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