All over the field

As all soccer seasons in this region seem to go, we started in late July, playing games in ridiculously hot temperatures. And here we are, less than two months later, trying to figure out how to layer their uniforms in such way to keep them warm during their time on the sidelines (it was 44 degrees by end of game), but not too hot while playing.

AJ got to play middle field at the start of the game. He likes being the one to kick first. I suspect he also likes not having to worry about where he's allowed to run. He didn't score any goals, but he's definitely a dominating player. 

Pay attention to that girl in the turquoise pants. Don't be fooled by the girlie color. She turned out to be trouble later in the game!  

At some point in the game (specifically, it was while I was trying to sneak into the school with Sydney so she could use the bathroom because the district apparently no longer feels it necessary to have a porta-potty by the soccer field) AJ switched to playing goalie.

AJ likes playing goalie. We parents were joking it was the best position to play on a cold night because it includes a long-sleeve shirt. He likes the glory of making the big - and not so big - saves. Hey, any save is good in his book! (See the top of the blond head bending down to grab the ball? Not the best photography, but way to go AJ!)

AJ recapped the game for Jeff, who'd missed it because of work, telling him he got to be goalie "for three halves!" (They generally play the kids for five minute shifts. Any other position, unless some players don't show up, the kids play every other shift. But as goalie, AJ got to play three shifts in a row.)

All together, AJ made seven saves, and allowed one goal (by that darn girl in the turquoise pants), making the final score a 1-1 tie. Ever the spin doctor, AJ informed Jeff, "But really I think we won, because we scored first and were winning the longest."

We've got one more practice and one more game, and then at last it's the best part of the season - the end of the year pizza party. Let's hope we don't have snow by then!