What an experience this was. BA is an academy where the boys take classes half days and train for football half days…year round. The starting center backs were 6’5” and 180 lbs. His mate was 6’4” and went a solid 195. The size difference with many of the players to ours was like Conner standing next to me. Notice it next time we are together. These boys were all 16-17 years old and had exceptional skills to a man. The pitch may well have been the nicest our boys have played on; certainly this was the most skilled team our sons have faced, ever.
The weather is perfect today, partly sunny and around 60 degrees.
In the first half TFA held their own, one fluke goal, one good goal and some exceptional saves by Michael. I must say for our two matches to date he is (MOM) Man of the Match. Yet we found our side down 2-0. In the second, we came out pretty well and after 5-10 minutes we flat ran out of gas. The match got away at that point. It turned into a bit of a clinic on moving forward, simple passing, challenging each other for excellence…very impressive. Following the match both sides again met at mid field shook hands, spoke to the players, addressed the parents, players, everyone. Very polite and highly professional the entire experience. BA also presented PH with a team jersey signed by all of their players. Wish you all could have seen it and what an experience for our boys.
The boys are showering and heading back to the bus (sorry, Motor Coach and it is very fancy) for our trip to the American Cemetery and then back to Cambridge for more site seeing.
Have enjoyed all the postings of today! It sounds like a great adventure continues.
ReplyDeleteThanks for thre compliments on Michael! Tell him to keep playing hard and tell Kim to continue to cheer loud.
All is well stateside.