Olympic Development
Program Girls Teams Abroad
Click here to read the stories about the trip to Costa Rica.
Click here to read the stories about the trip to Europe.
Click here to read the stories about the trip to Brazil.
News from Costa Rica
We then proceeded to a really cool nature reserve where we met the
other teams and had a welcome ceremony. All in good fun, the different
countries, then a “dance pit” where the USA was obliviously
victorious. Now we tuck ourselves in to get ready to play Chile tomorrow.
The game with Chile ended in a 1-1 tie.
Laura Gagnon (Michigan)
Today we played Chile. It was very hot and high humidity. It was such a
different atmosphere. The language barrier and style of play was so different
from home. I know that the ref is always against you. The world cup walk
out was also a fun way to start. After the game we exchanged banners
and pins and took lots of pictures with Chile. We watched Panama play
Region IV, it was an intense game. Later at night we went to a professional
game and that was really neat! All the fans were really into it, singing
songs and everything. When we were leaving a lot of us bought a Jersey
for only $8.00! By the end of the day we were all exhausted and right
to go sleep.
 Dan Dalyrmple (Ohio South)
Today we woke up to the challenge of playing Chile. It was our first game
together for this event. When we got to the fields it was hot and humid.
It was the hottest weather I have ever played in! Chile was very aggressive
and had good ball skills. We ended up with a tie. After the game we watched
Region IV play Panama. That was an exciting game and panama ended up
winning 1-0. Later that night we went to a professional game and watched
two Costa Rican teams play, Saprissa vs. Puntarenas. It was a fun game
to watch and the fans were crazy and constantly chanting. Once we got
home it was time to rest up for our big game with Mexico.
The Region II ODP team lost to Mexico 4-1
Erin Dees ( Illinois)
We dragged ourselves out of bed for breakfast that was at 7:15. Then, after
a quick briefing about today’s game we left for the field. When
we sat down to put on our shoes we realized we were sitting on a giant
ant hill. After that scare we warmed up, that did not take very long
as it was really hot. Due to some illness on our team was not 100%, but
we played through it. After going down 3-0 in the first half we fought
back in the second scoring one goal forcing them back on their heels
the entire half. Even though we did not get the result we wanted it was
a great learning experience. In the afternoon we packed for the next
day which will be in the rainforest. Then we went for a culture night
with Chile, Panama, Mexico and Costa Rica. Then we came back to the hotel
and crashed.
News from Europe
-
Arriving in England
 The
Midwest Region II Girls Olympic Development Program 1991 / 1992 combined
team has arrived in England. The group arrived in country safe and sound
after a long travel day. Many in the travel party were surprised to see
heavily armed security personnel in the airport. As is often the case
luggage wasdelayed and items were left on the plane.
The
Region II team then traveled to meet with the Arsenal Academy team members
where the players were mixed together to form 6 teams of 6 plus a goal
keeper. The teams then found out how much they all love to play, Head
Coach Janet Rayfield asked the girls about the experience. The Region
II players were at first concerned about the Arsenal players, Kelsey
Kassab (MI) initially thought the girls from Arsenal were huge.
The players discovered
the Arsenal Academy players played with a style that was to be considered
an art form.
The trip continued on to Bristol where the Region II players
were able to watch the Arsenal women’s team play, it was a very
cold with winds around 30 MPH and rain. The pace of the game was slow
but the girls enjoyed the experience from the covered grandstand. The
team then took the two hour trip back to the hotel where they went to
sleep with thoughts of sightseeing and shopping in London.
- Day 4 - Beckham Day
 Breakfast was served at 8:30 am and
after boarding the bus for shopping in London, we were off. We arrived to watch the changing of the guards
march into Buckingham Palace. During which it hailed, snowed and then the
sun came out. We proceeded on a long walk through London seeing
the parliament building, Big Ben and Westminster Abby, just to name a few.
We ended in the theatre district and split the group up for shopping. Some
whet to Piccadilly Circus while others went to Covenant Gardens. Once back
together to board bus, I think everyone had a great time.
We arrived at the hotel and had a little over an hour to rest before our
4:30 pre game meal and headed for our games.
As we drove up, this building complex was awesome. Once we entered we knew
we were in a world where soccer was truly the loved sport. We toured the
interactive staging area where they had soccer foosball, soccer x box games,
and picture taking areas etc. Of course the girls could not stay away from
the HUGH posters of Beckham, each taking turns standing next to him and
having their picture taken. Our guide escorted us to the locker rooms where
the girls got changed and ready for their match.
We split our group into 2 teams, playing side by side games. Mike Moynihan
coached one team and won 3-1 against the U-17 Arsenal team with goals scored
by Kelsey Kassab MI, assist by Megan Fuller IA; Vanessa DiBernardo
IL, assist by Heather Marik IL; and Kori Chapic OH, assist by Kelsey Kassab
MI. Brad Evans team won 1-0 against Charlton with goal scored by Chelsea
Peterson with the assist by Niki Read. The only drawback to the facility
was that there was no heat inside the playing field area so it was at least
32 degrees inside if not below. We loaded and headed back to the
hotel for a good nights rest. Tomorrow is transfer to Paris day.
- Day 5 - Transfer Day
 We were up and down stairs to load
the bus and have breakfast at 7:30 am. No bus. We all went to eat. At 8:30
I had a grand idea to call the bus company. Our bus was stuck in traffic.
At 8:50 it finally arrived. The girls were excited because it was a double
decker bus. We loaded and headed to Dover for our transfer to France. All
of the girls sat up top “to
watch the view” however; we found them asleep shortly after we left.
We
arrived at the ferry and transferred our baggage and waited. Since it was
gale force winds, raining and cold, the ferry was behind schedule. After
an hour delay, we boarded. The girls were excited as the inside was grand
and the view was spectacular. After departure, some girls went to the observation
deck for the view and many slept. A few played cards and a couple even
built a house out of cards. It was a slow ride due to winds but arrived
to the Calais side 3 hours behind schedule. We meet up with Bernd, our
guide, and headed to Paris!!! The girls were alive during this leg of our
trip but were very tired as we arrived at the hotel. Once checked in, we
all called it a night.
- Day 6 - Paris and Game Day
 We arose at 8 am for breakfast
which consisted of bread, croissant, ham, cheese, cereals/milk, hard boiled
eggs, coffee and juice. Mike met with his team from Monday night’s game and Brad met with his team. Then
together they discussed today’s matches. We then loaded up for a
bus sightseeing tour of Paris, quick shopping and lunch. Some went to see
the Church of the Sacred Heart while other shopped. We took a team picture
at the “photo” spot for the Eiffel Tower.
We loaded and headed
to Compiegn to play our first game at 3:30. On the road it hailed, snowed
and rained. We all hope it quits when the games starts. Once arrived, Brad
took his team into the locker room for a quick chat and then to the field.
We won 2-0 with goals scored by Vanessa DiBernardo, IL and assisted by
Amber Fry, IL; and Victoria Bailey, MI, assisted by Kayla Mannino, MI.
After the game we were served sandwiches and headed to our next game against
Region Picardie.
The game field was moved to our in the country so it was
a bit further out but the sunset was beautiful. Mikes team had a quick
talk and took the field. This is a Division I team in France, and older
then our team but our girls held their own. The first goal was an own goal
off a throw in from Fatima Nassar, MI which was collected by the other
team, back passed to their keeper who missed it and it rolled in the net!
Our second goal was unassisted by Niki Read, MI. Region Picardie team scored
once so game ended US 2 them 1. We each received our own pizza after the
game then headed to the bus for a 2 hour trip to the hotel.
- Castle de Chamborn and the "Great
American Region II Race"
Thursday was a very long day for us all. We loaded the bus and headed out
for the day. We had lunch on our way to the Castle de Chamborn located in
wine country. What a breath taking experience! You will have to ask your
daughters about "the black coats". (a nickname we did not want)
All ended up okay-just a  learning experience...the hard way. The castle is
over 600 years old and has 440 rooms and 365 fireplaces. (no bathrooms which
is another story). Along the way, there were several gypsy camps that brought
back memories of the old song "Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves".
We
proceeded to our games against Tours Futbol club. This complex was awesome
and we got to play on a brand new artificial turf field. The first game was
against their reserve team which we beat 8-0 (I think). I lost track after
6 and was tending to an injury. The second game we lost to the full Tours
Women’s team 2-0. (We split our teams evenly and the girls learned
a lot from that experience). We then had sandwiches with the French team
and the staff had to share a champaign toast with their staff. Then we were
off for a long trip to the hotel.
Friday we had a free day. We took the girls
on the subway to the Eiffel Tower (raining and cold) then back on the subway
to Notre Dame. We instructed the girls on shopping and sites and challenged
them to the "Great American Region II Race" to the hotel. Bernd
gave each a subway ticket, a map and directions to the hotel. We wanted to
see if they could make it back on their own by 6:30 and which group chose
which route. (little did they know, it wasn't but a mile to the hotel) It
was a great experience for them.
I arrived back at the hotel first to wait
and see. First group of three arrived back at 5:15 they chose to walk. They
said it was the best time they had ever had. Shopped the whole way back!
(After seeing what they bought, I should have been with them). A couple of
groups braved it a rode the subway, (the last group turned right, instead
of left, and walked another 45 minutes, but finally found the hotel, that
was a laugh) and another group took a taxi.
We had a nice sit down dinner
that consisted of salad, turkey with mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes and
an apple torte. Today is our long travel day home. I hope the girls have
enjoyed this soccer trip and hope they value their time here and friendships
they have made.
News from Brazil
- Arriving in Brazil
The
Midwest Region II Girls Olympic Development (ODP) teams arrived in Brazil
after several travel delays. The late winter storm that hit the east coast
last week caused a myriad of travel problems for the group. Upon arrival
in Rio the girls had two scheduled. The first match involved a mixed age
team coaches by Coach Lori Walker. The Region II girls shook off the travel
issues and defeated their opponent by a 4-1 score. Paige Maxwell (OHN) scored
three goals and Nicole Lipp (IL) scored the last. Casey Short (IL), Leah
Fortune (IL) and Julie Ewing (IL) provided assists.
The second game was again composed of a mix of players and was coached by Corbin
Stone. Daniel Toney (MI) scored three goals, Whitney Sharpe (IA) scored two and
Emilie Huser (IN) found the net with the last goal to give the team a 6-1 victory.
Jordyn Perdue (OHS), Emily Esbrook (MI) and Huser all had assists.
The players can begin the exploration of Brazil with scheduled visits and sightseeing
to Copacabana Beach, Mt. Corcovado and Maracana Stadium.
- Read what the girls have to say about Brazil by clicking
here.
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Katie Nosenberry (Illinois)