Sparta and Pioneer Cup

At the end of soccer season last year, Mike and I decided that we needed to find a soccer team for Brayden that challenged him a little bit more. We were both a little indecisive about what to do since he is still a little young. We didn't know if it was too early to get him into the competition aspect of the game. Mike grew up playing for a team called Sparta but they play on the east side. He said that if he was going to play he would prefer for him to play for this team as well. I knew it would be a HUGE time commitment and didn't know if we (I) were ready for that. We checked out a few options on this side of the valley but weren't overly impressed, I think Mike was just biased for his team. So in the end Mike won out, Brayden tried out for the team, and that is what we have been doing with our time for the past month. It has been a big time commitment not too mention gas expense getting him to practice 3 times a week, but over all I am glad we decided to do it. He is having a great time, he has a great coach, and a GREAT team!

We had to keep the family tradition...... (Mike is going to love that I posted this picture!)

Like father, like son

On the 24th of July the boys played in their first tournament The Pioneer Cup up in Layton. They played 2 games on the 24th and then they played in the semi-finals on the 25th. Since Brayden's age group doesn't really compete they were entered in the 9 year old age division, considering they were playing kids 2 years older then them, they did awesome! They lost their first game 3-1. They won their second game 1-0. And then they lost in the semi final game. They ended the game tied 1-1 and then took it into double over time and then ended the game in a shoot out. It was funny seeing these little kids play at such an intense level. I forget watching them that they are only 7. Brayden was really upset with himself because he had a chance to shoot in the shoot out, he kicked the ball before the whistle was blown and he made it, but it didn't count. So then he kicked again but then missed. It wasn't his fault that they lost though, other's missed as well. Overall they played so good.

Here is Brayden with some of his buddies in between the games. It was so hot! We had to take advantage of the shade when we could.

This was Brayden's first real experience with goalies, a referee, having to check in for the game (he even had to use his game card.) He was so excited, you would have thought he was playing for the MLS. Kade loves watching his big brother play, problem is he wants to be in the middle of it all!