Some people say that it is not where you start, it is where you finish. Well, my team finished where we started. Last place. We have used every excuse there is: Luck was just not on our side. We were an expansion team. The turf field really messed us up. Injuries made it difficult to put together a quality team. The refs really changed the game.
Forget those weak justifications; we just did not get the job done. Blame it on whatever or whoever. But the only reason should be is what the team did or did not do. We all had a part. Even myself. Maybe I did not give enough tactical advice to my fellow outside backs. Or maybe I did not work hard enough on the sideline to inspire my teammates on the field.
Despite all of the negativity and frustration felt from a losing season, we now have a foundation to build upon. Sometimes it is hard to walk the walk when the talk sounds so sweet. But we have run out of things to say. It is time to take the first step.
A. C.onfirming L.esson
I can write about the physical pain and mental tests I went through during my knee rehab. I can turn my experience into an inspiring story. But that is not really me. Going through what I went through to get to the point where I am at now really was not easy. I will not lie about that. I did not experience anything I did not expect. But what I did realize is that who I thought I was as a person and as an athlete, was true.
I was tested. And I responded.
It has been five months since my surgery. Ever since I was able to touch the ball, Cookie my trainer, worked with me on the sideline. The day I was able to jump in on the technical drills with the team at training was bittersweet. My touches were perfect and purposeful. My passes were accurate and crisp. But I still was not cleared to play.
I can step out onto the field and play soon. But I am still not satisfied. My left quad is about half the size of my right quad. It feels like I am a ten-year-old trying to strike a long ball for the first time. Despite my waning patience, I know it will get better the more time and work I put into my rehab. I am so grateful that Cookie made me realize that six months does not mean I step out onto the field at 100%.
I’m Gonna Knock You Out
“JAB. JAB. CROSS. JAB. HOOK. RIGHT KICK. SPRAWL. JAB. CROSS.” Despite the chills I get when the Hardknox kickboxing instructor yells out each combination, I have come to love these words. Kickboxing has liberated me from any monotonous and typical workout routine I have ever done.
I may have had no technique when I first started. To be honest (which is really hard for me to admit), I had no idea what I was doing. I thought I could just put on the gloves and just go all out. After the first class, exhausted and dripping with sweat, I learned what not to do. And I really got the point the next day when I couldn’t get out of bed without every muscle in my body hurting.
My favorite instructor, Josh must be sick of me by now. His sessions are one of the most intense and hardest workouts I have ever done. Yes, ever. But I can compete with his endurance and cardio level. Sometimes I push myself harder just to see if he responds. He may not know it, but my kickboxing “game” has improved just because my competitive nature wants to beat him. And I still finish the class exhausted and dripping with sweat. I have come to accept that.
Thanks to all the fighters, instructors, and fellow kickboxers at Hardknox, I can punch like Muhammad Ali. Or to be honest (I am really good at facing the truth), maybe more like his daughter.
Inked Up
Every player has their pre-game rituals and superstitions. Some may seem crazy. Others are practical. Mine? A little bit of both.
For several years, I have put tape around my wrist with, “audience of One” written in Sharpie. These words refer to my favorite Bible verse, Colossians 3:23-24.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
My rationale for getting these words tattooed on my forearm? Besides the fact that I was wasting tape and I could never find a Sharpie? It would be a constant reminder that what I am doing is for Him. Everything is for His purpose. Seeing these words throughout my rehab has given me that much more inspiration.
All Kinds Of Special
Every day, for about a month and a half, I was M.I.A. to my teammates. Eyes glued to my laptop. Starbucks chai tea latte in my hand. My bed buried in old-school-hand-written notes. But it was all worth it. The hours spent researching on different websites and talking to college coaches. The numerous confusing, updated to the second, e-mail chains between staff members. The conference calls and Skype chats with Tiff, our editor-in-chief six time zones away.
We may be a start-up magazine, but we are big time. And what my Our Game Magazine team created was legendary. In mid-August, OGM’s Special Issue: College Edition was released. The response we heard from readers was reassuring that what we are doing is right.
Inside the article is our Top 25 preseason poll, a brief overview of each team, and our College Cup predictions.
You can also read the most recent edition of Our Game Magazine here, a special edition featuring World Cup and Olympic champion Brandi Chastain: http://tinyurl.com/ourgamespecial0910
Keep an eye out for another article, an update on the college season, which will be coming out in late October.
Time To Serve
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” -Mahatma Gandhi
The game has provided many opportunities not only for me, but now for others. I have traveled to many foreign countries to compete. God has different plans for me this time.
I will be serving on a mission trip to Honduras through the WPS and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Missions. During the week of October 2nd through October 9th, we will be reaching out to communities in Catacamas, Olancho. FCA Missions has partnered with PREDISAN ministries.
Through local soccer clinics and workshops, we will be sharing our passion for the game and for Christ. In the morning, we will teach the game to the women and young girls. But more importantly, we will be sharing our testimonies. In the afternoon, we will be stepping out of our cleats to visit different areas in Catacamas to help out with medical clinics. In the evening, my FCA mission team will meet for reflections.
Not only will we help start Catacamas’ first ever women’s soccer league, but we will bring bringing down numerous bags of equipment and $14,000 worth of medicine donated from MAPS.
I realize that this trip is not about me or my experience. This is about the inspiration, education, and connections we create for these Honduran women.
For more information about the FCA and the mission or if you would like to help fund my trip, you can go to the following website and donate under my name: www.atlantafca.org/soccermission
“Ask not what your teammates can do for you. Ask what you can do for your teammates.” Magic Johnson
Prepared For Preseason
I came into preseason with my new team knowing that I was ready. The hard work that I had done in the offseason easily proved itself from the first training session. I was fit and playing with confidence. Passes were crisp. Tackles were hard. Communication was precise.
Each training session was different from the next. Like any first day of preseason, our play was a little frantic and disorganized, with each player trying to show off their skills. The coaching staff just let us play short sided with some technical work for the resting team.
An unpredictable winter storm loomed over our field the next day. Instead of going indoors, we played an intense but fun game of handball. Diving headers and sacrificial blocks resulted in being covered by a snow bath. Spending the whole offseason in Nor’easters, I was used to the white stuff. Unfortunately, the warm-weathered players were undoubtedly frozen in disbelief. McCall Zerboni, a former Solmate and forever-Cali girl shivered uncontrollably, even in her multi-layered training gear.
The third day we were finally forced inside due to the rain. I’m not saying that the reason why we opted on dryer conditions was because our field was ripped apart by my team’s victory lap, but I think if we could train in snow, we can handle a little rain. The only positive that came from it was my chance to show off my highlighter yellow and black Nike indoor turfs.
Turned And Twisted
On the fourth day of preseason we scrimmaged Kennesaw State University. The game started off a bit frantic, as our legs were a little sore. After finally gaining control of the ball, we were able to find the back of the net. A few easy goals were downplayed by the beautiful ones. We connected through combination play. I even had a sweet assist to Katie Larkin, another Solmate. I chipped a perfect pass over the KSU backline, where Larkin easily ran onto the ball, faked out the keeper, and ripped one into the goal.
What happened next, I would never see coming. It was a few minutes before half time. I went up for an attacking corner. The ball was driven in. It was finally cleared out by a defender right into my path. Perfect to hit back into the mix. I sprinted to the ball as a KSU defender pressured. Instead of one-timing it, I planted to the left to fake the shot and send the ball out wide to my teammate. My knee unnaturally twisted. And I crashed to the ground.
The thought did not even cross my mind. I was convinced that I only sprained my LCL and I would be back out on the field after a few weeks of rehab. But the MRI showed otherwise. I had torn my ACL.
Pre For Post
“It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get back up.” Vince Lombardi
As this is not my first major injury, I somewhat knew how to deal with the physical and emotional pain. Two days after I broke my fibula in May 2006 I had surgery to install a plate and five screws. My rehab was structured to a typical leg fracture. In about three months, I was cleared to play.
ACL rehab is a lot different. The timeline varies depending on progress and emotional willingness. When you can start to jog depends on when you achieve full range of motion and whether you have total trust in your knee.
To make it “easier” on myself post-surgery, I did all the prehabbing that I could manage pre-surgery. My daily routine at training was an intense workout of biking, single leg squats, front and side monster walks, calf raises, lunges, single leg RDLs, and tons of icing. I even managed some careful, light jogging to warm-up. Our trainer, Cookie, must have gotten tired of me asking for exercises to do. But thankfully she was right there behind me, pushing me through every squat.
My teammates would joke with me. “You’re not really injured… I couldn’t even do what you’re doing when I’m 100 percent healthy.”
Tearing my ACL might have knocked me down. But I got right back up.
Mental For The Physical
“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do” John Wooden
It has been about seven weeks since my surgery. Every day I still wake up and realize that I tore my ACL. I still can’t grasp the fact that the game I love and live for has been taken away from me. The mental pain is almost always greater than the physical hurt. But I am starting to understand that this happened for a reason. A lot has been put into perspective. It is all relative to my situation. I never thought that I would have to relearn how to walk or that my calf muscle can shrink down to the same size it was when I was in third grade. But it is what it is.
I am ever so grateful that my mom came down from CT to help me with my surgery. However, I apologize to her for what she had to go through. Not only was I a critical back seat driver and needy patient, but the ten minutes it took to figure out how to get me out of the bathtub, was probably not a pleasant experience for either of us.
I am learning a lot about myself. I am on an emotional rollercoaster. I get that not every day is going to be a great day. This is a very humbling experience.
I am teaching myself virtues I never thought I could have. Knowing it will be a minimum of six months before I am fully recovered, I am accepting patience and achieving persistence.
A huge chunk of my life and my job have been taken away. But I have found other ways to keep it there. Reading the sports psychology based book, “Mind Gym: An Athlete’s Guide to Inner Excellence” by Gary Mack and David Casstevens has helped. The first chapter quotes Yogi Berra, “Ninety percent of the game is half mental.” My mental game can thank my injury for making it stronger and healthier.
To fulfill the need for a mental challenge, I have found a few substitutes. My knee may hamper me from playing, but it has not stopped me from enhancing my game. I plan on jamming out on my new acoustic guitar. Well, first I need to learn how to play. Monica O’Campo, our international from Mexico, will reap the benefits of my dedication to relearn Spanish. At least I will get correct translations of my horrible attempt at a Spanish accent. My roommies, Brett and Kia, will be brave as food testers for my love-driven (but not so talent-driven) attempt to chef it out in the kitchen.
Until the day that I can run and play, you will know me as a multicultural musician with a pallet to be challenged. Just don’t ask for extra sauce on the side.
My Beaters
My team may not have a winning record. Correction, we may not have won a game yet. But we have a lot to be grateful for.
My team, the Atlanta Beat is playing in a $16.5 million state-of-the-art, 8300 seat capacity stadium designated for women’s soccer only. Stepping onto the perfect pitch still seems like a dream.
Our team chemistry gets stronger every day. Our “Hotseat” interrogation moments off of the field reveal characteristics, personalities, and values. Fitness training sessions prove these.
The management and coaching staff are 100 percent committed to making us better. Whether it is an extra individual session on the field or an appearance in the community, we are increasing the Atlanta Beat worth.
A Magazine For Our Game
My offseason training buddy and player for the Boston Breakers, Tiffany Weimer started a magazine dedicated to women’s soccer. As editor-in-chief, Tiff did a great job organizing a great spread of articles. The first issue Our Game Magazine bleeds every aspect of women’s soccer. Professional. International. Youth. Health and fitness. Even fashion.
You can find an article about the start of the magazine at Pretty Tough and a link to a digital copy of the magazine at:
Look for the next issue at the beginning of August. I will be writing an article previewing the upcoming college season. I am looking forward to working with Tiff, a talented and crafty writer.
World Cup Fever
The world’s greatest stage for soccer is upon us. We are all soccer’s number one fan. You can be guzzling beer with your mates at your local pub as your home country defeats the favored team. Or you can be relaxing on your couch amongst margaritas, guacamole, and teammates when your favorite player scores the winning goal. Either way we all love this 32 team tournament for the same reason.
Of course I will be cheering for Timmy and his good old U-S-of-A team. But I will also be a fan of Germany’s Klose because I am in love with him. Portugal’s Ronaldo because my good friend “Gabe the Babe” is in love with him. Italy’s Cannavaro because everyone is in love with him.
Although I am a self-professed Chelsea fan, I will not be cheering for England’s Ashley Cole, John Terry, Frank Lampard, and Joe Cole. I promise, this will be the only time boys. But France’s FloMo and Nicolas Anelka are in luck.
Heart Beat
My determination to come back stronger from this injury increases every day. Watching my team train and play is not easy. This is one of the hardest things I have to do. It is very easy to say that my teammates take the game for granted. I tell myself that I would rather feel the pain of fitness than the pain of rehab. But then I remember there is a reason why I am on the sideline. There is a purpose for me on the bench, where I can still the Deuce Deuce.
“Change is the essence of life. Be willing to surrender what you are for what you could become.”
A Not So Pretty Sunset
The past few months have been an unbelievably exciting yet unpredictable tornado of emotions. Plans were perfect. I was ecstatic for what was to come in the upcoming 2010 WPS season with my LA Sol. Charlie Naimo, our GM from last year and one of the best coaches I have ever played for, was set to be our head coach. KK, Aya, and I were going to be chilling together again in the Beverly Hills mansion (of course I called dibs on my old room). Diddy Reese, The Griddle, and Pinkberry were going to reclaim themselves an integral part of my diet. My offseason full of sweaty, relentless training was coming to a close, and I was ready to unleash my desire to prove myself in preseason.
Then the conference call happened. Charlie said he wanted to update the team on some rumors that had been floating around. As each player checked in, we laughed at each others’ jokes. Mine of course was, “K-KAYYYY!! I can’t wait to serenade you to Celine Dion!!” (Sidenote: This was a ritual we had made for our early morning carpools to the Home Depot Center for training).
Finally Charlie buzzed in. I could tell by his unusual monotone introduction that something was not right. What we thought was going to be exciting news had quickly turned into an unexpected devastating punch in the gut.
“Guys… there is a good chance the team will fold.” My heart dropped into my stomach. Not sure if the words I was hearing were real, I tried my hardest to comprehend Charlie’s explanation. But I was numb. The thoughts in my head were jumbled. The despair throughout my body made it hard to focus. Investors dropping out. Ceasing operations. Dispersal draft.
At the end of the conference call, Charlie had assured us that he and his staff were doing everything possible to keep the team alive. There was still a slight chance. We all promised to keep faith. There was no doubt in my mind that Charlie could pull this off.
Another conference call with Mary Harvey, WPS COO, helped clarify the situation. A Dispersal Draft was going to happen on February 4th pending a last minute desperate attempt from the Sol staff.
The next week I was in a fog. I was unwilling to face the reality. Shocked. Devastated. Confused. Angry. The questions and comments I received from family, friends, and fans were bittersweet. No one seemed to understand. LA was the only place I wanted to be and the only team I wanted to play for. How could this happen?
Despite a major effort to salvage my team, the deadline finally came. January 28th was the day the sunset along the horizon was anything but breathtaking. The Sol would not rise again.
Playing With A New Beat
“Growth means change and change involves risk, stepping from the known to the unknown.”
There was a week of waiting. Of thinking. Of forcing myself to be patient. Even though I was still in shock, I had to change my attitude. It was time to be a professional. These situations are bound to happen, especially with a league that had just gotten on its feet. Grateful that I even still had a chance to play in the league, I eagerly awaited my fate. My nerves were on end. I just wanted to know what team wanted me.
I felt for my Sol teammates. They were going through the same emotions that I was experiencing. I am so thankful for all of the friendships and connections we made. There was a special bond that we all shared that can never be replicated. No matter where we end up, every one of my teammates will always be my Solmate.
Finally the day of the dispersal draft rolled around. I was working out at my training facility, The Stratford Field House, with fellow WPS players Tiffany Weimer (aka Ocho) and Meagan McCray. We did a sprint workout. They told me to check my phone. No news. Ball work and agility. No missed calls. Some shots on goal. Still nothing. Finally after some stretching and abs, I grabbed my phone. Missed call and a voicemail. “Guys what area code is 678?” Suddenly my phone exploded with buzzes. Texts from my mom and a few friends congratulated me. “So proud of you honey.. ATLANTA! Love, mom”
I am so glad everyone else found out before I did!
“Headed to HOTLANTA!!” was my Twitter post and Facebook status for the rest of the week. The responses I received are proof that my followers will support me no matter where I play. And for that I am so appreciative.
I am ecstatic to be a part of a new team, The Atlanta Beat. This will be a new chapter in my life. A time for more new beginnings. I can’t wait to start on this journey once again.
Pro Soccer Players, Pro Models?
What better way to celebrate big time wins with my two Thursday night co-ed teams, Highland FC and the Reds, than a three hour drive to Philly with BF? Before the Sol folding fiasco happened, I was invited to partake in the PUMA WPS Uniform Unveiling at the NSCAA Convention in Philly on January 15th. Charlie asked me to model our team’s home kit. This was going to be an extravagant event held where the Real World Philly was filmed, at an old bank called Trust.
After stopping for some late night snacks (I swear this is the only time I have eaten Taco Bell), BF and I pumped up the playlist I made especially for the trip, and cruised down the highway. In between showing off my dance moves in the passenger seat, we talked about the assistant coaching job he just got at UMass. I am really excited for him to experience coaching at the Division I level.
After a few hours night sleep, BF and I grabbed a much needed Dunkin Donuts breakfast and headed over to the convention center. The WPS Draft was the highlight of the morning. Stepping into the crowded room was overwhelming. A few hugs later and I was reunited with KK, Charlie, and Kenzo. I hung out on the side as I patiently waited for each draft pick to be announced.
Later that night was the unveiling party. The venue was perfect. The overall concept of the show, “gameday,” proved itself with every prop and decoration. As we first stepped inside Trust at the “field level” we saw the raised runway covered in green field turf. The rest of the floor was surrounded with graphics of fans on the walls. As we climbed up the stairs to the loft space overlooking the field, we were immediately bedazzled with the “VIP Box Suite setup”.
When we crowded into the hair and make-up room (yes even us soccer beauties need some professional help), we immediately rummaged through the clothing rack loaded with our new uniforms. I was all smiles as I put on my navy blue and gold Sol home kit. I got mixed reviews from the other players as I showed off the “joker-face” style jersey.
I must admit, it felt weird being dressed in soccer clothes while looking like I was ready for a professional head shot photograph. But sometimes that is what is needed to get some attention. Any stereotype that had been correlated with butch soccer players had been negated. We looked hot! We definitely could have beat out Victoria Secret’s Angels.
It was game time. Trust was filled with fans, media, WPS and PUMA representatives, and friends. They were all eager to see the new kits. With our game faces on, we were ready to strut our stuff. Opting for different runway tactics, each was better than the next.
Known for my talented dance moves, I was excited to break out my new move that I had been working on for years. My catwalk song? David Guetta and Akon’s “ Sexy Chic.” It had the perfect beat to debut the intricacies of the Torque Walk. When KK, the emcee of the event, announced my name, the beat of music carried me down the runway as I two-stepped my way to the front of the stage. I flashed my irresistible smile and struck a pose in my new kit, as KK went through my bio and highlights from the season with the Sol. I know the crowd was mesmerized by the Torque Walk. I will take applications from anyone willing to learn this one of a kind dance move.
The uniform unveiling was a success. The kits were comfortable and the colors were bold. It was game time for sure!
You can see footage of the show and a few seconds of my infamous Torque Walk Video (at about 5:31 in) at:
Here is a link to a variety of interview done by my friend Kat from The Bleacher Report (you can witness some jokes between KK and me about each other’s dance moves):
Here is a quick video of some highlights from the show:
Here are a few links to some photos from the show:
Nike has been a big part of my career and my personal fashion ever since I started soccer when I was in pre-school. I have always played with Nike cleats, found myself in stores bypassing every other brand to get to Nike and followed Nike’s trends and styles. To say I love the Nike brand is an understatement.
Along my dream of becoming a professional soccer player, I have strived to be a Nike sponsored athlete. After struggling with the fit and comfort of the PUMA cleats I wore in the first season, I knew what I had to do. After some strong convincing emails to Nike soccer rep, Missy, I was offered a Nike contract.
All I want is to be able to wear Nike cleats during the season. I got my wish and more. My wardrobe is now 100% Nike. It’s too bad my favorite team Chelsea wears Adidas kits. I guess I will have to support a Nike team. My new red Nike Man United jersey will suit just perfectly.
“It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.” You can check out the new Just Do It video from Nike at http://go.nike.com/humanchain
Training To Laugh
During the offseason, I trained once a week with an Under-18 girls premier team, CFC Crush. The coach Rupert De Los Reyes, a good friend of mine, was more than happy to have me there. The girls welcomed me immediately. At first, typical me, I kept my distance, focusing on the training. But after each week, the girls were able to break me down a bit. I laughed at their jokes, and they weren’t scared to laugh at my goofiness that I showed once in a while. We had a mutual respect.
Rupert put me in charge of their fitness. They needed to see from a professional how important fitness is to the game. I stressed to the girls as much as possible that if you are not fit, you can’t improve your game. I know they hated every sprint I made them do (and most likely hated me for making them do the sprints). But I know I got through to them.
Even though I hope that the girls learned a few things from me, I know that I realized something very important. Sometimes you just have to laugh and enjoy playing. I am so glad that I got the opportunity to share this realization with those girls.
Behind The Scenes
I hope everyone has checked out the first episode of On The Ball where I was interviewed alongside former Sol teammates Katie Larkin and Aya Miyama. I posted the download link for it in an earlier blog entry. You can now download a behind the scenes episode of the show. Please try not to laugh at me too much!
You can download Episode 5 here: http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/on-the-ball/id335044980
Training With Professionals
“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.” Anatole France
Ocho, Meagan, my new Beat teammate goalkeeper Brett Maron, and I put in some hard workouts at our training facility, The Stratford Field House. There were times when we were there for more than four hours (granted an hour or two was spent goofing around with co-owner Mark Christo and general manager Matt Mones). I swear I was at the butt end of more jokes from these two guys than in my whole childhood of being a tomboy.
I know I couldn’t have accomplished what I did during the offseason if it wasn’t for my fellow professionals and the people at SFH. We pushed each other. Whether it was an extra few sprints or another round of shots, we gutted it out. Our dreams were on the line. We were willing to do whatever it took.
The girls joked around that I was the devil for making them do my crazy fitness workouts with me. But I know the hard work we all put in is only going to benefit us during preseason. What was my saving grace from their hate could have been the Muscle Milk Protein Shakes that Mark and Matt provided for us for our post-workout recovery. Either way, we were all so grateful for each other and for the opportunity to train at such a high class facility.
Give And Receive
One of the best parts of playing in the indoor leagues at CFC Arena during the winter season is the friendships you make with your teammates and your opponents. There is some glory to being a professional. Most of the players know who you are. But what is so great about it is that you get close, and you share the passion for the game with each other.
My good friend “Gabe the Babe” is a shy, young talented soccer fanatic. A Cristiano Ronaldo look-a-like (and big time fan of… I swear he has a crush on the Portuguese phenom), Gabe and I challenged each other. I pushed him into going to college and trying out for the soccer team. Helping him make that decision was a very rewarding experience. I didn’t know at first, but he looks up to me. The greatest gift I received wasn’t my very own Chelsea jersey he gave me. It was the fact that he had MM22 stitched onto his cleats. He said that I will now always be with him whenever he plays.
A Preseason Outlook
I am looking forward to another preseason with another new team. It will be a chance to make a name for myself in this league. I worked so hard during the offseason to be 100% ready to prove myself in preseason. Nothing is certain. And I will leave nothing to chance.
March 1st was the start of a new chapter. I know it will be a different experience than last year. I am excited to see what enfolds. Please follow along my journey once again.
Fill in the blank. You know you are a soccer freak when…
I am the epitome of whatever can be put at the end of this sentence.
The only time I turn on the TV is to watch soccer. (142 is Fox Soccer Channel just in case you are wondering). My car trunk is filled with cones, balls, and cleats. My family members buy me soccer related items for presents (thanks mom for the Chelsea hoodie). I kick a ball of my sweaty soccer clothes from my room, around the corner, and into my designated “workout clothes laundry basket” in the laundry room. (You can’t mix jeans with dirty soccer socks). My room is decorated in soccer posters, scarves (including my own LA Sol), piles of trophies, and mini soccer balls.
I have embraced the game as a way of life. Every day is a routine filled with ways to incorporate the game. Breakfast includes cereal, orange juice, and Sky Sports News as I relax in my PUMA sweats. Attempting to study for my real estate class usually involves watching my favorite team Chelsea FC on FSC, as I proudly wear my Ashley Cole jersey. My textbook sits lonely and untouched on the coffee table. After a late night indoor game, I unwind to Fox Soccer Report and some stretching.
Watching FSC and constantly thinking about the game have become a part of a daily routine that is a garnish to my own development. I always learn something when watching a higher level. By analyzing and studying different players’ movements on and off the ball, I can add to my soccer knowledge. Hopefully, I can then transfer this information into my own play.
Looking To Sell Your Home?
As a self-proclaimed nerd, I am not embarrassed to admit that I am always looking to learn about new things. With the few months I would have at home, I thought taking a real estate class would be perfect. With my oldest brother, Milton already a part time CT real estate agent, and my mom willing to take the class with me, a future family business would inevitably be in tow.
Sixty hours of learning about real estate seems like a lot. But considering the vastness of real estate (and the fact that the state regulates the requirements), every minute of those 20 classes were spent covering an unfathomable amount of topics. Want to know about buyer and seller agency agreements? I will not only explain to you the different types of agreements, but I can break down the different sections of each contract.
I have fulfilled the state regulations. Sixty hours? Check. Pass the class final? Check. Now I can sign up to take the CT state real estate salesperson exam. Just a few more hours of studying and brushing up on the topics I had trouble with on the class final, and I will be sufficiently prepared. Just don’t ask me to sell your house until I pass the exam.
Surviving The Holidays
With all of the shopping stress, endless family dinners, and petrifying cold and snowy weather, it is a challenge to stay fit and healthy during the holidays in CT. The secret to successfully maintaining your usual workout routine is to stay focused and motivated. Yes, I occasionally enjoyed a snowball cookie or three. But I kept to my regimen and played in a few extra indoor tournaments. I even sucked it up and ran outside in the freezing cold and snow. The passing cars were honking at me for either praising my courageousness or laughing at my get-up of long spandex, gloves, and ear warmers.
Work Hard So You Can Play Hard
I concentrate most of my time and energy on working out and improving my game. However, I do like to relax and have a little fun with my friends. Finding that right balance is hard. But necessary.
Whenever I get the chance, I visit my best friend Steph down in NYC. I’m not a big city girl, but I have come to love being there. I am not a pro at hailing a cab, knowing the subway system, or especially knowing what “midtown east” means. After the third time visiting, I finally started to recognize familiar restaurants and I didn’t get lost on my way to Grand Central.
Hanging out with Steph is always a fun time, and I never feel like a tourist when I am with her. During one trip, we went to a quiet and quaint Italian café to grab a latte and some bruschetta, a favorite of ours. Mid conversation, we look over to Kate Hudson sitting down at the table next to us. Used to seeing Hollywood stars while I’m in L.A., I just did the once look-over, and continued on with our snack and girl talk.
I have been to all of the famous landmarks… Times Square, Rockefeller, Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, and Grand Central. But my favorite places to go are the nightclubs. These hotspots just emulate NYC culture. Steph and I have had exquisite dinners and intense dance offs while chatting up the just-as-crazy strangers who become your friends.
After all of my trips, I have become a New Yorker at heart. I love what the city has to offer. Just don’t expect me to develop that thick NY accent.
I Am Pretty Tough
My good friend and number one LA Sol fan, Alondra Hernandez, asked me to answer a few questions for a blog she was going to write for PrettyTough.com. I hardly ever turn down an interview. My fans and supporters deserve to know more about me, on and off the field. I really had fun with these 22 questions. Alondra picked 22 because well, my number is 22… how clever!
You can find the interview here: http://www.prettytough.com/get-to-know-manya-makoski/
Kickin’ It For Keith
It was an emotional experience. Keith Segovia, a 31-year-old former pro soccer player and coach from Stamford was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2005. Recently, doctors told him that he only had a few weeks to live. Friend and teammate, Ken Centatiempo, organized an indoor soccer tournament at the SoNo Field House on December 19, to raise money to help Keith with medical bills. It was also a celebration of Keith’s life and how he has touched so many lives.
Despite the blizzard looming, more than 200 youth and adult soccer fans and friends came together for Keith and his family. I was so grateful to be part of such an event. We are all praying for Keith and his family.
Zumba.. Join The Party
When people ask me what I would be doing if I wasn’t playing professional soccer, I always give the same answer. Hip hop dancer. They laugh at me, but I am serious. I am a danceaholic. Any chance I get to show off my moves, I take advantage. Every morning, with iTunes blasting my “Dirty Pop” playlist, I get ready for the day as I bounce around.
When I overheard a conversation about this Latin dance exercise craze, Zumba, I immediately decided I had to try it. A local Zumba studio, Studio Z Fitness in Milford, recently opened its doors. At my first class, I was not sure what to expect, so I was a little nervous. But once the warm-up song came on, Akon and David Guetta’s “Sexy Chic”, I knew I was going to be in heaven. The instructor, Mary Rose Field, is very energetic and helpful with difficult moves (but really, no moves are difficult for this dancer).
Hooked from the beginning, I wake up every morning excited to Zumba. I even practice some of the moves at home to the Zumba songs I have downloaded. I told you. Danceaholic.
Dare To Date
As great as it is, the lifestyle of a female professional soccer has certain limits. Well, at least it does for me. Playing over half the year on the west coast, and then going back home to the east coast for the remaining months is not easy. My search for love has been a challenge. Most dates have gone well, while some have been disappointing. But each one has been a learning experience on my part. My search will continue, even throughout the season, for someone who is daring to date me.
NYE in NYC
You have to experience it at least once. New Years Eve. Times Square. Ryan Seacrest. Rockefeller tree. Snowflake lights. A bajillion strangers roaming the streets breathing down your neck as you try to squirm your way through the sidewalks.
My best friend from ASU, Ada and her cousin and my good friend Derek came to visit me for New Years Eve. We all decided to spend a few days, including New Years in NYC. From the moment I picked them up, we were amped up for what was to come. The train ride down we ate our Dunkin Donuts bagels (a luxury Ada and Derek can’t experience in AZ), and discussed our options.
NYE was a very strategically planned day. We slept in to prepare for basically what was going to be an all-nighter. A unique subway ride brought us to a filling lunch at Shake Shack; double cheeseburger, fries, strawberry custard smoothie, and a root beer. To burn off the million calories we had eaten, we took a stroll through Central Park, posing for pictures among the beautiful snow-covered scenery along the way. After getting back to Steph’s apartment (which we thankfully had as our place to stay), we took a long nap. We finally got dressed and ready for the big night.
It was so awesome to ring in the new year with Ada and Derek. We created memories and inside jokes that are definitely going to last a lifetime. There is no doubt that 2010 is going to be a year filled with laughter among friends, sweat among teammates, and love among family.
Warming Up in AZ
This cold and snowy weather has chilled me to the core. In a few weeks I will be heading back to Arizona to continue my training for preseason. With more cooperative weather, it will be easier to train outside. Getting acclimated to a warmer climate is important. In March L.A. will be a bit warmer than it is here in CT.
Every day I get more and more excited for the season to come. There have been many changes within the team and the league throughout the offseason. It will be great to be reunited with old teammates and staff members, while it will be interesting to see the new faces we bring in. However, I know we will all be 100% committed to winning the WPS championship.
Please follow along as I continue on another journey with my L.A. Sol once again.
A week after the season ended, I headed to my old stomping grounds at Arizona State. The six hour drive from LA to Tempe didn’t help much to get the season off my mind. So I blasted my hip hop music and thought about the much needed vacation that lied ahead. My best friends from the team, Ada and Kylla, still live near campus, so I shacked up with them. I was eager to see the progression and development of the campus and surrounding areas.
In addition to enjoying the hot weather (before I headed back home to suffer in the New England cold), we watched our Sun Devils play against Old Dominion and Virginia. It was difficult to watch; I wish I could still be out on that perfect pitch. But the pride and passion for my team was still there. The Sun Devil family always sticks together.
My favorite part of my vacation was our Thursday night theme get-together. What better way to celebrate than to remember where we came from (or when, for that matter). 80’s night it was! I definitely did not have any 80’s style clothes. I try to keep up with the recent fads, while creating my own personal style. So Kylla, Ada, and I went shopping for our outfits.
I picked out a hot pink and black tiger striped pair of shorts and black leggings. I completed my outfit with bright pink hoop earrings, high ponytail, bright eyeshadow, and a white t-shirt splattered with neon stripes. I don’t know whose outfit was best; Ada’s salmon colored terrycloth one piece jumper or my 80’s hip hop dancer get-up. I think Ada’s crimped hair, high tube socks, and 1 pound weights she carried around gave her the edge.
A Grand Opening
The Saturday that I returned home from Arizona, I made a guest appearance at the grand opening for United Athletic Center’s new indoor sports facility, The Stratford Field House. My good friend Matt (who I grew up playing soccer with and his father Wayne was my coach), is the general manager of the place.
As I entered the facility with Matt, I was overwhelmed. A few youth games and an adult futsal game covered the four separate fields of the facility. Parents, coaches, fans, and players filled in the spaces around. There was even an MMA area in which fighters were rolling all over the mats; which I could definitely get used to. (Hey, I’ve been known to throw a killer right hook!) The SFH had created attention it deserved. And I was there to support the success of this endeavor.
A few girls that I had coached within the past few years came running up to me, and each one gave me a hug. I knew that I was their all-time favorite coach. I sat down to sign autographs, eager to talk to each and every fan, even the over-excited soccer moms, shy young boys, and the even shyer teenage boys.
The grand opening deemed to be a success, not only for the business of the SFH, but for myself. I realized the impact that I could have on young players’ lives. But overall, I am just happy that they have such a wonderful soccer haven to enjoy playing in. And I will definitely be taking advantage.
Returning to Chargerville
The head coach of the women’s soccer team at University of New Haven, Brendan Faherty, has helped me out a lot. And there was no question who I was going to go to ask for a great training environment. It was an easy decision on both our parts. As a volunteer coach, I would bring some experience. And I would get to train with the team.
Every day I look forward to stepping on Kayo Field. I have been so fortunate to be around such a great group. Even though sometimes they need a motivational push, it’s always a competitive training session.
My favorite training sessions are the 5v5 tournaments. Each one of the staff (BF, Gil the assistant, Selina the grad assistant, and I) plays on a team. I am not one for talking trash; usually BF is the one boasting his abilities. The day my team sent BF’s team packing in the semi-finals, I just couldn’t help myself. “See ya later BF!” I said to him as he shamefully walked off the field, and we went on to win the final game.
Starting VII
Being back home in Connecticut means co-ed leagues at CFC Arena. And co-ed means my two favorite indoor teams, Westville Wolves and Highland FC. The first sessions have started, and so far both my teams are in the top spot. Every night that I drive to the arena, I blast my music to get pumped up. Usually the games are at 8 p.m. or later, so I do need a little bit of an energy boost after doing two training sessions during the day.
Indoor is a different beast than outdoor. Each team plays with six field players and a goalkeeper. The space is very small, so the speed of play can be very quick at times. I usually play one of two defenders, which is where I am most comfortable at. But at times I will force myself to play different roles, to work on different aspects of my game. The game I scored a few goals (one of them I megged the keeper), I was more than ecstatic. It was as if I had never scored a goal.
Van Andel Stadium
This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to be part of a big event for the Sol and our sponsors Amway. The Van Andels (one of the founders of Amway) had donated a large amount of money for a new soccer facility (Van Andel Stadium) at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. My teammate Brittany Bock and I took part in the grand opening, which lasted all day with many events. Thankfully the weather cooperated. It was a gorgeous sunny day (even though it was a bit cold for my liking).
In addition to signing autographs, Bock and I put on a short clinic for about 50 soccer players. We started off with a fun warm-up game, and then moved into some technical work. It is hard teaching a group that large how to properly do a scissors move. We finished the clinic with a quick game of knockout and then a scrimmage.
It was such an honor to be a part of the event. The dedication ceremony was so inspiring, as each honored guest spoke. It was great to finally meet one of the founders of our sponsors and to express such deep gratitude for what they have done for our team and for others.
“You Know”
The first episode of On The Ball was available for download the other day. I had done an interview with the show (along with my Sol teammates Katie Larkin and Aya Miyama) later on in the season. After anxiously watching the episode, I was thrilled to have been part of such a well-organized and creative show. However, I did wince every time I spoke. Known for my mumbling capabilities, I even had to listen hard to what I was saying. What made my cringing worse? The forty-some odd “you know’s” that I added into my commentary. Hey, we can’t be a professional at everything! I think I will stick with soccer.
You can download the episode for free (you just need a version of iTunes) at: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=335044980
Just ignore my, you know…
Some Clinics Of My Own
On three different Saturdays in November (7th, 14th, and 21st) I will be holding my own clinics at the Stratford Field House. I am really looking forward to running these sessions. Not only do I get to work with two different age groups (5-8 and 9-14), but I get to run it the way that I want. It will be so fun to show these young players how I train. Hopefully, they will understand the hard work that goes into training as a professional soccer player. When I speak to the groups, I just hope I don’t say, “you know…”
For more information about my clinic you can go to: http://app1.unitedindoorsoccer.com/facilities/29/presenters/clinics
My team clinched the WPS regular season title and number one seed (which sent us straight to the final), with our 0-0 tie against Bay Area. Despite the accomplishment, we weren’t happy with the result or the way we had finished the game. We started off creating numerous chances on goal with dynamic movement and runs off the ball in the first half. However, we looked tired and flat in the second half. When the final whistle blew, we knew what we had done, but our celebration was weak. Bittersweet it was, we wanted the win. However, we needed to remember the hard work and heart we had put in since the start of the season that got us to that point. We were happy that we were able to remain the number one team during the whole season. But we weren’t satisfied.
The results of our last two regular season games may not have affected our standings, but we still wanted to make a statement. Chicago was out of the playoffs. However, they were playing for their pride and for their fans, with nothing to lose, ready to come at us. And that they did. Just ten minutes in, the Red Stars put one in the back of the net. Hoping that was our wake-up call, we put in some effort to maintain control of the ball, but we were unable to finish the few chances on goal stemming from that possession. The locker room halftime talk was very direct. We needed to step it up. But that motivation wasn’t enough to stop the Red Stars from scoring another goal, just a few minutes into the second half. We fought back, defensively and offensively. Hanny’s goal in the last minute brought us closer to tying it up, but it was already too late. With the momentum flowing for us for just a few minutes, the Red Stars put a stop to any opportunity we had to avoid the loss with another goal. After the final whistle, we watched in frustration as the Red Stars thanked their fans. We knew what we had to do. And Boston was our target.
It was do or die for the Breakers. They needed the win to make the final playoff spot. We needed the win (or tie, but we weren’t looking for that) for our resolve. The game started off with no rhythm or controlled possession for either team, resulting in uncreative chances on goal. However, about 17 minutes in, the Breakers found a hole in our back line. Lilly sent a ball over the top to her forward, Kelly Smith, who was able to take a touch and put one past KK. The rest of the half settled down. We figured out our defensive pressure in the midfield, helping us keep possession and move the ball forward, but we were unable to get one past their goalkeeper. At halftime, we headed into the locker room positive that we would come back. With a few positional and tactical adjustments, we started the second half with a boom. Our possession was purposeful, our defensive pressure was unbearable for the Breakers, and we re-instilled the confidence we knew we had. In the 60th minute, Aly sent a through ball to Marta, who was able to get a touch on it before the Breaker goalkeeper came out a second too late, smothering Marta instead of the ball. After a roll or two on the ground, Marta looked up to see the ball heading into the corner netting. She knelt up, and pumped her fist in celebration. Our energy continued, stopping Breaker attacks, and building our own chances. Just when we thought the game would end in a tie, the referee rewarded us with a penalty kick in extra time. Boxxy buried it with ease (we had been practicing all week). And we celebrated like we had really earned our number one spot.
Are You On The Ball?
My friends created a TV show dedicated to covering women’s soccer in the area called On The Ball. Larkin, Aya, and I went into their studio to do an appearance for their first program. We each had our own ten minute question and answer interview, complete with a word association piece. Let me tell you, I am so horrible at that game. I come up with the most unoriginal responses. Puma? Cat. Soccer? Game. But I think Larkin might be worse. The first word that comes to her head when hearing Britney Spears? Bald.
After our own individual pieces, we got together to have some fun. We did another question and answer piece that was ridiculously funny. Sue Capra, the host, asked us, “Who has the funniest accent?” We answered in unison, “Camille.” And then we proceeded to do our own take of Cami’s French accent when she says her most infamous line, “It ‘twas sooo funny.”
We finished up with an amusing piece where we each had to pretend we were a bobble head. This was to be done in spirit of Marta’s LA Sol bobble head. I was pretty bad at this. It is difficult to act like a bobble head, so I just rolled my head around my neck with a few bobs in between.
The interview was fun and refreshing. I am looking forward to seeing the first episode which should be streamed online soon. Hopefully, everyone will be impressed with my bobble heading skills.
Playin’ Some Bball
The few weeks before the final were filled with a few celebratory and interactive events. First up was the pep rally at the Los Angeles Sparks WNBA game versus New York at the Staples Center. During halftime, we gave red soccer balls to a few basketball players involved in a youth organization. Throwing them around and spinning the balls on their fingers, we hoped that they would know what to do with a soccer ball. It was so great to get involved and encourage physical activities; even if the girls decided to play basketball with their new soccer balls.
A few days later, we went to our trophy presentation, which took place at the Lakers 3 on 3 tournament, just outside the Staples Center. After a quick autograph session, we went on stage to be awarded the trophy for winning the WPS Regular Season title. After posing for some pictures with the trophy, we remained on stage for a surprise. A few guys came on stage. The DJ announced that the New Boyz, a popular rap group, was going to be performing “You’re A Jerk” song. Wait, what? We were all so very ecstatic as we greeted them on stage. As they performed, we attempted the dance that goes with the song. We may have skills, but they were lacking big time, especially when a four-year-old showed us up, with an in-your-face rendition of the dance. We took some more pictures with the New Boyz and also with a few of the Galaxy players that showed up before going back home. I am not ashamed to say that we taught ourselves the dance moves and practiced them for a few hours before finally going to sleep. We are competitors, and we don’t want to lose at anything… especially to a four-year-old! There’s no shame in that. Just saying.
We Can Be Baseball Players Too?
“We played the wrong sport.” Jules and I sat in the stands of the Los Angeles Dodger Stadium discussing the perks of being a professional baseball player. Eat sunflower seeds in the dugout? Check! Get paid millions of dollars to stand around the outfield chatting up your fellow teammates during warm-ups? Sign me up! There’s just one thing. We’d look pretty ridiculous in a baseball uniform. The pants just don’t do it for me. But we would look darn cute in those hats!
We watched the Dodgers and their opponents for the night, St. Louis Cardinals do their warm-up routine while we chowed down on soft pretzels and garlic fries (oh the wonders of being a baseball fan!). After enjoying the baseball stadium atmosphere (crazy fanatics running around, spilling their beer and ketchup on you), we headed to the area behind home plate. Marta was going to throw the ceremonial pitch and we wanted front row tickets! Crowding around the TV cameras and photographers, we cheered as Marta (donned in her own LA Dodger uni) did a few juggles with the baseball and then threw a perfect throw to the catcher. We erupted in screams and random heckling. “Take that Manny!” But Marta wasn’t the only one getting props. We did get a few shout outs from the few Sol fans in the stands.
WPS Final
With a successful scrimmage against the U16 Real South boys team the week before, we were ready for the final against NJ Sky Blue. Our possession was fluid, our movement was dynamic, and our defense was clicking. Sky Blue was going to be a tough opponent to beat. As the fourth seed, they had worked their way up into the final, with wins against Washington Freedom and St. Louis Athletica. They had confidence and momentum.
We shook out our nerves during the warm-up. After going through our usual routines, we were geared up when the first whistle blew. The game started like any other, with both teams vying for controlled possession. We tried to work our way up the field, keeping possession through our midfield. Sky Blue liked to play the ball out wide and cross it in to their target forward, Tasha Kai. About 16 minutes in the game, Kai helped her team get on the board. She flicked a cross from Dowling to Heather O’Reilly who blasted a shot point blank. KK was able to get a touch on it with her foot, but the ball went side netting, giving Sky Blue an early 1-0 lead. We had been in that situation before, so we got together to regain focus. However, about ten minutes later our flow was interrupted once again, but this time by a very questionable and controversial call by the head referee. Kirby, one of our center backs was given a red card for an apparent tackle from behind on Kai. After arguing with the ref, we regrouped, keeping three in the back until Coach Abner could make adjustments a few minutes later. The rest of the half, we did our best to play smart defense and keep possession of the ball.
We headed into the locker room with our heads up, ready to do whatever it took to win the game. Despite being a man down, my team kept pressure on Sky Blue for the rest of the game. We created chance after chance, but each was either a near miss or stopped with an unbelievable save by Sky Blue’s goalkeeper. The minutes clocked down and the final whistle blew. We knew we were the better team, but sometimes that doesn’t mean you come out the winner. Disappointed in the loss, but not with our effort, we congratulated Sky Blue and then thanked our fans for all of their support during the season. We had fought hard for them and for each other, leaving everything on the field. That day just didn’t go the way that we wanted it to. And that is the game of soccer.
Sunglasses
It has been about less than a month since the final. I think about it every moment I can, going over in my mind play after play. I am proud of my team and what we accomplished. It is always harder to win the regular season than to try to win one game. As much as we had wanted to capstone our season with the WPS Final championship win, we were proud of everything else we had done. I couldn’t have asked to play with a better, more dedicated group of teammates. They became my best friends and I learned something from each and every one of them, on and off the field. We are so thankful for all of the support we received from fans, family, friends, sponsors Amway Global, and investors AEG and Blue Star. Despite the fact that we love to play the game for ourselves, we played for them; we couldn’t have done it without them all.
The offseason will be filled with training (physical and mental), a few appearances, and some much needed downtime. I am looking forward to working on my weaknesses, getting stronger and fitter, and having some fun playing with my coed teams back home here in CT. Please keep reading my Goal Kick blog (and you can also keep updated with my Twitter account, Makoski22) as I share my adventures during the offseason and what it will take for me to remain at the professional level. My first season as a professional soccer player was an unbelievable experience and I look forward to continuing on this journey.
It was our day off and I was resting.We heard the unusual sound of helicopters hovering in the air above us.Curious, we turned on the TV.The news headlines were blasted with the possibility of Michael Jackson’s death.It could not be.
With MJ’s house just a minute away, we decided to take the ride over to see for ourselves what the media was covering.Larkin, her sister Becky and brother-in-law Bart, KK, and I were shocked to see the already growing crowd of fans, neighbors, and media standing outside his house.We pass by every day on the way home from training.Usually there are fans and paparazzi waiting along the side of the road, cheerfully awaiting an MJ encounter. But today was different.
We poked our heads around TV cameras, police officers, and other curious on-lookers.Still with disbelief over what was happening, we stared into space as journalists jotted down quotes and reporters tried to cover the situation as best they could.With varying news over MJ’s condition flowed through the crowd, we were asked by several news outlets for interviews.
KK and I met a CNN reporter looking for some feedback on the situation.As huge MJ fans, we respectfully accepted.With a big camera lens in your face, being interviewed on TV can be pretty overwhelming, and the fact that we were still in shock didn’t make it any easier.
I spoke from the heart.MJ is a big inspiration.I have listened to his songs, particularly “Man In The Mirror” before games since I was in high school.Awed by his dancing ability, I would try to mimic his moves.It is just sad to think about all of the negative press he has recently received.He had everything taken away from him, and he was just starting to build it back up with his European tour.MJ will no doubt always be remembered as the world’s best entertainer. If anyone disagrees with me, then they can just “Beat It.”
Scoring Machine
With our 4-0 win over Chicago Saturday morning at 10 a.m. (who ever thought to schedule that one?) combined with Athletica’s 2-1 road defeat over Sky Blue, we clinched one of the four playoff spots.
In the locker room before we headed out to warm-up, we decided to celebrate our first goal with a MJ tribute. KK made up a perfect plan (just so she could be involved of course; goalkeepers do get left out of goal celebrations a lot).Everyone was to run to the middle of the field together and form a circle around the goal scorer, who would then twirl, and then perform the patented MJ crotch-grab with one hand while raising their other hand.After Boxxy scored our first goal 14 minutes in, the players executed the celebration without flaw.A picture and an article on this can be found here:
Cami scored our second goal five minutes later (she was too shy to do any MJ celebration) and Marta added two more later on the second half to secure our 4-0 win over the Red Stars.
Setting Off The Fireworks
Being in the nation’s capitol for Fourth of July weekend was an unforgettable experience.First of all, I was super excited to see my mom again.She and John drove down the whole seven hours down to DC.I recently died my hair dark black (from a pretty light blonde), so when she first saw me at the hotel she didn’t recognize me.Of course she urged me to get it done professionally, but I think I did a pretty salon-inspired job on myself. I was happy to spend some time with them during our downtime; going to Panera (our favorite place), watching fireworks, hanging out and talking.
My mom and John, complete with customized Makoski jerseys, sat proud in the stands for the game.Even though we didn’t start off the game in our usual style of play, we picked it up from the start of the second half.Unfortunately in the 60th minute, our newest player, center back Christie Shaner (who we got from Sky Blue and started in her first game with us), came out the wrong end of an Abby Wambach tackle.Our thoughts and prayers are with Shaner as she recovers from surgery to repair a broken fibula and tibia.
I was subbed in at right back, so Steph moved to center back with Bock.Determined to prove myself out there, I played with passion and energy.We created a few chances.One of them I am replaying in my mind over and over.I made my far post run on our corner, ending up at the back corner of the six yard box, and out popped the ball, which I hit first time.It clanked off the post and out of harm’s way.I was so mad that I did not put that one away.
But I did make up for it, setting up our game winning goal in the 91st minute. I did a quick wall pass with my right midfielder, McCall, and then switched a diagonal long ball to Aya.My Japanese spitfire was able to take it down and feed it to Marta, who blasted a shot far post into the side netting.We celebrated and returned to our own half, determined to not let the Freedom score in the remaining nine minutes of extra time.
After the game, we sat on the field for some fireworks.I said goodbye to my mom and John, who were so happy to see me play well.Then we headed to the hospital to visit Shaner and wish her well with her surgery.We know that she will come back strong and ready to play for the Sol again.
Our First Loss At Home
Wednesday we played our last regular season home game against St Louis. We knew that if we won the game, then we would clinch the first place spot, so we were focused and energized. Unfortunately, we didn’t start off well again. Taking advantage of our disconnected play, St. Louis scored a goal just 11 minutes into the game. Even though we were able to create some chances for the rest of the game, we were unable to put any away. We were upset, but we are moving on, knowing that we can do better and will do better.
Let’s Hear It From Someone Else
Hello all! This week’s guest spot will be written by me, Julia Schnugg, Manya’s housemate and teammate. I have a good selection of things to cover, such as recapping the fan get-together to watch the Sol game versus Washington on FSC on July 5th, discussing the newest elimination from the Bachelorette, and the current flavor of the month of television shows, Dance Your Ass Off.
Last Sunday was the Sol’s game versus the Washington Freedom in Germantown, MD. The team pulled out a big W to put us within one game of clinching the WPS title (woo hoo!!!). To help cheer on the girls, we had great support from a group of awesome fans that got together at the Fox and Hound Pub in Studio City. Hopefully that will become a tradition for the televised games because it was a great way to help support the Sol on the road!
Now, if you’re reading this and don’t know about the Bachelorette yet, figure it out! Our house not only records the show, we also have been known to call roll-call to make sure everyone in the house is there to watch. In the newest episode, the Bachelorette eliminated the show’s badboy, Wes. We all knew it from the beginning yet, despite our hopeful shouting to the Bachelorette to let him go, Wes continued to make it through the rose ceremonies and onto the next rounds. It had been rumored that he had a girlfriend back home (a big NO-NO) as well as having the sole intention of furthering his music career by appearing on the show. Well, Wes: karma seemed to not appreciate your fibs. Wes was finally eliminated and, once again, the world (of our television drama cravings) was at peace. Next week, you’ll be able to find everyone in our house glued to the TV from 8-10pm for the second to last week of what might be one of the most addicting love shows I.have.ever.seen.
Lastly, Dance Your Ass Off. I speak for most people, whose names do not start with Karina and end with LeBlanc, when I say that this show is athletically and artfully entertaining. Some of those choreographies have just stunned us, and possibly going as far to say making us jealous. Now, Karina may be the only one of us (in the house, at least) that can keep up with those moves, but for the rest of us that only have rhythmic symmetry when we run or juggle, we enjoy watching other people that can dance. What’s more, we find ourselves even more impressed at how it is used to create healthy lifestyles for its contestants. We are just as big of fans of the dance routines as we are with their weight loss. Many times, I find myself considering dance as my fall-back career. I’ve started my training already, calling upon Beyoncé and Shakira to help me with my dance moves.
Alright, thanks for reading! And Go Sol!
Out Of Our Neighborhood
We have a bye this weekend, so we will be getting some rest and start preparations on Monday for our next game at Bay Area on the 23rd.With only three more regular season games left (including at Chicago and at Boston), my team and I are determined to secure that number one spot, which would give us a path straight to the championship game.
A few Sundays ago, we played another Fox Soccer Channel game against Bay Area. This time it was on our home turf.My good friend plays on Bay Area that played with me the past two summers with SoccerplusCT Reds and some time with the U-21s, Kristen Graczyk, so I met her for dinner the night before.It was great to catch up on all of the changes in our lives, past and future.We could not believe how quickly the season has gone.
It is tough playing a team more than once in one season, but it is even harder to play against an opponent six times.So far we were 4-0 against the Gold Pride (2 preseason scrimmages and 2 regular season games).This gave us a little confidence.However, we knew it wasn’t going to be easy.It can be anyone’s game on any given day and the Gold Pride should not be taken lightly.
We were able to score two great first half goals to give us the lead going into half time.In the seventeenth minute, Martina, our Canadian center back, volleyed a Bay Area clearance off of our corner kick into the goal.Camille followed up with a slide to make sure of it.A few minutes later, Marta received a great pass from Boxxy, dribbled into the box and blasted a left footed shot past the keeper.
In the second half, we pressured Bay Area with our possession in their own defensive half.Although we created some chances, we were unable to put any more away.Fortunately, we were able to hold on to the 2-0 lead, thwarting any kind of Gold Pride attack, and continued our winning streak.
A Little Magic
One of the perks of living in the Los Angeles area is the possibility of running into a celebrity.However, that chance increases when one of your neighbors is someone famous.You wouldn’t recognize him if you saw him.And you probably have not heard of his name.But our neighbor is well known for many reasons.
The team that he owns, the Pittsburg Penguins, just won the Stanley Cup, so he had a celebration at his house on Saturday afternoon. KK officially got the invite from Ronald, but it was extended to our whole house. Unfortunately, we were going to miss most of the party due to training in the morning (why does soccer always get in the way?!), but we were able to catch the end.
Walking up his driveway (guarded by at least 15 valet and security guys), we were impressed by the landscaping and grandeur of his house.Through a hallway and into the backyard, we cautiously inched forward on the patio, taking it all in. Pushing KK in front of us (she is the more outgoing one), we thanked Ronald for inviting us, and timidly walked over to the Stanley Cup.
As we chatted around the Stanley Cup and took pictures touching the precious trophy (can’t say that everyday can you?), we glanced over our surroundings, stopping at faces, trying to decide who was who.One familiar face caught our attention.“No, it couldn’t be,” we thought.“Yes it was.”
As we whispered, “That’s Magic. Magic Johnson” to each other, Ronald came back over to our circle that we formed to talk to us about the season.Magic eventually politely joined in the conversation.After a few jokes, we took some pictures with Magic.He was definitely twice as tall as Aya.I was very intimidated just looking at him, but he was the nicest, most genuine guy/athlete/legend (take your pick).
Magic and Ronald promised to come to one our games.I just hope they make us a sign.After all, what are neighbors for?
We Are Definitely From California
The day after the Bay Area game we flew to St. Louis to play the Athletica.The moment we got off the plane we melted.It was so humid that I think my lungs refused to work through the thick air.After grabbing our bags, we reluctantly headed outside into mugginess to find our bus.
The next day for our training session was just as humid.I felt like I was back at home in CT.After a good warm-up, Coach Abner had us work on our attacking shape playing in a 4-5-1, a formation we don’t usually play.
Despite our new attacking formation, we were unable to create any dangerous chances on goal.At right midfield, I tried to join Marta, our lone forward, as much I could.For the second half, we changed back to our normal 4-4-2 formation.I moved back to my usual right back position.
Coach Abner’s halftime chat must have ignited the passion that had been nonexistent in the first half.Within the first five minutes, Han Duan helped us get on the board.Hanny (my new nickname for her) juggled over an Athletica center back and half volleyed one into the back of the net. Marta added another goal about 25 minutes later.Aly Wagner headed a ball down to Marta who struck one with her right foot (we were surprised by this rare occurrence, that Marta actually used her right foot) into the side netting.Her celebration? She picked up her right foot and gave it a little kiss.She should use her right foot more often.
Right after our second goal, the Athletica pushed on and played more direct.Their efforts paid off, and they were able to slip one by KK.However, we were able to stop any more chances.We were happy to have made it out with another win to add to our streak.
After the game, I was able to talk to my good friend and fellow sports writer JSL.I had heard him taunting me during the game, so I wanted to get him back, although he did make me laugh a few times.He is a big fan of the Athletica and a part of their loud cheering army, so it was hard for him to secretly cheer for me too.
Part 2 of We’re Going Streaking My next blog will include the Chicago, DC, and St Louis game highlights; a guest appearance; and remembering MJ.
