On Friday the group traveled north to a coastal Portuguese city called Lagos. This seaside town contained cobblestone streets and city squares that provided a great setting for sightseeing and shopping. The city limits extend all the way to picturesque cliffs that dominate the coastline and provided some great photo opportunities for the kids at sunset.
Saturday saw us enter the city of Sevilla, the first metropolis we had been to. CD Don Bosco hosted us at their facility, which was surrounded by large buildings and provided a great setting for a game. Adding to the exciting atmosphere were the covered bleachers which echoed the chants and songs of the Spanish supporters. Don Bosco was a talented team that played a split '95 and '96 squad (1st half vs '95's and 2nd half vs '96's). The '95's lost 2-0 but were very competitive and the '96's drew 0-0, an admirable feat considering the age and size differential of Don Bosco.
After some mingling with our Spanish counterparts, the 2 teams had to leave to travel to different locations for their second match. The '95's played La Isla Cristiana U17 team which ended with an 8-0 loss. Being that Sunday is a travel day, the staff knew this would be a great test of character and fortitude and a lesson to take home that would ultimately add to each player's development. The '96's were in the same boat a few hours away playing Niebla. Although going 1-0 up, the older boys proved too much for VA and they ultimately lost 6-1. Once again, an experience in which many lessons can be learned.
After a hard fought day on the pitch, the boys met back up in Sevilla for a nationally televised La Liga match between Sevilla and Tenerife. The stadium is located right downtown and the walk from the bus to the stadium was awe inspiring as supporters proudly donned their scarves and jerseys. Our group sat just above the Cruzcampo sign and had an elevated view of Sevilla's 3-0 win. All 3 goals were deftly finished, with the last being a direct kick from the top of the box that would have made Sportscenter's top ten. After some time in the stadium shop to purchase Sevillia memoriabilia, the group returned to Punta Umbria for our last night before transferring to Marbella.
Look for at least one more update as we begin to wind down our European adventure.
Steve Danbusky