OCTOBER 05, 2007

You know how in sports, a team panics when the star player is hurt and can't play? And if two star players are hurt and can't play it's greatly debilitating to a team? And if 3 starting players are out... At that point everyone writes off the team because what are the odds they'll do well after losing 3 crucial players?

Well. Imagine the impossible situation it would leave a team in if they were without five starting players. What are the odds a team could even win a game, much less do well, in that situation? The odds wouldn't be good, that's for sure. Just imagine if a baseball team lost their best pitcher, catcher, first baseman, third baseman, and shortstop and had to replace them with rookies. Would you give that team any chance of winning? No, me either, which is why I was so bummed before the University of Portland's season started last month because that's exactly the situation they were in.

UP began the season minus four starters. Two were out due to injury and two were playing in the World Cup, which made things seem bleak and then, a few games into the season, they also lost their top scorer to a season ending injury. At that point, with UP missing half their starting lineup, you had to wonder how they were even going to get through the season, much less win games. Sure, they'd get two starters back once the World Cup was over, but that wouldn't be until October and you had to wonder if it would be too late by then.

But now I feel like I should pay penance for doubting UP because, unlike other teams who crumble when faced with adversity (yes, U.S. National Team, I'm talking about you), UP have instead pulled together and gotten off to a great start despite the obstacles facing them. The remaining starters have seriously stepped up their game, reserves have come off the bench and played like pros, and the freshmen have been amazing. Normally it takes noobs time to adjust to college play, but the rookies hit the field playing and scoring like veterans.

It's been inspiring to watch this team stick together and shine through nearly impossible odds and UP did it again tonight, beating the University of Oregon 4-0. Not too shabby for a team whose two top scorers are out for the season. Granted, the University of Oregon isn't a soccer powerhouse, but a win is a win and routing an in-state rival does a lot to boost team pride. UP, after all, is a tiny school so it's great fun when they take down big, well known universities.

UP also got a huge boost in that their two starters who were playing in the World Cup made their return to the team tonight. UP defender Stephanie Lopez played for the U.S. in the World Cup and midfielder Sophie Schmidt played for Canada but they're both back from China and didn't miss a beat in taking the field with UP. Sophie scored two of UP's goals tonight, with Steph assisting on one of those goals, which is amazing considering they both just got home a few days ago and are suffering major jet lag.

Of course, now what I'm really looking forward to, can't wait for, is getting to see UP finally play at home again next Saturday. It's been 3 weeks since UP's last home game and also 3 weeks since the Timbers finished their season, so I haven't seen my favorite teams or a live soccer game in weeks and I'm going through serious, nasty withdrawal.

It might sound silly, but soccer games are like "date night" for Ross and I. We really look forward to and get excited about going out to games together, but there haven't been any games to go to in weeks, and we've both been bummed and cranky because of it. I mean, how are you supposed to maintain a happy, healthy marriage without soccer?

listening: the killers . reading: ---

walk: 0 minutes . weight lost: 12.5 pounds

HOME  |  ARCHIVES