Cherry Coke and Pretzels

The End

2009-02-22T15:34:00.000-08:00

It's over with a 2-1 loss to Barstow. Charles worked his tail off. But it's as if the boys expected him to get it done alone. That's a lot of pressure for one sophomore stud. The thing is...he almost did it. At one point, he and Lucia nearly scored a goal within 13 seconds of kicking it off...it was magical to watch them careening around Barstow together.

His sister, Mary, took her team to the next round though...click to read about it in the Redlands Daily Facts.

See you next season. Tessa and Aliyah will be walking by then, isn't that crazy? They'll be able to rush the field when thier daddys and their team win CIF. :)

Until then,
Rachel

Playoff Bracket

2009-02-18T11:52:00.000-08:00

Check out the playoff bracket, go to sports, soccer, boys soccer, playoff brackets. ACA is in division VI along the bottom of the document. Here it is: playoff bracket.

Then, if you're interested or really bored, you can use Max Preps to research opponents. You can research common opponents, records, and players to watch. Have fun.

ACA plays Barstow Friday. I'll let you know what happens.

Until then,
Rachel

ACA vs Western

2009-02-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

It was pouring rain when I arrived at the game. And Charles always decides what uniform combination the boys wear. Unfortunately, he decided on the all whites. Pouring rain and all white uniforms....that was not "all white" (alright) with me. Oh well.

About 7 minutes in, Western struck first.
...you know what...why don't I just let you read it fom The Redlands Daily Facts.

Later,
Rachel

ACA vs OC

2009-02-12T12:39:00.001-08:00

This is rivalry week in college basketball and ironically the ACA/OC game was this past Tuesday also. Unfortunately the games are always ugly between these two schools. The soccer is always fierce (not always quality). But it's the tempers, both on and off the pitch, that are ugly...or perhaps intense is a better word.

Because of the win/loss record of ACA and OC this game was loaded with consequences. ACA needed a win or tie in order to stay in first place in the Christian League. OC needed a win to be in first, but a loss pretty much guaranteed third place for the Knights.

No matter what the standings, ACA/OC games are always a battle.

The girls played just before the boys and lost 4-0 to the OC girls. They had previously tied, so the outcome was disappointing. The ACA girls will now place second in the Christian League.

It was a chilly night, I had Tessa bundled in clothes and a hat and wrapped in 3 blankets. The Beebe's had also reserved a spot for me by their propane heater (bless their hearts). Tessa slept and smiled off and on as the game thundered on...she must have been quite content in her little cocoon.

The starting lineup was different again due to the fact that Josh Phillips was unable to start...or should I say benched...due to the fact he had missed 3 days of practice without explaination. So here was the lineup
Robbie,Duggan
MJ, Charles, Mooch, Stephenson
Martinez, Lucia, Ishida, Beebe

So I guess it was a 4-4-2. Though Greg might tell you it was a 4-3-3...with Charles as a withdrawn forward. Or he might say it's a 4-3-1-2, or a 1-3-3-1-2 with Lucia as a sweeper and Charles as a withdrawn forward. I don't think either is a true formation.

ANYWAYS...

So, the game.....

It started of quickly, both teams playing frantically. Neither team seem composed at first. ACA seemed to have the run of play, but OC continually got counter-attacks that should have been put away. Each attack was scary. Manny (10 shirt for OC) was so quick and dangerous with each touch of the ball.

But ACA had chances too. Finally, after an on the edge-of-your-seat 20 minutes, Charles took a long throw-in which flew through the box to Duggan who headed it into OC's goal putting ACA in the lead 1-0.

My head was buried in Tess's cocoon for much of the game, not because I was cold, and not because she was unhappy, but instead it was buried in there due to the drama of the match and the profound impact it had on the crowd - well at least the crowd of people near me. It was the kind of game which kept discussions to a minumum because you didn't want to take your eyes away from the game for a single minute.

I was sitting by the Beebe's (like I said before). But because they brought heat - that also brought people near seeking warmth...namely Mr. Pearce. I actually love Mr. Pearce because he says things as they are. He has some mighty one-liners. Thoughts I have, but could never put words to...and he says things that even if I was clever enough to think of I wouldn't say aloud, certainly not that loud. So, as I said, my head ended up in what would've been my hands, but my hands were holding Tess. Many times I tried to hide my giggling.

And there certainly was controversy. OC earned two yellow cards during the game. I felt that one of them could've been a red. OC boys continually pushed and then sometimes even kicked our boys once they were down, literally. Charles was shoved quite a bit, by one kid repeatedly. And you know there are a lot of swear words floating around the pitch when Reeves can hardly remain composed. He was also gettting shoved and he kept looking at Schenks and throwing his hands up.

OC got the equalizer on a fluke shot in the 70th minute. It's a difficult one to explain. The whole situation came from nothing. OC came with pace and a boucing ball struck somewhere near the 18 blasted by Mitch.

And then ACA just needed to hold on for the tie. But Lucia had a different strategy. He was playing for the win and kept pushing forward. I believe he was in the offensive third at least twice in the frightful remaining 10 minutes. Once he made an overlapping run and crossed the ball into the box, and the other time I believe he may have been inside the 18 with the ball at his feet.

Needless to say, that left 3 ACA defenders to keep OC away from the net. But with 10 minutes remaining in the game, OCs Manny (#10) was on a breakaway. Lucia ran with him and then took him down from behind, which is an automatic red card. It's a "professional foul". OC didn't score but at the cost of Lucia. He was out for the remainder of the match. ACA played a man down and Lucia will have to sit out the next match against Western.

The 1-1 tie with OC makes Friday's game against Western big. Whoever wins the game becomes the Christian League Champions. We'll see what happens.

Until Later.
Rachel

Aquinas and Loma Linda Matches

2009-02-08T21:20:00.000-08:00

ACA battled Aquinas last Tuesday night. Josh Phillips was moved to striker and it made quite an impact. Phil scored 4 goals and Charles has the other goal I believe. ACA won the match 5-2. Greg and Dan have been playing a 4-3-3, now it's a 3-5-2 with Josh and Robby up top.

Next they battled Loma Linda...and for some reason...didn't put them away like they should have. ACA did win the game 3-0, but did not look strong.

On Tuesday, ACA will go to OC and then come home for thier final regular season game against Western on Friday.

It's Been a While

2009-01-29T18:08:00.000-08:00

I'm only going to write about league play. Matches before that are a mere blur to me.

Aquinas and Loma Linda were both easy games for the boys, they won both, big. The win over Aquinas was something like 6-1, the win over Loma Linda was 7-0 I think...all I remember was that Charles had 6 goals that game. 6 goals in one game...3 before halftime and he quickly scored 3 more before Greg and Dan could get him subbed out.

The other thing I remember about Loma Linda is that Charles got new boots. He had been searching for the Ribery Nike Mercurial Vapors (they're pink)...

...but had no luck...they were limited edition I guess. I had been looking also - just to help out. Here's what he bought instead:

The night before Ontario Christian the boys came over to our house for the traditional pasta dinner...I served lazagana and bread and Sarah brought salad and the most amazing dessert...homemade (from scratch) brownies and sugar cookies decorated like soccer balls with "ACA", "Go Eagles", etc. written in frosting. Sarah always adds the stellar quality to any meal with the dishes she brings. The boys collided into our home a car-full at a time. It's truly amazing how 20 highschool boys can be in our house and it never felt crowded just always moving...filled with laughter, conversation, and music (Mitch on the old guitar and Martinez on the piano). But after all that effort, fun, and fellowship...the boys didn't perform well. (OC had tied Loma Linda 3-3 a week before). Ugly game. Laziness and complacency...in my opinion...mixed with the "big rivalry" match pressure...made for an unexpected 0-0 tie.

The Western Christian match up was much the same as the OC game...ugly...0-0 tie. Greg still says "we lost 0-0" that's how embarrassing the tie is to him.

So, not great news to report. I hope the second half of league play is more successful.

ACA vs Bloomington High School

2008-12-17T19:09:00.000-08:00

The game against Bloomington was interesting to say the least. There's never been a game quite like it. I showed up early because Danno and I rode together to the game. Coaches need to be there well ahead of time, so I got to see some of the JV game. JV lost by a good margin, perhaps 7-0...I'm not remembering right now.

But I was able to see one of my favorite aspects of the game of soccer...the pregame warm-up. It always amazes me the variety of drills coaches choose to do. One of my favorite aspects of ACA's warm up has nothing at all to do with playing or anything...they lay their jerseys on the pitch right in front of their bench in number order. Rain or shine, the jerseys are laid on the field prior to the game. I love it.

Another thing I noticed during pregame was Mitch...he was warming up Kirk Pearce in goal. Mitch's finger was wrapped from surgery, 2 pins, out 4-6 weeks.

Game started and the game was back and forth for a while. Bloomington flirted with offsides many, many times. I think the referee got tired of calling it because Bloomington scored 2 goals, both of which were scored by Bloomington players in the offside position. Kirk was tough though, he broke up many, many plays, came aggressively off his line, and took the ball off the feet of opposing players causing me to gasp many times.

Then came the moment when I couldn't gasp, blink, or breathe. Kirkland came out hard to break up a play right around the 18, there was quite a collision and Kirk went down hard. He lay on his back...arms above his head...he was not moving. He was laying much to still.

Greg and Schenks were waved on the field...Kirk started to move and sat up slowly. But then he just sat there...for a long time. Finally, the guys helped him off the field. We all knew Lucia (Senior, captain) would be in goal, but he's such a good field player, you just hate to lose him from the back line. Thing is, he's also quite a keeper...however...none of us can quite understand it, but he refuses to wear gloves.

Kirk lay on the sideline for a while and kept asking Mitch what was going on...he seemed to have no short-term memory. He ended up going to the ER at halftime. He had a concussion and CAT scan was clear.

The score at halftime was Bloomington 3, ACA 0. In the second half Charles just didn't want to get scored on anymore and moved himself to the back to help out the defense now that Lucia was in goal. At one point a PK was called. Bloomington made kind of a mockery of the whole thing and brought their backup keeper all the way from his goal to take the kick on Lucia. Lucia made an AMAZING diving save. Later on, ACA received a PK and Lucia ran out of his goal to take the kick for ACA...hammering it into the back of the goal. ACA fans roared.

And that's about how the game went...not a great one.

But I did get a prime seat right in front of the Beebe's propane heater...me and the babe stayed nice and toasty.

Until next time,
Rachel

ACA vs Bretheren Christian School

2008-12-15T11:14:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning the boys played a school from Huntington Beach...ACA dominated the game...but...well...read the article...
http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/sports/ci_11228097

With that bad news...I'll try to lighten the mood with a few stories.

First story: Game starts at 11, and I (Rachie) am trying to get myself ready for the game. I've worn the same outfit to the last 3 games because my belly is so far out there...I only have 2 shirts that really cover it any more. One is a black sweater, the other is a 3/4 sleeve tshirt. It was cold out...so I had to go with the sweater...again. It was 10:30 and I was dressed and ready to go. I started for the door and grabbed the keys...and then I thought...as every girl does...do I really have to wear this AGAIN? So I headed back upstairs and started trying on Greg's sweaters. Unbelievably, none of them covered my belly either. So finally, I put mine back on, filled my water bottle, and headed out to the game. Well now it's 11:10. I'm late for the game. "Sarah Schenkel might even beat me to the game.", I thought to myself. I'm a block away from ACA and I get a phone call...from GREG! "Rachie, where are you?" He's coaching, but noticed I wasn't yet there, and called to make sure everything was alright. I guess a pregnant woman, two days away from her due date needs to be on time...otherwise even the husband begins to worry. I did beat Sarah to the game by the way...but she has a little one...a much better excuse than too-small-clothes.

However, as I walked up, I saw Mitch lying on the ground...not good...not good at all. He NEVER comes out of a game. CIF player of the year...a UCLA recruited Junior goalkeeper...and then I saw good ol' "Kirkland" Pearce step into goal...my heart sank...don't get me wrong, Kirk does a great job..but then Mitch and his parents walked by me on their way to the car...Mitch's finger was the size of a "pumpkin" (a quote form 7th grade Camilla Roach, Robbie Roach's sister). Late that night, Greg got the call that made his heart sink. The bones in his finger had separated, he was waiting for surgery. The doctors put in pins and Mitch will be out for 4-6 weeks. Sigh...

Second story: Charles Izydorek and his boots. Remember last year...Charles wore orange boots? Just in case you don't remember, here's a little remainder...this is the video of C. Ronaldo racing the sports car...so Paulie...you and your kids don't have to watch it again. But for those of you who haven't seen it Christiano Ronaldo was player of the year again over in England...I'm sure Greg or Dan will chime in with the actual name of the award he won...but this is Ronaldo in a commercial for the boots he wore last year. The same orange ones that Charles wore most of the year. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tkoa204lmEc

Paulie, this video is for you. You don't have to watch the whole thing...but at minute 1:13, Ronaldo takes a free kick and instead of chipping it over the wall...he has the guts to put it under...just watch...at least for a minute+
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taXw5x0_Fjw&feature=related

So anyway, back to my story, I was talking with Mary Izydorek, Charles' older sister, I asked her about Chuck's boots and she informs me that his year Charles wants the same kind of boot...but they have just come out in a new color...they already have these colors...

but Charles wants...just watch these two videos...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-ufdCdfMT0&feature=related

here is a good picture of them...
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/83785139.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193003A50471BAAE0D57080F699F72CE5535A5397277B4DC33E

Enjoy the rest of your day,
Rachel

ACA vs Saddleback Valley Christian School

2008-12-15T11:03:00.000-08:00

Ok, all of you live out of town and may not know...or care...ACA's soccer season has started again. I'm not sure how much time I'll have on my hands to write blogs/emails of the same caliber as last season...but I'm going to give it a go....

To start, here is the article from the Facts about Greg's last game, ACA vs Saddleback Valley Christian School.
http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/sports/ci_11182127

and here are pictures...not many, but you do get to see the new white kits.
http://redlandsdailyfacts.mycapture.com/mycapture/folder.asp?event=651984&CategoryID=26698&ListSubAlbums=0

ACA's next game is home on Saturday morning at 11am against Brethren Christian from Huntington Beach (they must live the rough life out there by the beach...sigh...)

2008-02-27T06:59:00.000-08:00

Hey,
Greg, Dan, and their ACA boys made it to the FINALS!!!!!! The Champion"ship" match will take place on Saturday, time and location TBA.

They defeated Desert Hot Springs (DHS) 2-1.

While watching the match it was obvious that the two teams played different types of soccer. ACA plays English-style soccer, pretty direct. Like I mentioned in an earlier email DHS plays fast "Hispanic" soccer. (yes,...now you remember, right Lynn?) DHS possessed the ball 80% of the game. The passed around us, made short supporting runs, and crossed the ball diagonally across the field to two or three attackers. I was impressed by their first touch. They trapped the ball like they had glue on their feet, passed the ball, and then put forth the extra effort to make a penetrating run. On top of all that...they were UNBELIEVABLY fast. Greg said he kept counting DHS players to make sure they didn't have 15 on the field...they seemed to be everywhere.

Here are some stats - DHS had 15 shots, ACA had 7 (only 4 were on goal). The DHS keeper made 3 saves, Mitch made 12. DHS had 6 corner kicks, ACA had 2.

Yes, they took it to us.

However, we won! So how did we do it?

Let me tell you...
First, the outside midfielders worked their TAILS off. They HAD to get back on defense EVERY SINGLE TIME. If even one of ACA's outside midfielders had decided to be lazy and not make the run back to defend...the player they should have been marking would've been standing all alone, free to strike on Mitch's (ACA's) goal.

Second, Mitch, the keeper. He was forced to make many saves at point-blank range. He made saves that most high school goal keepers don't make. Mitch was again UNBELIEVABLE! And he's only a sophomore!

Third, the freshman, Charles . Charles position on the field is the third forward. The two seniors, TJ and Alan sit up top. Charles is often is asked to play a "holding forward", which means he drops back to help in the midfield. Today he sprinted the entire match. He covered more ground than anyone should ever be asked to cover and I don't believe any one else could have. I've never seen anything like it. He would clear a ball off the defensive 18 to a midfielder. The midfielder would then send the ball back to Charles who was making a offensive run. After crossing the ball or taking the man one-on-one, Charles would then get back on defense to help out. He was everywhere.

Fourth, ACA finished their limited opportunities. They had only 4 shots on goal and finished 2 of them. DHS scored in the final MINUTE of the first half. The equalizer (our first goal) was scored in the final SECOND of the first half. YES, I wrote "final SECOND of the first half". Just like in the previous match, immediately after DHS scored, Alan and TJ set the ball at the center mark...
Alan kicked off and passed the ball to TJ,
TJ back to Alan,
Alan to TJ,
TJ sent the ball long to the corner where Charles ran onto it,
crossed it back to Alan in the box,
Alan stuck it,...
...then somehow the ball was loose in the box where Josh (#13) finished it.
The game winning goal was scored off of a long throw-in from TJ (#16). He was deep into the offensive end and threw the ball 35 yards, right in front of the goal, where it bounced over a defender. Charles ran onto it and placed it in the back of the net just out of the keepers reach. The goal was scored with only 1 minute left in the match. ACA had to hold on while an additional 3 minutes of stoppage time was added to the end of the game. When the whistle finally blew, ACA could hardly believe they'd won. But it was true

Fifth, Travis (#5), center defender, organized the entire defense. He held them together. He had more pressure put on him this game than EVER before. He had 2 or 3 forwards surrounding him, pressuring him, and he remained incredibly composed.

I must say, the field was beautiful. It truly was a privilege to play there. But even better than that was the atmosphere. There was standing room only in the crowd. The limited stands were filled to the brim. Both teams brought out their supporters who cheered them on. There was no bickering or nastiness.

Later,
Rachel
P.S. A challenge for you: (especially Boonie and Paulie) I dare you to try to throw the ball (soccer style throw-in) as far a TJ did (35 yards).

ACA v St. Margaret's - Quarter Finals

2008-02-22T11:52:00.000-08:00

Hey,
They won tonight! Greg and his ACA soccer boys are advancing to the Semi-final game of state playoffs. And what a match it was! From the moment the match began, everyone was on the edge of thier seat. Every second made your heart race. I honestly think I lost 5 years of my life watching that match.

A reporter emailed Greg tonight asking his thoughts on the game. I have copied Greg's reponses below.
******************************
Hello Greg, it's Caesar again. Wasn't able to make it out - I gotsick from standing in the rain at a soccer game on Weds. Anyways,here's a few questions - hope you have good news!

1. How did the game go - what did you think of your play?
The game was very intense, it was a battle. It's not like one team dominated the other. I am proud of the boys, they battled for the win and had composure while surviving the intense final minutes of the game. Everyone did their job and did it well.

2. Any turning point - any players come up really big?
The team as a whole fought for the win and capitalized when the game was on the line.
Charles scored 25 minutes in - off a cross from Alan .
Five minutes later St. Margaret's scored to send it to half time 1-1.
15 minutes into the second half, Travis scored on a PK after the goal keeper took down TJ in the box.
St Margaret's scored in the 80th minutes to tie it up again.
10 seconds later ACA scored when Alan took the the ball from the kick off, dribbled multiple opponents and crossed the ball to TJ whose shot was deflected by the keeper, the ball sat on the goaline until Charles finished off the game winner.
At that point we thought there were only seconds left in the game.
But the referee then added 7 minutes of stoppage time.
In those final minutes we had opportunities to put them under but also had to survive dangerous attacks by St. Margaret's.

Thanks,Caesar
**************************************
As you can tell from Greg's synopsis, the game was a close one. The fact is that throughout the game the boys remained composed. Never to me did it seem like the boys thought they would lose. They believed they could win...you could just see it.

Let me take you through the final minutes of the match:
ACA was up 2-1 going into the final 2 minutes of the game. The ACA fans and players could taste victory...it was moments away. And then...

The clock had been stalled at 2 minutes for over 2 minutes already. (Ok, for those of you who don't know. The scoreboard ticks down the minutes of the game until the final 2 minutes of each half. At that point everyone is relying on the referee to keep the final minutes on his watch. That way if there is any stoppage time he could easily add it with out stopping the game to tell the person running the scoreboard... ("stoppage time" is injury time or any time he to stop his watch to give yellows...we got two in the game, they got none.) Throughout the match it seemed as if the referee did everything in his power to keep St Margarets in the game...or it seemed to the ACA fans...me included (and I'm a pretty good judge - if I say so myself - of referee capabilities. Pops you can chime in too if you'd like...seeing as you ARE a referee.) Greg did go out at halftime to chat with the referees about his calls...so Greg must agree...the reffing wasn't great.

...It was heartbreaking, when in the 80th minute...which was supposed to be the final minute of the game...St Margaret scored to tie up the game 2-2. Because the clock had stopped at 2 minutes so long before, everyone thought the game was going to be over in seconds...

...But after St Margarets scored that last-minute goal... it was amazing to see Alan grab the ball, put it on the center mark, look back at his team, and tell them they were still in it. You could see it in him that he was not willing to lose. He was uber confident and you could see the vibe travel through the whole team. As Alan took the ball forward, the whole team followed. (There was not a soul in he stands, on the bench, or on the field that could breathe at that moment.) All turned silent as Alan dribbled around one, then two, then three, then four opponents. Unselfishly he crossed to TJ, and TJ had a great strike....

But...TJ's shot was deflected.

The ball just seemed to bounce a little, then slowly roll.

It was AWFUL! The ball was RIGHT THERE!!!! SOMEONE FINISH IT!!!!!!

The ball literally sat a mere yard from the goal mouth.

Then blazing in from the 18 came Charles and he fired the ball into the back of the net.

The crowed ROARED!!!!!!!!!!

The boys ran around knowing they had scored in less than 10 seconds of kicking it off...it had to be the very last second of the game. They jumped, screamed (ok, ok boys don't really scream - they YELL), dogpiled, and ran some more. Greg and Dan had to tell the boys to get up and get back ready to defend.

And then the clock sat at 2:00...do you remember that the clock has sat at 2 minutes already for at least two minutes. The game had to be over! ACA must've scored in the very last second of the match...but it was not to be. The ACA fans yelled "Blow the whistle! It has to be time!" While Rachie (that's me) yelled, "Put them under, get another one."

Meanwhile, St Margarets attacked, and attacked, and attacked....it was horrible. St Margarets had some GREAT attemts...but couldn't finish...

...and then ACA had a great opportunity...it was Alan and TJ versus the keeper...and the keeper was WAY OUT of his area...so Alan took a long, lofted shot...the keeper ran back, back, back, back, back, back...

...and caught the ball, making the save near the mouth of the goal.

It seemed the referee had added A LOT of stoppage time. The battle continued until the 87th minute (which means the referee must have added 7 minutes to the game - it is really unheard of to add more that 3 or 4 minutes).

Finally the whistle blew and the match was over...you could hear everyone start to breathe again and the victory celebration began.

The semifinal match will be held at ACA next week Tuesday. ACA will play Desert Hot Springs. Desert Hot Springs knocked Ontario Christian out of the playoffs by a close 3-2 OT game. Just to remind you, ACA has beaten OC twice during the season, 6-3 and 3-0. But that really doen't help Greg's nerves.

Later,
Rachel

ACA v Linfield - Round of 16

2008-02-22T11:42:00.000-08:00

Just want you to know that the boys won 3-0 yesterday. I don't have time to tell more now... Their next match is against St. Margarets (San Juan Capistrano) on Thursday at 5pm.

Later,
Rachel

ACA v New Roads - Playoff Match

2008-02-22T11:39:00.000-08:00

I guess many of you have been waiting for my post game report.

I am happy to announce that the ACA boys made it the Round of 16 with a resounding 4-0 victory over New Roads. The whistle blew to start the game and ACA scored a goal in less than 11 seconds. The game was rather emotional however. Just before half, the New Roads keeper was in a verbal banter with the ACA student fan section. It all came to a head when he flipped them off. Of course, that did not sit well with many ACA students and they kept taunting him. As a captain and intermediary, TJ came near the sideline, he tried to pacify the students and asked them to "Take a Chill-ax-ative" or something like that. As the halftime whistle blew the New Roads keeper removed his gloves and threw them with obvious anger. Assistant Coach Dan walked over to the ACA students during halftime and spoke with the them as well. In the second half, Travis, #5, senior center defender, was taken down near the top of the box, he quickly go up, cleared the ball and took down the New Roads forward with a kick at his head (ok, ok, he didn't connect, but he gave a swift kick in that direction). Needless to say he came out of the game with a yellow card. Alan and Mitch (the keeper) both got pretty beat up during the match.

I again showed up with a crew of miniature fans. This time I came with Tony (one of my 4th graders), Greg's little look-alike, (I'll send a picture if I can) and two other boys from my class. We again gave a great half-time show of our shooting skills. Yes, I end up in the goal, trying to defend 3 soccer balls being shot at once...needless to say, everyone thinks I am a terrible keeper...oh well.

The next match is Tuesday. ACA will travel to Linfield Christian School in Temecula. ACA and Linfield met earlier in the season, ACA won the match 3-0. Hopefully the home field advantange will not be an issue...Alan loves the beautiful field turf Linfield has. During a tournament game at Linfield he scored 5 goals, including a hat trick (3 goals) in one of the games.

I'm out,
Rachel

Dreams

2008-02-14T20:07:00.000-08:00

So after my nephew's response to the YouTube videos of Cristiano Ronaldo, Greg and I decided to encourage his excitement about soccer and sent him a Manuchester United kit.

Here is Paulie's response along with a picture of Noah.

Well, you two did it. You made a dream come true. We got this unmarked package in the mail today, and had no clue what it was. But we waited. Waited for Noah to get home from pre-school. Opened it, and the result was wonderful and hilarious.

He was pumped, ripped off his clothes, we put on the soccer stuff. And right away, he began sprinting.

But that came to a quick conclusion when the shorts fell down to his ankles.

Here’s a picture of him – with a safety pin in the back of the shorts.

Thanks so much – you made his day/week/perhaps year.

And it came on the day of his celebrating Valentine’s Day at pre-school – boy, does he feel loved!

Thanks you two,
paulie

Email from brother Paul

2008-02-14T20:02:00.000-08:00

This is an email from my brother in response to the previous post.

Wow…just watched 30 minutes of you-tube (I mean, who can resist the Ronaldo vs. Ronaldinho after watching Ronaldo?). AAAAMMMMAAAAAZZZZING!

A couple stories out of that, but first, CONGRATS Greg and ACA on CL championship. Please keep us in the loop as the post-season continues! And thanks, Rach, for an AWESOME email.

Okay…so 2 stories, one real, one imaginary:

1) Real Story: I’m sitting, reading Rach’s email and watching Youtube with Aaliyah from 6:30-7am, when Noah finally wakes up. Now, we’re watching the Ronaldo video, but Noah only knows him as “the man in the red shirt”. And after watching for a few minutes, Noah says, “That red shirt is good.” Then, 5 seconds later, he asks, “Is that uncle Greg?” (No kidding, true story). And now, Noah wants to play ‘soccer-ball’ all day long. Sweet. And he wants a red shirt, so that he can be ‘very fast’.

2) Imaginary Story: After watching Landon do his whole penalty kick routine, and hearing about how Greg likes to perform this ritual at home, I wondered if this has ever happened… During one of the Saturday’s of renovation at the Treur house, Greg, Rachel and Mark are all working side by side. I imagine Mark and Rachel holding up a 4 x 10 beam or some sort, holding it above their heads, readying it for the nails that Greg will drive into place. And there’s Greg, knowing this is a big moment, an important nail to drive home. So, while M&R hold up the beam, Greg bends his knees and lowers himself close to the ground in an almost meditative pose. He begins kissing his left hand, then his right, kissing his arms half-way up – just like Langdon. Until Rachel yells, “Donavan, seriously, just kick the ball.”

It could have happened.

Congrats Greg! Sweet news. Enjoy the post-season. And Rach, keep raising up soccer players – but let them know right away that there’s going to be a Canadian rival in a red shirt who also will play ‘soccer-ball’ and be ‘very fast’ and on his jersey, it will say “Verhoef”. Beware…

paulie

ACA Undefeated Regular Season

2008-02-09T17:34:00.000-08:00

So it's official. Last Thursday Greg and the ACA boys finished the regular season undefeated and clinched the Christian League title.

Here's a little game scenario: First off, it was a gorgeous day today 65 degrees and sunny. The game started on time at 3:15. School at RCS gets out at 3:00. So I left school ASAP. The thing is...I had invited an entourage to come with...little recruits from RCS...ok not really, mostly just fans for the next four years. I had 2 fourth grade boys (one who I think is the spitting image of what Alan (plays forward for ACA, 33 goals now) must've looked like when he was little), a fifth grade boy (seriously the next Landon Donovan...

***just an excerpt here for those of you who may be uninformed....
Landon Donovan is the captain of the LA Galaxy and the captain of the US National Team. He grew up in Redlands and is amazing. So what I'm implying is that Garrett (this little 5th grade boy) I believe has the skill to be a leader in the future of American soccer...and yes, just like Landon, he grew up in Redlands. So here are a few YouTube videos you can watch to learn a little about Landon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zxt98Rx5sOo "Inside Landon Donovan" by Nike
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hfo7hYPxGmQ "Camera Incident" - just because i think it's funny.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NEuOq88lxA "Tribute to Landon" This third one is only for those of you who have the time...even if you only watch for 3 minutes you will notice Landon's classic goal scoring celebration (patting himself on the chest) which Greg does each time he scores for our coed Monday night soccer games (TJ - ACA forward - also does it). But you will also notice Landon's annoyingly long penalty kick routine...which Greg also knows...and does it often around the house just to annoy me. (don't worry, he would NEVER do it during an actual soccer match)

...with the moves of
Cristiano Ronaldo), ...
***again another excerpt just for those of you who want to learn...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euMu1SKi-ak He plays for Manchester United in England, even if you only watch the first minute or two, you'll notice his footwork is UNBELIEVABLE, one of the best in the world (Ronaldinho is amazing as well)

...and future defender for ACA - an eighth grade boy. By the time I got them loaded into the car and over to ACA, the game had started, they were about 5 minutes in. We soon found out that the score was already 1-0 ACA. Young freshman (RCS grad, and Mrs. Treur's fourth grade class grad), Charles had knocked in an acrobatic goal with the outside of his foot...which he somehow chipped and bent into the goal with a bounce and a spin. I only wish we could've seen it.

***one final excerpt...
Chuck (Charles) told Greg about 2 weeks ago that he had ordered the new Vapor IV's...he had to preorder them.) They finally came and Chuck ran up to Greg before the game today to show his his new boots. Below you will see a preview of them...just the back of the shoe...if you want to see them up close you'll have to click on the link below to see more pictures. I know what you're thinking..."They are orange and ugly". Yes, you're probably right. But somehow Chuck can pull it off. I believe, and Chuck confirmed it after the game, that the boots played a huge role in the game today. You see, Chuck has been ill...in fact he missed school much of this week...but somehow today...within 5 minutes he scored an amazing goal. So click below to see them up close.

http://www.soccer.com/ViewProductImages.process?Product_Id=313009&Image=280841.FW18 Pictures of Chuck's new boots.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6L148D_E3Jo Now that you know who Cristiano Ronaldo is...you can appreciate this commercial for Chuck's new boots!

We walked up and found our seats and noticed that the game seemed already in hand. ACA controlled the ball most of the time on their offensive end. The other two goals came in the second half. Alan chipped the keeper, and TJ hammered one in about 10 minutes later. (Yes, he did do the "Landon Donovan", and wisely this time he did not run past OC's bench...he had done this in the previous match against OC and the OC coach was NOT HAPPY! He gave Greg a mouthful after the game about it.) The game ended with a 3-0 ACA victory. After the game, Greg had the seniors line up, each with a bouquet of flowers. You see it was their last regular season home game as seniors, so Greg introduced each of them, and they gave the flowers to their parents with a hug. Unfortunately, there was not a trophy presentation for being UNDEFEATED CHAMPIONS of the Christian League, but...
...there was a traditional dumping of the Gatorade cooler full of water onto the coach's head! YES! Greg was DRIPPING WET! Mitch (the keeper) got him good! Right on his moppy head of hair!...and I know someone got a picture of it. Hopefully someday I will get a hold of a copy so that I can send it to all of you. The funny thing is, Dan (Greg's assistant coach), even "warned" Greg by asking him if he had his cell phone on him. Greg didn't catch on to the subtle hint, and was totally surprised by the cold icy water.

So there you have it folks. I wish I had more details about the actual game, but keeping an eye on 4 boys is quite distracting...who knew? I will keep you updated on the post season. There will be a game next Friday. Greg does not yet know who they will play. I'll let you know when I know.

Until then,

P.S. I hope you get as much joy out of reading this as I do creating it.

P.P.S. Sorry Boonie , if you sneer at this...we love you anyway!

Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T19:33:00.000-08:00

This is our Chistmas Letter that was sent out this year.

Dear Friends and Family,
We lead such ordinary lives there isn’t much to tell.
Rachel still teaches fourth grade at Redlands Christian School. She is in her 8th year of teaching 4th grade.
Greg has a new job this year…well, sort of. For the past five years, he taught K-8 P.E. and helped coach the girls’ varsity soccer team at Ontario Christian School about 45 minutes from where we live. This year he moved to Arrowhead Christian Academy in Redlands…only a 7 minute drive across town. He teaches 7-9 P.E., as well as an elective soccer class. He is the head coach of the boys’ varsity soccer team. They are doing very well…they haven’t lost yet and are ranked 3rd in State.
Perhaps the best insight into our lives would be a typical week’s scenario. The scary thing is…Greg and I are quite ritualistic in our schedules. My friend tells me that we walk the fine line between dependable and monotonous. We always eat the same things and even park in the same spot wherever we go…or as close as we can get. (I’m not kidding!) So this schedule is one you could put on your fridge, yes, we are that predictable!

Sunday:

Church at Sandals Church in Riverside, California

Lunch at Rubio’s on the way home from church (we don’t even have to order any more…Greg just pays) we always split the Chicken Burrito Especial, side of chips, and a drink.

Greg naps, catches up on EPL matches (English Premier League soccer games)

Rachel shops or works

Monday:

Morning run
Teaching during the day
Soccer practice for Greg after school
Co-ed soccer league (both Greg and I play) in the evening
Cereal for dinner

Tuesday:

Morning run
Teaching
Soccer practice or game (Rachel shows up to watch games)
Taco Tuesday with friends at Rubio’s ($1 fish tacos)
Bible Study with friends from Sandals Church

Wednesday:

Morning run
Teaching
Soccer practice
Workout at LA Fitness
Dinner – Chicken breast with cheese melted on top, fresh green beans or asparagus

Thursday:

Morning run
Teaching
Soccer practice or game
Workout at LA Fitness
Chipotle (Chicken Fajita Burrito, chips and medium salsa, and a drink)

Friday:

Morning run
Teaching (Greg only has ½ days on Fridays! Can you believe it?!)
Get together with friends to play Dominos, or Bunco night for girls while boys play Halo on X-Box 360.

Saturday:

2007 was the year of house projects, but 2008 looks much more relaxed.
Workout at LA Fitness
Lunch at Quiznos (we have a Terrier Card which gets us 2 for 1 sandwiches), we both get Baja Chicken on wheat bread with guacamole
Dinner with our friend Mark – usually Chili’s (Classic Nachos with Chicken, Black Cherry Lemonades)

We wish you blessings in 2008! Call us, email us, or visit us and let us know what God is doing in your lives. We love you all.

In His Hands,

Greg and Rachel

Mieke

2007-12-02T22:50:00.000-08:00

I took these pictures of our dog Mieke last week.