Last Home Game of the Season

 The Strykers had their last home game of the season yesterday vs. the Tacoma Stars. The game went into overtime and was finally won by the Stars with one overtime goal. It was a great game and a close game. Once again, the Strykers almost saw a well deserved win, but didn't get it. There was a lot of talk about being hopeful for next season and I suppose that's what we have to look forward to now. 

The game got a little bit intense at moments. One might think since it was their last game of the season that the Strykers might be unreasonably aggressive after some unreasonably aggressive moments from the opposition, but the composure the Strykers showed was absolutely sophisticated. When teams are able to keep their composure as the Strykers did under pressure like that is an indication that the leadership they're under is excellent. 

The end of a season filled with being so close to winning but met with frustration and one point losses, ended with fans like me hearing chants from my baby every day, "Let's go Strykers! Ch ch, ch, ch, ch!", making every moment worthwhile. The wins and losses were not as important as watching the players kindness with my kids, watching the players take care of each other, celebrating together, pushing through when it was difficult to keep the faith, the leadership understanding the nature of each play and responding according to the essence of human needs. 

I'm thankful to have been a part of this season. I'm grateful to be a part of the league. As a fan and a mother have been inspired, hopeful and greatly entertained. I walked into the Toyota Arena for my first game of the season with what felt like a shattered ankle (and hopes), and followed it closely to the end. At the end of the season, I am thankful. So incredibly thankful for a renewed hope and inspiration. Thank you so much to the Empire Strykers team and organization. 

The playoffs are starting this Friday for other teams at 4:35pmPST. The schedule can be found via maslsoccer.com. There are some Strykers players playing in the playoffs for the Tacoma Stars. Their first game is on Saturday, April 6th at 7:05PST. The playoffs can be followed via Twitch.tv's MASL_soccer.