Day 9 Preseason Game Day

Pre Game
The first scrimmage of the Fall season is finally here. A very light session this morning going over some final details for the game was followed by our pre game meal at the F Street Bistro.  I felt a quietness within the group maybe some pregame nerves, guys already looking ahead to kick off but either way everyone seems ready.  The weather is great so hopefully we will get some fans out to enjoy the game.  For me its a very anxious day asking myself questions that I know the answers to but still asking.  Questions that made me want to become a coach, the attention to detail, making sure the little things are taken care, making sure the players are ready and know the game plan, helping them develop and know their roles within the team.  I'm probably writing this now as its killing some time before the game and takes my mind off it, a little bit at least.

Post Game
After Lehigh got stuck in traffic the pregame warm up was thrown into disarray. A lack of communication as to where they were exactly moved our kick off time three times but as I told the players we couldn't let it effect our preparations and to stay focused.  With the game finally started 45 minutes late the players were finally playing in their new GW Nike White Uniforms.  Careful as to the number of minutes we wanted certain individuals to play we stuck with the game plan and everyone who was 100% fit was given a good run out.  As I said in my post game interview http://telly.com/STQKI we kept the ball very well at times and other times we gave it away too cheaply which I expected in our first game as not everything is going to be in sync yet.  Our new players showed some early nerves but settled quickly and embraced their first college game.

Then it HAPPENED!! after a good build up we turned over possession and it looked like the attack was over.  Khan won the ball back and from 45yards (okay, 25yards) one bounce, one shot, one goal!  A great strike and a if that was in a pro league would definitely have made the sports center highlight reel.  Luckily for us we have twitter and our GW Mens Soccer Website and thanks to our GW athletics communication and marketing staff who happened to be filming at the time you can see it online.  Khan would try his luck from distance again in the second half only to be denied by the crossbar with another great strike.

The game finished 1-0 and proved a good work out for the players and staff as we get back to work tomorrow in preparation for our game Saturday against #23 Old Dominion.

Magic Moment of the Day:
No surprises, KHAN's Goal!!