Castle Shima

The quickest way to a man's heart is through his chest.
-- Rosanne Barr

Tonight was the first game of the intermural soccer season. My team, BC United, was matched up one of the AC teams, of which the name escapes me. We just knew that they were good and they were ready. Most of them played in the local leagues around town. Even for a 7 vs 7 squad, we were just hoping for a good outing.

The things we had going for us: a good, experienced goalie and a good, experienced defensive back. Well, that and almost a full roster. Ok, maybe that and their forwards couldnt get back to play defense while we typically had four or five on defense and clogged the passing lanes.

Ok, maybe it was the fact it was the first game of the season and most of their group hadnt worked together in awhile. In our case, we had most of the same group from last year. And we've been playing in almost every scrimmage since last year.


Now I can understand why soccer is called The Beautiful Game. For all the running around and gasping for air, everything still seemed to move in slow motion. You could watch as forwards fought to get in position. The ball sailing as a group fought to head it in a different direction. A pass fired just in the right spot so your team-mate can head the ball in past the unsuspecting keeper.

It became even more beautiful as we won our first match 3-0 against a team that we just wanted to keep the game close.

To show for our effort, we all came away with aches, pains, and a lot of sweat. I took so many bounces off my chest, for a little while there, it appeared as if someone had given me CPR.

But what we really took away from this, was lots and lots of fun. Regardless of the score, both sides gave it their all and left it on the field. Thats all that really matters.