Aug. 21, 2003

August 21st
Today we started our routine game day here in Brazil. We woke up and had breakfast in the hotel. A little later we have a team scouting report and then lunch at the hotel. Around 1:00 p.m., we left for our last set of games.

Everyone was excited to play and to finish the week on a good note. Both teams played well and came out with victories. The score of the first game was 2-1, and the second game was 4-0. In the first game, Adriene Davis and Shea Swoboda each put in goals. In the second game, Jennie Nobis scored two goals and Missy Peabody and Kristen Heil each added a goal as well. We all had a really good time playing and learning more about Brazilian soccer!

After the game we went back to eat dinner, then we went to the biggest mall in South America for a few hours. Later that night we went to a dance club called Swingers to experience Brazilian nightlife. Everyone had a great time. The Brazilian men treated us like celebrities. From the minute we arrived to the minute we left, we were the center of attention.

Our last full day in Brazil was exciting and fun. We have really started to develop as a team and create chemistry with each other. Our soccer has improved all week and our friendships have become stronger. We are all thankful to have had this experience and are ready for the start of a great season! exception of course, she purchased bracelets and three pairs of earrings. But she certainly got a great deal bargaining with the vendor. While the girls all shopped, the boys played beach soccer with some locals.

Later the team created a game of soccer tennis with the sand volleyball court. Although we can't understand the language, I am sure that the locals were saying how impressed they were with our soccer talent!

Around 3:00 p.m., we loaded the bus and finally headed to the mall, little did we know it wasn't going to be that easy. About 30 minutes in to the three hour trip, the bus stopped on the side of the road. Our guide got out while we sat on the bus. We continued to wait patiently and no one even complained. After about an hour, we learned that our bus had broken down and we were getting a new bus. We finally settled into our new bus and headed back to the hotel.