Sofia's First Soccer Goal

Yesterday afternoon Sofia's soccer team, the Pink Pirates, played the Sweet Frogs for the second time. The first time they played against each other Sofia was in Florida with her Papa and Olivia and missed the game. Apparently the Pink Pirates won that game 12-1 and the one goal scored was by one of our girls who played for the Sweet Frogs since they were so short on players that day. The Pink Pirates are undefeated this year thanks primarily to five main players: Olivia, Emily, Gabrielle, Aria, and Chloe. Sofia primarily plays defense and is still a bit reluctant to go toward the ball or be aggressive but is getting more comfortable out on the field.

At yesterday's game both Chloe and Aria weren't able to make it so Coach Kevin played the girls for longer and in different positions which meant Sofia played offense by the end of the game. She started out playing defense and did well, although with Olivia playing offense she didn't get much opportunity to touch the ball since it didn't cross the midfield much. After halftime, Coach Kevin put Sofia in offense and near the end of the game she had control of the ball for a while before the other team took it away. Olivia got it back and it went to Gabrielle who passed it to Sofia. Sofia kicked the ball toward the goal and it rolled almost in slow motion but went in!! She was SO happy and had the best look on her face - one of complete shock, joy and pride! All the Pink Pirates parents cheered like crazy for her goal (they all knew she'd never scored before) and I actually captured it in photos. The game was soon over and the Pink Pirates won by a landslide once again (10-0). As we loaded into the car, Sofia said it was the "best day of her life" and she couldn't wait to tell Mrs. Livingston at "Circle Up" on Tuesday morning at school. She was so happy and hopefully it fuels her interest in soccer. It doesn't matter to us if she never scores another goal, but we want to be sure she's interested in the game, tries her very hardest and supports her team mates. Playing for the Pink Pirates has been such a great experience for her and us and is so much fun to spend an hour on a Saturday socializing with very nice parents and watching the girls play some good soccer. We are so happy for Sofia.

Warming up before the game

Sofia practicing her goal kicks!

Ready to begin. Listening to the ref talk about the rules.

Emily, one of the best players on the team

Gabrielle, the coach's daughter and one of the best players on the team

Olivia, the best player on the team who scores the majority of the goals

Olivia and Emily enjoy hot dogs while watching the game. This was the first game where they really played together.

Sofia looking ready

Sofia with the soccer ball!

She even stays in the middle of the action!

Olivia threw the ball in from the sideline to Sofia who took it toward the goal

She did a good job maintaining control of the ball

But lost it to the opponent

A few minutes later it was back in front of the goal

Gabrielle passed it to Sofia

Sofia kicks it!!!

And it (very slowly) rolls past the goalie and into the goal!

Such a happy girl!

High fives with Olivia!