BOYS ODP

Day 5
The entire group traveled to the beautiful town of Tours today. Set on the picturesque Loire river the old town was truly unique in postcard sort of way. The players moved around in their groups purchasing gifts, grabbing some dejuener of baguettes et fromage and generally taking in the sites and sounds of France in the springtime.

After a couple of hours in town the boys departed for the training centre of the professional team of FC Tours. They were given the customary change rooms and assigned field # 10 on this sprawling locale where young players train to become pros.

[97s get ready]

Both teams, after their soccer lessons from the night before, made a few individual and tactical adjustments in order to continue their learning curve. The '98's, starting in a new formation and with some players in different positions, played their hosts to a 0-0 draw. Individually the French were more technical but the US team created more chances and should have have come away with the victory. Brendan Clegg hit the bar on a powerful free kick and Reece Cooke was denied on an point blank opportunity.

The '97's also played a strong FC Tours squad and they too, came away with a point in a 1-1 draw. Thomas, in goal, was outstanding as he thwarted attack after attack. As Magill finished his opportunity in the 59th minute to secure the result.

After the match, a stop at a local pizzeria, to replenish the calories and eat everything in site was the order of the day. Afterwards, the team bus, carrying it's tired troops, made it's way through the dark but peaceful French countryside and back to their final night at La Grande Meteor Maison.
On to Paris.

Day 6
After the early alarm, and a merci beau coup and aurevoir to Antoine and the staff, the bus was loaded and the 2nd leg of the journey began. 25 minutes outside of Ambroise the bus made a slight detour and the magnificent chateau of Chambord unveiled itself before our eyes. A 45 minute stop was utilized to see this 425 room, 227 fireplace, Louis the XIV "hunting lodge." After photos, it was back to the bus and on to Paris.

Upon arriving at the Best Western in Saint Maurice the players dropped their bags, boarded the bus and were taken to the heart of Paris. They had the chance to see the world famous cathedral of Notre Dame as well as the Louvre. After dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe-Paris, the players boarded the Metro (subway) and made their way back home for a wanted sleep in the City of Light.

[We have arrived in Paris]

Tomorrow the next set of matches.

GIRLS ODP

DAY 5

Bonjour! Today we made they way to the historic town of Tours, to explore and to play the second match for the 98s. The coaching staff did their best to find a proper french restaurant and ended up finding an "Old Town Alexandria-esque" fare run by a comedic Englishman from London. The players on the other hand reached out far and wide to break their Subway habits with crepes and the local cuisine.

98s game #2 verses FC Tours 95 team, that's right...we played a team older than our sister 96s. A nervy start as we were not able to establish possession, giving up a goal in the 8th minute. By the end of the half, we started to look like a mature version of our ODP Pool. This continued into the second half and we were rewarded with our first international goal from Garcia, a stunning volley from outside the 18 after they couldn't clear a corner kick. Our possession play tired our hosts and we created chance after chance. Their goalkeeper made one highlight save after another (we found out later she is the French National Team's U16 keeper). Tied going into stoppage time (once the clock expires-it is on the ref to blow the whistle). A couple of nervy moments as we don't keep possession and we give up the winner with literally no time on the clock. Another lesson for our young team as our host's experience wins it, 2-1. After the game, both of our teams were invited back to their clubhouse for refreshments and social time with their players and staff. We meet FC Tours Technical Director, Michel Rouseau and his staff , who applaud our style of "futbol" and give a pro jersey to Yoo as they named her player of the match. They make an offer for us to leave our team back in France for their club (we humbly decline).

[98s vs FC Tours 95s]

Our 96s had the day off from games and did a recovery and finishing session at FC Tours' Youth Facility. The 96 coaching staff is very happy were they are at and still feel the team can improve. Fantastic day for all finished with a return to our Amboise home for dinner. To Paris tomorrow.

[Dinner with the 96s]

DAY 6

PARIS! We dream of the fashion, the shopping, the historic sites and yes, our coaches dream of the eating.

An early start as we made the 4 hour bus ride to our home for the remaining part of the trip. This is were we will have some of our greatest memories. Where players will fall in love with Europe! And once in college, plan to return. Our first stop on the way was one of the largest castles in France, Chateaux Chambord. This is one of Frances favorite Kings, "King Francois 1" homes. It was a grand estate. We took the time to view the "most recognizable castle in France" and then made our way into the city.

We have arrived in Paris! WOW! Words can't explain what we saw today. Notre Dame, the Louvre, the fashion district and many sites. Unfortunately, with time upon us - we didn't enter the historic museum. Our Paris stay will be 3 days and thus, have a chance to get in a ton of the sites. A great meal at the Hard Rock Cafe, some singing with our waitress (who was from Fairfax, VA) and a subway ride back to our hotel. Long day with a great deal more memories to come!

Game day tomorrow with more site seeing!

ODP Boys

DAY 4
After another quality breakfast in the Meteor Estate, Chef Antoine wished the group a fine bon chance (good luck) as they made their way out to the door on their journey to Chateauroux.

After the hour and 1/2 trip through the country side and a few quaint French towns, the boys arrived at the Regional Training Centre of Chateauroux. This seven field complex of grass fields, turf fields, indoor fields and locker rooms accorded the players the experience of a professional football center where their opponents live and train. Upon arrival our hosts treated the boys to a fine lunch of poulet et legumes avec a desert of chocolate parfait.

The '97's took the time to prepare for their match whilst the '98's got an opportunity to site see for an hour in the magnificent little town of Chateauroux. However, once the matches began, that superlative of magnificent could also to applied to the performance of our host teams.

The speed and technique of the French teams completely caught our boys off guard as our, same aged, but far superior opponents, dominated the game in every facet. The '97's lost 4-2 on goals from Fadduol and, Magill while the '98's came out on the short end 7-1 (Taitague the lone scorer). It was a good lesson for our Virginia teams as they would have never seen such a quality opponent in the US, either in the past or likely to see in the near future.

We come to gain these experiences, but we now will see who will take the lessons and apply them to their next games. Another difficult game awaits them today as they take on the youth teams of the professional club FC Tours at the Tours 10 field training centre.

Aurevoir!