The first week back from break, the OVS soccer team had a game against Newbury Park. The team was still sluggish because of the three weeks we had off.

I had my own set of challenges coming into the game because I left my soccer gear at my house in Palm Springs. Luckily, Kai had an extra pair of black shorts, and my white socks could be stretched to cover my shin guards. The shorts were nearly pants in size, but they worked, and I was able to play.

The game was difficult. None of us was 100% there. In between plays, I talked to Kai, who said mentally he is still in Japan playing video games. I know I was mentally still in bed or on a couch watching TV.

Over the course of the game, we kept getting slower and slower. The runs became jogs, and the team’s energy wasn’t where it should be.

We ended up losing the game, but came back stronger and won our next two games.

P.C. Google