July 28, 2007-July 31, 2007

Burlington, North Carolina

 

It was just like what everyone had told us it would be like, hot and humid. What we didn’t expect was the heavy rain, thunder and lightning. The rain was so heavy at times that the cars on the freeway would simply stop and wait. When we arrived at the field for our first game the field marshal was stopping all the games and making everyone return to their cars. They would put in place a mandatory 30 minute delay after each lightning strike. After an hour and a half the games resumed. We were fortunate enough to draw a local team, SoccerOP for our first game. Our girls took the field against a very fast and skilled team and we found ourselves down 0-3 before the half. By the second half the girls started getting acclimated to the humidity and the level of play. After making some key adjustments we played them to a 1-1 score in the second half. This was one of those games you really want to play again. 

 

GFC Red     1  

SoccerOP    4

 

One thing we found out that was very interesting. All three teams in our bracket, SoccerOP, Michigan and Charlotte were tournament teams. They would take the best players from 3 to 5 clubs and they build these teams just to play these tournaments. None of these teams played league together as a team.

 

 

Our second game was against the Michigan Nationals. They beat Charlotte 4-1 in their first game and we were hearing rumors that they might be the best team in the group. This was a great game. Both teams played well. It was a hard fought battle and a lot of fun to watch. We certainly had our opportunities but we were unable to finish. Late in the game Michigan would break through our defense and score.  You always want to win but this is one of those games where you walk away happy because of the way your team played.

 

GFC Red    0  

Michigan       1 

 

Our third game was against Charlotte who had just tied SoccerOP 1-1 the day before. This was probably the hottest day of the weekend and we had a 3:30 game time. The girls took the field on fire and pressed hard the entire game. We were definitely running on all cylinders and I felt like we were in control of the game. Charlotte managed to score first. It was a little strange. There were subs being made and our girls were caught day dreaming as Charlotte threw the ball in to an unmarked player who made a nice shot into the net. We had many shots on goal and managed to hit the cross bar three times. We had a corner kick late in the game and as the service came into the box a player from Charlotte jumped up with both arms extended and hit the ball with her hands. I have never seen anything like it before. The referee didn’t call anything. We were looking at each other in disbelief. With the exception of that call the officiating was pretty good the entire weekend. We did manage to find the back of the net late in the game to secure the tie. 

 

GFC Red    1  

Charlotte       1 

 

This was great experience for our girls and one that they will never forget. In addition to all the soccer our girls got to visit DUKE University , hang out at the beach and spend an entire day at Cape Fear sailing, swimming, catching shrimp and crab with a seine net and have a BBQ. We are looking forward to league. God Bless 

See you on the pitch.  

ONTARIO INTERNATIONAL 4:30 AM

 

 

DAY 2 

Game GFC Red vs Michigan Nationals 

DUKE UNIVERSITY

 

CAPE FEAR, NC 

 

Friends of the Dalys, Bob and Nina opened thier home to us in Cape Fear and showed the girls a great time.