Final, part 2

After the break and a change of field after the heavy rain, the game continued. In spite of the commotion our girls were extremely focused. We really, really wanted to win!












3-0 in half time. Keeper Elvira had magically managed to keep the zero 7 games in a row. That means ALL games played in the Week tournament. An unsaveable free kick in the second half broke the nice suite. Shortly after she was badly kicked on the right shoulder blade. Ebba J bravely replaced her and was tested by the Americans, energized by their goal. She stood up well.



Here the team's other Ebba V awaits the pass where she will soon score our final fourth goal, that set the point to the game. No question marks, 4-1 speaks for itself.






Photo Bibbi Forsman and Per Schillander

Rudbeckianska, the other Swedish team in USA CUP had already that day won their boys 19 championship, congratulations!

Final; tornado warning break

While the teams warmed up dark clouds had built up over the fields. Only 7.45 minutes into the game shouting sirens was heard all over the center. People in Minnesota know what this means; take shelter fast! We followed, of course. A tornado warning forced all games to be suspended quickest possible.





Team Joy went to nearest building, the ice rink, as did hundreds of people. We spent the next three hours in one locker room after the other, safer and safer. A bit bizarre to be surrounded by ice hockey players in full gear and to be freezing cold for the first time since we arrived here.







We met reporter Lizzy from Kick TV again, now as one of the safety staff.







After we were released from the building we heard two tornadoes had hit the county.

The tournament organization is very safety oriented. A quite sophisticated weather monitor system identifies lightning. Not until 30 minutes after the last lightning within 10 miles games are allowed to restart.

Final, part 1

Team Joy had a lunch break at Super Target deli as usual after morning games and came back refilled with energy. Families and friends were gathered by the side line to cheer, atmosphere both tense and hopeful.

The final team to meet was Coon Rapids, a team we met already in the group and won over (1-0). Still no reason to relax. A misunderstanding made us start with only ten players! Before the mistake had consequences one more girl was sent out.

But then...

Semi final, Saturday morning

Team Joy's semi final against EURO Football club was played the morning after a disco that seemed to have done our girls good. Focus,strength , alertness in spite of the early hour. The weather was in our favour too, a clouded sky and cooler than ever before this hot week.















Keeper Elvira had her thumb kicked on, a minor injury that didn't affect her too much.














Azalea girls worked more efficient than any game before, in the second half they even put in an extra gear. Final score 4-0!

Second quarter final Friday: Joy

Team Joy's quarter final was played late afternoon Friday, just in time to make it to the big disco. Colegios Colombian was the first Latin American team we met here. The jersey of the many Columbian added more colour to the fields.

Joy was pumped up for this game and the possibility of advancement. This game was the definitely their best in the tournament so far, all players more focused than ever. And what result it gave! 2-0 to Azalea.













First warm up and then cool down, this week has been about keeping the balance. Lisa is one of the engaged soccer parents we've met here, brought fresh towels and ice to every game.












By the end of the game, keeper Elvira had to do some more warm up, not much else to do.


Photo: Bibbi Forsman