I would classify last night's game as a blow-out tie, with the picture below as the best representation. That's AJ on the ground as his coach helped free him from the net after his cleats got entwined. For the second time. In just a matter of minutes.
The kids played hard but were clearly outmatched. I wouldn't say out coached, because the two women for the Cloquet team seemed far more concerned about blowing their whistles if the ball happened to stray an inch over the line, while turning a blind eye to the number of the times their players were grabbing shirts and pulling our kids to the ground.
AJ ultimately scored twice. So at least he sent the ball into the net as many times as his shoes got tangled there. He's clearly emerged as his team's scoring leader. I wouldn't say he's a team leader. At this age, they're all too easily distracted to serve in that role. Motorcycles passing by, playgrounds in the distance or just a chance to wrestle: all have been more interesting than the game at points during this short season.
AJ is having fun, though, and that's what matters most. And his teammate Jack brought Oreos and Juice Boxes for the post-game treat. That's what matters second most.I'm enjoying watching the new friendships forming on the team. As we left last night, AJ was trying to make plans for his new friend Riley to come over to our house "so he can wear our costumes." A few minutes later, as we were driving out of the parking lot, we passed Jack, who was still being loaded into his car seat. AJ instructed, "Wait, I have to say goodbye to my teammate."
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