Katie's Third Blog

Days 5-8 - Posted July 19

Day 5- July 16th

GAMEDAY!

Today we played our first game of the tournament against Denmark and came out with a positive 3-0 win. With this being my first game in the Nordic Cup, I was very excited to be a part of such a successful team. I made my first appearance of the match when I entered the game with ten minutes left.

 

Although there seemed to be little to no time ticking, I was determined to bring some sort of spark off the bench. I found my ten minutes of playing time to be just as important as most players valued their starting positions. To me, ten minutes opened a door of opportunities; it was break for some of my tired teammates, but allowed me a chance to make a difference.

 

I went into the game with the mindset that I would leave no room for regrets.

 

When I first stepped onto the field, I couldn’t believe I was actually getting to play! I was so excited, that all I could think about was running, playing, and working as hard as I possibly could, so that maybe next game I could earn some more minutes. With about three left on the clock, I received a great cross from teammate Bristyn Davis and scored my first international goal! I’m glad that I was able to get the early jitters out and can’t wait for game two!

-Katie

 

Day 6- July 17th

Today things were pretty laid back. We had a light practice in the morning and the afternoon off to venture out and do whatever. Most of the team was adventurous and decided to go on a boat tour, while a few sleepless others (myself included) were boring and wanted to hang around the hotel (for those of you that don’t remember most of us are still struggling to adjust to the time change). As much as I yearned for a nap, I knew that if I wanted to get a full night sleep I would need to stay awake. In attempt to do so, I turned to one of the selective English speaking channels called “National Geographic- Predator Week.” Boy, was that a mistake! Here I observed a few of the many horrific ways baby buffaloes are attacked, killed and eaten by the ruthless packs of tigers. I quickly found a satisfying alternative to this vicious Darwinist lifestyle and substituted it for my roommates G.I. Jane DVD! Instead, I used her as my inspiration to be mentally tough (gotta love Demi Moore) and prepare myself for our next game against Iceland!

 

Day 8- July 19th

Yesterday we tied Iceland 1-1. This game was a tough battle for us that unfavorably ended in a draw. However, due to tournament rules we were required to go into penalty kicks to determine a leader in goals for and against.

 

Fortunately for us, we capitalized on three out of five of our penalty kicks with Iceland shooting two wide of the goal frame, and having one saved by our goalkeeper Val! With this game now behind us, we are currently focusing on defeating tomorrow’s competition- Norway. Wish us luck!

-Katie