Summer Season Game 1 vs The Nutria

We set this party off right!

First game of summer season was glorious and set the proper tone for games to come!

First let me welcome our new Grass Kickers who now have joined the Black and Maroon - introducing:

00  Big James - keeper extraordinaire whom I have dubbed "The Kraken" when he comes flying out of goal and onto the pitch. He is athletic, friendly and oh did I mention the man is a freaking GIANT. Watch him sometime during game stopping balls both in and out of goal and you will see why I call him The Kraken

09 Teresa - this lady is a gem that I was lucky enough to get to in my sifting of interested players provided by the city. In our first game out she has shown herself to be a great asset as our star female striker.

11  Phil - This man is solid, not only does deftly defend the goal when in keep, he also consistently manages to dribble right through the opposition despite all their foo-foo river dance fancy footwork

12 Taylor - While previously identified mainly as the dude with the beard - Taylor has surprised everyone with his clean shaven baby faced visage and the dexterity to match the youth unveiled.

13 Little James - newly recruited away from the Taz Devils James is quick, agile and from experience he has the 6th sense and sneaky ability to move amongst the enemy unnoticed and be at the right place at the right time.

17 Martin - after playing with me, Nate and Josh on the Legit Misfits as well as on my indoor team Martin has now officially joined the Black and Maroon. Not only does he have a good foot, he is a strategic player that has great touch.

27 Palmira - Josh's family continues to enmesh with his soccer one, as his lovely wife Palmira will be joining us on the pitch. I have great confidence in her skill as her father is Cesar from Legit Misfits, and her son Allejo has often given men twice his age and size a run for their money in many a pick up game.

28 Michael - I believe this will be Michael's first season playing soccer outdoors. He is fast, nimble, agile and also just an overall very nice guy! I have played with him on my indoor team this past season where his unflagging energy has been awe inspiring - lets see what he can do outdoors!

30 Wayne - Many of us remember the first time we met him, a complete novice who looked like he would be more at home in a Buddhist temple than on the soccer pitch. Wayne has come a long way from that 1st day and after 2 seasons of growth first in hat draw then on the Legit Misfits I am glad to welcome Wayne to the Grass Kickers

31 CJ - She's fierce, she's determined and she's a ginger! Though I have been an acquaintance for a few years outside of soccer it was not until the first time she took me up on my soccer invite that I got to see the fire behind the red hair! CJ is returning to the sport after a long hiatus but after a few pick ups and last season on the Legit Misfits it is obvious that she has not forgotten the skills she learned in high school!

32 Brandi - newly lured away with the promise of rum from Dam United Brandi and her amazing foot is now where she belongs - with the Grass Kickers! What can I say - her foot and ball placement has been commented on and envied by many, her tenacity at both offense and defense makes her an asset anywhere on the field and to top it off she bakes some killer Guinness cupcakes with Bailey's icing.

33 Paolo - newly stolen from The Mighty Narwhals with the combined charms of Kenji, Phil, and Michael (this foursome anchors their men's indoor team MIBOW) Paolo is a powerful forward and striker that I am excited to unleash on our opponents.

and finally as some of you might know Josh - who was injured last season against the Pen Fed Pirates - will unfortunately not be able to join us for this season. However as in most situations there is a silver lining and I am happy to welcome back Micah who will be temporarilyy donning #19 in Todd's place for this season.

now without further ado...

Game 1 vs The Nutria Recap

I could not have asked for a better game 1. The weather was perfect - it was warm but not hot with a bit of a breeze to liven up this early summer evening of blue sky and glorious sun. Turn out was amazing (though I want to remind everyone to not get too comfortable with the amount of subs we had last night as it will be uncharacteristic of the rest of the season - summer travel, vacations etc) and as our players got their new jerseys (which i thought turned out awesome even if i do say so myself) they got to welcome back returning faces as well as meet some new ones.

This game saw the return of Jenny - who if you all remember was injured last season playing this same team and was out for the rest of Spring. She has not only returned in prime form but she also returned with a vengeance and scored a goal in the 1st half! Brandi made her debut on the grass kickers with goal right out of the gate. And Micah showed us that even though he has been away from the GK for 2 seasons he nonetheless retained his skills and also scored a goal.

Overall the team played very well together and I think this team has great promise to continue the winning streak!

After game a few of us went to High Street McMennimans' for some celebratory drinks and socializing.

Great game everyone!