ODP HOME

Hello everyone!

Thanks to all for the work you did.

In the upcoming week, we will create an area for players to "drop/email" their favorite photos and we will post for all to share.

[To the players, do you remember this?]

BOYS ODP

Day 8

The 2 boys teams took the Metro to meet their next and final opponent, US Creteil. Upon departing the Metro stop the sprawling professional training center unfolded before their eyes. We were greeted by the club president and then shown to our locker rooms underneath the stadium.

The 98's played first and set an ODP record as Cooke scored within 23 seconds on a terrific shot from the left hand side. That score would be enough as the Virginia team finished the victors in the 1-0 affair. He also scored again on a header which was wrongly ruled offside by the host's AR.

The 97's battled their opponent's to a nil nil draw. Clay, in goal, proved to be the player of the tour as he once again repelled attack after attack.

Both teams showed both individually and collective improvements, both as players and young men. They dealt well with the food, culture, customs, currency and opposition. They were polite, respectful and good ambassadors for their families and country.

Aurevoir till next year.

ODP GIRLS

Day 8

After a full day of shopping and site seeing, it was onto our last day of competition on this ODP Tour.

It started with a team meeting for the 98s, with 96 Coaches, Sarah Curtis and Ann Germain. They shared some of their own expereinces (Coach Curtis played at University of Virginia and Coach Germain played for our National Team0. They discussed commitment, leading a balanced life, how to deal with disappointments and then Coach Ann made everyone cry! She proudly spoke of the 96s National Championship run and how their team MVP never played a minute, her role off the field and to her team mates had s HUGE impact. Great lessons again on this trip.

The 96s were up first verses the local FC Juvisy. This is one of the few girl's only clubs in France. This team had a mix of senior and U18 players, a bright balanced start for the visitors, with the home team siting in a compact shape and showing a few moments coming forward. The 96s would open the scoring via a PK in the waining stage of the half. Into the second, the match lost it's rythem and the home side got the equalizer midway through. Match finished 1 -1. Some bright spots for the 96s and we look forward to seeing them compete at Rider.

Unfortunately for the 98s, their match was cancelled at the last minute. The hosts offered a compromise with their team staying to play the young team, and then a follow up scrimmage with the 96s. We are thankful for the opportunity, nevertheless, the moment was ceased. The 98s got back to their strengths and dominated possession creating chances with good movement and combinations. Making the tired teams run resulted in goals from Yoo, Dinga, Ferantino and Sayahaydian.

[98s and 96s with FC Juvisy]

After a quick social with the hosts, we were off to do some shopping, subway back to the hotel and mealtime. We leave early on Sunday.

Day 9

Home... hope you enjoy our stories.