Day 14 -- June 30, 2013

This is my first camp that we have played actual games, and I finally got to see all of the preparation that goes into games when you are playing at an international level. Even though today was just a friendly against a local San Diego club team (who have just returned from Hawaii after winning the U-20 Nationals), we prepared for it like we are going to prepare when we are in Barcelona for the Intercontinental Cup. I still don’t know if I’m going to Barcelona or not, but I need to attack practice every day as if I am already on the team.

Preparation for the game actually started last night, with a team meeting. We held the team meeting in the visitors center at 7pm to discuss everything from how we should be hydrating, to when we should eat, and of course, what is our strategy for the game. We prepared for the game as if we were playing the Ukraine, our first opponent in Barcelona and the second best team in the world. Because the Ukraine boasts such a strong team, we prepared to play a mostly defensive game. Then the goal was to  respond with a counter attack when we get the ball, pushing up the field with quick one and two touch soccer.

Game Strategy

Walking around the grounds

The next day we were able to sleep in and eat breakfast at 9am instead of seven because our game was at 5:45pm. After eating breakfast as a team we went for a walk around the training grounds to talk strategy and stay loose. After the game walk I went to the ice bath to get my legs ready, and then I went back to my room and took a nap. In advance of a big game it’s very important to stay off your feet so you don’t wear yourself out. It's also very important to stay hydrated. This means drinking small amounts of water throughout the day, because if you only drink water during training, you’ll sweat most of it out during training.










We ate lunch as a team again, followed by some more rest, and then it was time for the game. We headed to the field at 4:45pm to get warmed up and take a look at our competition. We knew that we were in for a tough game with the Nationals Champions. We played three twenty minute periods, and I finally got some playing time in the third one. Even though they were much bigger, faster, and stronger than I was, I did my best to keep attacking and trying to make plays for the team. Sadly, I was unable to score. Despite that, I still feel like I was able to take away some positives, and I will try to improve in the next two games. Even though I’ve been training on this team for three years, my performance the next two weeks is what determines whether or not I go to Barcelona.

US Paralympic Team with the U-20 Nationals Champions, fresh from their win in Hawaii