Clash at the Border

Sebastian played his first games with his new PCU team this weekend, at the Clash at the Border tournament. They played three games over three days on what turned out to be the hottest weekend of the year. Seb's team consists of half returning players and half players who are new to PCU this year, so they are all still figuring out their positions, coordination, and teamwork. But they did really well, winning 2-1 and 4-1, and tying 3-3. 

Seb has not only changed soccer clubs this summer, he also has changed positions, playing center midfield instead of center back (defense). He's probably not tall enough or big enough to be a high school center back, and he's got such great stamina and passing skills that midfield is a great place for him. But it also means he's learning how to pace himself, how to think about dribbling and getting around opponents, and changing up his on-field awareness (not a lot of guys coming from behind you when you're on defense, and you're not often racing into space away from your mark).

Anyway, he had an amazing weekend. He scored two goals and had five assists -- could have had more of both. His first goal was the tying one in the first game; they'd been down 3-2, and Seb's late goal brought them even. He was asked to be team captain for the second game and said both coaches complimented him at halftime (unheard of). His teammates nominated him to take all of the team's corner kicks, and there were a lot of corner kicks. He took the team's free kick and their one penalty kick. The free kick was good but saved by the keeper; the pk hit the side post, which was unfortunate and unexpected. But he ran hard all weekend, despite the heat and tired legs, and really showed that he was a leader on the field and able to create a lot of scoring opportunities.

We're so proud of him, and so happy that he's thriving and proving himself to both coaches and teammates on this new team. Such a great experience.

 

One of many corner kicks. He was super accurate on most of them as well -- high cross to the middle of the goal. He scored on one when the goalie tried to punch it away and ended up punching it in, and got an assist on two others.

Setting up for the penalty kick. Pretty sure it's the first PK he's ever missed in a game -- it hit the side bar. He was pretty crushed about it, but it was a matter of inches, and he got the goal back on a cross a few minutes later.