Soccer and life are rarely simple. We will fail far more times that we will ever be successful. But in order to succeed we must first taste the bitterness of failure. As Michael Jordan is quoted as saying:
We often lose sight of this in the adulation of winning and the darkest days of losing. When we win we feel unbeatable, and when we lose we feel like nothing will ever go right for us. It is a human condition to feel this way, and those who say they don’t are flat out lying. The difference however lies in the deep down belief that no matter how good or bad things are there is always room for improvement, always room to better ourselves, and make a difference to those around us. To get to the top takes sacrifice, and it takes a belief in yourself and those around you that no matter how many times you fail, the overall outcome is gonna be in your favor.
As we traveled to Rio Grande for our second conference game of the year, we were optimistic of a performance and result in our favor. After winning two games back to back the team was confident we had turned the corner and were heading in the right direction. With no clear favorite in the game we knew that it would come down to the team that wanted it more, and that could handle the pressure of the occasion.
As the game started it was clear to see the nerves running through the team. Rio Grande came out of the traps like a greyhound chasing the rabbit. It was like an early haymaker in a boxing match that didn't quite knock us down, but totally took us out of our rhythm. Once this happened Rio smelled blood and exploited us for all that we were worth. Scoring four times in the opening 15 minutes of the game showed a high level of determination and a winning spirit, something that has been instilled by a coach who knows exactly what it is like to be a part of a top program.
After this 15 minute spell we began to find our feet a little and worked the ball to create some chances. The biggest problem was the success we had been having wide was been taken away from us, in large part because of any scouting report Rio had on us. We were however awarded a dubious penalty, but a penalty none the less, and it was put in by Ginger Johnson on the follow up, after the keeper saved her initial attempt.
As a coach I felt this might have been the break we needed, and I really felt a momentum swing had taken place. Unfortunately this was not the case and we allowed Rio to score immediately, taking the wind right out of our sails.
We entered halftime with the score 6-1. The halftime talk centered around our ability to commit to the game and to outwork the opposition. We know we have all the technical ability we need to be successful but we must match that with our commitment to win every ball and work hard in every aspect of our play.
The second half started much better than the first and we began creating some chances by moving the ball and playing at a higher tempo. Throughout the second half the play went back and forth with both teams creating some good chances. We managed to keep possession of the ball much better, moving it from side to side, and stretching the play to create space to play. We managed to score twice in the half, with goals coming from Esme Purkis, and another from the penalty spot. This time scored by Toni Dempsey. Rio were also able to score three times in the half meaning a full time scoreline of 9-3 in the favor of Rio Grande.
The feeling of losing such a game is not a feeling that should be enjoyed. But it is one that should be embraced, and we should work hard to make sure that that feeling is felt as little as possible. As I have stated before, we will not sacrifice long term results for short term fixes and performances.
As we look to the future we must realize that the work we put in now will determine where we are at down the road. We have a young group and a group with the potential to achieve great things. When we are down it is easy to want to give up and accept that maybe we are just not good enough. But thats not what life is about. Life allows those who believe they can achieve the unique opportunity to fail over and over again until they find the formula to succeed.
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