March 24, 2008

Our last day began very much like Thursday...with rain. Since our final game in Sao Sebastio was not scheduled until 4:00pm, many of us had plans for a fun morning. Some wanted a few more hours on the beach to ensure a nice tan upon our return, while others were eager to try out the 80-meter zip line set up through the thriving Brazilian wildlife located in the backside of the Hotel Tambaya resort. Unfortunately, though, the rain did not allow for either of those. On the bright side, this provided our entire team the opportunity to catch up on a little more sleep before leaving for the game. And after playing four games already in only an 8-day visit, we definitely enjoyed the extra rest.

Following lunch and packing for our return to Mason, it was refreshing for everyone to listen to all four of our coaches say a few words recapping the many positive aspects of our trip. It certainly made us reflect on how thankful we were for this opportunity to travel to another country, not to mention, it got everyone excited to play our last game!

After running through a quick dynamic warm-up indoors (because of the rain) before the game, we took part in a Sao Sebastio ceremony for the game (or two mini-games, as we played a different Sao Sebastio team each 35-minute half). Once listening to what seemed like ten minutes of anthems, including our own national anthem, Brazil's national anthem, and Sao Sebastio's anthem, it was very flattering for the team to learn we were part of such an important event for the city. After all, our game was the first international sports match to ever be played in Sao Sebastio, as well as being part of its 372nd anniversary celebration.

The two 35-minute games each went extremely well, even through all the wetness the rain brought. The first ended with a 4-0 win by Mason with a hatrick by sophomore Kelly Keelan and a goal from sophomore Theresa DeLucca. The second resulted with a 2-1 win by the team with goals from junior Jessica Paris and sophomore Annie Lebherz. Despite the fact that a third of the field was literally underwater with puddles all over from the nonstop rain, we still thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Plus everyone on the team received a Sao Sebastio jersey and plaque as we exchanged Mason jerseys with our opponents at the end of the game.

As we are currently in route to our final hotel in Brazil located close to the Sao Paulo airport, I would like to reflect for a moment on this trip overall. First and foremost, I cannot express how fortunate my teammates and I feel to have taken part in this incredible cultural experience. Having been immersed in a lifestyle that whole-heartedly devotes itself to the sport of soccer, we have truly been able to embrace our own passion for the game. In essence, we have finally realized that the reason we make countless sacrifices day in, day out, and dedicate so much of our lives to soccer, is simply because we genuinely love to play the game. Without a doubt, holding onto this enthusiasm will unquestionably be very beneficial to our future success as a team.

Kimmy Moss