Fall Soccer

Cody and Jaden enjoyed their spring soccer season so much that we decided we'd sign them up again in the fall. The season got off to a late start (nearly a month delayed) due to Hurricane Harvey, but we were thankful that the league extended the season to fit in all the promised games. Jaden and Cody loved their blue camo uniforms. Here is the pose they wanted to do when I asked to take their picture before their first game. I think they were both trying to show me their uniform numbers.

We requested the same coach for this season, and nearly all of the boys' old teammates had done the same thing. We were pleased with the sweet group of kiddos from this team and their easy-to-get-along-with parents. The Pirates ended up winning all but one of their games during the season, so they were a good little team.

The Pirates: Season 2
Jaden, Grayson, Brayden, Conner, Kylie, Bella, Cody, Aiden (not pictured: Mason)

Because Cody and Jaden had played before, they seemed to have a better sense of the game's big picture when the season began. Their favorite thing to do this season was to play defense. Often, when the ball was in the middle of a group of kids close to them, both boys would drop back and place themselves between the ball and the goal. They were tough little players and blocked many goal attempts! 

Here are some pics of both boys playing out on the field together.

Jaden really had a mind for the game this season. He was a very methodical player and would often anticipate other player's moves. Jaden grew more confident and aggressive as an offensive player as the season went on. Towards the end of the season, he typically scored 2 or 3 goals per game! Here is Jaden in action:

Yes, a couple of our early morning games this season were actually cold!

Cody was a fast player this season. If the opposing team ever got on a breakaway towards the goal, Cody would speed ahead and try to kick the ball away from them. Not many players could outrun him! Over the course of the season, he made a lot of progress with his ball dribbling and his ability to keep the ball in-bounds. He was a smart defensive player and always mindful of the game score. He always sounded like a little sports announcer when he'd run off the field and declare how many goals each team had scored. Here are a few action shots of Cody:

This shot was a common position for Cody (#10)-- him looking right at the ball,
but dropping back to place himself between the ball and the goal to play defense.

Each player on the team took a turn bringing snacks for during and after the game. At one game, one creative mom gave out cute mini-soccer player guys made out of Gatorade, cuties, and smarties. The players all loved it!

Because the Pirates team had only 9 players, Jaden and Cody played together on the field a lot more often this season. However, when either boy was on the sidelines, he would watch the game intently and often shout out encouragement (or give directions to) his teammates.

Before one of the games early in the season, Cody and Jaden designed their own signs that Mommy or Daddy (or other visiting fans) could hold up for them. I particularly love the way they drew their spotted camo uniforms and their spiky cleats, too!

We were blessed to have lots of fans come out to cheer on Cody and Jaden during the season. They really loved having the extra support. It meant so much to them! Many, many thanks to all of these wonderful family members for giving of your time to support and cheer on our boys. 

Papa, Grammy, Noah, Daddy, Adley, Chelsea, Isaiah, Cody

Cousin Isaiah-- I think he really DID enjoy himself. :)

Adley, Papa, Grammy, Daddy, Mr. Casey, Jaden, Cody

Matt, Papa, Mommy, Adley, Kim, Jaden, Nathan, Cody, Ryan, Ian
(These cousins all made their own signs supporting Jaden and Cody. What great fans!)

We were pleased that Grandma and Grandpa's
visit to Texas in November lined up with one of
the boys' soccer games!

This was Jaden and Cody's last game-- WOW! Look at their huge fan club!

Little Adley didn't miss a game all season. She loved being outside and playing with toys on a blanket while her brothers played. She would even clap along whenever the fans would cheer. As the season went on and she started crawling more, Adley also enjoyed taste-testing various leaves and stealing her brothers' water bottles!

In lieu of the last season practice, the coach planned a dinner out at a nearby restaurant (one with an outdoor playground area for the kiddos--perfect!). After everyone had eaten, Coach Nunez gave out trophies and candy to each player. 

Assistant Coach Sheldon, Cody, Coach Nunez

Assistant Coach Sheldon, Jaden, Coach Nunez

Cody and Jaden were just thrilled to get another trophy! They loved the fancy design and couldn't wait to display the trophy on their dresser as soon as we got home.

Overall, it was so enjoyable to watch Cody and Jaden grow as little athletes this year. It was also important for them to experience their first-ever team loss. What a fun season!