8th grade district soccer tourney

The junior high kids playing on the big stage, Freedom Field.

This year was a little different than last. First, they're playing in the fall instead of the spring. Second, they only played three games in the season but have a district tournament at the end to determine the champion. For Tyson's team, they went 2-1 for the season and then played in the district tournament two days later.

Cold, wet, and hungry.

For their first round, they went against arguably the best team in the district. The game ended in a scoreless tie so they went on to penalty kicks, which his school won. The second game was a blowout, which they won 5-0. (Side note: it was cold, windy, and raining on and off the whole day, i.e. miserable weather.)

Family picture after the first game. (No Andrew since he was taking the SAT exam.)

For their third and final game (championship game), they were down 0-1 for most of the game until Tyson's team scored with only 4 minutes left. It ends in a tie and then they go to penalty kicks. After 5 kicks each, it's still tied. Now they have to pick another (reluctant) player to shoot. Both kids missed. Now they go on to a 7th player and Tyson got chosen. The other team made their PK so now it's up to Tyson to convert his kick just to keep this game going. He plays defense. Never would he expect to shoot on goal, on a PK, at the championship game. Unfortunately, the goalie makes a great play and blocks his kick. And just like that, their season comes to an end. 

The moment their season ended.

His team was devastated. Tyson was devasted. I was devasted to see him go through that situation. 💔

Andrew, who had been in a similar situation, consoling Tyson.