Did the slipper fit?

Parker's soccer team has struggled mightily this year when it comes to winning, but you wouldn't know it by looking at his teammates faces after each game, as they all come out of the game smiling no matter how the scoreboard reads. 

This weekend was the end of year tournament.  The boys were guaranteed to play two games yesterday and one today, with the championship game coming this afternoon if they played well enough during the first three to make it that far.  Needless to say, we weren't planning on being at the game this afternoon, but the boys shocked us all. 

The Strypers came out firing yesterday morning and played to a 1-1 tie.  That surprise performance was followed up by an exciting 2-1 win yesterday afternoon.  After a hard fought 0-0 tie this morning, the boys earned a berth in the championship game against a team nicknamed the "Weenies".  I'm not sure who came up that name, but I must say it was pretty humorous to hear parents cheering on their little ones by exclaiming "Let's go Weenies!".

So the scene was set for this afternoon's titanic struggle, Strypers vs. Weenies.

It was a beautiful autumn afternoon.  The sun shined brightly and the temperature hovered around 70 degrees as both teams shook off their nerves early as the crowds grew.  The Strypers jumped out to an early 1-0 lead that stood for about 10 minutes before a Weenie snuck a well struck shot past Parker's outstretched hands.  The score remained locked at 1-1 through regulation and the first 4 overtimes. 

The 5th overtime was one for the ages. 

Unbeknownst to me (and most other spectators, players, and maybe coaches), the overtime rules in soccer are not sudden death.  We found that out the hard way after one of Park's teammates took full advantage of a handball inside the opponent's box and converted the free kick by going upstairs, beyond the goalie's reach, to take a 2-1 lead as time wained.  The Stryper crowd roared with excitement and beamed with pride.  Our boys had done the unthinkable and won the championship...or had they?  Our excitement only lasted long enough for the referee to make it clear that the game was, in fact, not over just yet.

The opposing team quickly kicked off and dribbled the ball past the somewhat confused Stryper defenders and snuck a shot through Parker's legs as time expired. 

The championship ended in a tie. 

I think the referee may have just been too tired to go through another 5 overtimes, so everyone wins.

All in all, Parker did great.  He only allowed two goals over the course of four games and five overtimes, including a heroic save in the third overtime of the championship battle.

We celebrated Parker's outstanding play and the big win/tie with cake pops after we got home.  If you're keeping track, add these delicious treats to the list of Addy's favorite foods. 

Next sport...basketball.  I can only hope it will be as enjoyable for us and him as baseball and soccer have been.