NPL Championship, Next Level of the Experience

Finally our entire family was able to travel with Reagan's soccer team for a big tourney. 

This past year the EGA U13 team played in the MRL (midwest regional league) and NPL (national premier league). That translates into playing very few games in Nebraska and lots of travel. Typically mom or dad took Reagan along with 1-2 teammates and another parent for a weekend of 3-4 games, so it was nice to be together as a family this time. 

Wednesday at 5am we jumped in the van headed out on our 10 hour drive to Indianapolis to support Reagan at the National Championship Tournament. Despite the crowded space and long hours, I joyfully report no fights. Probably because most of us slept the majority of the time. As a mom who is conscious about feeding the family healthy food and keeping costs down, I am so proud of my meal planning. We spent $194 on food for 5 people over five days, which include eating out a couple times. I even tried out a crockpot meal in the hotel, we all loved it.

Game #1 vs NEFC, from Boston Massachusetts. Talk about a bad draw, we started with the team who ended up winning the whole thing.  Yep, we lost to the new reigning National Champions. These girls were big, fast, very physical and played like a well oiled machine. I do feel that it is important to also mention that they illegally substituted a player and got away with it. They were good enough to win but I would love to ask the coach if it was worth tarnishing his integrity. At half time the score was 0-0. The first 10 minutes of the second half we were strong, and I believe had them a little worried. We had a goal called back because we were off sides but at least we knew we could score on them. Then the heartbreaking goal happened, we scored on ourselves. (Remember that happened in the women's world cup too?)  Before I knew it, NEFC scored another goal and our team deflated. Coach decided to make a risky change to our formation which left our defense exposed. Our girls played their hearts out but we lost 4-0. Note the hazy pictures...there was a heavy mist the entire game. Keeping my lens clean and dry was impossible.

Sidenote: they had a crazy dad on the sidelines who we will talk about for years to come.  "BOOM!"

Yeah, my girl pushes a little too.

Reagan heading the ball

Game #2 vs STA, from New Jersey. We had a lot of chances in this game but just couldn't seem to get the ball in the net. Previously this team had played NEFC many times and tied them or lost by 1 so they were most certainly a quality team. We ended up 0-0 when the whistle blew after 70 minutes of soccer. In pool play it is possible to tie a game, it isn't until the semis or finals that a tie goes into OT (overtime) and then eventually into a shootout to determine a win if needed.

Reagan in white shooting the ball.

Game #3 vs BRSC, from Louisiana. At the start of day three we already knew it was impossible to advance to the semifinals but that didn't prevent us from leaving it all on the field. The girls, again, played with great intensity and desire. Despite the two very skilled forwards on the BRSC team our goalie shut them down. We finished the tournament with a 7-0 win which meant lots of girls got playing time. Reagan had one goal in the game, I'm not sure if the picture below is when she scored or not.

Reagan heading for the goal!

The first of many National Tournaments!

Proud of These Girls!