A team of girls - every one that will be playing soccer in college next year at some of the best programs in the country.
A Superstar - All-Star team - some might have even called it the "Dream Team"
Here are the statistics.
1. Of the 20 players that took the field today, only 2 have played in all 8 state championship games.
2. Only 3 of 20 were on the original squad that won the first state championship when they were 11 years old and 5 of 20 were on the opposing team that lost that U11 championship
3. The Far West Regionals win in 2006 was their highest achievement, yet only 7 of the 20 girls on the field today participated in that event.
4. 6 state championships and 1 Regional championship in 7 years before today.
It is a team with history composed of individuals that have come together because they share the talent and drive to play at the top echelons of club soccer; never mind the drama and the carnage from the intervening years of players being cut as better ones were added.
Our opponent:
1. Never been in the state championship final against us
2. Our team always beat them - once in the quarter finals and the last 2 years in the semis
3. However, both semi-final wins came from overtime ties and PK shootouts
Today's game:
I almost can't write about it. Well OK - I REALLY don't want to rehash the details of the game, so I won't. Every loss in the history of the world can be attributed to certain things and this one was no different. Missed opportunities and legs just giving out at the end and a little bit of luck or something or Karma (only for the other side).
That was the game.
I am the mother of the leading scorer and star forward that scored the game winning goal at U11 to start this great run (she is one of the two who has played in all 8 years). Also the player who missed her breakaway shot today during over time that would have put the game away. She has been the hero SO MANY TIMES, that we come to depend on her heroics - instead of appreciating that they REALLY ARE HEROIC. And sometimes it just doesn't work out. (see great goal below from a few weeks ago - #13)
One thing I know is that although there aren't many second chances in life, there are ALWAYS next opportunities. These girls, and my daughter in particular, will never again be able to play for that last state championship win. They may not be remembered as one of the greatest teams the state of Washington has ever produced (or they still might). However, we did have a bit of luck in that Washington will send 2 (YES 2!) teams to Regionals this year as we have the wild card draw. So there is a chance for redemption - there is a chance that this team can still achieve and even better past accomplishments. They can go for another regionals win and cap off THIS story book with a trip to Nationals (in 2006 the team was too young to qualify for Nationals).
Ultimately, the loss today may have that proverbial silver lining. Check back with me in mid-June when we're in Boise, ID.... That's the other thing. Regionals moves around every year, depending on which western state gets awarded the bid. The last time this team won in 2006... guess where? Yes, you are correct. It was Boise. Like music to my ears, I love the sweet sound of that name.
CAN'T WAIT.
