MAN!!!! It's Too Hot For Soccer!!!!

107 degrees.

That's how hot it was at 1:00PM during Daisy's game. Even the morning games were unbearable. Willy played at 10:00AM. One of his teammates went home when he got sick from the heat. As we were leaving the game, the paramedics arrived for several other children who had collapsed. The games weren't cancelled for the day. Maybe they should have been. But, most of the kids remembered to drink lots of water, and event though they were uncomfortable, they weren't unsafe.

Emily plays on Friday nights now......THANK HEAVENS!!!!! It was quite nice last night. During the evenings and nights, the soccer complex cools down much faster than the rest of the Valley because of all the greenery around. There isn't as much asphalt and concrete to absorb the heat. It was so comfortable, that Barry even went to the game!!! She played well and had a good time. The score was a 2-2 tie (Cory's first game last week had the same score.)

Will's morning game was surprising in how hot it was. Umbrellas usually aren't an absolute necessity during morning games, so I left mine in the van. I immediately went back to the van to get my umbrella once the game started. Will also did well. He was playing on the half field for the first time (he used to play quarter field), and he had the stamina to do it. His score....2-2.

Now, like the dork I am....I forgot my camera for these two games. URRGGGH!

Daisy's game was a BEAST!!!! because the temperature was at it's highest by then. I was taking ice water from my cooler and drenching the girls hair at the quarter and half times to try and keep them from getting overheated. All 14 girls would just line up in front of me for dousing. The big surprise of the game was Daisy!!!! All of the sudden, she opened up a can of whoop-a$$! She was a good 6 inches shorter than most of her team and the opponents, but she was kicking butt and taking names! Look at the size difference:


Daisy is #4. The score at the end of the game....2-2

Now, what are the odds that each of my kids first game of the season would be a 2-2 tie?

After the game, Daisy started playing with one of her opponents, Bailey. Bailey is the younger sister of one of Cory's teammates, Cody. Now, Cody and Cory played All-Stars together last season, but Daisy and Bailey never met each other during all of the many games we attended! They spent the time during their big brother's game becoming good friends, and can't wait to see each other at the next game. I thought they were so cute together, I had to do a layout of them:


credits:here

And then, there was Cory's game. A huge blowout, which we lost. The center ref was the assistant coach on Cory's All-Star team last year. I am trying to be understanding and non-judgemental, but he called a crappy game. Our coach got so mad, he blew his mouth off and was removed from the game. The assistant coach was almost right behind him, but he finally decided that silence was the better choice. Cory is supposed to call the plays from his position on defense. The boys were told at the beginning of the game, by the coach, that what Cory said goes. They were not to question Cory, but were to do exactly what he said, when he said it, with no arguments. They didn't follow directions. Cory was not happy. He can't help the team if they won't follow his directions. And the coach has acknowledged that Cory knows what he is doing, and should be listened to. Cory is in the best position to see the entire field and all players....better than the coaches on the sidelines. By the end of the game, Cory was FUMING!!!! Monday's practice is not going to be pleasant. A few pictures from Cory's game:


Cory leading stretches before the game


Cory kicking the ball (kinda self explanatory)


and finally, Cory trying to direct the play

But, there was one thing about Cory's game that was the best thing that happened all day long. A huge storm cloud moved in!!!! It cooled down dramatically, the sun was gone, it was COMFORTABLE!!!!!!!