NCAA D3 National Tournament - Weekend One

What an exciting weekend. Augsburg hosted the first round of the NCAA DIII Tournament. Brian and I drove up, and Zoe took the train in for the weekend to cheer Cole and the Auggies on. Since it was home, they had team dinners both nights at families homes. The first game was against Occidental from Los Angeles. They ended up winning 3-1 to move on and see another day. The second game was against Edgewood from Madison. It was absolutely nerve-wracking. Edgewood brought it, but thanks to an early goal, some incredible saves and strong defense, they were able to hang on and win 1-0, making it to the Sweet Sixteen. Because of their ranking this year, they would be hosting again this weekend. However, the dome is being put up and there is a big wrestling event so instead, they will be traveling to St. Louis. Home advantage is always good, and it was so fun having all the family and alumni at the games, but traveling will be fun for the team too. I never want this season to end. It's been so amazing. They deserve this, and I'm just so happy for them. 

California :: Days 5 & 6

Last day of the showcase! Cole had an 8:00am game so we had to leave the hotel at 6:00am. Getting to drive with the most amazing desert sunrise made it totoally worth it. After the game, we drove to Hermosa Beach. First stop, Fishing with Dynamite for lunch. I had heard about this restaurant from Brian for years, and was excited to get to try it. He wasn't kidding about the Peruvian Scallops. So yummy. Afterwards, we drove over to Greg & Yvonne's! It's been YEARS (almost 14) since I was last there, and it was amazing. They have the most special, comfortable place, and we felt so lucky to get to stay there. First, we took a long walk along The Strand to Hermosa Beach, and watched the sunset from the pier. Then Greg picked up Brazilian food from Panelas and we sat outside on their magical porch. Greg is an early bird and gets to work before the sun comes up. Cole & I were exhausted, so it worked out just fine that we went to bed super early. We fell asleep to the fire going. It was lovely. 

The next morning, we walked The Strand to Manhattan Beach and had breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien. We also picked up sandwiches for the plane. Then, sadly when we got back it was time to leave. We traveled through Denver, and were flying out of the terminal our friend Alex has a restaurant (Mercantile). We weren't particularly hungry but split a sandwich (and I had a glass of Portugese wine to remember our lovely vacation there last spring -- he was one of our roommates). And then we flew home and that was the end of our travels. Honestly, the whole entire experience was so awesome. The showcase was like nothing I had ever seen. So many coaches and so much talent on the fields. Seeing our friends and getting to show Cole the beach was icing on the cake. The whole week was amazing. 

California :: Days 3 & 4

Had a little bit later of a game (10:15am) which felt great. Despite Cole's hip, it was an awesome day for him. Super exciting actually. There were SO many coaches watching games this entire weekend. I've never seen anything like it. So cool. After we got back, we walked over to a Thai restaurant for a late lunch/early dinner, then Cole met up with team and hung out. There was a Festival of Lights parade that they walked over to. So fun. The next morning we got to sleep and relax. Cole did some homework while I walked over to the Museum Trail for a mini hike. I was so not prepared with my Vans on and purse so didn't get too far, but it was pretty awesome. After I got back, we did a little shopping then headed back over to the soccer fields. One of Cole's teammates were playing in the All-Star game so a group of us went over to watch. That night we had tacos and hung out in the room since the next morning was another early one. 

California :: Days 1 & 2

Cole and I were in California for MLS NEXT Fest. First stop on the way was In-N-Out. So good. The U19 and U16 teams stayed at the Marquis Villas. Just check out our room. So funny. We had a huge bathroom, kitchen and comfortable beds. Plus the most amazing views from our balcony. That first night, we stopped at the grocery store and ended up making pasta. We were so tired so it was perfect. The next morning was an early game, and the fields were about 35 minutes away in Indio at the Empire Polo Club so we were up bright and early. The facility was insane though. Super impressive. And while the team didn't win, they had a great game. Unfortunately, Cole ended up straining his hip that first game and could barely walk the rest of the day. He made it through the weekend, but not at 100%. Hopefully a little rest will help. Anyhow, since the game was early, we picked up sandwiches at Sherman's and hightailed it to Joshua Tree National Park. I cannot stop thinking about it. What an amazing place. What a great day.

Chicago Fire

We just ended a super fun, jam packed weekend. I mean, it was SO much fun I can't even stand it. The grand finale was a trip to Chicago on Sunday night to watch the Chicago Fire play the New York Red Bulls. Which happens to be the team our friend Jesse coaches. Of course, he was a little busy, so we didn't get to see him. But we were so excited to be invited by Leif & Melissa, and surprise the rest of our friends as they set up for tailgating. It was incredible. We enjoyed a giant spread before finding our seats in the Fire fan section (sorry Jesse). The boys sat first row for the first half, and had a blast. The Fire ended up losing to the Red Bulls 1-2. A bummer, but regardless, such a fun day. Love any time we get to spend with our gang.