AYSO State Semi-Finals

This past Saturday, we spent the day in Bakersfield for the AYSO League Team State Semi-Finals (yep, it's a mouthful). We were up at 4:00 am and hit the road by 5. Brian's team had to arrive at the field by 7:00 am to check-in and be ready to play for their 8:00 game. Did I mention that this was just the first of three games that they had to play this day? It was a great day weather wise. Not too hot and not too cold. In fact, it was a little overcast and we all got our faces sunburned.

If you're into soccer, you should check out the soccer fields in Bakersfield. I know, your thinking Bakersfield? But seriously, the complex has 25 soccer fields!!! It's HUGE! Games are played from 8 am until 4 pm non-stop. Somehow, it all works out smoothly with games, traffic, parking, food stands, and restrooms. I'm not really into soccer besides that I like watching my boys play. After the eight years that my boys have been playing, I still don't know all the rules (like "off-sides"), but I was impressed with the fields in Bakersfield and in awe of the family and community support that all of these children have.

The team was a little nervous starting out. This is the big-time in AYSO standards. Brian played hard and was always where he should be. He plays mid-fielder, which means he's trying to move the ball forward to the strikers to make a goal, but when the other team has the ball, he has to run back and support the defenders. In short, the kid is constantly running back & forth. He has asthma, so I'm always a little anxious when he plays. He did great, but the team lost all three games. Oh well, everyone had a great day absorbed in soccer!


This is what he looked liked after the third game when I said, "Brian, turn this way and smile!". I got the death look. You'd think that the kid had been running all day or something. I always think it's hysterical when parents yell, "Run faster! First to the ball! Get your head in the game!" 99% of the parents on the side-lines (me included) couldn't run for 5 minutes, let alone for an hour and 10 minutes! I understand this and I try to just yell things like "good job and "way to hustle", but I just wanted a cute picture of him smiling. Whatever!

But he always has a smile for Grandma! This was taken after the third game (and 3 losses). Grandma Toni congratulated him on playing his best and he gave her a smile. Congratulations Brian on a great season! Now we only have practice two days a week instead of four. Yippeee!!!