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Soccer update

Coming off a tough 4-0 loss last week against the Dorito Sharks, the Yellow Jackets came into this morning's game with a 1-1-1 record and a renewed focus. Today's opponents were the Red Gangsters (no, seriously). Even while shorthanded the entire game, led by speed-merchants Boden and Owen, the Yellow Jackets managed to keep consistent pressure on the Red Gangsters' end of the field, while the Yellow Jacket defense, led by the diminutive yet fearless Luke, smothered the Red's primary scorer, a kid about as tall as me. However, the Jackets missed a number of key scoring opportunities, with shots consistently sailing just wide of the goal.

The game was tied 0-0 in the fourth quarter when Owen went end-to-end on a fast break starting at the opponents' goal box. Owen's shot and rebound forced the opponents' goalie to reach outside of the goal box to grab the ball, resulting in a free-kick penalty. Bode, following Coach Hector's advice, kicked the ball across the width of the goal box (essentially a corner kick), over and through the defenders, connecting with Dante at the far goal post. Dante stopped the ball and punched it in for the only goal of the game. It was exhilarating to see Bode, Dante and Owen running to midfield in a line doing their airplane celebration. Coach Hector yelled, "That pass was every bit as good as the goal!" He then looked at me grinning and said, "We worked on that same situation this week in practice." Awesome coaching!

The Yellow Jackets are now 2-1-1 and looking as strong as ever heading into the last half of the season. Go team!

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