Virginia ODP Paris/Bordeaux 2018

Bright sunshine greeted our squads as we prepared for a day in Paris and matches vs. Paris FC. In the morning, the 04s did some regen and goal setting, the 02s a light practice on the hotel field. Notre Dame, the Eiffel tower and some local haunts in the Spanish corridor for lunch. You could feel the history as we made our way around, making deals for souvenirs and asking questions about those who built these magnificent wonders of the world. To be honest, bartering for a deal is a Worldwide social artform and all of us will be taking lessons from the 02 Asst. Coach Jamil, his ability to peacefully negotiate secured many a deal. 04s started slowly vs Paris FC, possession was equal and a set piece goal had us up 1 nil at half-time. Some tactical adjustments in the midfield and a great player response to the ask, a goal with 10 minutes left secured a strong 2nd half with a 2 nil win. Rain! Down pour and non-stop rain for the 02s as they battled a strong home team. This open gam...

The 2004 and 2003 boys, after enjoying much sought after sleep, awoke to the springtime Parisian rain. Thus, a meeting inside with coaching staff and Dr. Dan was the order of the morning, rather than an on-field session. The weather, however, didn’t dampen the day as the group set off to see the Louvre, Champs-Élysées, and the Arc de Triomphe. After lunch downtown, both teams then drove to their first match against Paris FC. The 04s took the field first and after some opening jitters and fatigue, managed to right the ship and accord themselves well against the young hometown professionals and play to a 1-1 draw.   The 03s then took the field to delight of the crowd and after scoring one in the first half and one in the second, hung on for the 2-0 victory. Both teams, buoyed by their respective efforts returned to the hotel late to find a high quality meal laid out by chef LaPorte and his fine kitchen crew. No injuries to report and the teams are quickly acclim...

One may see that name and ask, why are we talking about philosophy on this trip? The history of the area, the brilliant minds that helped shaped many ideas...all wrong assumptions. A rainy morning greeted our weary group as we had our first foray into the breakfast buffet, our host hotel really is equipped for athletic teams. Great variety of food, even a gluten free area! Both teams then met with Dr. Dano on "being the boss of yourself." To Paris we go... A walking tour of the Louvre, Champs-Élysées, and the Arc de Triomphe, lots of picture opportunities were not dampened by the European rain. The 2004G kicked off an evening game against a well organized French U16 team from VGA Saint-Maur. Their #5, reminded the coaching staff of that famous Brazilian player, Dr. Socrates (RIP)! She just gently glided through midfield with possession to lead her team that featured a number of nationally identified players. A 3 nil loss and a shared post game snack with our hosts f...