mudcat captain

Today was Ashtyn's first soccer game!! His game wasn't until 3PM but we were excited all day and the weather couldn't have cooperated any better then it did! The sun was shining and the temps were perfectly spring-like! Unfortunately, with a 3PM game time the boys didn't get much of a nap. In fact, they both fell asleep and we had to wake them up to get ready for the game...so Ash was still a bit sleepy while we got him dressed...

This was the first time Ashtyn had worn his team t-shirt and he looked so cute! He's proud because he chose the number 9 all by himself! He looks ready for game time!

Brandon and I also got team shirts! Ours have the team logo on the front with Ashtyn's number on the back and they also say "Ashtyn's Dad" and "Ashtyn's Mom" on the back! We are so proud! Can ya tell!?!?

We had to arrive at the field 30 minutes before game time and for about 20 minutes Ashtyn's coach did some last minute practicing and coaching! I guess when you're only 5 it's hard to remember strategy and rules between practice and game day! Ashtyn was chosen as the goalie and he couldn't have been more excited! He was really good at it too! He wasn't afraid of the ball or the other players coming at him!

Finally, it was time to kick off! Ashtyn was chosen as TEAM CAPTAIN (Woo Hoo!!!!!) and got to call heads/tails for the coin toss! The other team won the toss and the game began!

After the game began, we had the unfortunate realization that in 5 year old soccer there isn't a goalie!!! So, all that goalie practice was for nothing but Ash still did a wonderful job playing his little heart out! He chased the ball, kicked the ball, stole the ball and even SCORED A GOAL!! Sure, it was sorta by coincidence when one of Ashtyn's teammates kicked the ball and it bounced off Ashtyn's body into the goal but we'll take it!! We cheered so loud!! We were so proud of Ash and how hard he played! He hustled up and down the field and when he fell he would jump right back up and keep going!! He listened to his coaches really well and protected his goal every chance he got!

In the end, the red team beat us pretty bad but the kids had no idea and Ash didn't even ask! They don't make a big deal of keeping score at this age but it was pretty obvious who had won. The other team had some more experienced players. But Ash did so great and we couldn't have been prouder of how well he did! I can't wait to see how he progresses over this season!

We did learn one very important lesson today at the soccer fields...BRING CHAIRS!! I think we were the only family standing the entire game! Oh well, live and learn! Oh...and bring cash for the concession stand! HA!!