Weeee aare the chaaampionssss

Yesterday afternoon we officially became the best team in Iceland’s first division, beating our hometown rivals, FH, 1-0.

 

It wasn’t the prettiest day, it was raining–just enough to make the grass slick, not quite a drizzle but not pouring. Right from the start it was a tough game just like we’d anticipated. It was physical and strong and I think both teams knew that if they let up at all, they would be in trouble.

 

I dealt with a lot of pushing and shoving in the middle (eventually helping get one girl a yellow card…), our defense dealt with a pretty talented, quick forward who dove ALL. THE. TIME! (Luckily their shooting was either not on-frame or Thordis made a solid save on the free kicks she bought them.)

 

It was a good game and it went back and forth a little bit, they had a few almost good chances, but I think we created more. We had a few opportunities in front of the goal that just didn’t quite make it, but our break came about halfway into the first half when I took the ball out of the air and found Tinna who then laid it back for Ellen to shoot first-time, scoring one of her famous long-distance shots. It was completely textbook, just what we were supposed to do and it was so appropriate that Ellen scored, since she has been playing amazingly in the middle. It was no surprise that she was “player of the game!”

 

For the rest of the game we continued to attack, putting a little more effort into defending our lead than before, but still pressuring their defense. When the final whistle blew it was one of the most incredible feelings soccer has allowed me to feel. It wasn’t quite as powerful as winning the CCAA conference tournament at Chico because I was so much more invested in that team, but this is definitely up there. To know how long these girls have been working toward moving up to premier and winning first division made it that much better. I am grateful and lucky to have been given the opportunity to be a part of all this and I wish them the best of luck next season! I’m not sure what I’ll be doing next summer but if I find myself with an extra three and a half months to spare, I may just take up their offer and come back! Haha–after some serious preparation of course.

 

If not though, I hope to come back at least to visit (soon) and see them play in the premier league. They better not forget about me when they all become famous!!

 

The day wasn’t over though after the game…Thordis’ parents invited the entire team to spend a couple hours at one of the nicest spas in Reykjavik, Laugar Spa. We headed straight there and spent the rest of the afternoon in a hot tub, saunas and steam rooms each with a different aroma (like peppermint, rustic, citrus, mint…) and a relaxation room. It was a fabulous way to spend some quality time with some of the best girls I’ve ever met–and to celebrate a hard-earned win!

 

BUT, the day STILL wasn’t over! From the spa we went to Thordis’ parents house for dinner. They had lasagna, salad, pasta and bread waiting for us, which was delicious. They were so great to open their home to us and it was nice to spend some time with some of the parents before I head home to see my parents! I’m so grateful for these parents here though. They have all been so incredibly supportive of me and my playing with the team. Some of them regularly made a special effort to come talk to me and congratulate me after games and the popular topic last night was seeing when I’d be back to Iceland and if I would come back to play again next season!

 

After dinner we all went downtown to do a little team-only celebrating. It was one of the most FUN nights I’ve had this summer and I’m going to miss these girls more than I can describe! The best part was that we were all wearing our first place medals AND we brought our giant trophy out to celebrate with us, hahaha. Between the dancing, free drinks (for being champions of course), the celebrity sighting (former mayor), millions of pictures and wonderful teammates, it was the perfect ending to a very long but AMAZING day!

 

Photo albums: coming soon!

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