Continuing on...

Just returned from another weekend away. This time we were in beautiful Lancaster. Okay, beautiful is definitely not a word to describe the middle of nowhere California, but Lancaster is one large location for the State Cup tournament and it's kind of right of passage in soccer.  Her team is on a great run. They started this past weekend in the round of 64 and won with another shut out.  You know Alyssa played hard when she is at the team dinner telling me she's tired and is the first one to fall asleep that night. Cute side story, while at team dinner, party of 70, we had 3 large banquet style tables set up. Girls were at the farthest table from the coach. The girls were chatting and hanging out and the coach randomly and rather quietly says, "can I get a woot woot" and without missing a beat the girls respond with a woot woot and continue on with their chatting. How on earth they heard him is beyond me, but love how in touch they all are. We were told when joining the team it was a close group, and now after being there several months I can see just how close they truly are. So back to soccer. 

The team advanced to the round of 32 and played a phenomenal game of soccer. Haven't seen Lis play that intense, possibly EVER! If you know how her emotions run when it comes to playing soccer you know that is saying A LOT!  She played a team she has faced many times so they recognized her as well as the parents.  Players on the field were saying "It's Alyssa from Guy's team"  So when she took one to the gut some of the other parents started cheering. Stay classy parents!!! Like that would take her out of the game? Brother please. One of the other parents we've come across since preschool was very kind to her from the sidelines and had some encouraging words for her as she was bent over trying not to puke on the field. The ref gave her extra time and her coach knowing what this game meant to her, let her work through it and play on. I've never seen her take one at such close range before.  Seen her do it to others, but never been on the receiving end. I will say she blocked that ball and helped the team. Woo hoo!!!  Such an amazing win!! After the game she walked over, sat in my chair, smiled and then started to cry.  She had to release all the emotions from the game somehow. Love her desire and intensity!
After winning that game with yet another shut out they advanced to the round of 16!!! The girls were on fire and ready for the next game which would determine if they advanced to the round of 8  in two weeks in San Bernardino. I didn't think it was possible, but that game was windier and colder than the morning game. Holy smokes!!! It was freezing. So cold Seb had to wear pants! The girls had the desire to win, you could see it in their play and all over their faces. They played a 0-0 game that went to double overtime then to pks. Girls won!!! Our keeper is amazing!! She blocked several shots and brought the win home. 

Girls advance to the round of 8 in two weeks. It's been an intense few weeks of soccer. State Cup started with approximately 86 teams and they are down to 8. A great accomplishment thus far.  Glad to say we have a weekend at home, something we haven't had in weeks. So happy to not be packing a suitcase.  Keep it up girls!  Let's go Liverpool! 

While away Sebastian and I celebrated our 12 year wedding anniversary. We celebrated with a romantic team lunch at Rubio's, followed by a very romantic drive thru meal in the car on the way home Sunday night. We sure know how to celebrate! Happy anniversary, Sebastian!

C

End of girls run and warm up immediately before the game. Coach is Hawaiian so they always add a little homage to his homeland. 

After the win that took took them to the round of 32

After their win that took them to the round of 16

We thought it was cold during the morning game.

It didn't get really cold until the second game. I was texting friends at home that wanted updates and it hurt my fingers to type. I had to send this picture to prove I was FREEZING!

But you REALLY know it's cold when Seb puts pants on. Check him out. Shorts in the snow in Flagstaff, but pants at the soccer game in Lancaster. BRRRR!!!

Look at the clouds rolling in during the second game. These beauties brought the rain.

After the big win.  Moving on to the round of 8!
This win entitles them to a team sleepover on Friday
Alyssa was so exhausted from her day of soccer she slept almost the entire drive home. That absolutely never happens. Sometimes I wish she would fall asleep. :)   

Alyssa LOVES bakeries and cupcakes. How is it possible that Lancaster of all places has two winners from Cupcake Wars. We stopped at this one on our way out of town.