways.  God you are so good!

Reagan's game schedule looks much different from last year. We use to play Gretna, OFC, Elkhorn and Lincoln but now it's surprisingly difficult to find quality competition in the state of Nebraska. Since fall we have played only one local team (beat 'em) while other opponents have been from Dallas, Kansas City, St Louis, Minneapolis, Chicago, Ohio, and Detroit. Holy Buckets!! For now we are in 1st place (I'm pretty sure) in NPL (National Premier League) which could mean playing in the national tournament in Indianapolis this July. 

Back to Chicago...Wouldn't you know it, Saturday in game one against the Chicago Sockers Reags played really well and I left my camera in the hotel. Not a big deal since she had a game the next morning. Except my little go-getter got kicked then rolled her ankle Saturday and was not able to put any weight on her right foot. Therefore, she did not play anymore soccer. I took my camera to game 2 anyway but I was so cold (it was windy and 40 degrees) I took very few pictures. This is what I got...

The only time #8 will ever be taller than her goalie!

The girls on the sidelines

The two R's sitting out this game

Protecting their goal...and it worked!!

Can I brag for just a moment? If it makes you sick just skip it...

I mentioned that Reagan played well in the first game of the weekend. During the game I noticed the ref talking to Reags then she pointed over to me. Instantly I began playing every comment I had made over in my head. Had I yelled something and the ref was going to give ME a yellow card? Was he warning Reagan that I was out of line? No, I couldn't think of anything. After the game, as I was getting ready to carry Reagan to the parking lot (Thanks Mark Thomson for your help) the ref said to me, "Make sure she always plays on a good team, your daughter is a very special player, she sees the game different than most." Wow, I've never had a ref say anything like that before. I think #8 is a good but I'm mom, that's my job. Hearing it from an unbiased person made me feel pretty proud of Reagan and her hard work. Keep working towards those goals, you can do it!