Indoor Soccer

I was extremely apprehensive about Savannah's indoor soccer season because her coach signed them up to play in a high school league. I was positive that it was going to be a disaster, just like the previous years when we have played older teams. But surprisingly the girls held their own and had an incredible season, ending up in 2nd place going into the playoffs!

The net makes for cruddy pictures but I wanted to capture some of Savannah's season, even if the pictures aren't too clear.

Savannah had a fabulous season and played so well. Her passes and foot work continue to amaze me!

The week after Christmas and right before playoffs started the Northern Elite teams got together for a fun team holiday party. It was held in the home of one of the players - an absolutely huge home with plenty of space for everyone - and the girls hung out in the basement, playing games and then exchanging gifts. The adults ate a lot of food and watched the Ravens playoff game. Other than almost catching on fire from a log bursting out of the fireplace and brushing past my leg, I had a nice time visiting with all the other parents. We really do have a great team family. I'll be forever grateful that Savannah has had this Northern Elite experience in her life.

The Wildcatz first playoff game was on a Saturday night at 9:45. Yes, 9:45pm. They had several games at that late time during the season but that's how it goes when you play high school teams. Surprisingly the girls always played extra tough on those nights and this night was no exception. The game was brutal; the other team was physical and dirty. Our girls went flying multiple times and blue cards were being handed out to the other team quite frequently by the time the game was nearing its conclusion. One of the girls on the other team even came after one of our players, Madison, who in turn stood her ground, asking the girl if she wanted to fight. Madison's dad was sitting next to me and said, "Oh, she doesn't back down." Yes, it was one of those games! The parents on the other team were unruly and classless and it was hard to keep our composure but we did.

Our girls fought hard but ended up losing 6-4, one of our goals coming from Savannah. We were all thrilled with the outcome which when you really look at it wasn't too bad - they lost by only 2 goals to a bunch of 11th graders, girls who were much stronger and bigger physically. I guess there had been a lot of trash talking by the other team as well as their coach because Savannah told me after the game that Shawn had turned to them and said,  "You almost lost to a bunch of 7th graders. Way to go!" Gotta love Coach Shawn!

Since we lost our first playoff game they played in a second playoff game for 3rd place in the league and ended up tying that game. They played in a five minute overtime but that ended up in a tie as well. Unfortunately the ref standing right next to the goal "missed" that the goalie picked up the ball outside the line which would have given us a free kick with 5 seconds left in the game. Oh, well. 3rd place in the league was a great finish for our 7th graders!
Towards the end of the season Coach Shawn asked Savannah to play with the Lightning in several of their games so for several Saturdays she played in 2 games which she loved. She especially enjoyed getting to play with one of her besties, Sydney!

Unfortunately too many players from the team are involved with other sports in the spring so the Wildcatz didn't do a second session. For now Savannah is just practicing, waiting for her Chisel soccer league to start in a few weeks. I know she is eager for the weather to warm up enough to start practicing outdoor soccer again.