Our Girl in the Goal

Over the weekend, we got to cheer on our girl and her team as they battled to the top and took first place at what was Ella’s first ever soccer tournament. We are so proud! Not only because the girls played hard and won, but because they showed real character when things got tough and held their heads up even when decisions didn’t go their way.

The girls started the tournament on Friday night with a win. Ella had a few great stops in the goal. Then they played another awesome game Saturday afternoon. The team was scheduled to play in the early afternoon on Sunday, but there had been a miscommunication about the time of the game and our girls got to the field after the start time. When they arrived, the opposing team was adamant that they won because we forfeited after being late. This is when the character of our girls was tested, and we saw them shine. It was a really frustrating situation, but the girls responded well. We learned it might still be possible to play in the finals depending on the result of another game.

At 3:30pm, our coach got the call saying our previous wins from the tournament qualified us to play in the finals! The girls were pumped! As it turned out, we were up against the team from earlier in the day that had demanded a forfeit. The game started at 5pm and was tough. Both teams played really hard. Ella had at least 6 amazing blocks in the goal and didn’t let a single attempt pass her, including a penalty kick made just a few feet in front of her. Regular game play concluded with a score of 0-0, so the teams prepared for a best-of-five shootout. Just as they were lining up to take their first shot, the lightning siren blared and play was stopped. Everyone was instructed to grab what we had and take cover.

We’ve learned since moving to Florida that lightning is no joke here. Lots of coaches have lightning radars that let them know how far away a lightning strike is and when to take cover. We had to wait out the storm inside the field house where the girls taught each other fun games. Totally reminded me of when I played softball at Ella’s age.

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After 30 minutes, the all clear was given and the girls jumped back on the field. Ella took her spot at the goal and each team lined up to take their shots. The other team kicked first, sending the ball up over Ella’s head, but she jumped up and knocked it down! No goal! Our team alternated with the other, each shot taken by a different player against the goalie. Each shot our team took made it in the goal, while Ella was a wall and didn’t let in a single one! Everyone erupted as the last shot was made and the girls were officially the tournament winners!

We about burst with pride! Ella did so well in all her games! She not only guards the goal, but she also really encourages the whole team throughout the game.

The girls have one more game this weekend. I’m going to miss our Saturday routine! The whole team works really well together and has a lot of fun. A couple of the girls go to Ella’s school, but most don’t. Some are in 5th grade and some are in 6th. We’ve talked with other parents about keeping this group of girls and coach together for next season. They have an awesome coach, and the parents enjoy being together! We’ve had fun spending Saturdays with the other families, especially because it’s been hard to get to know many other people in our area with COVID stuff.

I’ve already said it multiple times, but I’m so proud of this team. And I’m completely over the moon about Ella’s performance and attitude. I’m so excited that this has become her sport. She’s signed up for soccer camp and a few goalie coaching sessions this summer. She’s trying out this week for the traveling teams with her league (Jacksonville Football Club), but Pete & I are still deciding if we’re ready for all that traveling. Staying with a rec team for another year, especially if it’s this team, might be a better fit for all of us. We’ve got a whole lot more soccer in our future, and we love it!