Dorm 1B had already planted its flag in the ground by the time I arrived at the Herbert W. Armstrong College soccer field on Friday afternoon, July 14. Literally. Tied to a thick stick, the orange flag fluttered in the wind. The boys lounged underneath a large tent at midfield, changing into their soccer cleats and listening to the preferred musical selections of the soccer staff.
As the Rocky theme song played, I recommended the Rocky IV theme song “Burning Heart,” the U.S.-versus-Russia tune that ignites the pistons of patriotism inside any true American. Assistant instructors Warren Reinsch, Emma Wilson, and Rachel Culpepper offered a less-than-enthusiastic response to my suggestion, which I only partially understand, given that Miss Wilson is a Canadian.
As 1B and their opponent, the gray boys of 4B, warmed up on the field, Miss Wilson told me about her gruesome knee injury a few months ago during the intramural basketball season on campus. In retaliation, I regaled her with the story of my only injury, a separated shoulder five years ago on that very field in the final seconds of a soccer contest during physical education class. I proclaimed with certainty that soccer is more dangerous than basketball. Fun, respectful Canadian banter.
As 1B took practice shots on goal, their confidence bordered on hubris. They were quick to let me know about their 3-0 record in soccer matches during Philadelphia Youth Camp. Counselor Adiel Granados led the team in a booming chant, “Ignite the fire within!” made louder, perhaps, by the presence of their sister dorm behind their goal, running sprints in preparation for the track and field meet on Sunday. This was neither the first nor the last fire-related pun from 1B, even though none of the campers I asked had any clue as to the significance of these references.
The game remained deadlocked until halftime, with neither team establishing a persistent presence in the attacking end. With Mr. Granados anchoring the 1B defense, they quickly thwarted every 4B possession in their half of the field.
“How do you feel?” Mr. Granados asked 1B during the water break. “Hot? Isn’t that needed for fire?”
The young men of 1B were full of ideas to implement in the second half. Dustin mentioned that short, quick, smart passes would break through the 4B defensive line. Gabriel reminded his teammates not to panic when handling the ball and being rushed by an opponent. Dustin chimed in again to urge everyone to kick the ball deep to the speedy Mitchell in hopes of a breakaway chance on goal.
Dorm 1B dominated the entire second half, immediately forcing two saves by the opposing goaltender and attempting shot after shot thereafter, including a Mitchell missile just high and to the right on an ambitious shot from distance. Despite chance after chance, perpetually hemming 4B inside their own end, 1B never could break through with a game-winning goal.
“I think we had a lot of great opportunities,” forward Jude said, “but 4B stacked up a lot of their good players on defense, so it was hard to get a shot through.”
The contest ended in a tie and did not go to a shootout to determine a winner. This didn’t surprise me since soccer instructor Anthony Chibarirwe is from Zimbabwe, and only Americans hate ties. Still, 1B proved prolific and maintained its undefeated record.