Game 1: Plainfield @ Avon

Senior year high school soccer season has begun!

The boys first game was against a rival in the town of Avon. Plainfield has lost to Avon the last 11 years prior to this game. Being their first game the boys are still feeling each other out as a team especially since so many of the players are new to varsity; we had something like 12 seniors (all on varsity) graduate last year. Coach only rosters 17-18 boys each season for varsity, so losing those 12 seniors last year was a bit hit on our team. None-the-less this team has got the talent to do something special if they want to. We'll see how Josh and the other two captains manage the team this year. I believe that will determine a lot in terms of how the season will go.

Josh played defensive mid-field the whole game as his skills were needed to fend off such a good Avon team.

Plainfield ended up with a tie at the end of the game with a score of 0-0. I consider that a victory in my book as we have lost to Avon the last 11 years. Our goalie did an amazing job in particular when he blocked a penalty kick by Avon's best player. He was definitely the MVP of that game.

Record: 0-0-1

Warming up before the game. 

Warm-ups.

At the start of the game. 

Captains meeting to pick sides of the field. 

Starters walking out to the field for introductions. (Josh is the second player from the last.)

Introductions. (Josh is #19)

The playing of the National Anthem. I love that the boys put their hands on the player in front of them while this song is being played. 

Team huddle right as the game started. 

Taking a free kick.

Final score of the game. 

Love these Midwest sunsets. 

His 'why'. These are the people that Josh plays for when the going gets tough. These are the people that motivate him to want to be the best player he can be. His best friend, #23, Boorman; His sister Sarah, who misses soccer more than any other thing that she has had to give up since going blind; and all of the people who have made him the player that he is today from the places we have lived: 330 (Ohio), 575 (New Mexico), 971 (Oregon). The last name on the list is a boy named Mo who was cut this year from the team and still comes to the games to cheer the boys on. He has decided to wear a wristband every game so that he never forgets those who have made him the player he is today and those who would love to play but cannot.