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Lesson Learned...the hard way

I hear the east coast is getting hit with some brutal weather - sometimes you have to endure the cold to appreciate the sunshine. Out here in Chula Vista, we were hit by a snowstorm that came in the form of orange; and by orange, I mean the Dutch. In our test series last week against Holland, we learned some lessons the hard way. In the first two matches, we lost 4-0; in the third match we posted an extremely embarrassing 10-0 loss; we enlivened for match four but the dutch brought a barrage of goals near the games end as we lost 7-1; in the final match, we made some improvements and played the Dutch to a 3-1 loss.

As dismal as these results are, they have provided the team with great insight into what it takes to be Olympic Champions. In my estimation, the Dutch are the most technically sound team going around right now - their ability to execute skills and 2v1's, finish plays, synchronize timing, and play pressure defense is almost unmatchable. Opening the new quad with matches against the best in world gave us a bitter taste of reality - but after swallowing that pill, it has focused us for where we are and where we are going. It provided us with great preparation for our tour to Bermuda in 5 days. At the Pan Am Cup, the goal is to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.

Well, the Santa Ana winds are starting to blow out here in San Diego, just maybe they will blow a little luck our way. Until luck comes our way, we have to continue to train - so off to the field I go ;0)

xx rache

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