SUPER FIRST HALF SEES ARGENTINA THROUGH TO THE QUARTERS

Nicholas Alumkal

Seattle, WA

In Seattle at Century Link Field on June 14 Argentina faced Bolivia and outclassed them 3-0. Argentina had a great start to the game as they scored early at the 13th minute from a spectacular free kick by Erik Lamela. Ezequiel Lavezzi doubled their lead two minutes later. Victor Cuesta made it 3-0 before halftime.

At the half, Argentina made two substitutions, including bringing on Lionel Messi for Gonzalo Higuain. The second Messi came on, Bolivia were double teaming or even triple teaming him. Therefore, Argentina just passed the ball around, dominating possession. At one point, Messi got through on goal. He actually got behind the keeper on the end line and passed the ball through the keeper's legs, a move called a "nutmeg."Unfortunately, Messi was called offside on his initial move.

All in all, it was a spectacular game. I am super happy I got to attend it. GO ARGENTINA!

TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE

Nicholas's coach from his former club that recently cut him contacted us yesterday. He said that several boys decided to not continue with the program, and he wanted to offer a Nicholas another opportunity to play with the club.

I asked Nicholas for his thoughts before responding. He said, "I have my new club, and I would rather play with them." I agreed with Nicholas. So I emailed his old coach back thanking him but explaining that Nicholas was now a member of a different club.

After all the heartbreak, who would have thought that our little guy would have ended up being so sought after?!

SECOND CHANCE

One gets a second chance sometimes in life. After having been cut from his former team, Nicholas' second chance came in the form of a tryout with a different soccer club in Portland. This second opportunity came about after I discussed Nicholas' plight with several parents. Having seen him play, these parents expressed incredulity that Nicholas was not selected by his former club. These parents encouraged me to contact other clubs in town and inquire about the possibility of a formal tryout, even though the deadline had passed.

I discussed this possibility with Nicholas, and he said that he knew there were no guarantees but that he would love to have another shot at making a competitive team. Therefore, I decided to contact a nearby club, and they agreed to have Nicholas come out.

The first night, Nicholas was assigned to practice with the "A" team. The little guy held his own and played much more aggressively and focused than I am used to seeing. After the trial, the coach said,"I think I see something, but I am not sure. Can Nicholas come out one more time?" I said yes and felt encouraged by Nicholas' performance and the coaches comments.

I was out of town for the second day of Nicholas' tryout and was worried that the little guy might get his heart broken twice. However, Nicholas did not fail to impress, and he was selected to play for the new club. Needless to say, my boy was ecstatic, and we celebrated with donuts from a nearby shop!

I do not take any credit for Nicholas making the team. I also do not feel as though I overstepped my bounds by inquiring about a tryout. In my mind, this was not helicopter parenting. Rather, I merely tried to create an opportunity for Nicholas to try to succeed. His success came down to him and him alone though.

We will rejoice in this moment - particularly after realizing how Nicholas learned two valuable lessons through this tryout process. He learned about dealing with life's disappointments and adversity. However, he also learned that resilience pays off and that sometimes one is given a second chance. Without loss, can one every truly appreciate victory? Without resilience, can one ever get up the nerve to try again? I think we know the answer to both those questions for my boy!

MESSI IS BACK WITH A HATTRICK!

Nicholas Alumkal
Portland, OR

The greatest player in the world was sidelined with a back injury for there weeks. However Lionel Messi made a statement Friday in his first game back against Panama whom the albiceleste (Argentina) beat 5-0.

The scoring started in the seventh minute with a diving header by defender Nicolas Otamendi . Things got worse for Panama as they went down to 10 men when Anibal Godoy got sent off at the 31st minute. Despite the sending off, the game was pretty even until Lionel Messi came on and changed the game very quickly.

Messi scored a hattrick in the space of 19 minutes, as the Argentinians marched away from Panamanians. At the 90th minute Kun Aguero put the final sprinkle on Panama's cookie with a powerful headed goal, Argentina's fifth, to end the game 5-0.

A SPECIAL GUEST

Last week the Copa America and European Championship tournaments started. To channel Nicholas' passion for soccer and his artistic creativity, I suggested he write short articles with accompanying illustrations. Nicholas thought about it and was a little hesitant because he viewed this as "work." However, he quickly agreed and said he thought it would be fun. Therefore, keep your eye out for 270's first guest blogger and chief soccer correspondent, Nicholas J. Alumkal!