A brisk but sunny day greeted the team as they marched on to the field. Coaches knew that a win here would win the division for the season. We made the decision not to tell the boys that, but, to just continue the message that play hard and not be goofy.
Other team completely outplayed us in the first half. They, as we knew from the first time we played them, are very physical, lots of pushing going on. The ref, sadly, isn’t calling anything….there are some fouls that clearly need to be called and aren’t and the yelling at the ref is getting louder and louder.
At halftime, trying to motivate the kids, we tell them…hey, this is it, this is for the championship. Start playing like it. Second half is better than the first, we have our chances, but, they score a goal after pressing us into our end (Christopher, who isn’t the only one to blame, backed up too much towards the goal and screened the goalie). Had a chance on a penalty shot late in the game; the kid blew it right over the top of the goal. End of game, a 1-0 loss. As we lined up to shake hands it was clear that the other team knew from the start what this game meant; they could barely say good game for jumping up and down celebrating. And they earned it and deserved to be happy.
Our kids, in the second half, did what kids, or even adults do…..if the ref isn’t going to call the fouls, you take matters into your own hands….ended up sending in a protest about the referee (who, turns out, is Kevin’s age….should never have had someone that young referee’ing that game)….
