Relative Something

Oh. My. Gosh. Yesterday’s Olympic soccer match between the US and Canadian women was an incredible competition. Tightly contested, very physical, and subject to some uncharacteristic officiating. I completely empathize with the frustration and anger of the Canadian team and fans. The Canadian goalie being called for taking too much time was a real surprise.

Both teams kept working and getting chances, all the way to the end. It seems to me that the ball could have gone in for either team. The fact that Alex Morgan succeeded at the late, late moment of extra time, already past the 30-minute overtime, was… pick your superlative adjective: remarkable; outstanding; incredible; extraordinary; exceptional; astounding; sensational; unbelievable; amazing; momentous! Or, from another perspective: heartbreaking.

I will savor the moment of Morgan’s touch with her head, and the absolutely perfect arc of the ball, beyond the reach of the Canadian Keeper, into the net. I look forward to the Gold medal match with mixed emotions. My nerves fray at the incredible tension of high stakes soccer matches when US teams are involved, but it is really a thrill to be watching the US team play in the Gold medal game.

I’m going to need to take Thursday afternoon off from work! I hope the US team is able to make it worth my time. I wouldn’t mind if they found a way to not have it come down to the last minute… especially, if they do so by having a lead.