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Good Morning. . .

Good Morning!! I just pulled back my shade, and the sun is already shining here in Beijing - this is a much appreciated change from the rainy weather of the past couple of days. This evening, we take on Japan, a team who in the past couple years has become a friendly nemesis (if such a thing exists). Since I have joined the National Team in 2005, aside from Argentina, Japan is the team we have met most internationally. In the 2005 World Cup Qualifier in Rome, we lost to the Japanese in the 3-4 match. Again in the World Cup Final, we fell to them in the 5-6 game. Since those meetings we have played in two five game test series, one hosted in the USA and one in Japan. It is nice to meet a familiar foe in competition; however we know this evenings match will be incredibly difficult. The Japanese are quick and disciplined; their defense can absorb a lot of pressure - we will have our work cut out for us, but it is a task we apt to succeed at.

I must admit, it was an incredible relief to finally play in a match the other night. With so much activity going on around us in the village, in the city, in our hometowns (heck, even in my own mind), it was relieving to finally hit turf. At the days end, we are here to perform - sure the environment and the stage has altered; but the game we are playing remains the same. It is the same game, albeit improvements in the level, I played at BCS, Eastern, and UNC. It is the same game I played with my sisters in the backyard; its the same game I watched my sisters play in college; it is the same game I have played for years; so that is why when I hit the turf, I feel comfort - because that is where I have always been and that is where I am meant to be. Now, it doesn't mean it always going to smell like roses on the turf - but being so far away from the USA, the field has become home. . .

Comments

Anonymous said…
boom its your bro your blog is good even tho i hate reading! having 20 people over at 6 in the morning was well worth it to watch you play. love you and beat them MARIS...lol
Anonymous said…
I love reading your blog! You girls will do great!!! good luck!
Anonymous said…
I'm so happy to read that you are having fun playing the game.

Not enough athletes play sports because they love it.

All athletes should have to read your blog for a reality check to see whta sports are all about.

Thank you.

Best of luck.

USA USA USA
Case said…
Rachael
Your mom asked me to to watch over her home while she was gone, she said to many people will be there watching the games while she was gone. ( shall i ramble on?)
Well, i prefer to watch you guys perform here in my personal Stadium. espicially at 530 AM. We love watching you. I am so proud of you! Good luck.
Mr Casey
Anonymous said…
Go Rachael! Go USA!

Tar Heel Born and Tar Heel Bred here. Pulling for all of you. Play hard. Play Smart. Be proud, you know we are of all the Tar Heel women and Team USA!

Go Heels!
Anonymous said…
hey rachael!!! hope your haveing a wonderful time in beijing- sounds like it in your blog!!! good luck on your games and cant wait to see you soon
p.s. we watched your 1st game and will was cheering you on- he was yelling go go go!!
- catherine A
Anonymous said…
rachel
i hope you girls are having fun. i watched your first match. it was pretty neat. best of luck
jim lapinski
Anonymous said…
So the 'Awesome Dawson' strikes. You've done us proud Rach - Thanks!
Anonymous said…
We Are Proud OF YOU

Aunt Theresa
Joseph
Grandpop
Grandmom
Maryanne
Anonymous said…
PROUD TO KNOW YOU AS A FRIEND, NEIGHBOR AND ATHLETE!!!YOU PUT BERLIN ON THE MAP AND REPRESENT THIS TOWN AND OUR COUNTRY SO BEAUTIFULLY!!! CAN YOU BRING HOME MICHAEL PHELPS?? THERE ARE SO MANY GIRLS IN THIS NEIGBORHOOD !!!!!

LOVE
MRS B, GINA CAT AND MARY

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