Soccer Tournament

Now that all the details are written about trying to get to the tournament I can now write about the actual tournament.  It was a great day to sit outside all day.  Cloudy, a little breeze, and temperatures in the upper 60's.  Perfect for a bunch of kids running around all day.  The kids all had new TEDA uniforms on so they looked official and awesome.

Cutest little Comet.

Third Grade team is ready.

Little pep talk from the coach.

Cameron did not have high expectations going into the tournament.  At practice they mess around so much it is kind of a waste of time.  He came home after his last practice and said they were going to get killed every game.  Well, at least he won't be disappointed if that happens.

The first game they won 2-0.  YES!!  They played so well.  I told the coach they looked like completely different kids out there.  He laughed and agreed. 

Cameron is in on the coin toss.

Cameron stealing the ball.

Janan and Cameron are all smiles with after the win.

The second game we tied.  Cameron played goalie for a few minutes.  Then played the field.

He looks like he is ready to stop the ball.

Getting ready to kick it.

The third game was a real nail biter.  Mostly because Cameron was the goalie against a good team.  That made me very nervous.  The other team was going down the field and the good kid on that team kicked the ball really hard towards the goal.  Cameron moved over and put his hands up.  The ball went through his hands but he stopped it with the side of his head.  You could tell that it hurt really bad but he got right back up and headed towards the ball.  Luckily his teammates kicked it out.  He looked like he wanted to cry.  I told the coach he might need to come out.  Coach yelled "Cameron, are you ok?"  Cameron shook his head yes but looked at me as if to say I want out.  He stayed in there though until the end of the game.  Tied again.  Shook hands and Cameron came over to me with tears in his eyes.  He said "Mom, my ear hurts really bad and I have a terrible headache."  I said "I'm sure you do but that was an awesome play" and gave him a big hug.  He smiled but it didn't make him feel any better.  They were waiting to hear if they were in the championship game or not.  He was drinking his Gatorade and then said to me "Can we go to the doctor when we are done because it hurts bad".  Yikes.  It must really hurt if he wants to go to the doctor. 

Goalie again.

This is the stop he made with his ear.  The guy with the hat was the announcer.
He saw it all happen.

Waiting for the 3rd and 4th grade finals.
Manuel, Alfredo, and Cameron.

Luckily they did play in the championship game and Cameron played the entire time (not as goalie).  The game was 15 minutes long and they were tied at the end.  The rule was after each minute of overtime one player from each team must get off the field.  Weird but whatever.  The first minute went by and the ref stopped the game.  Our team pulled a guy but the other teams coach refused too.  So instead of making him they changed the rule again and put our guy back out on the field.  Ridiculous.  They continued to play for at least 15 more minutes.  We could tell all of the kids were exhausted but they couldn't substitute.  Finally the other team scored and the game was over.  Second place = awesome.

Cameron and Rebekah waiting for the game.

Let the finals begin.

Shaking hands after a great game.

At the end of the tournament all four schools gathered around for the closing ceremony.  This is where they give out 1st, 2nd, 3rd, place trophy's as well as sportsmanship awards for all the grades 3, 4, 5 and girls teams.  The announcer started off thanking everyone for a great afternoon of soccer and then said "Can I have the goalie for TEDA stand up please."  Herman and Cameron both stood up because they had no idea what was going on.  The announcer said "Yeah, number 40, I'm talking to you" (it was Cameron).  He had the funniest look on his face like 'why are you talking to me?'.  The guy went on to say (This is a quote from my video camera)  "That was one of the most bravest, courageous saves I've seen in young persons soccer in a long, long while when you saved that ball with your, I think it was your ear, and then you went straight for the ball again. Fantastic, well done."  Then everyone cheered for him.  He was pretty embarrassed, shocked, and excited.  I, of course, had tears filling up in my eyes.  Such a proud mommy.  When I looked at my picture I took of that play the guy who was announcing was standing right at the goal so he saw the whole thing.  Very cool and exciting for Cameron. 

TEDA did a great job at the tournament.  3rd grade got 2nd place, 4th grade got 1st place, 5th grade got the sportsmanship award (last place), and the girls got 3rd place.  And they all looked awesome in their new Comets uniforms.  Great day at the soccer field.

2nd place trophy.

All of the TEDA, Comets.

We had to rush out to get to the airport.  Todd landed at 4:00 but when he called we were just starting the championship game.  We were 20 minutes from the airport so we decided he would have to wait.  Well, with the game going into overtime, closing ceremony, and then team pictures, we didn't get to the airport until 5:15.  We were going to go to dinner but with it being prime traffic time we decided not to go into town and just head home.  We ordered Jacky's once we got home. 

Alfredo spent the night so it was a great end to a great day for Cameron.  They played and laughed and acted like 9/10 year old boys.  They always have a great time together.  Off to bed.