Soccer Time!!!

This year, Andrew and Steven are playing soccer, and loving it. They are playing through the Meridian Police Activities League, and they play at a soccer complex that sports something like 30 soccer pitches. It's HUGE! Anyway... today I was finally able to get out and take some pictures at their soccer games. It was tough shooting pictures today, though because it was COLD and WINDY!!! The temps were probably in the high 40s, but the WIND made it bitterly cold. But it was fun to watch the kids and take a bunch of pictures.

I had my kidney stone uteroscopy (there's a word!) just two days ago, so it was nice to get out today. A bit tiresome, though, and when I got home, I slept for four hours! :-)

Today, Steven's team lost their game by one goal, and Andrew's team won their game by four goals. Steven played about half the game, divided between being on the field and in the goal. Andrew played the full game, playing the entire time in the goal. I'm posting a few photos here, including some great sequences where Andrew gets some great saves, but for all 52 photos I've posted from today's games, click here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/12556474@N03/sets/72157602298205325).

Steven as goal keeper, waving to his adoring fans.

Steven on a throw-in.

Andrew taking a gaol kick.

Andrew kicking the ball away after he saved a shot on goal. The attacker watches the ball sail over his head. Andrew's developed quite a left foot; he can boot the ball about three-quarters the length of the pitch.

The attacker kicked this shot pretty hard, and Andrew batted it up and caught it, saving a goal.

Nice save, Andrew!