Soccer Champions
I love the Beautiful Game. For those that spend too much time on American Football, the Beautiful Game is Soccer. I was on hiatus from the game for the greater part of my college years, but I've been entranced for the past few years. Thanks to GolTv and Fox Soccer Channel (formerly Fox Sports World), I am able to view world-class games from leagues across the world. Plus, ESPN's domination of the world sporting market provides Champions League matches. All this watching, and I had to play.
Back in Annapolis, I started by quest for a soccer team. I was able to join a team that played in Pasadana. It was great to get back on the field, but I wasn't excited about the time on the field. The games were on Sunday mornings at 8am. This is too early to do anything. To rub salt into my lazy wound, the team couldn't win. I was thankful for my chance at playing, but ruining my Saturday night wasn't worth loosing.
Fast forward to living in Baltimore. As a side note, this was one of the best ideas. Thanks to Joe, I found a pick up game literally two blocks from my house in Riverside Park. The game plays every Saturday afternoon year round. It is just the right blend of fun and competition. During the summer months, we routinely finish up at a local watering hole.
Not only has the Saturday game satisfied my need for sport, but has helped acclimate me to my community. Fellow players have been helpful with advice pertaining to living in the city. I have been able to meet some really excellent people from all sorts of backgrounds. It is not unusual to have five countries represented at the game. A few players have invited me to play on other teams through out the area. This includes a season or two at "Du" Burns Arena in Canton. I was also invited to play on a men's league team in Howard County. This was very exciting because; the leagues there have a good reputation for being well run with good competition.
I was able to join the Sick Puppies with only a few games into the fall season. Sadly, in my first game, I destroyed my ankle. I popped a ligament. I was out for over a month. What horrible luck. During the game I played very well, and I loved being back on a full field. I was so happy to hear they would have me back after my ankle was healed.
After a month passed and I tried to rehabilitate at the Saturday game, Brent emailed saying the TEAM needed help. Many of the regular players were out for the weekend. It was perfect timing. I was about 100% healthy, and I was ready to help keep the season special. TEAM was currently undefeated.
My first game back, I played with heart but not much technical skill. It took a few weeks to get my touch. To tell the truth, I was never fully satisfied with my performances post ankle injury. I was really playing well pre-injury, but I'll have to work through the winter.
A few games after returning, we played a fiery game against the Internationals. The game could have gone either way. The game was constantly fluctuating as possession and control changed hands. We took the one goal lead in the first half, but the game was far from won. We were blessed with an own goal in the second half, and they took back a goal. With the score at 2-1, they had control. The game was now filled with passion and tension was mounting. With only a few minutes left, the Internationals were awarded a penalty kick for a suspect foul. As luck would have it, their strike hit the post. Full time soon followed, and we squeaked by with our undefeated status.
A few more games passed, and we continued to win. I was astonished. I hadn't been on such a successful team since early in high school. The weekend before Thanksgiving was our last game. It was a make up game against the Internationals, but it didn't count. We were already crowned Fall 2006 Men's Champions. Needless to say, we played with heart and pride. Our undefeated season was at stake. The game was as glorious as the last, but we were able to take a convincing lead and eventually won.
To everyone's surprise, our coach Rob had a trophy to present. We gathered on the field for a team picture. As you can see, I need to get myself a matching jersey.
HCRP Men's Sunday Div 3 Fall 2006 Champions
It was a great season, and I am already looking forward to the spring. Thanks to Brent and Rob for helping join the team. I need to continue with the Saturday games for fun and training purposes. I'm really happy I have been able to find outlets to play the Beautiful Game.
