Following a day of torrential rain, Caleb played his first soccer game. With thunder rumbling and lightning flashing in the distance, the Bluejays were able to play about half of the game before it was called. But that half was so humorous, it had me laughing until I cried. Somehow, the other team was almost entirely uniform in its ethnic makeup, composed of a population that generally excels in soccer. The odds were stacked against the Bluejays from the start. Caleb and a teammate worked together to score the first goal (for the other team). Later, a little teammate reached the ball just before it was to roll out-of-bounds. Facing the sideline, the little guy firmly kicked the ball into a neighboring field. Then there was our goalie...she made a skilled save, but didn't stop there. With the ball balanced between her feet, she turned right around and kicked it firmly into the goal she was guarding. All in all, it was a rout. In this non-competitive, non-scorekeeping league, Matt made sure to keep score. 4-1 in the first of many presumed losses for the Bluejays. But they all got little award stickers afterward, with Caleb receiving "Most Christlike" for playing despite his sprained finger. The kids seemed to have a fabulous time, and the snack of cookies and gatorade afterwards sealed the deal for Caleb. It was a great half hour of entertainment for the adults as well...we're looking forward to next week :)
Caleb joined the fearsome Panthers for his second season of soccer. Actually, when I first saw the team, I thought they might have trouble winning even one game. But then Raul, soccer extroadinaire, stepped onto the field. With Raul (whose status is questionable due to an injury last game) the Panthers pretty well roll over most opponents. Of course, this league has rules about fair playing time and such so everyone get a chance at the ball. Caleb really stepped up his game this past week, taking 3 well-aimed shots. No goals for Caleb yet, but he's well on his way. And he has had a phenomenal run at goalie...he plays that position quite often and has never allowed a goal. This team has been an interesting experience because the Panthers are coached by an elderly couple. Coach Nick, who has to be pushing 70, cannot remember Caleb's name and so he frequently calls Caleb (as well as several of the other boys) "old man." Caleb is a little sad about this, but he's having a great time on the field!
