Medieval Times Goodbye: ODP (Day 9)

Boys ODP finally got a day off to go shopping for all those gifts for home that they missed. The 2001s fresh off their excursion into Vienna with the experience of bartering and the 2002s off of a second place finish in the tournament.

Tours of the local castle, piazzas and other locations featured this adventure in Budapest before heading back to the hotel for a swim and packing. 

The 2000s were looking forward to their fourth match, the 2002s
were finally rested after their whirlwind arrival in Eastern Europe. There was good news and bad news delivered the night before… the bad news first. The Hungarian club had withdrawn their offer to host both matches, the good news… we would play each other.

Formal ceremonies including the Star Spangled Banner would kick off a very spirited match at Danube Park (See yesterday’s blog). The 2002s wanting to prove themselves and the 2000s with the pressure of carrying the game. Most of the first 10 minutes, play revolved in the 02s half then a quick counter and on their first attack, the 02s were in front. The rest of the half the 02s dominated on the ball till a late corner which was half cleared and pounced on by 00s, 1-1 at the half. The second stanza had the 00s in possession and the 02s defending valiantly. A good match had it’s fair share of futbol and tough tackling finished, a draw.

Later that evening, all four teams had a fantastic send off with a wonderful meal and performance (coaches will feel the pain of going on a diet upon return). Medieval dinning that took place as a goodbye to the teams, from outfits to music, the food was quality as our groups sang well into the night.

We are writing this at 4:30am Hungarian time.... will see you tonight back home.

Goodbye Hungary.

Danube Training: Girls ODP (Day 8)

In front of Basilica 

It is hard to believe we have only 2 full days in our Austrian/Hungarian adventure... every day there has been "something", "someplace","some event" that makes a new memory. Hate to sound lik
e a broken record but... ok, a record was a round vinyl before CD that had music, a CD?.. it is what we had before ... you get the idea...lots of memories.


Optional Easter Service at the local Church and a light training session beside the Danube River. To be honest....we still look tired. A bit of possession, some team bonding games and done. We return to our hotel for a four course Easter Luncheon that featured enough schnitzel to feed, sorry.... a really hungry athlete. So, it was just enough.

Sunset over the Danube Valley

Sightseeing at one of the largest Churches in Eastern Europe and one of the first castle's that overlooks the Danube valley. This area has a ton of history, for example--this castle was one of the first built to protect the people from the Mongolian Empire.

Let's have one more fantastic meal, a swim in the pool and early night to prep for a final game.

Paul Shaw, Head Coach, 2002 Girls (On behalf of the 2000 Girls)

Budapest Football II: Boys ODP (Day 8)

Game Time, 2002 Starting Line Up.

The '02's returned to the FC Budapest International tournament having not lost a game thus far. Their opponent in the semifinals was from the Ukraine. The boys, after three difficult games on the day before, started out slow and sluggish but little by little started  gaining a foothold in the international affair. Griffin Yow struck the only goal of the game in the 18th minute when he finished off a through ball from Diego X. Later in the hard fought and physical affair, the Ukrainian team took a straight red card and went down to 10 men. Although outnumbered this propelled Ukraine into a fury of activity and made the final ten minutes difficult for the '02s. 

This win solidified the VA '02s a place in the prestigious Ute Kupa 2016 against the home side FC Budapest. The first half was a 60/40 advantage in favor of FC Budapest. Hence, the '02s enter half time 0-0. Starting the second half, the tilt from side to side was still present with the raucous cheers from the Budapest spectators .  Buda- pest! Buda-pest! As the Virginian's surged forward in an effort to get a go-ahead goal, they were caught on the counter attack at the 31:00 min mark. Goallllll! 1-0 FC Budapest. 

With immense tactical acumen from the staff, VA pushed as many number as possible into the attack. Unfortunately this last ditch effort fell flat with another goal for Budapest in the 38:00 min.  Unable to overcome the two goal deficit, the final result ended as 2-0 with the finalist trophy in the hands of the Americans. A brief medal ceremony to include the handing out of the silver Ute Kupa commenced. The boys were gracious in defeat and represented the country, state and their families with class and respect for their international opponents.  

Gordon Miller, VYSA TD, Head Coach Boys 2002

Budapest Football: Boys ODP (Day 7)

01s Back on the clock.  Up for a great breakfast and then off to our first tournament of the trip. Almost felt a little like home seeing dozens of teams at the fields.  Teams from Hungary, Greece, USA and many more were there to play.  

The boys started out a little on the back foot and the coaches were trying to figure a way out of a 0-2 deficit.  The team executed the plan and in the last 10 minutes pulled off a 3-2 win.  After a short break, the boys ended their second game 0-0.  The third game ended 1-2.  Goal scorers of the day were Alex and Eduardo.  Man of the match honors went to Ryan, Alex and Eduardo.  

Straight from the fields to a beautiful stadium in Budapest to watch Coatia vs. Hungary.  Game ended 1-1.  More memories were made.  Looking forward to exploring Budapest and the last few days on the trip.

Shay Bell, Assistant Coach 2001 Boys

HUN....GARY! HUN.....GARY!: Girls ODP (Day 7)

Hungarian captain Dzsudzsák stepped forward in the 79th minute and curled a brilliant free kick into the roof of the Croatian net. That is how our day ended at the sold out Groupama Arena in Budapest. Passionate fans, singing their teams on as both sides prepare for the European Championship this summer in France.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttCWS39-kU0 

After a regen session, both teams set off to Budapest with a tour guide who colorfully walked us through some history of the two areas on either side of the Danube river. Shopping and bartering in the market, eating some different food, King's palace and historic piazzas where just a few of the many highlights.... not to worry back home, the coaches and admin staff made sure to partake in what the many different cafes had to offer.

After the match, the 2002s had a historic win over the 2000s in the bus sing off with a performance by one of the 2002 staff that clinched the victory. No one knows how he pulled it off, considering he didn't know the words to the song he was singing.

Time springs forward 1 hour and we have another day of sightseeing before we compete one more time. 

Paul Shaw, Head Coach 2002 Girls (on behalf of the 2000s and 2002s)

Győr rolls out the red carpet: Girls ODP (Day 6)

Day 6 for the '00 Girls; a day of travel, games and new places!

Leaving the confines of Vienna and heading towards Budapest, Hungary, the anticipation of a new locale was evident amongst the teams. Our first Hungarian match would take place in a small town called Gyor, which was about an hour and half commute from Vienna. Arriving to  face our opponent, Eto Gyor, we were welcomed with professional facilities in the shadows of a giant stadium; a place we will return to for the Hungary v. Croatia game on Saturday evening.  

This match undoubtedly would prove difficult after a late match the previous night in Altenmarkt. Both coaches and players expected heavy legs. Upon the whistle, it was evident that Eto Gyor was more of even matchup for the '00 team. Facing older and more experienced opponents has lost a little of its shock value and now the team just shows up to play. The first half was slow from the VA side but we managed to get to halftime with only a 1-0 deficit to face. Following a few simple tactical adjustments and a lift in effort and spirits, VA started the second half with determination. At the 46:50 mark, Danielle Toone picked off a pass in the midfield to convert our first opportunity and tie the game 1-1. Shortly after, Eto Gyor, got the go-ahead goal, 2-1. A noticeable increase in effort and movement both with and without the ball showed the girls that they were in control of most of the possession for the second half. At the 72:00 mark, Danielle Toone, who incessantly picked apart Eto's midfield and defense, went on a 30 yard run with the ball to dish it off to Aileen (Beanie) Guthrie for the right footed finish. The final result 2-2, and a point to be rewarded for all the hard work of this team.

Champions!

Following a brief lunch and walkabout in Gyor, it was back on the bus to head to our next hotel in Visegrad, Hungary. Nestled in the countryside on the River Danube, the teams are enjoying a step up in accommodations- bowling alley, pool, ping pong, hot tub, and karaoke contests which started last evening. Hands down, the '00 Girls are the World Champions of Karaoke selection and performance. Visegrad has welcomed us with open arms and we are looking forward to continuing our adventures for the close out portion of our trip.  

Tina Lowery, Assistant Coach 2000

2002 Girls:

The 2002s rolled out of their Venetian beds on time and hopped on the bus for Hungary with tired, heavy legs and, very positive spirits. 

Game time at Gyor to kickoff at 11:15am local time. Wait... That changed to 11:00am once we take the field to get ready-Lots of other "fun" conversations on and off the field. A bruising battle with little football being played was to follow. One thing our coaching staff knows about our whole 2002 Pool is that they won't shy away from physical play and can bring it. We proved we can play futbol at a high level now, can we stand up in this type of game. And yes... We are tired. 

They score less than 30 seconds in, I think? No problem, within 20 min we have scored 2 and it is clear, we will go nose to nose. Some tough tackling and some futbol sprinkled in, we squander chance after chance and give up no more shots and squeak a 2-1 win. Rest needed now!

The rest of the day was fantastic, fabulous Hungarian meal, walking around and shopping in Gyor. Travel to our new home in Hungary, with bowling, karaoke and some pool time.

Smiles... 

Paul Shaw, Head Coach 2002 

Travel to Hungary: Boys ODP (Day 6)

Blog from teams are coming.... today was a travel day and we did some sightseeing.

How about, 10 Euros? Boys ODP (Day 5)

2002 Boys:

Game time!

The '02's began day 5 with another hearty and fulfilling breakfast before winding their way through the cobblestone streets of Vienna to take on their third opponent of FC Stadblau. Wanci Nana opened the scoring when he finished off a scramble in front with a thundering blast to the far corner. The Stadblau team, with good technique and fluid movements pierced the Virginian defense to finish of a five pass sequence and level the match at 1-1.

After shifting to a 3 man back line and a five-man midfield the Americans disrupted the flow and were then able to gain a foothold in the match. The back and forth kept the fans on the edge of their seat until again Nana, four minutes from time,  barreled his way through three Stadblau defenders to elegantly slide it in the far corner with savvy and guile beset of a La Liga pro.

They dined afterwards at the host's clubhouse, said their goodbyes and once again set out to conquer Vienna's shopping district. Upon their heavy legged return they were treated to a special and final night meal from Chef Heinrich. The culinary special of salad, tortellini and the home made desert of tiramisu finished off the evening. And are now off to bed.

We set off for Budapest tomorrow playing well, feeling healthy and looking forward to a new country and continuing adventure.

Gordon Miller, VYSA TD, Head Coach Boys 2002

2001 Boys:

Boys were up and ready to go for another day in Vienna, Austria.  (“No kangaroos in Austria”) That is the local joke.  The players met with the coaching staff and there was a fire in their eyes.  On the bus and off to drop the girls off at First Vienna Soccer Club.  After driving across the Danube River the bus pulled up to the FC Stadlau  to play our 3^rd match of the trip.  As we exited the bus, 4 and 5 year old boys were in their training kits and having a soccer camp.  It was so cool to see the young Austrian boys playing, running and turning cartwheels all over the pitch.  

The 02 boys pulled off a 2-1 win over a solid side.  The 01s had their turn on the field and walked off with a 3-2 victory and smiles on their faces.  Two goals from Big Alex and another goal from Elijah after an assist from Lane.  All of the boys from each of the teams and the coaching staff had a tasty lunch in the clubhouse. 

Don't look!

Everyone returned to the hotel.  The boys got ready and headed to the market.  They had the opportunity to haggle and shop.  The same jersey was purchased for 32 Euros, then 29, then 20, then 15 and Tyler was the shopper of the day at a daily low of 10 Euros!  Off to the center of town for a scavenger hunt for the “sport” shop.  And finally the boys showed the coaches how to get to the underground metro, buy tickets and navigate their way back to our hotel.  It was a proud moment for the staff to see how they had grown and were showing some great responsibility away from home.  Dinner, journals and foosball.  

Boys are tired and in their rooms.  Last night in Vienna.  Memories were made once again.

Budapest…..here we come.

Shay Bell, Assistant Coach Boys 2001 

Pure Class: Girls ODP (Day 5)

How did the referee get into the pic?

For the 2002s, a relatively late wake-up of 7:30am greeted Day 5. An 11am kickoff vs First Vienna, one of the oldest clubs in Vienna. 

In our match analysis' of opponents, today presented the fourth different formation in four games. Not sure we want to heap all the credit on Dr. Dano on his "GOT YOUR BACK" team building session before the match... but we would experience our best soccer playing performance of the tour. Hail started to fall as the game kicked off, and both teams exchanged chances with us eventually getting a hold of the game as per possession. Chances created and a solid defensive performance... Unfortunately, we drop the best match we have played, 2 nil on a couple of set pieces.

Quality brick oven-pizza lunch in Vienna, some more team bonding over "Kinder-Eggs" and a dominant foosball performance by the coaches. Yes, I was a ringer in high school and always left with a few extra quarters in my pocket after lunch but they won't know that till they read this blog!

The tour continues...Hungary here we come!

Paul Shaw, Head Coach 2002 Girls

'00 - Game Day #2! 

Being that we had some time before the kick off of game 2 - 5:30pm vs. SKV Altenmarkt Frauen, we embarked on an adventure to the outdoor market in Vienna. The girls bought subway tickets, learned to read a subway map and how to handle negotiations in the market place. To be honest, most of the experience was an edible adventure, but nonetheless it was a fun day out and about in the crowd. 

Later in the afternoon we headed to a field outside Vienna about an hour away to a town called Altenmarkt. As we left the hustle and bustle of the city, it was refreshing to see rolling hills and mountainside. Our hosts again were class as they had an American flag posted at the field and played our national anthem; a truly humbling moment for both players and coaches. 

2000s vs SKV Altenmarkt

The team had a slow start on kickoff when looking across to players that were much older, bigger and "married" as said by the girls. SKV Altenmarkt went up 1-0 quickly as we still worked through our nerves. The equalizer came by Aileen (Beanie) Guthrie with a 30 yard bomb over the head of the opposing gk. Solid performance by first half GK Miranda Walker with multiple saves. We entered halftime down 2-1. 

With a riveting halftime speech about overcoming fears, the second half started with a renewed energy. Defensive performances by Shelby Hachtel and Gk Grace Gurrola were critical to our team organization . In addition, impressive attacking mentalities by Hailey Gump and Danielle Toone allowed us more opportunities. The final ended up 3-1 but against a veteran squad with 3 current and 3 past Slovakian national team players;  a fantastic result !  

We are closing it down here in Austria and ready for Hungary! 

Tina Lowrey, Assistant Coach ODP 2000 Girls

Cage Match: Boys ODP (Day 4)

2001s warming up in soccer cage

Well into the swing of the things now, the two Virginia based teams embarked on their fourth day in this beautiful European capital. The '01's and '02's, after Heinrich's breakfast, walked to a local park to stretch and regenerate the body. The older boys found a little 3v3 urban soccer field (a cage reminiscent of an MMA bout) and after a walk thru decided to try to their luck against each other, the cage came to life. The younger team walked the other direction and conducted their session at a large elegant park which was more reminiscent of something out of a scene from an old Austrian-Hungarian Emperor's winter palace.

2002s vs FC Wien

Later that day the '02's kicked off against FC Wien (Vienna) where they battled to a hard fought 1-1 draw in their small intimate stadium. Diego Gomez converted his penalty kick when Danni Chica was brought down in the box. James Anderson saved the day when, late in the match, silenced the crowd with two world class saves back to back.

The next game saw the '01's give up a goal in each half and lose to their FC Wein hosts 2 nil. "After a hard game the night before, our boys really battled and could have easily tied this match," claimed VYSA's TD, Gordon Miller. Head Coach John Short commented, "This team is listening, learning and applying Dr. Dan 's sports psych lessons as well adapting to the pace quicker than I thought they'd would. This is a great experience for everyone."

Another quality meal as both teams dined on pasta, salad and chocolate mousse before crawling their tired bodies into their beds for the night.

All is well with the spirit and health of the group.

Gordon Miller, VYSA TD, Head Coach 2002 Boys

VA! You know!: Girls ODP (Day 4)

Girls 00:

Yesterday marked the first day of competition for the "00 Girls and it was a great day! 

2000s hanging with FC Slovacko

With kick off set for 12:30pm you could feel the mixture of fear and excitement mounting as we worked through warm-ups. Upon the whistle, the energy was palpable! The girls were organized with high intensity; a big discussion point in the pre-game. Even more impressive was the early goal scored by Taylor Robinson on the left flank to put us up 1-0 against a seasoned opponent, FC Slovacko. The game settled in and emotions leveled out. FC Slovacko equalized quickly 1-1. Caleigh Garcia for VYSA sprinted diagonally from the right side and finished back post to put us up 2-1. FC Slovacko 2-2. Going into half time, 4-2 FC Slovacko. Our final left footed finish of the game from Aileen (Beanie) Guthrie to close the gap to 4-3. At this point with tired legs and professional gamesmanship of FC Slovacko, the score line widened. 

A 7-3 loss on paper does not indicate the level of class, hard work, effort and dedication that the team portrayed in the match. Coach Tim Krout adds "As as coaching staff we were extremely proud of the girls effort and work rate against an opponent of professional and U19 players. The ball movement was very good at times and amongst our chances we had some quality finishes. The score line does not indicate how well the team played as a group." Clearly, this added some levity to the moment and the girls although badly wanting to win, had a clearer perspective of how well they had battled. Our hosts, First Vienna, were gracious in offering an after the game meal which we were able to enjoy with FC Slovacko. Ironically, some of the players for FC Slovacko had roots back to Virginia ODP and the United States, this opened up the dialogue for the teams to sit and enjoy some time together. Some things got lost in translation but these moments were what made the day so successful. To play a hard fought game, embrace and meet a foreign opponent and enjoy a meal with them while trading snapchat information! 

Looking forward to game 2!

Tina Lowery, Assistant Coach, 2000 Girls

Girls 2002:

Our whirlwind tour took us back to the mountains of north Austria to play in a mini-tournament at a residential sports school (Sportschule Lindabrunn). Prior to our trip, the location hosted U17 Euro qualification matches and recently, Napoli of Serie A. The location oozed soccer in every way, over a dozen fields, plus a number of artificial turf, a small stadia, indoor futsal court, dorms, a coaching education theater and a recovery spa.

#BondingSelfie

Our first match was against the host organization, whose players were currently staying there for the week. This game was part of their residential preparation, am sure that is why they flew out of the blocks while we were just waking up. For most of the first 20 min they pressed us with all 10 field players in our half, stifling our ball possession + not being sharp off the bus = 2 nil down after the first stanza. Better response after the break, we score a consolation goal and have chances to tie in the final minutes. After a buffet style lunch and some time socializing with our hosts, we play FC Slovacko from the Czech Republic. A better match for us this time against some International players in their midfield, we dominate the ball but can't break through and the Czech's scramble a half chance in to take a half time lead. More of the same in the second half, VA with the ball and even changing up formations to get more players forward, we can't find the net. The Czech team's performance is mature and they score their second on a counter. Futbol is cruel, what a lesson to learn.

Now time to socialize with our hosts and get back on the bus for a quality dinner at a local Italian Restaurant. Eat well, sleep well.

Paul Shaw, Head Coach, 2002 Girls

The Hills Are Alive! Girls ODP (Day 3)

Hey all, Coach Tina here as the assistant to the '00 Girls. It was another awesome day in Vienna with our main focus being another training session before our first game!

SK Rapid Wien (2nd place team in the Austrian Bundesliga) was the location of our training grounds and a true professional experience from start to finish. The moment we set foot in the locker room you could feel the level of intensity rise for the girls. We drew a small crowd of onlookers who naturally took pictures of us training; what a great backdrop! 

Then, after a small stint to support the boys teams in their competitions, we capped off the night with a lovely pre-game meal of authentic (just like VA) Austrian pizza and homemade tiramisu (some ate more than one piece)- naturally a Chef Heinreich recommendation. 

All in all, we had another fantastic day and are anxiously awaiting putting on the VYSA uniform for our first game tomorrow! 

Safe and sound in soccer, 

Tina 

2002 Blog:

A quest for an soccer store resulted in a morning team building session at a pastry cafe. Followed up by a chat with Dr Dano, our sport psychologist. Great prep for the 2002s first game. 

The experience of a player's locker room is so powerful, friendships forged in those four walls last forever. It is about caring for the sport that brought us together and this areas provides that sanctuary. Of course, it helps that it is your first ever match on foreign soil.

Dagger type of goals rewarded us with a 3-1 win. Early goal, 5 min in put VA ahead and a quick response from the home squad, a 25yd free kick that was still rising as it hit the net. Goals either side of half time and good possession flattered the score line for a 3-1 VA win. 

Paul Shaw, Head Coach ODP Girls 2002

Rapid Vienna: Boys ODP (Day 3)

The boys, after a solid night sleep, embarked on a 2 kilometer walk through the cobblestone streets of Vienna, to purchase  gear at the #1 soccer store in the Austrian capital. The players seemed eager and happy as they descended upon the shop to scoop up anything and everything that might be slightly different and unique.

2002 Boys Game Day

Later in the day the 01's traveled across town to take on Rapid Vienna in their 1st match of the trip. The young Virginian team ran into a buzz saw as the more experienced Rapid team won 4-0. The boys battled hard and competed well during the match as they dealt with the effects of a more skilled and savvy opponent.

The '02's played their match across town, and came out on the winning end 2-0 against the Austrian XIII side, with Yow and Yankee tallying for the visitors. The team started out rough but gained their footing and, in the end, were deserving of the victory at the final whistle. After the match, instead of chef Heinrich's Viennese dinner, the teams were treated to a wonderful French quisine dejuener, elegantly prepared by chef Jaques Pierre, inside the old quarter of Vienna.

The boys are settling in, getting over their jet lag and are happy to get their first game under their belts.

Gordon Miller, VYSA Technical Director; Head Coach Boys 2002

Vienna! Girls ODP (Day 2)

After a very deep sleep and a quality breakfast, we were off to experience our first “kick of a ball” on foreign soil. 

First Vienna Football Club, hosted us at their historic stadium for our first practice. Upon arriving, you could feel the significance of this amphitheater of futbol (read the boys blog for details). We trained on one of their practice fields and after a spirited 50 min recovery session, both teams left the pitch feeling energized as we continue to get our feet back from the travel and change in time zones. Off to get a shower, then a 3 course meal at a local Italian restaurant.

King's Palace.

The rest of the day we spent exploring the historic section of Vienna. Maybe shopping for home, always learning about new pastries (our admins made me say that…) and of course seeing some very famous historic sites. To dinner at our Vienna home and game time for the 2002 Girls tomorrow, our sister team will have another training session before their matches kick off Wednesday.

On The Field: Boys ODP (Day 2)

Going into field for practice.

After a hearty breakfast at the famous hotel Meininger in downtown Vienna, both boys teams got in a training session at the First Vienna Football Club. The First Vienna Football Club is one of the oldest club in Vienna and their professional team is currently play the Austrian 2nd division. The boys trained on the artificial turf in the shadow of the 1st team's 25,000 seat stadium in order to shake off the effects of the long day of travel from the day before.

Lunch time.

After a nutritious lunch at the pro team's restaurant, the teams then embarked on walking tour of the old town portion of downtown Vienna. Hopefully the players were able to buy their parents a few gifts but based on the amount of gelato that was consumed, they are hoping for another opportunity to shop.

Back at the Meininger, chef Heinrich prepared a quality dinner of tortellini, chicken and salad. The boys are now off to bed with an early curfew as both team's 1st matches loom large for tomorrow. 

Everyone is healthy, happy and tired.

Gordon Miller, VYSA Technical Director; Head Coach, VA ODP Boys 2002

Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Austria

The Alps!

We have arrived! All the boy's and girl's teams are at their new home in Vienna, Austria. One full day of travel later and a bit tired, hyper, excited and tired... we have officially moved into our new digs.

You know how the day started, with brushed hair and freshly ironed polos. Our travel had no delays through-out, simple connection in Istanbul and our hotel is 15 min from the Vienna airport. Really nice meals on the flights (salmon, baked chicken, pasta, red velvet cake), great selections of movies and of course pics of coaches sleeping (those will not be posted)!

Did you know that Turkish Airlines is a big sponsor of the Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice movie? Neither did we till we got the Dawn of Justice collection; slippers, socks, lip gloss and trailer's everywhere. Looking forward to what the Dawn of Austria brings in the morning, breakfast at 7:30am, light training session and some sight seeing!


Gute Nacht!