Josh's First Soccer Game - Year 2 - Game 1

 

Every game Josh tapes up his wrist with his "Why?". Why does he play soccer? What motivates him to push through the really hard parts of a game/training? He always puts the same things: Sarah, Nana (my mom), Family, the area codes we've lived, the boys (his besties), and Coach Lar (one of his high school coaches who committed suicide). I love seeing that wrist band on his arm. 

Josh had his first game, a scrimmage, this past Saturday. This marks the start of his second year of eligibility for soccer. (Each collegiate athlete gets four years.) The boys played 3 thirty-minute halves so that each of the players could have 30 minutes of play time. The boys played against a semi-pro team from Florida who were absolutely amazing. Belmont lost to this team 2-1. There was some question as to whether Josh was even going to be called up to play in this game as 5 of the 11 recruits this year were defenders (which is what Josh was asked to learn how to play when recruited by Belmont). With two returning starters from last season that leaves on 2 open spots with about 8-12 boys gunning for those two spots, but he did get called up which was nice. 

It was so nice to see Josh play. He didn't get a ton of play time last year. (I think he played in maybe 3 games for a total of about 45 minutes all year.) He did have a roster spot on the first team last year, but I'm not sure how this year is going to go. Collegiate sports are pretty cut-throat and new players are always being recruited, so there is no wait in line and your turn will come type situations there. You could work your butt off all year and still not get any playing time because of size, speed, etc...With coaches being able to select athletes from all over the world there is always a good chance a player might never get a shot at a starting position. It's hard for these players as they are used to being the best on the club/high school teams they came from. To now have to deal with the best of the best from not only your own country, but internationally as well means that there is fierce competition for play time. Plus, what they don't tell you when recruiting you, is that there are always two teams of boys - the first team (the team whose games count) and the developmental/reserve team (whose games don't really count for much). Each team is stacked with 25-30 players, so you are looking at anywhere between 50-60 boys gunning for 11 starting spots on the first team. It is crazy - and definitely nothing like I thought it would (nor what Josh thought it would be like). 

The bright side of Josh not having a first team spot this year is that he will start on the developmental team and get a ton of play time. For me, if Josh cannot grab a starting spot on the first team I would rather he have a starting spot on the reserve team verse sitting on the bench of the first team. I'm not sure Josh feels the same way though. 

It will be what it will be. Josh does everything in his power to get play time on the first team. The rest is out of his hands, and time will tell what the future holds for him. 

That's him in the background with the ball. 

Kicking the free kick.

Giving directions to the defense. 

Right before kick off. 

Rooting for her brother.

Showing up for their brother.