Just WIN Baby.

Savanna and the Mansfield Raptors kicked off their soccer careers this past Saturday afternoon at the Arlington YMCA. My high hopes for the team and Savanna started to slip just as the game began.

Almost immediately after the opening whistle Savanna voluntarily exited the field telling Vanita and I that she was hot, tired and didn't want to play. 17 seconds into her career, it hit rock bottom. At the end of the first quarter, her team was down 0-3 and regardless of what toys/candy I promised her, Savanna wouldn't play. I should have seen it coming. When I fired up the car stereo with some 50 cent on the way to the game Savanna still managed to fade in and out of a nap.

Starting the 2nd quarter, Savanna wasn't the only one unwilling to play in the heat and the Raptors began play down two players. Our coach is apparently one of the great minds of the game. Our best player, who played in goal the first period, was moved into a scoring position. It was a different game in the second period, we managed to close the scoring gap with two goals by our star.

At this point, the theme for Savanna wasn't "Just WIN Baby" it was "Just PLAY Baby, please!" Then something magical happened, just before the start of the final period, Savanna accepted the position of goalie.

She did a great job. While the Raptors took the lead 4-3 (keep in mind we don't keep score at this age) Savanna stopped the first shot on goal. It was a rocket from the left wing that she dove in front of to keep the lead for the Raptors. The second and last shot on goal she faced was equally exciting. I had moved down to her end of the field to get some pics and to encourage her play. About the time I made it down there, one of the girls from the other team broke free. It looked as if Savanna might get beat and the score be tied. I started yelling "SAVANNA!... Pick it up.... PICK UP THE BALL." and the girl that was about to score bent over and picked up the ball. It was great! The ball was turned over to Savanna, who put it in play for one last goal, securing a 5-3 win.

In the end, everyone had a wonderful time. The plan for next week? 1 can of Mountain Dew 30 minutes before game time.