Castle Shima

This frigging game is ruining my life.
-- Hatch from Victory

I know I've been amiss in my updates. I injured my back in a couple of weeks ago and so sitting properly in a chair was abit of a struggle. Its also played a part in tonight's game.

I know I'm not a good soccer player. Hell, I'm not even a decent player. I wouldnt even qualify as an average player. Maybe a substandard one, but thats perhaps ranking it abit high. But I know the rules well enough to kick the ball. Its enough for me to enjoy the game.

Most folks know I play in the company intermural league and as one friend put it: "I would rather lose with this team than win with some of the others."

I've got some really excellent team-mates. Our team, BC United, always has so much fun and we get along really well. Every game just seems so memorable that its hard not to laugh all the way thru a match. Of course winning makes it so much better.

Tonight's match was hard fought with our team winning 2-1. Major plus in my view. Downside was that I did absolutely nothing to help in the matter.

This being injured for the past 2 weeks sucks. Its no wonder professional athletes always seem to be chomping at the bit after being injured. Every time I ran, minor shots of pain went up my spine. My inability to rotate properly made me slower than normal. I was called a rag doll every time I tried to reach for a ball and ended up just flailing. I couldnt even get full power on kick without kicking the ground more.

Then my endurance was shot all to hell. It used to take a half of a game for me to even warm up. Today, I barely lasted 10 minutes without gasping for air.

And after all this bitching, we still had a brilliant time.

We were physical. We were running constantly. We were frigging tired.

Every time players crashed into each other, both teams went "OOOOOOWWW!" All of us were yelling back and forth, encouraging each other on. Well that or making fun of each other.

United Sidelines: Ken! Go left!
I go to the right
United Sidelines: No! The other left!

At least I didnt get the most memorable moment of the game.

United Keeper: Clear the ball!
Goldie, United Defender: I got it!
Goldie picks up the ball from the ground with her hands
Both Teams: Nooooo!
Whistle blows for the penalty

She's going to be hearing about that one for a very, very, very long time.