February 4th, 2015
Although the kids on the AYSO team are giving it their
best, they just aren't really ready to compete with these travel teams. It
showed today as they were unable to stop the Arrows team of U7 boys. They were
never really able to challenge on offense, and they offered little in the way of
resistance on defense. The lowlight of the night for Jayden came as she ran
across the front of the goal after the opposing goalkeeper had made a save on
one of the few shots her team managed. Just as she crossed in front of the
keeper he drop kicked the ball, sending it directly into her face. She
immediately fell to the ground as blood started gushing from her nose, stopping
play for quite some time. They managed to slow the bleeding and get her to a
bench off the field where I went to help. While play resumed on the field I
worked to get her nose to stop bleeding. Once it did we headed to the restroom
to get her arms and legs cleaned up, as they were both covered in drops of
blood. I asked her how she was feeling and she said she was doing OK. I told her
she could head back out to the field to stand with her coach and, if she felt up
to it, return to the game. Surprisingly enough, she was back on the field within
30 seconds of standing on the sideline. She is a much tougher cookie than I give
her credit for sometimes! After the game the opposing coach got Jay and the
young boy who was in goal at the time and had them shake hands as well have him
apologize to her (which wasn't really necessary - it was a soccer play, not an
intentional act to hurt anyone, which was easily discernible by his reaction
after Jay fell to the ground). Needless to say, it was a nice thing to do and
one that I have seen far too many coaches ignore. At the least, it was a nice
way to teach these young kids that there is more to the game than winning and
losing, and that caring about your opponent means something as well. Well done,
coach.
Holly Red AYSO Game 5 - at Arrows U7 Boys
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Jayden chasing after the ball across the middle of the field.
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Jay trying to avoid crashing into and tripping an opposing
player.
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Jay looking back at the goal after her keeper made a save.
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Jay watching the action take place against the wall.
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Jayden and a teammate chasing after the ball down the field.
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Jay passing the ball across her body.
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Jay getting ready to gather in a pass from her teammate after
her team allowed a goal.
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