You may remember last week's post where I told you about our big huge meaningful soccer game that was about to rock the world. And then got canceled due to rain.
Well we played on Saturday.
We went down early, 3-0. But in truth I wasn't upset. We were playing well and as I said last week, TTL are just a really good team. We managed to punch one in just before halftime and went to the half down 4-1.
My assistant coach and I were tough on the girls at halftime, letting them know they weren't running hard enough and they weren't doing some things they normally do. To our surprise, they actually seemed to be paying attention. Remember - they are six and seven years old.
We came out at halftime and punched one in quick.
Down 4-2 now.
Oh and hey we got another one. Down 4-3 now.
When we pushed the next one in to make it 4-4, our parents nearly went ballistic. Not sure I've ever seen them so excited in three years of coaching these girls.
Until we punched in another to go ahead 5-4.
Insanity ruled.
When we scored the last one to make it 6-4, you would've thought we'd just earned a birth in the Final Four.
The whistle blew and we won 6-4. Shut them out in the second half and came back from three goals down. And the girls knew what they had done.
I have coached multiple sports at multiple competitive levels for 13 years now. I have won triple overtime games and lost on last second prayers. I have been on both ends of lopsided games. But I have never had more fun being a part of a game than I did on Saturday. There are times in life when you just need something like that and on Saturday, those girls gave me a gift.
Jeff
The Mermaids totally rock. Did they douse you with juice boxes after the game?
Posted by: Karen Olson | March 29, 2010 at 08:18 AM
That is a great story. Congratulations to all of you!
Posted by: Clair Lamb | March 29, 2010 at 08:19 AM
What a happy story first thing this morning!
Congrats, and I'm certain the girls are very lucky to have you as their coach :)
Posted by: Lori Armstrong | March 29, 2010 at 08:31 AM
Oh my God, I am practically cheering out loud while sitting here at my desk.
What a terrific victory and story. Those girls (and their coach) will remember this accomplishment.
Way to go, Little Mermaids!
Posted by: Mary Stella | March 29, 2010 at 09:48 AM
Yeah, Mermaids!! What a great game! Never underestimate the underdog in any game. Way to go team and coach!
Posted by: Becky Hutchison | March 29, 2010 at 06:10 PM
What a comeback-way to go Mermaids!!!!
Posted by: norby | March 30, 2010 at 12:37 PM
Yay Mermaids!! I'm smiling so hard my face hurts. Thanks so much for that story, Jeff.
Posted by: AlisonGaylin | March 30, 2010 at 12:45 PM
A little late, but that shouldn't reflect on my enthusiasm for The Mermaids. Congratulations girls, this proves you can overcome anything, even knucklehead coaches.
Posted by: David Terrenoire | March 31, 2010 at 01:19 PM