First Goal

Ramsey's very last soccer game was on Monday (blue jersies today).  It was a warm day with a slight bit of wind... perfect climate for watching on the sidelines and for playing, albeit having the sun in our eyes.

As mentioned in a prior post, this was Ramsey's very first season of soccer (due to a multitude of reasons ).  Ramsey had not yet made an actual goal during a game - only during scrimmaging in practice against his teammates.

Ramsey's soccer team truly has two "star" players, who are seasoned and have obviously played for a few years.  They are hustlers and confident in their abilities - and rightly so.   I believe that they make the other boys better players.

During this final game, it was obvious that his teammates were determined that Ramsey would have his first soccer goal during an actual game.   The head coach was in on this too, as she kept Ramsey in the game when normally he would have gotten a break (I will note that she has been a great coach and all of the kids have had equal playing time, no matter their abilities).   

And, today, Ramsey was really hustling and getting after the ball.  He didn't shy away or act lacadaisical, when at other times he might have.  Ramsey's teammates kept telling him to "go down by the goal" or "get down the field", letting him know they would pass to him or set him up to score.

And, they did.  They passed the ball and Ramsey kicked it towards the goal.... and the whole sideline cheered for him!  But... no goal.  A defensive player nabbed the ball before it went into the net.   I thought Ramsey might get upset.  He only pumped his arms down once, with a "Doh!".  Then, he rallied and kept going!

And again, the next blue possession, the boys passed Ramsey the ball and he dribbled it to the goal, while people on the sidelines cheered his name.  But... no goal again (bounced off the goal post).   The sideline fans (to include parents from the other team) let out the saddened  "ooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh's." 

During the next possession, Ramsey's teammates were at it again.... passing Ramsey the ball so he could dribble it a bit and then try for his first goal.  And... once again.... the sideline parents and fans cheered, "Go Ramsey!!!".  And, finally.... he did it.  He got his very first goal ever in a soccer game!

The crowd... literally.... went... WILD!  And, this Momma's eyes welled up with such gladness and joy for her little boy, whose arms were thrown up in the air, waving and pumping with excitement and pride!    Daddy was at a different part of the field with Jango, who was busy chewing on grass and soaking in the sunlight.  Daddy was so happy and proud too!  (He won't say if he was tearing up or not. ha!)

I so wish I would have gotten that footage on video!  Not to sound melodramatic, but it was almost like a movie, where the underdog gets a personal win (with a little - or.... a lot - of help from his friends).  

How amazing and heart-warming though... Ramsey's teammates determined and rallying for him, a plethora people we didn't even know cheering him for the score...   That made my heart nearly burst.  OK, maybe that does sound overly dramatic. Oh well!  It reminded me that people are good... and kind.  

After the game, and the boys giving the other team their high-fives, the coach and assistance coach awarded each of The Buccaneer boys a soccer medal, for giving it their all and improving every game.

I know that getting that goal helped Ramsey's confidence in the game.  He cannot wait for soccer camp this summer and for soccer season to start again this Fall!

Sidenote:  Eric and I both joked hat Ramsey had to be the "most improved" of the season; from wriggling around on the ground and trying to get laughs from his teammates - to actually becoming a bit of a hustler and getting after the ball.  I hope he continues on the latter path!  ;-)