This past weekend we made our third trip to the Oswego Nike Cup in the Portland area. I always love this tournament because we know so many kids/teams that are playing in it and many of us stay at the Embassy Suites Hotel by Washington Square. It was extra fun this year because my sisters, Amber and Marilyn and their kids plus my brothers Marcus and David stayed at Embassy Suites with us. We also got to enjoy the Cheesecake Factory with my brother, Duane, and his wife Mary.
First, here's what happened on the soccer field...
Cade's regular Boca Jr. team didn't play this weekend so we asked if he could play with the club's other U13 team, River Plate, which his cousin, Pascal, and best buddy, Liam, play on. River Plate played in the silver U13 division and they did great, making it to the final where they lost 0-2. Cade scored 6 goals this weekend and had a blast. Pascal also played well at center midfield.
Pascal battling away
Cousins, Cade and Pascal
Runners-up!
Gabrielle's team played in the U11 Gold division in a very tough bracket. They once again showed they can play with the best teams in the Northwest. They lost very tight games (0-2) to the eventual finalists, Salmon Creek and FC Portland, and got a little unlucky as a couple of their top players weren't able to play because of sickness or other reasons. But they beat Southside 5-2 and though would have liked to have advanced to the play-off rounds, they gained more valuable experience and showed they belong with the best teams in Oregon.
Athena played great as well
Most of the team after their final game
Gabrielle and friend, Jordan Gibb, who will be moving to Washington soon :(
This was Willem's first full tournament and, as expected, he was a blast to watch in the goal and on the field! He takes it all so seriously and is so knowledgeable for a six (almost seven) year old! He is one of only a couple on his team that tees the ball up before taking a kick, he knows to kick the ball to the outside on goal kicks and he spread out very well on the field. You can definitely tell he has watched a lot of soccer and played a lot with his older siblings. His team is young and has a lot to learn and didn't win a game in the U10 age group in which they played but we were so proud of Willem and loved watching him. (Willem actually played in the Salem Waterfront tournament this weekend so we traveled to Salem for his games).
Willem teeing the ball up and taking a free kick. He took most of the free kicks in his games.
Willem taking a corner kick which resulted in a header goal by his friend and teammate, Zane. Willem and Zane were so excited by this great goal!
Willem and his serious, intense expressions
Willem is so fearless in the goal and he loves it back there!
He loves to dive!
And here are some shots of the fans at the games. It was fun hanging out with everyone on the sidelines!
Antonia is so darn cute!
Uncle Marcus enjoyed his niece!
Marcus, Brandy and Nia
Enjoying the action!
Now for the other fun stuff...
Our favorite hotel!
Jacoby and Genevieve loved playing in the hallways and elevators!
We all loved shopping at Washington Square
Elle loved hanging out with her good friends including Kyndsi
The kids had a blast watching movies, ordering room service, playing 'truth, dare or nightmare' and just hanging out and chatting in the evenings
