Soccer Week 4 - Rams vs. Koalas

After a week off for Labor Day, the Rams were back in action on Saturday facing the fearsome Koalas. The game started off quickly, with the Koalas scoring a goal in the opening minutes. On the ensuing kickoff, the ball bounced to Rian who looked up and saw an open goal. Rian did not hesitate. His leg swung back, his eyes focused squarely on the ball at his feet. As four Koalas narrowed in around him, Rian swung his leg forward, his foot striking the ball with more force than he knew was possible.

The ball flew forward. Rian watched with anticipation as the ball flew through the air. Time seemed to stand still. The Koalas were all around him now, but it didn't matter. The ball was already on its way. It bounced a few feet in front of him and rolled through the green grass, each blade of grass bending toward the earth under the force of the ball.

The colors on the ball flashed vividly in the bright sun as it tumbled toward the goal. The ball landed in the back of the net, and Rian jumped with excitement.

GOAAAAAAAAAAL!!!

He had done it. Rian had just scored his first goal. He was beaming. He looked around the field at his teammates as if questioning if they understood the monumental impact of what had just transpired. He began shouting, "I scored a goal! I scored a goal!!" His face said it all. Sheer excitement. Unbridled enthusiasm. He had done it.

Coach John congratulated Rian as he kneeled in front of him. He began to explain that the Rams' goal was actually on the other side of the field (see picture). But it didn't matter. Nothing could take away from this moment. Rian had just scored his first goal ever, and wouldn't be bothered by this minor detail. It made his day.