Well, today was a bit less hectic than the first two days, but none the less memorable. We started with a late morning of free time. Most of the players slept in then wandered on Avenida Florida a bit for some browsing and lunch. We left the hotel at 12:30 P.M. and arrived at the Huracan training center for the 2:15 P.M. kickoff. After the game, we headed back to the hotel. Several players and parents went to a Tango show and dinner (we'll try to get photos for that later!). Others hung out near Avenida Florida or took a taxi to La Recoleta for some coffee.
We talked about the game details earlier...now for some notes:
1. We forgot the game balls and cones at the hotel. Not a good way to start the game portion of our trip. We borrowed a couple from the generous opponents.
2. The game started about 20 minutes late as the referees were delayed as they were taking the train and it was a bit behind schedule.
3. After the line-up and "presentation" of both teams, the captains exchanged banners. Then, as is custom in Argentina, the squads walked down the line and shook hands...and, as is also custom, the Hurcan players kissed the cheeks of the Utes as they walked the line...we have exclusive footage of this local custom...of course, our players were a bit surprised by this and you can see some uncomfortable body language!
4. The ground was very hard and many players had only cleats with them...in this footage of our pregame talk/huddle...notice that Lauren Hair is quickly trying to borrow the flat shoes of Morgan Skeen. Morgan is coming off of ACL knee surgery last October and not yet cleared for games. As a precaution, she is warming up and training in flat shoes. Well, Lauren is busy negotiating with Morgan as Coach Manning is trying to get some last-minute instructions in...shows you how much the coach really knows what is going on! However, these two roommates show some good teamwork here!
5. There was a bit of illness going around. Freshman defender, Nicole Cardon, was probably hit the hardest. Nicole was up all night before the game. She started the game and was able to last about 35 minutes before having to come out. Nicole was reportedly resting comfortably and feeling a bit better on Monday evening.
6. We were really pleased to see Dr. Ron Asay and his wife at the game. Dr. Asay is a veteran of the Utah soccer scene as he coached with the Celtic Storm club. His daughter, Courtney was a form Utah state MVP at Mountain View High School and played for UVSC and BYU. The Asay's are serving as mission president in La Boca area and stopped by for the game. Great to see some old friends!
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