If you’re reading this, you’ve probably already read the article on the game. We were leading 1-0 at the half and pretty much dominating play. But with 26 minutes left, they put one in and tied it up. I’m not even sure how it happened, but when it did it seemed like it hadn’t. I realize that statement sounds odd, but I was in shock more than anything else. We were playing so well and everything was flowing, so us not winning was just inconceivable. Well I guess it was just that because shortly after Karen put in another of her impossible goals to put us ahead.
So we were leading 2-1 when we got a free kick at about 20-some yards outside the box. When Jo drove that ball into the back of the net, this time I wanted to cry. It pretty much secured our win with a two-goal lead. But more significant than that Jo scored in the national tournament. Jolie, in my opinion, is one of the best players I have ever seen and have ever had the pleasure of playing with. Her technical abilities are limitless and her attitude is amazing. She is one of my closest friends and I look up to her so much both on and off the field. Despite all she has to offer, she doesn’t see what we see. So when that ball hit the net, it was amazing for us, but also amazing in the sense of showing Jo how truly talented she is. She jumped up and down when she scored that goal. It was only the second time we had seen her celebrate all season.
To illustrate the severity of the surreal amnesia that has plagued my memory, coach gave an amazing pregame speech that lasted almost ten minutes, and all I can remember are three words: fear, belief and trust. He told us we needed to get over our fears, believe that we can accomplish our goals and trust in our teammates. We did just that today, and we got the result we wanted.
Thinking about tomorrow I can’t help but use the word “surreal” again. Despite my sense of shock, I really expected us to be here throughout the season. We worked incredibly hard, ran countless gauntlets, survived two beep tests, and grew as a family throughout the season. There is no reason why we shouldn’t be here, and every reason why we should be.
This entry is definitely all over the place. That’s where I am right now. Everything we’ve worked for and everything we’ve dreamt about is becoming reality. Tomorrow’s my last game. Obviously, I want us to go out on top, and I know we can do it. Our men’s team is also in the final tomorrow. It’d be amazing if we can both bring the banners home. I can’t believe all of this is happening, but I couldn’t have seen it any other way. Now that I think back, leading up to this week the whole season seems blurry. All I can pick out are key moments. Today was one of them. Hopefully tomorrow will be too.
