Costa Rica Trip Day 6: Friendly #3 and feathered fans

Entry by junior, Drew Johnston

Day six of our soccer tour of Costa Rica began once again in the resort restaurant for breakfast prior to our departure for our morning training session. After a few days without playing we were eager to get back out on the field. However, with the fact that we would be competing in the last game of the trip that afternoon, the session served the purpose of getting refocused and back on track.

We played for a little over an hour in front of a handful of locals, children, and even a few chickens– certainly a unique experience.

Afterwards we gave some of our soccer balls to a couple kids who eagerly took them and immediately began playing. The joy in their faces reminded us of how truly fortunate we are to be here. We returned to our hotel to eat lunch, relax, and enjoy the hotel pools and the beautiful beach before getting back on the bus to travel an hour to our third and final match.

The four o'clock match against Liberia started just like a professional one, with the starters walking out of the tunnel and the playing of both national anthems. It was another experience unlike any we’ve had. It was a very physical and hard-fought game and despite several chances to put the ball in the back of the net the game finished in a frustrating 0-0 tie. While we felt like we should have gotten a better result, it served as yet another learning experience before the season gets underway.

The team returned to the resort, excited to indulge in another traditional Costa Rican dinner, as well as begin our night off.

While the soccer portion of our trip is over, now we can enjoy ourselves and become closer as a team over the next few days leading up to preseason.

It’s hard to believe we are only three weeks away from our season opener. We go to bed, eager to wake up and take part in a long day of relaxation and recovery.

Roll Storm!
Drew Johnston