Day five in Sweden was an early one for us girls. We woke up at 6:30 I believe and left to play another Swedish team for our B Flight playoffs. Skills and everything else wise we had the upper hand. The team was nothing special at all, however we somehow managed to tie the game 2-2 at the end of regulation time. Lucy and Brooke scored for us. Since the games need to move quickly we went straight into a shootout and no overtime. We ended up losing the shootout 1-2, with some great saves by Jordyn  and our only goal from Lydia. We were all very disappointed because we all knew we were a much better team. The bright side of losing was that our schedule for The rest of the trip was pretty much cleared. 

Since we had such an early game, by the time we were back some boys were just getting up and eating breakfast. The day before (I left out some key details) C2 had lost their first playoff game as well. They lost 1-3 with a goal from Pete. 

Also the day before the lovely C1 boys declared themselves the instigators of a prank war with the girls. After we had our terrible loss on Swedish national t.v. The boys thought it funny to string up our room, deflate our mattresses, and hang them from our lights. All this was right before curfew, knowing that we would want to come home and crash, so instead we spent the night plotting revenge and blowing up the nasty chalky mattresses. But back to day five, this created a great window for us girls to get revenge on the boys since they had an afternoon playoff game. So after the C1s left we took the privilege of getting into the boys room and doing damage lady hawk style.

After we had left the scene of the crime we went to cheer on the C1s even though they had trashed our room the night before. They played a well fought game against a ginormous German team. With some loud cheering, body paint, and hawk costumes (custom made by the C2s) we all thought the C1 boys would pull the win. Unfortunately on a controversial uncalled off sides goal, they lost 0-1. 

After the game us girls were feeling quite guilty for our acts and hoped the boys would not be too upset with what they had to come home to. Luckily their reactions were not what we thought and thus ended the prank war. After the game the girls split up some going to the disco and some shopping. The C2s however went to a European castle. The rest of the night was all very chill. With the ending of soccer for every team, some players joined in on the coaches match. USA vs. Everywhere else I think. So day five was the conclusion of soccer in Sweden for the Blackhawks.

-Kaia

The C2 Boys and girls teams are finished for the Gothia Cup tournament.  I did not see either of their games so this is just reporting the results. 

The C2 Boys played at 7:00 PM last night.  They lost to FoC Farsta 3-1. 

The Girls' team had teir game at 8:00 AM today.  They lost to SK Vard Haugesund 4-3. 

The C1 Boys play their first playoff game at 12:30 today.  I will be catching that game and will be able to provide more details.  Hopefully the other players will make it to the game to show their support. 

After taking yesterday off to be a tourist I am ready to report on the Gothia Cup activities as I know them. 

Although I missed both the C2 and Girls team games I do know that both teams lost yesterday.  The C2 boys game ended with a score of 3-1.  I was told that they played a good game and were not just in a defensive mode for the game. 

I did not get to see the C2 Boys play today as their game time was the same as the C1 Boys.  I was told that they lost today's game 14-0.  You can check the Gothia Cup website to comfirm any and all scores that I am providing. 

The C1 Boys took on Sweden at 10:50 AM.  After yesterday's win the boys were ready for another good game.  Based on Sweden's scores against Brazil (2-1) and England (1-0) we knew were a team that we could beat. 

The C1 boys came on strong in the first driving on the opponents net.  They had some good shots but nothing that really had a chance to go into the net.  The defense kept Sweden from even having any serious shots in the first half.  The first half ended with no score. 

With the teams being evenly matched the second half was a continuation of the first half with plenty of ball movement but no great shots.  Half way through the second half Paul received a great pass that allowed him to break past the defense.  He drove to the net pulling the goalie to his side.  He passed the ball and Joe did a perfect header of the ball into the goal.  It was the type of combo that we would like to see more often. 

This goal seemed to fire up the Swedish team.  They started to drive hard on the hawks net.  The defense stepped up and kept them out of the box area.  There was one tense moment where Sweden broke away to drive on our net.  Sam was able to block the kick through a great effort.  The game ended 1-0.

The C1 boys end the regular play with a 2-1-0 record.  Unfortunately there were 3 teams in their group with that record.  The deciding factor after that was goals for versus against.  Using this approach the boys finished 3rd in their group.  Their first playoff game is at 12:30 PM.  They will play a 4th place team that will be decided in a game at 7:00 PM tonight. 

For anyone who did not catch the girls game on Facebook, they came out ready to play.  At the start of the game it looked like the teams were evenly matched and the lady hawks would be able to score on Sweden.  They were able to drive the ball down the field well to within range of the opponent's net.  Unfortunately they could not get the shots at the net though.  Sweden was able to score in about the first 10 minutes of the game.  Then late in the first half Sweden did a break away to score a second goal.  If you saw the video then you know that the Sweden player was way offsides and the goal should not have counted.  However I am not the ref and therefore my opinion does not count.  (Interesting point on the Gothia Cup, the boy's games had line refs as well as the field ref.  The girls games only had a field ref.  Not sure why the girls games were not important enough to have 3 refs.). 

The first half ended with the In the second half the girls team seemed to take a more defensive position.  They did not move the ball across the mid-field line very many times.  Sweden was able to score 2 more goals in the second half.  The game ended with a score of 4-0. 

The C2 boys should be playing their first playoff game at 7:00 PM.  (I believe it would take 2 wins for the C2 boys and one win for the C1 boys for our 2 teams to match up.  I am not totally sure of this so check the B bracket playoff schedule to cofirm if I am right.)

Both Boys teams did come out to support the girls team for their last game.  There was a large and vocal support group for the lady hawks.  The boy's did get some body paint to spell out BLACKHAWKS.  I believe they probably showed up during the game video as the announcer directed his attention toward them at one point. 

That is enough about the games.  As we left the Girls game the C1 boys were given some free time to be on their own.  The C2 team should be getting ready for the next game tonight.  Not sure when the girls next game is so they may be preparing as well. 

Most of the players went the discoteque last night I was told.  We heard that it was fun.  However I do not think that i will be able to sneak and do any photos.  Security seems to be pretty tight which is good. 

Some of the players are talking about going back again tonight.  Beyond that I am not sure what else the players have planned. 

That covers everything that I know at this time.  I will add some more pictures later today. 

The C1 boys had their second game of the tournament.  They played Brazil in this match (not the Brazil team from the Dana Cup).  This Brazil team was not nearly as strong at the Dana Cup team that the boys played. 

The Boys started out strong driving on the net.  They had a good rhythm going with plenty of passing to move the ball.  They did tend to give it away as they got close to the net.  They had some good shots that either missed the net or went wide.  The first half ended with no score.  

In the second half the Blackhawks again took control of the ball and went to the opponents goal.  About 10 minutes into the second half Joe was able to take a shot on goal.  Even standing close to that end of the field I thought that the ball was above the cross bar.  The ball dropped in right below the cross bar giving the hawks a 1-0 lead.  They were able to hold off the Brazilians and win the game 1-0. 

All the C1 hawks played a really good game.  It needs to be noted that Sam had a really good game as well.  He kept Brazil from ever getting a goal and they had some good shots. 

Tomorrow the C1 team will face Sweden.  Sweden is currently leading the group so tomorrow's game is an important one. 

The girls team should now be done with their game.  Hopefully Kaia will give an update on their progress.  The C2 Boys should be close to finished with their second game.  Not sure if anyone is available to report on that game. 

I will be uploading pictures from the C1 game this morning. 

This is going to be a quick update as I am just now returning to the room (much later than anticipated). 

The kids seemed to enjoy the ferry ride to Gothenburg.  They found the game room and had fun with the pool tables, ping pong and mini golf set-up.  The ferry did roll some as we hit the open water.  I was unaware that any of the kids were affected but robin indicated that Dramamine (sp?) was needed. 

We were able to go to a bar/eatery last night to catch the US Womens soccer final.  The players were able to get dinner and enjoy the game.  Girls teams from Mankato and the Dakota Revs were also there.  It was a disappointment to see them lose on the shoot out. 

The C1 Boys started out the day with a game against Ascot United from England.  It proved to be more of a defensive game than an offensive game.  The boys lost 4-0.

The C2 boys also played a team from England.  They were able to mount a few offensive drives on the opponents goal but unable to get it into the net.  They were primarily playing a defensive game as well.  Their game ended in a loss 8-0. 

I am not sure where the team was from that the Girls played.  They started out in the first half primarily in their end of the field.  At the half they were down 3-0.  In the second half they were able to get the offense going and closed the socre to 3-2.  With a few minutes left the opponent had a corner kick.  One of the lady hawks was able to get their head on the ball but it unfortunately went into the net.  The game ended 4-2.

All is well otherwise.  The opening cermony was very good and the kids enjoyed the entertainment and fireworks. 

Pictures will be added of the ferry ride, games and ceremony as I get time to do so. 

Due to games schedules and locations I will not be able to report on all games over the next 2 days.  I will try to get others to provide posts on their games or at least give me some info to add to the site.