An unfortunate loss.

Casey (#9) taking on the IBV defense.

Our last game was Saturday afternoon and we (very) unfortunately lost 1-0 to IBV, the team from Vestmanneyjar (Westmann Islands) that beat us earlier in the season. The game was going well for us from the beginning and we looked like a completely different team than the last time we saw them. We moved much better, had much more energy and were simply dominating for a good majority of the game, in my opinion. Their “go-to” player is a small, very quick forward who is really young and caused a lot of trouble for us in our previous meeting, but she was almost completely ineffective this time which was key. In addition our middle felt really strong with good communication and movement and I think that helped our overall organization.

 

We were doing well and creating chances, we just couldn’t seem to find the back of the net. Then in the second half there was a high, bouncing ball that got over our defensive line and our goalie, Dufa, came out to challenge it. One of our defenders was running with the attacker toward the ball who collided with Dufa at the top of the 18-yard box. Somehow in the collision, the attacker and Dufa ended up on the ground while the ball rolled into the net. Our defender was ok but the other girl was on the ground for a while and Dufa was for even longer–uncharacteristically screaming and crying in pain.

 

Now, correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t the goalie the ONE player on the field that is always, always, always extra protected? It has always been obvious to me that goalies were like pedestrians–always having the right of way. In any game I’ve seen or played in, almost all collisions/contact with keepers are taken very seriously and the ref always makes sure they are ok before resuming play. Well, apparently it wasn’t important to our indecisive ref. 1. She wasn’t even close to the play. 2. Her first actions were regarding where the ball was (in the net) rather than if the players (both of them) were ok.

 

Then after our assistant coach came out with the medical kit and they sprayed Dufa’s leg and halfway calmed her down, the ref decides to call it a goal and whistles the confirmation. Are. You. Kidding. Me. So I stood with the rest of the girls watching them try to take care of our injured goalie in disbelief, getting more and more pissed off with each passing second. They can’t move her yet because they’re not sure what’s wrong and the ref, amazing once again, comes over to see what’s going on and I’m pretty sure she asked something along the lines of how long we would be… umm, HELLO?? Our one–and only–goalie is crying and screaming on the ground (something she NEVER does) and you want us to give you an approximation of time? GET OUT OF HERE!

 

Needless to say, the game was intense for the remaining 15 minutes or so. I was so focused on what I was doing I didn’t even see when they came to pick up Dufa and carried her away from the field on a stretcher. We didn’t score, giving us our second loss of the season, but we’re hoping to see them again in the tournament very soon!!

 

**Update on Dufa: she wrote me that, “It is not good and I need stronger painkillers ” …but in true Dufa style she added, “but I hope it is gonna be better tomorrow ” She also told us the night of the game that it was not broken but still bad and she may miss our next game. That will be ok since it’s the team we beat 8-1, but I’m praying she’s healthy for the tournament which begins the week after next!**

 

On the up-side, we did play much better than we did the last time and in many of our other games for that matter, so Porca was happy with us. I also received “player of the game” again and got another box of chocolates and another gift certificate to a bike shop that Lena’s dad owns–she says they have some nice jackets and workout clothes there!

 

This weekend was also Gay Pride Weekend in Reykjavik and Saturday was the big parade. Lee, Casey, Anna and I went to see it before our game and it was SO much fun! There were people everywhere dressed up in bright colors–families, old people, young people, all just having a good time enjoying the festivities.

 

There were quite a few eccentric characters in the parade and there was singing, dancing, music, statements being made, and things being given out to the audience lining the street. It was just a fun atmosphere and I’m glad I got to experience it.

 

The roomies on Lee's last night in Iceland.

After the game, the team came over to our apartment to celebrate Lee’s last night in Iceland. There were a lot of pictures taken, and so many “goodbyes,” it made me realize that although I still have a month left (29 days as of today), they are going to fly by and soon it will be ME giving hugs to everyone… We went out downtown one more time with Lee (and it was Casey’s first time!) but because it was such a big weekend there were lines everywhere and we didn’t want to keep waiting around outside in the rain, so we went home.

 

Lee woke up early on Sunday to finish her last minute packing and we drove her to the airport at 8:00 in the morning. It was sad to say goodbye, more strange than anything, and it made me a little homesick when we left. I do miss home, my friends and family, knowing where I am and having that general comfort, but I can’t say I want to leave! I think it’s more that I wish my friends and family were here… but oh well, in 29 more days I’ll be home and job/apartment-hunting so that I can join the real world everyone’s been telling me about!

 

Photo album: Iceland – Gay Pride Parade!!