Gutted

It doesn't matter what level you play, it hurts to lose a championship. That's why I feel the way I do today.

The soccer team I play goalkeeper on lost 1-0 in double overtime yesterday in our championship match.

Quite a downer for me.

I keep replaying things trying to change the outcome, but I know I can't do that. Everyone was nice and conciliatory toward me, even some of those on the other team, but it's hard not to think that I let the team down in some way, even though I know that I gave my best effort, as did everyone.

A lot of people I know think I'm crazy for giving up my body the way I do for these games, but it's the one activity I get to do outside of work or anything else, and I enjoy the competitive aspect of it.

And as long as I am physically able and willing, I want to get back out there.

For now though, I'm spent, especially emotionally.

Comments

[Jimmy]

Thank you very much! We won the most matches we've ever won (11), so while it hurt to lose, I can still look back on a great season. We won a championship about 3 years ago too, but I didn't play nearly as much then because I hadn't really found a position where I could really excel. I get a rush out of being goalie, though the rest of my family thinks I'm nuts for throwing my body around the way I do.

[Leah]

Still, congratulations on making it to the championship! I've never been able to say that. It takes hard work, dedication, and all those cliche qualities to stick with something and make it that good.

I'm just a smidge envious. Go you for having the guts to be on a soccer team, the even more guts to be a goalie, and the fortitude to do so well.