Be Exceptional

 "Being exceptional often starts with embracing your uniqueness and pursuing your passions with dedication and perseverance. It involves setting high standards for yourself, constantly seeking to improve, and pushing beyond your comfort zone. Being exceptional means not settling for mediocrity and always striving to make a positive impact, whether it's in your personal life, professional endeavors, or contributions to society. It requires a mindset of continuous learning, innovation, and resilience in the face of challenges. So, dare to dream big, work hard, and let your exceptional qualities shine brightly for the world to see." - Chat GPT 3.5

Nike: Be exceptional.

Game Overview

 The Empire Strykers played a good game yesterday and the competition was balanced, although we didn't win. I realized that the upper bowl seats have a nice view of the game in comparison to ones close to the field because it's easy to lose track of the ball in the ones close to the field. Also, there aren't as many distractions as there are on the seats close to the field. Nonetheless, my kids like to sit as close to the players as possible. Those are their favorite seats. As for me, as a blogger, the upper bowl seats were nice. 

There was an announcement made at the arena that everyone in the upper sections could move to lower seats if they wanted to, so naturally, we moved to the lower seats than where we were. I love that we were given that opportunity as fans because it makes the entire experience more exciting! In retrospect, we decided where we were in the upper bowl was full of a great view of the game with a bigger perspective. A kind lady gave us tickets to the game when we were outside of the stadium. She had a stack of tickets and was happy to share. We remain very thankful for her kindness and generosity. 

Anyway, in the soccer games I've watched lately, I've recognized the fact that the leading strikers shoot the ball whenever they have a good foot on it. It can be from outside of the 18, close to the goal, etc. as long as it's worth a shot, they take the chance. Scored goals happen that way, by chance. Rarely do we know when shooting the ball if it's actually going to hit the net or not. We give it our best shot and sometimes the seemingly impossible strikes actually make it as a goal. The unpredictability is what makes it so much fun! The off the ball movement has been more of what is fascinating to me in recent months. It's what I want to study most. 

The MLS of Indoor Soccer

 The Empire Strykers professional indoor soccer team had a home game this evening. The weather here in Southern California is on hurricane watch for the second time in my life and we don't really know what that means to be honest. Anyway, the weather was looking great so we decided to go to the game. The good thing about indoor soccer is that it is not dependent upon the weather. 

The Toyota Arena is enclosed so we don't really know what the weather is like outside when we're at the game. There were signs on the screens along the hallways that mentioned evacuation plans if the weather were to affect the game. Thankfully, the game went perfectly well and the rain was refreshing when we left. 

I can see why professional indoor soccer is gaining popularity and the league the Empire Strykers plays in is comparable to the MLS. The game is fast paced and there are a lot more goals than outdoor. The field is smaller, the walls can be played so there aren't throw ins and there is a lot less stoppage time. There are 4 quarters and the atmosphere is more like a hockey game with the potential for cheerleaders, etc. 

Where are most of the players coming from? 

I am really looking forward to the USMNT (United States Men's National Team) playing their first World Cup game in Los Angeles at SoFi stadium on June 12th, 2024. I hope we get to attend. 

Will there be indoor soccer World Cup games? Are there countries teams? Where is this movement mostly? Is it starting in the United Staes? 

Hopefully I can answer these questions within the next few posts. 

Until then, thank you to the people who have been helping us along the way in this journey. I hope what you love increases. 

A Gender Balance in Soccer

 Women's soccer in the United States has been a strong suit for years. Around the world, men's soccer seems to have dominated in comparison to women's soccer. Now we are seeing women's teams around the world evolve and the balance of gender in soccer is getting better. I believe this shift will bring more momentum to our USMNT and they're due for some great success. 

Home Soil or Otherwise?

 "Soccer has its own unique charm no matter where it's played. In the United States, the soccer scene has been growing steadily, and the Major League Soccer (MLS) has gained popularity. Overseas, you have the rich history and intense competition of European leagues like the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and more.

It really depends on what you're looking for. The passion and tradition in European football are hard to beat, but the U.S. is making strides and has its own exciting developments. What's your take on it?" -Chat GPT

PARS

 My soccer journey started way back when I was a baby. We went to my dad's soccer games every Sunday in Orange County. I was born around the same time as a few of the kids from the teammates. We were cousins from day one, our family being the game of soccer. I remember going to the games from when I was a few years old. Me and the girl cousins would cheer for our dads on the sidelines. As we got a little bit older, we put together routines for their team and cheered our little hearts out every Sunday. Every Sunday was the best day of our life. Those are still my cousins and my best friends. 

We still cheer for the guys on the team. Some of them refs now, most still play in their late 70's together in tournaments and such. Those men have cheered me on in my soccer games, tournaments, college games, etc. I look at pictures of them holding me when I was a baby, being present when I was a toddler running around the soccer field, celebrating at weddings, mourning at funerals... I am forever thankful for the dedicated teamwork amongst them.. still, to this day. 

Chatting About Soccer

 "There are various reasons why people choose soccer as their favorite sport. It could be the global appeal, the skillful play, the excitement of goals, or the sense of camaraderie among fans. What aspects of soccer make it your favorite?" - Chat GPT