22th November 2009
2009 Nationals at Phoenix, AZ
80 Degree Weather and Attractive Girls. Who Could Ask For More?
By Chris de LaiglesiaIt was early in the morning when the Hopkins boys started to make their way toward the BWI airport. Taking the JHMI shuttle to Penn Station, the MARC to BWI and then flying to Phoenix, AZ was time consuming and tedious to say the least, which is why Colin Plover decided to make a documentary on the beauty of megging. (This video is available on Youtube, and on DVD and BlueRay in the near future.)
McDonalds, a couple of layovers and plenty of banter later, the team got into their rental cars and made their way towards the training grounds. If god made a soccer pitch, it would look exactly like those found at the Reach 11 Sport Complex in Phoenix. They were so green, so well cut, and as flat as you could ever make land. The boys managed to then get a run around on the field to get used to the ground, and then started to head off to dinner.
The team then all met up at the hotel that they were all staying at. It was a nice place that wasn't too extravagant looking located next to a walmart, making it a great find for the boys. However this place turned out to be a little sketcher than what met the eye, as Kristian and his family were located next to some questionable neighbors. Having an early game the following day, the team then proceeded to go to sleep.
The following day, it was the start of the tournament. The game against Georgia did end in a tie, but the team's spirits were still high, as the team drove around for some breakfast, having to then get back for the 3-0 drubbing that they had to endure against Colorado State. It was a shame that Mr. Sheldon, Mr. Sheldon Jr. and Mr. Tait had come so far to see the team and that they didn't make it through, but it was fantastic to see that we had some support so far away. The soccer was followed by an amazing dinner, courtesy of the Giezsl family, who made some Mexican food and provided beers to the exhausted boys, making it a highly pleasant evening.
The following day, the team faced Milwaukee to lose 3-2, which led to the team having a end of nationals celebrations of sorts, and several members of the team visiting ASU to check out the nightlife and ladies of the south. Although harsh, ASU's nightlife made Hopkins' look like a poetry club. It was ludicrous how many bars and clubs were located just meters apart. With all this temptation, how could one not afford to be promiscuous? With two nights of possiblity, many of the team enjoyed hanging out at ASU, with many stories formed as a result. The journey back was a little more troublesome, but in the end, the whole team made it back to Hopkins safely.
