GAME DAY- vs. Iran

Today we played Iran.  They walked onto the field wearing long pants, long shirts, and Burkas.  All you could see were their hands and half their faces.  They didn't take off their pants or undershirts before they played.  So, huge props to them for being able to play soccer dressed like that.  Definitely something I would struggle with.  

The game was so cool!  Just walking onto the field in a Philippine uniform gave me an incredible feeling.  I got chills when our national anthem started playing.  It's hard to describe all that I was feeling, but it was awesome!!  

This flag now means just as much to me as an American one.

We had the kickoff and Jesse tapped it to Joanna who took a shot from center field.  We all thought it was going in, but the goalie tipped it over for a corner kick.  Tito Ernie called for Tasha to kick it to the second post, which she executed perfectly, and Heather was there for the header.  Second minute in, Jo dribbled the ball down the side and crossed it to Megan who finished it with a one-touch shot.  Three minutes in, Jesse won the ball on top of the 18, took a few touches, and shot the ball upper 90.  3 goals in 3 minutes was a pretty great start for us this tournament.  I'm pretty sure we shocked Iran and everybody else.  They are ranked 56 in the world compared to our 83.  

Hope she doesn't get in trouble for her stomach skin showing here!

I was the first sub to go in with 25 minutes left.  I went in for Tasha at right wing and was so happy that I got a chance to play especially because my parents were there.  I played well, and the team finished the game winning 6-0. If you looked up into the stands, you could see a group of Filipinos in Malditas shirts waving Philippine flags.  That was really cool because they weren't anybody's family members--they were just straight up fans, and it was so nice to have their support in a foreign country.  After the game, they were all so excited to take pictures with us.  

Going in!

Hugging Jesse (#9) after she scored the 6th goal of the game! 

Pinoy fans in the stands!

Thanks for coming!

A great start to the tournament!  We have 1 day to train for Thailand, and then we play the 29th ranked team on Thursday!  They're staying in the same hotel as us... awkwarddddd.