Stars 'n Stripes - powered by Oasys Sports

12 July 2019

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July 12th update -

Another day and more games, but these are semi finals so boys are a little more hyped than usual. Breakfast at 9 and then a nice walk around and stretch by the sea. Its nice today, sunny and around 60 degrees, perfect day for football.

Boys A semi first and we play very well. We are banged up everywhere so all players need to make contributions. Both teams have chances but no one can score and we head to the dreaded penalty kicks. They go first and score. Jackson B next and misses. They go 2nd and score, Kamran next and scores. They go 3rd and score, Aaron next and miss. 4th for them miss, Gavin next and scores. 5th for them save by Chris L, Danny next and scores. After 5 rounds, tied 3-3. 6th for them saved by Chris L, Brandon next and scores and wins and boys go nuts. On to the final.

Bus to lunch and recharge and then Boys B Semi next. Ugly game sees us on our heels early and give up an easy goal. We continue to fight but not much in the tank. 15 left in 2nd half down 2-0 on a Penalty. Boys continue to fight and get a pk in our favor in the last 4 minutes but we miss. We keep pressing and Connor scores to pull us close but fall up short. Final is 2-1. Boys literally have to run to the next field for the A Final as games are that close in times, go figure.

Final sees us play a team we beat in the group play and its another war. Connor scores an early goal in 1st half and Brayden scores another and we are up 2-0. They immediately come back and score and the fight to the end begins. Boys give all they have as once again we are running on fumes but this time we hold them off and win 2-1. Champions of the consolation bracket and boys are so thrilled.

Bus back to dinner, and once again food has been very good. No complaints at all from anyone.

After we return home we once again go into the Baltic Sea, and boys go full dip. Enjoy the video, lol

Boys head off to showers so gives me some time to go get some ice cream as a reward for a great Helsinki Cup. Always have room for ice cream!!

The boys have attracted the interest of many local girls as they have become quite popular and they are enjoying the interaction. Thank goodness we have curfews, lol.

Light day tomorrow to lick our wounds, pack our bags, do some sightseeing and then transfer to Sweden so should be fun day.

Wish us luck,

Ciao,
Ed

Boys A semi final - Chris L

Boys B semi final - Connor

Boys A Final - Kamran