Shootout

This afternoon was the beginning of our soccer playoffs. Do or die time. We scored in the 2nd minute of the game, and looked dominant throughout the game. However, we couldn't seem to put the ball in the net or anywhere close after that. The other team proceed to run like crazy the second half and scored twice on me where I basically had no chance of making a save. One was a cross where our defenders were out of position. And other was misdefended corner kick.

Luckily, we scored in the 88th minute just before time was to expire. But in this league, no overtime. We went straight to a penalty shootout.

Being that this was my first ever shootout in soccer, the adrenaline rush turned into quick nervousness after our guy missed our first penalty kick. I wasn't able to stop their first shot, so we were down 1-0. We made out next, and then I stopped their second PK with an extended left hand diving to my left. I was then back on Cloud 9. However, that bubble burst quickly after our 3rd guy missed his next shot. We were now down 2-1 with three chances left for me to stop them.

I had so many people cheering for me, who were there warming up for their games to follow as well as their friends and my friends who knew me. I would say I heard about twenty people not on my team supporting me.

But with all that said, I was not able to stop their final three kicks with barely getting a finger tip on their last ball. It's hard to end a well played season that way. But everyone on my team assured me it wasn't my fault, and they were just glad that they were not goalie.

Lucky me.

Maxima Damage

Went to the bar last night with a couple of friends. But while I was eating breakfast this morning, one of my roommates who just took out the garbage, said to me, "Did you know someone keyed your car?" And that's when my jaw dropped. At first I thought he was kidding, so I ran to the garage to inspect the damage, and saw two lovely lines span the length of my Maxima's driver's side. Then I go back in the house fuming. And he says to me again, "Yeah, what they did to your trunk is unbelievable." I'm pretty sure my jaw broke the second time it hit the floor. My trunk looked like a kindergartener trying to keep the crayon within the lines, except he had a key and the backdrop was my black car.

I can't believe there are just morons out and about. Seriously, what is going through your head. Unfortunately, the bar had no cameras in its parking lot. So next time I will be sure to park in a heavily lit area.

Took the car to the Viking Body Repair shop today, and they estimated parts and labor to be $1,900. Thank you, Mr. Rochester Jerk.

Oye, Captain!

Tell ya what, being the captain of a team is not easy work. I spent a few hours today making sure we had enough players to show up for this evening's soccer game. Luckily with the help of a few players, I was able to scrounge up a few scrubs (I mean subs), whom were much needed on a hot and humid Minnesota summer's day.

But the hassle was all worth it with a 2-1 victory over a talented team whose worst player was probably their goalie. We should have won 5-1, but a victory is a victory and I'll take it.

To celebrate, several of our team members went to the nearby Dairy Queen to cool down. The lines were unbelievable. I think a hundred people were served in the half hour we spent there, and business was still going strong after we left. Who would think ice cream would be a good idea on a 90-degree day? Okay...Me. I recommend the Banana Split Blizzard. Deeelish.

Back From Texas

Went to Austin, Texas for the July 4th weekend. And after visiting, I am heavily leaning towards moving there. Minus the weather (highs in the 100s, lows in the 80s) and the traffic (though not bad while I was there), Austin is unbelievable. The food, the nightlife, the atmosphere, the people...just awesome.

Day 1: Ate at Iron Cactus with BK, Renee and J-Law. Grabbed cocktails and watched line dancing at Graham Central Station. Went downtown to 6th street and grabbed more drinks at Cuba Libre and Oslo.

Day 2: Went disc golfing with J-Law. Then lounged around poolside at BK's house. Went back to downtown Austin for more nightlife. Met up with my college buddies from UDub, Chief and Winston. Grabbed cocktails from Aquarium, Drink, and Spill. And ended the night at a new club called Vicci, where Chief knew the bouncer and got us in for free.

Day 3: Drove to San Antonio. Visited the Alamo. Took the tour of the Riverwalk. Went back to Austin and grabbed a late night dessert at Mozart's on Lake Austin.

Day 4: Ate at Rudy's BBQ, basically a vegetarian's worst nightmare. Went boating on Lake Austin on BK's boat. Then caught fireworks at a park near BK's house.

Day 5: Flew back to Rochester, MN. It was 73 degrees when I flew in...I was cold.