The Field (Turf) of Dreams...
The final week in Catania has been full of fun events (which have been severely cramping my bloggin' style!) -- and on Tuesday it was the ANNUAL ELEPHANTS CALCIO NIGHT!!!
Every year, the team gathers for one final 'on field' event after the season is over... which just so happens to be the national sport of soccer. The games are ultra competitive, and much more physical than any soccer game I have seen since I've been over here!
The "Not so Young Guys" muggin' for the camera...
... and the "Old Guys" showing a little more restraint. That patience would pay off in their victory.
We were split into 3 squads - the "Young" Guys (Under 25), the "Not so Young" Guys (25-30ish), and the "Old Guys." We played a round robin tournament to decide the ultimate soccer champions of the team.
Tuesday Night Lights
I was a blur all night for the defenders...
By now I'm sure you are wondering what went down... let me fill you in:
In the first game, Frank Lampard (aka Jason Johnson) opened the scoring by firing a rocket into the corner of the goal just 11 seconds into play! I think the Italians thought my Lampard jersey was just a decoy, but forgot that I was one of the best 8 year old players in America for a very short period of time! Our team would add 2 more goals, but the "Old Guys" answered for a 3-3 tie.
In the second game, fatigue became a factor as we faced the young guys. We held a 1-0 lead late into the game, until shift Matt Epperson intercepted the ball and went coast-to-coast for the tying goal. It ended 1-1, giving the "Not so Young" guys 2 ties and 0 wins.
In the final game, the Young Guys faced the Old Guys in the match that would decide the tournament. Using "savvy" and "guile" - as well as an impenetrable defense headed by George Contreras - they cruised to an easy 3-1 victory and the championship.
What a fun night!!! After the matches, I was asked by reporters about a possible move to Inter, but declined comment.
Frankie Lampard on the attack!
~ J. Twice
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