BOYS ODP

Day 7

The boys teams took the metro to shop in the morning (hopefully picking up gifts for their parents). After the 223 boutique shopping experience they traveled to the Parisian based AS Brondy club to play back to back games at their hosts training facility.

[Metro in Paris]

The 98's took to the field first and lost to a very skillful group 2-0. The Brondy club was fast and very technical but the boys played well, made individual adjustments and tied the second half 0-0. We observed big improvements in the players as they now became more aware of the French systems and styles of play. Our hosts provided the players with drinks and finger food after as they graciously thanked us for the match.

The 97's lost their match 1-0 as they too had a much better effort. They battled their quick and skillfull opponents. And grew in confidence and stature as the match progressed into the chilly Paris evening. The # 3 for Brondy had already been identified by Tottenham Hotspurs and will play in England next year. His speed and skill was something to behold as the boys battled to stay with the young pro and learn from his playing ability.

Day 8

On their off day the boys took the metro to the heart of Paris. They went though the Louvre, walked the Champs Élysées, took pictures up close of the Arc de Triumphe and strolled underneath the Eiffel Tower. A busy but very productive day as the 65 degree and sunny weather cooperated with the group through their Parisian excursion.

[Guess what we are looking at?]

Tomorrow is a game day so a healthy dinner followed by a 10:30 curfew will bring the group back on track for the final task ahead.
Bonsoir.

We would also like let you know that we had a female player who had contracted a staph infection while here in France. The player was taken to the hospital where she had the issue addressed and was subsequently kept over night for observation. The hospital determined that the strain was not contagious and she was released to her mother.

GIRLS ODP

Day 7:

Another quality day in France. Today we toured Versailles... this wondrous museum/castle left our coaches speechless and am sure the pictures that our players took, it will be astounding to you as well. Then off to one of the richest "futbol" clubs in the world, Paris Saint Germain.

[Versailles with Girls ODP]

A sprawling facility was on tap for the girl's games today with the 98s up first. We started brightly and soon realized that we were physically going to over match them. A couple of goals in the first half by Dinga and Yoo on balls played in behind resulted in a 2 nil lead at half. PSG came out the better team in the second stanza and kept the ball more than we did, they score after we can't clear a free kick on a header and we reply in stoppage time through Ferrantino on a breakaway to get our first international win, 3-1.

[98s and PSG]

The 96s were now up against an experienced U18 PSG team. The match initially had sprinklings of bright play from both teams and then settled into a see saw battle. The technical proficiency of the French side started to create some chances and they led 1 nil at the half. We tried to keep the ball a bit more and the French countered with a diagonal ball behind our backs and made it 2 nil. That seemed to wake us up and we played with a ton of energy, got back to 2-1 but ran out of time. Good lessons today for our side.

[96s and PSG]

Back to our hotel for some local cuisine and off to Paris site seeing on Day 8.

Day 8:

The day that we dreamed of became reality. The pictures will speak and our stories when we return will echo the sites of the day. We visited the Louvre, Champs de Elysess, the Eiffel Tower and of course, did a little bit of shopping.

[Photo op!]

Taking the subway into the heart of the city was great fun, imagine 4 teams making their way in the tunnels of the subway system, in blue jackets, moving like a river into trains. Yes, people were taking photos and asking us who we were. Great fun though.

Our last full day is tomorrow with matches and more French memories to come.

We would also like let you know that we had a female player who had contracted a staph infection while here in France. The player was taken to the hospital where she had the issue addressed and was subsequently kept over night for observation. The hospital determined that the strain was not contagious and she was released to her mother.

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.