London was an amazing trip! Brooke, Monica, Krista and I
were able to go to London for the Olympics. When we first got there we headed
out to look for somewhere to watch the US Canada Women’s semifinals soccer
game. We ended up at a pub in Camden Town. The game was crazy and we were
freaking out, since we already had tickets to the finals and were hoping the US
would be in it. They ended up winning the game in a dramatic fashion. The next
day we got up and went to do some sightseeing around the city. We saw the
normal touristy stuff.. Big Ben, London Eye, Tower Bridge, and Buckingham
Palace, and I had my first taste of the infamous fish and chips. Wednesday we
headed down to Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus to do some shopping and just
walk around taking everything in. Wednesday night we went to one of the Olympic
viewing parties to catch a few of the events on the big screens. 
Thursday was
game day. We got up early in hopes to go walk around the Olympic Park before
the game started. Unfortunately we were unable to get in since our venue
(Wembley) was not inside the Park. Instead we went and met up with Ruben, a
friend of mine from college who was representing Cape Verde in Athletics at the
Olympics. Since he hadn’t been able to explore London at all yet we took him to
Camden Town. I would refer to Camden Town as a mini New York City, all little
vendors and food stands. We settled for some pizza and just relaxed. It was
starting to get late so we parted ways and Brooke Krista and I headed towards
Wembley. We got there pretty early and were able to watch the warm ups from the
first row behind the US. It was pretty neat to see what they did and how they
prepared for the game. When the game started the crowd was indescribable, over
80,000 fans, an Olympic women’s soccer record, going crazy. Our seats were
behind the corner flag about 20 rows up and we had a good view of the field.
The game was back and forth and hats off to Japan who at times looked even
better then the US. Both teams created chances and it was an exciting game to
watch. Although I’m not a huge Hope Solo fan (like Krista) I think she showed that
she is the best GK in the world. After the game we stuck around for a little
while in hopes for Krista to get Solo’s autograph. We ended up waiting at the wrong
gate. A security man was yelling to us saying the bus was waiting and he could
take us. We just thought he was being nice and started running off with him. It
wasn’t until we were almost there that he walkie talkied to the bus saying he
had 3 of the players and we would be there in a minute for the bus to stay. Brooke
and I got nervous and babied out before we actually got put on the bus. It
would have been pretty funny to see people’s reactions as us three walked on
the bus. We got to see a couple of the players get on the bus but we missed the
chance for autographs. All in all it was an amazing experience and we had a
great time. 
Our first game of our seven game playoff was against
F.C Sport. We were familiar with the way
they play as they came from our series and we faced them two times already. We
were able to get the three points in a hard fought match which we were able to
come from behind twice to win 3-2. The nerves were visible and it was something
we talked about moving forward.
The second game we traveled to Turku to play against a new side
TuWe. We took the train and it was about a 5 hour travel. The game started and
we created many quality chances. TuWe was also able to put on some pressure but
our defense did a great job containing them. In the first half we were able to
convert a penalty kick to put us up 1-0. In the second half TuWe scored to tie
it up and the game finished 1-1. We were unable to convert many chances but
that sometimes that’s the game.
Yesterday we had a game against Merilappi. We knew it
wouldn’t be an easy game as it was our third time playing against them this
season. We are both in the same position in the table and are ultimately
striving to reach the same goal. The game started off with both teams applying
pressure. It was a physical game with many individual battles throughout. We
got on the scoreboard first in the 15th minute. Linda played a
perfect ball through to Tess and she was able to place the ball by the keeper.
Going into the half we were leading 1-0. The second half started and we were
able to put more pressure on their end. Merilappi tied the score at 1 off a
missed clearance. I went to play a back pass and the forward deflected it
towards goal. A runner came through and slotted it in to tie. Immediately we
went ahead 2-1. Brooke and her infamous half field shot came in clutch. For the
second time this season she scored off the kick off. Roomies always got my
back! With about 15 minutes left to play Merilappi tied it again at 2 off a
cross. Their midfielder slotted a ball across the box. We were caught watching
with 2 unmarked players in the box. The game finished 2-2. The tie keeps us in
a good position in the standings and we still are able to control our future. I
felt that in yesterday’s game we played a little better then we have been and
we can still continue to improve. Merilappi is a good side and playing a team
three times is never easy. I look forward to the final 4 games and I think the
team is ready to keep working hard for the remainder of the season. Check back
next week for a new blog, I promise not to keep all you readers on edge like
that again!
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