The game started with Casa Mia pressuring hard and tenaciously, cutting off and blocking passes, including a passback that was nearly cutoff and carried in.  The boys quickly discovered that they were against a game opponent.  Stepping up their level, Rampage began to move the ball and create offense.  Mikey held solidly in the back, effectively shutting down the Bays quick forward.   The boys seemed to be carrying play, although Casa Mia showed they, too, would move the ball.  Both keepers were called into action, with the Bays keeper making several strong saves in the box.  Near the midpoint in the half the Bays carried the ball to the 18, where a foul appeared to occur, but the referee allowed advantage, leading to a Bays shot.  Then, inexpicably, the center ref called the ball back and awarded a free kick just at the 18.  The Bays converted over the wall into the upper left corner.

In spite of discussions about regrouping and refocusing efforts, the boys seemed to step back.  Approx 5 minutes later the Bays carried the ball down the Rampage right side unchallenged, and a ball slipped to an arguably offside Bays player was finished for 0-2.  Shock turned to dismay minutes later when another sharp Bays strike bounced against Jordan's chest and out of his hands, and was buried by a charging Bays player.  Three goals against in 10 minutes.  The half ended at the 0-3 deficit.

The second half saw the boys urgently trying to find the back of the net and spark some momentum for a comeback.  A number of promising attacks were thwarted by the Bays strong keeper.  An Austin charge into the box lead to his foot being hooked the diving Bays keeper, but instead of a deserved PK, Austin received a yellow card for "diving".  Late in the half Cullen was run over by the Bays keeper charging out to punch the ball away, yanking Cullen down by the shoulders with two hands in the process.  Brett's strike of the cleared ball was narrowly cleared off the line by an alert Bays defender.  Results: No PK; 1 Cullen bell sufficiently rung; no goal.

The match ended 0-3, ending the Rampage National Cup run, and the boys dreams of a National title in 2006.  Understated, it was an unfortunate day for the boys to play so far beneath their abilities, and certainly beneath the level of play that earned them a trip to Iowa.

Right now the sting of disappointment is painful, as everyone can look back at missed opportunities, and victories that slipped away in both early round robin games.  A victory in either game would have ultimately earned a trip into the finals.

However, in long run, hopefully 2005-2006 will be remembered as a great season for the team, having achieved many new milestones, including Coast Soccer League Cup champs (back to back), and Cal-South and Western Region Champs.  Most importantly, the boys have learned a hard lesson about what they need to bring as individuals and as a team to become National Champions.

Thank you to everyone for your good wishes and support for team during their National Cup run and throughout the year.

We're proud of you boys!

Go Rampage!

After a too-typical slow start, the boys found their game and controlled the run of play for much of the first half, finally culminating in a sweet cross by Gerry to Cullen’s head fort a 1-0 lead into the half.

By the start of the second half the sun had ducked behind cloud cover, and skies threatened rain behind us.  Again the boys started slow after the half, and yet a tenacious effort by Austin resulted in goal number two.  The team appeared to be on their way.

A few minutes later, a wet ball slipped thru Jordan’s hands on a routine save, and trickled into the net.  2-1.   The boys attempted to regroup, but only minutes later a Fire forward slipped thru the stepping backline and was able to beat Jordan 1v1, despite his efforts. 2-2.  Concorde had the momentum.  Only a few moments later Danny received his 2nd yellow, and was sent off, leaving the team with 10 on the field.

Shortly after, it began to rain lightly, and moments later (@58:18) play was suspended for lightning in the area.  Everyone was cleared from all fields for nearly an hour until the threat passed.

In the down time the boys rested in the SUVs and refueled on fruit and snacks gathered by Beth and Fred.  Austin entertained with his “stupid human trick” skill of high toss grape catching.   The boys repeatedly reinforced with each their resolve to come out strong when play resumed.

When play resumed, the boys appeared reinvigorated, and they were playing well despite being down a man.  Within minutes of the restart the Fire center midfielder received his 2nd yellow and was also sent off.  The boys pressed hard, and an excellent cross by Paris slipped across the 6 to charging Austin, who finished for goal a 3-2 Rampage lead with less than 9 minutes to go.

With the team in control and holding possession, the game seemed in hand.  Unfortunately, a turnover in the back lead to a Fire corner, and on the set play the kick found a Fire header into the upper far corner of the net.  3-3.

The boys pressed hard in a dogfight to the finish, and several chances went unfinished.
[FOR A MORE DETAILED REPORT REFER TO DAN METCALFE’S RECAP ON THE RAMPAGE FC WEBSITE].

Much like the FC Milwaukee game, a victory was allowed to slip away.  The other pool, game (Casa Mia and FC Milwaukee) also resulted in a tie (2-2).  All four pool games have now resulted in ties.  Tomorrow’s game effectively becomes a “semi-final”. Single elimination.  The boys have been there before and stepped up.

The rest of the day was taken up by a team meeting in the hospitality suite, as Dan and the boys attempted to sort out the issues.

Dinner at 6:00p.m. (fast food Italian) was followed by a team movie and then lights out by 10:00.  Tomorrow’s game is down to win or go home.

[FOR MORE DETAILED GAME REPORTS REFER TO DAN METCALFE’S RECAP ON THE RAMPAGE FC WEBSITE].

After returning to the hotel the boys cleaned up, and then adjourned to the hospitality suite where they had a box lunched brought in by Fred and Mike.  After eating, Dan and the boys had a lengthy “state of the union”meeting, reviewing the team performance of the day, and focusing on raising the level of their game to reach their potential.

Between 6 and 7p.m. the boys were given free reign to go out and grab food for the evening.  At 7p.m. they convened again to watch a movie in the suite.  The end credits rolled at 9:15, and Dan declared “lights out” by 9:40p.m.  Tomorrow is an early wakeup (6a.m.) for an 8:30a.m. game against Concorde Fire Elite (Atlanta).  The boys need to bring home the W and put themselves in the driver's seat.

   

It was only when the lightning drew closer and it began to pour in buckets that everyone ducked into the SUVs.  After 15 minutes the rain and lightning let up, and the boys got right back into training.  Fifteen minutes later the skies opened up again, and once again the boys ducked for cover. 

Again, after 10 minutes the rain subsided and the team gave it another try.  They spent half an hour or so of productive time working on set plays before it began to pour one last time, resulting in one final sprint to the SUVs and a soggy drive back to the hotel.

Once at the hotel the boys got themselves ready in their dress clothes for the player luncheon.  It was pretty cool to see all of the other teams, each with their own placard on their tables indicating their Region and age.  There was a lot of both reacquainting friendships AND checking out their competition.

   

Apart from the meal, each team was introduced, Tom Freitag (Head coach of Indiana University men’s soccer) spoke, and a highlight real was presented from each Regional championship.  Jerry, Brett, Daniel, and Austin each made appearances in the Region IV highlights.

Afterward many of the boys made a trek to the local Walgreens for supplies, certain to be back for a 4:00p.m. team meeting in the team’s private hospitality suite on the 30th floor (again, kudos to Fred for his negotiating talents!).

At 6p.m. everyone met and walked to a nearby Quiznos for sandwiches or pizza.   The boys finished eating and walked back to the hotel, while Dan, Fred, and Mike hung behind to finish eating.  Within a few minutes it began to rain, harder and harder.  Then the lightning began.  And got closer and closer.  Before long lightning was striking right over us (which we learned the boys had been watching from their 30th floor window), and this lasted for 5-10 minutes.  Soon after we got a call from the boys and learned the hotel (only, not the surrounding buildings) had lost power.  No lights or elevators.  The blackout lasted nearly two hours.

Thank goodness, because the boys were getting antsy for video stimulation, and they were able to power up their XBox again.  They hung out in the hospitality suite until about 9:30p.m., 

Dan ended the evening with a short but pointed talk about tomorrow’s game, reminding the boys that the National title is theirs for the taking, but only if they bring their best for themselves and their teammates.

Lights out at 10p.m.  Plenty of good rest to prepare for FC Milwaukee.
_____________________________________________________________________________


This question was posed to the boys:

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS GOING INTO TOMORROW'S FIRST GAME?

I’m really excited and can’t wait to finally get out and play. This tournament is the biggest thing of my life right now and I just can’t wait get out there and fulfill my dreams.
-Daniel

I can’t wait to play tomorrow. The fields are amazing, the weather is cooler (and wetter) than expected, and the city is a lot more interesting than I thought the capital of Iowa could be. It’s going to be a great tournament.
-John Paul

I’m really exited to play our first game.  This is one of the most important things that has ever happened to me.  Tomorrow can be the first step to making history, so lets just give it all we got inside and see how it goes.
-Robert

Well first in foremost I would say im pretty laid back about tomorrows game . It ll be a good test for us, the first game sets the tone for the trip, therefore tomorrows game is BIG TIME . well I have to go to dinner so  holla at me later ...              ps. I luv u guys 
AB

Well lets just say this is something I have been waiting for all of my life.it is finally here and for the taking.After watching the world cup this past month I have the most passion for the game then ever before.I shall show that in my game and will treat this as my WC.As for tomorrows game my feelings are unexplanitory.i guess well have to wait to see what happens.....
~#13~     [Vince]

I have been anxiously awaiting tomorrow ever since our victory in Boise, as this is the biggest tournament of my life.  I enjoyed our morning session today, because it rained and was cool, especially compared to the weather that we expected from Iowa.  The guys seem relaxed but excited at the same time, and that is how I feel as well.  I know we have done all that we can to prepare for tomorrow, so I am very excited to go out and perform at my best on such a large stage.
-Cullen Wilson  

The highest stage of my career finally has come before me.  Through hard work and timeless efforts on and off the field this team has made it farther then ever before.  Now that we are here the feeling is different.  The energy, the tingling, the jitters are all more extreme.  Tomorrow we face the first step to making our dreams become reality.  I think we can do it and so does everyone on the team or else we wouldn’t be here today.  We got this and here we come.
-Mikey

It has finally come true a dream that I had have for the last four year has come true and im in it. Its an amazing being here and I’m very excited and anxious to play tomorrow. We have been very relaxed with a very high intensity and very very serious about our business here. This mornings practice was a thrill! When we got there it was cloudy and in perfect weather. It started raining hard and we had to get in the cars but it was fun. The luncheon was amazing its something that I cant explain in a couple if sentences all I can say is that it will remain in my mind until the day I die.
-Gerry S.

We have reached the stage of our journey that every club soccer player dreams about getting to. It has been my dream since I began my soccer career to play in a national championship. The anxiety towards tomorrow is tremendous, and the entire team is looking forward to playing in their first national championship game. It should be exciting!
-Zach
 

It has been a long first day!   For most everyone the day began before 3a.m., for some even earlier (a few parents included!)  Allan and Suzie saw the team off at the United Airlines terminal bright and early.  Excitement fueled the boys enthusiasm, but by the time the plane took off, most of the boys were ready for some shut-eye.  Most of the boys were scattered in individual seats around the plane, so socializing gave way to nap-time.  Jordan, in particular, found a special "blankie" on the plane, but was sadly discouraged from bringing it off the plane with him.

After a routine flight, we touched down for a lay-over in Denver.  It would not surprise anyone that the boys were "starving" for food by then, and ALL wondered off to the large mall-like food court in the center of the Denver airport.  They killed time during the lay-over by people watching and playing cards.  Eddie amused the guys -- and managed to fumigate a few teammates and the entire boarding gate area -- with his Axe cologne "breath spray."

Just before 3p.m. local time we landed in Des Moines.  After LAX and Denver, the airport here is best described as quaint.  We grabbed our luggage without incident and piled into our 3 SUVs.   Onced again, a special acknowledgement goes out to Fred, Suzie, and Wendy for making all of the arrangements and enabling everything to go so smoothly.

For many of the boys the drive to the hotel was their first introduction to the "Midwest."  They were particuarly amzed by the vast expanses of flat land, and the amount of "green" everywhere.  The city itself is also "quaint", yet with some surprising modern architecture.

It seems that all of the 48 teams participating in the National Cup finals are all staying at this Marriott hotel, although it seems many have not yet arrived.  After dropping their bags in their rooms, the boys readied for a workout. 

Dan had practice time scheduled at the John Cownie Soccer Complex from 4:30-6:00p.m.   We arrived at the fields after a short 15 minute drive.  The complex appears to have been meticulously prepared, as the fields are lush and green, although with noticeable drainage sloping from center field to the sidelines.   The grass is longer than we see in SoCal, but Dan has been able last week to allow the boys to play and acclimate to long grass at Valley View.

After all of the time pent up and sitting on planes, in airports, and in cars, the boys appeared invigorated to get out and burn off some energy.  Dan ran them thru a 45 minute workout, allowing them to get their legs under them, get a feel for the fields, and to find their touch.  Dan commented that no matter what horseplay and antagonizing (in good fun) of each other occurs off the field, the boys come together once they start to play.

After returning to the Marriott, the boys quickly cleaned up and changed into their Rampage polo shirts, now complete with patches for Cal-S and Region  IV champs, as well as "2006 Far Western Region Champions" stitched below the collar in the back.  It is really great to see them all dressed in their Rampage gear as they move around.  It really adds a touch of class and professionalism, and they certainly draw a lot of attention! 

We walked thru downtown Des Moines 8-10 blocks to an Italian restasurant, where Fred negotiated (literally) an "all-you-can-eat" spagetti and salad meal.  It was nice to sit and relax after a long day of travel. 

As I write this the boys are now winding down for lights out at 10:00P.M.  As usual, Vince is giving pre-game haircuts in his -- and Austin's -- room (with Austin whining out in the hall about being allergic to hair...).  I laughed at one of the boys comment that Vince (Mr. Neat) and Austin (Mr. NOT-Neat) is the worst roommate pairing EVER.

Tomorrow (Tues) the boys really begin to set their focus for Wednesday's game with FC Milwaukee.  Breakfast is at 6:30a.m., followed by a practice session at the game fields from 7:30-9:00.  More to come then.