Game 16

In an interesting twist, Samantha got to start tonight's game between the Venice Indians and the Sarasota Sailors. Although the start isn't usual for Sam, it was the fact that she would be starting in goal that was the biggest surprise. From a parent's perspective, this ranks pretty high on the list of sporting nightmares.

Thankfully Sam didn't have anything to worry about (and neither did Tara or I), as her team did everything that they could to make things easy on her. Sam (unofficially) didn't even face a shot on goal en route to a 7-0 halftime lead, thanks once again to her offense pouring it on, and her defense keeping the Sailors away from the offensive zone. It was looking like the second half wasn't even going to be needed, but the Indians couldn't quite get the eighth goal needed to invoke the mercy rule.

After halftime Sam was given a reprieve from net, and was put in the field as a forward. This isn't a position that she has spent a lot of time playing, so she did her best. She got a couple of shots on goal while there, but wasn't able to convert them into points. Thankfully, the Indians were able to net the final goal, invoking the mercy rule and giving them an 8-0 victory.

Venice Indians Game #16 - vs. Sarasota Sailors
	Samantha running out onto the field during pregame introductions.
	Sam and her teammates lined up during pregame introductions.
	Sam and her teammates standing for the national anthem.
	Sam and her teammates during the pregame cheer.
	Samantha got the start tonight in goal after the regular goalkeeper sprained her ankle over the weekend.
	Sam watching as the team dominates the action at the opposite end of the field.
	Sam kicking a ball played back to her by a teammate...
	...and sending it down the field.
	Sam scooping up the ball as her teammate shields the Sarasota player from getting there first.
	Sam lining up a drop kick...
	...and making contact with the ball...
	...and sending it flying through the air...
	...and watching as it sails past mid-field.
	Sam got moved to forward after helping her team to a 7-0 halftime lead.
	Sam fighting for the ball in a crowd of players...
	...and getting a pass of to a teammate.

Venice Indians Game #16 - vs. Sarasota Sailors

Samantha running out onto the field during pregame introductions.

Sam and her teammates lined up during pregame introductions.

Sam and her teammates standing for the national anthem.

Sam and her teammates during the pregame cheer.

Samantha got the start tonight in goal after the regular goalkeeper sprained her ankle over the weekend.

Sam watching as the team dominates the action at the opposite end of the field.

Sam kicking a ball played back to her by a teammate...

...and sending it down the field.

Sam scooping up the ball as her teammate shields the Sarasota player from getting there first.

Sam lining up a drop kick...

...and making contact with the ball...

...and sending it flying through the air...

...and watching as it sails past mid-field.

Sam got moved to forward after helping her team to a 7-0 halftime lead.

Sam fighting for the ball in a crowd of players...

...and getting a pass of to a teammate.