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We need to come out and establish a rhythm and establish possession right away. After the first couple of minutes get all of the jitters out and settle in because we are playing a 90 minute soccer game, as we have done 23 times already this season. It's cold outside, definitely not what we were looking for in Texas weather, but it shouldn't give either team an advantage since we are from Chicago and they are from Michigan, it will feel like home to both teams. Both sides are first-timers to the Final Four so nerves will definitely be a factor. It is important for us to get on the board early so we can settle in and just play our game. Mentally, we are as prepared as we could possibly be. We have had nearly two weeks to train and game plan for tonight. Coach has given everyone their responsibilities and we will need everyone to work as a unit and do their job to win the game. Go Stars!
We're getting ready in the hotel for the Final Four Banquet tonight. We got a chance to see the game field and it really got us jacked. I can't wait to take the field for the game tomorrow. They have banners hanging all over the stadium and the NCAA logo painted on the field. The surface looked to be in great condition, and it is going to need to be since the forecast is calling for rain, sleet and snow tomorrow. I think seeing the field really put everything in perspective for the guys. To see how much work is going into the preparation for this event, is a subtle reminder that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that most college athletes will never have. After walking the game field, we headed out to our final training session of the season. The nerves of a young team started to show, but better in training then tomorrow when the game kicks off. After practice we headed over to a local middle school where we preached the importance of getting an education and working hard in the classroom which can lead to success on the courts and fields. It was a great opportunity for us to forget about the game and break the tension that seemed to build at practice.
We just got back to the hotel from our first practice in Texas. We started off a little slow...It seemed like as practice went on, everyone relaxed and remembered that we are here to just play another soccer game and the tension seemed to lift as we got going. As practice went on, the intensity increased before we ended on a high note. Before practice we got a chance to see the Alamo and walk along the Riverwalk. The whole San Antonio community has really rallied behind the NCAA Championship with banners lining the streets and even our hotel room keys are decorated with the 2009 Championship logo! Tomorrow we get a chance to see Blossom Soccer Stadium, the place where we will play on Friday night (and hopefully Saturday) before a light workout mid-morning. Then we will return to the hotel to shower up before we head to a local middle school where we will talk to approximately 200 fifth, sixth and seventh graders about the role that athletics and education has played in our lives. Those kids then will get the opportunity to come out and cheer us on. A week and a half after earning our spot in the Final Four, now that we are here it is becoming more a reality. We are all just enjoying the moment and trying to take the entire experience in...this truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity that the majority of college athletes never get to experience. I promise to include some pictures of the trip tomorrow but now it is time to get to bed.
Hey everybody, we finally have arrived in the championship city of San Antonio, the weather is a little chilly for Texas, but definitely nice to get away from Chicago weather. Our flight arrived in San Antonio around 11 AM, we got our bags and had a police motorcycle escort waiting to lead our charter bus to the hotel. We've settled into our rooms and are headed for some lunch. The anticipation is building and the team is definitely excited to finally be here. It seems like its been a while since our last game, a 2-0 win over Whitworth, and we are anxious to get back on the field. We will have our first training session in San Antonio tonight, then rest up for a long day tomorrow. Check back as I'll try to keep everybody, especially those that can't travel to Texas, as close as possible to the action. |
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