Season Begins

So all the excitement and hype for the season to begin was finally reaching its climax because September 23rd was finally here. Our coaching staff stressed the fact that we need to start off the season well and to make sure we establish the fact that’s its tough to win at our field. I was not in the starting lineup for the game; however we had a few injuries so I believed I would get my chance as a sub.
The day of the game was exciting, and the day started off with our 2nd team playing at 2 pm. The 2nd team consists of younger players on the team who are being developed for the first team. It is also used as a game for any 1st team players who are recovering from injury or are suspended from the 1st team game due to yellow or red cards. Our game was set to begin at 4:00 and the turn out wasn’t bad. We do not have a big stadium, it can probably hold about 1,000 but it looked like the stands had a good amount of people. The younger kids in the crowd were shooting off fireworks and confetti so it was interesting. Anyway, the game went relatively well and we won 4-2. I was substituted in the 60th minute, and I assisted on the 4th goal. I was pleased with my debut, and it was fun to get in there in front of the home crowd. Everyone on the team was happy after the win and was ready for the next game.
We went back to the usual routine after the game and it was fun to have a win under our belts. Coach still gave us criticism on Tuesday as is always the tradition, and we were now focusing on the next game which would be a tough away game.
We also had a team dinner in the midweek at a restaurant in the capital city of Nicosia. It was cool for everyone to get together and relax outside of the soccer field. Ironically, we were watching the cup games on TV, which we were supposed to playing in if we hadn't lost.
So now this past weekend we had a tough away game versus one of the bigger teams in the league. We were scheduled to play them at their home field which is never an easy place to win. The coach told me I would be starting the game so I was nervous and excited at the same time. I always get nervous before a game whether I am starting or not so this just added to it. The temperature at the start of the game was in the high 90's and because the field was near the sea there was added humidity so it was difficult conditions. The game did not go very well for us and we ended up losing 2-0. I did some good things on the field but overall I would consider it a mediocre performance by me. Mediocrity doesn't win games though so I was disappointed.
Now it is back to training and getting ready for our next game which is home. That is the difficult part about playing in the pros, you have one game a week and if you do not win you are stuck thinking about it for a whole week. Anyway, my father is flying out to Cyprus this week to visit so I am excited to see him and for him to watch a game. I will keep you all posted on how it goes…