This may be my last entry for the trip unless I find something to write about for tomorrow.  All 3 Blackhawks' teams are out of the playoffs. 

First, I did learn that the girls' game finished with the score tied at 2-2.  They had to go to penalty kicks.  As stated before they lost the game 4-3. 

Both of the nother teams came out to support the C1 boys in their playoff game.  Some of the C2 boys made costumes to look like Blackhawks.  The girls did the BLACKHAWKS on their stomachs.  Unfortunately this distraction technique did not help.

The C1 boys were the better team on the field.  They handled the ball well and kept it in Germany's end of the field for most of the game.  They just could not capitalize on their better skills and drive the ball into the net.  Mike Zalk indicated that they really only took 2 serious shots on the opponents' goal.  They did have a penalty insode the box.  The PK rebounded off of the post for no score. 

The Germany team was able to do 3 or 4 break aways around the defense during the whole game.  It was one of these break away runs that they got past Sam for a goal.  The game ended 1-0.  There were some very subdued players after that game.  They knew they were the better team and let it get away from them. 

The kids are now being tourists and enjoying the city some.  Today is another nice day for them to be out roaming.  Tomorrow is supposed to be heavy rain all day.  Not sure waht they will do if that is the case.  However it was supposed to rain most of the week and that did not happen.  So we will wait to see what tomorrow brings.  We get on a bus at 2 AM on Saturday to begin our trek home. 

Until we arrive home I believe this will be my last report..............................

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. 

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. 

It was a good day for the players.  All three teams decided to go up there for the day.  Please check a map of Denmark and you will see that it is the northern most point in Denmark.

The C1 and C2 teams arrived there around 12:30 PM.  The Girls team joined us later (around 2 PM).  The boys immediately wanted to go to the beach since it was such a nice day.  Since the bus schedule was not clear the C1 team had a nice walk to the beach.  The C2 team decided to wait for the bus.  They were gracious and waved to us as they passed by on the bus. 

Once at the beach I was distracted for a while checking out the old German bunkers that are still in place.  I was fascinated that they were still there and in relatively good condition.  After getting some photos I did catch up with the boys.  They were at the point enjoying the water.

Because I had delayed in getting to the point most of them were coming out of the water stating that they were cold.  I only went in up to my knees for some pictures but I will agree the water was cold.  I did manage to get pictures of some of the C2 boys as they came out of the water.

The boys then moved down the beach to a large rock in the water.  The kids had fun jumping into the sea from the rock.  this is about the time that the girls team caught up with us. 

At this point there was some splitting into groups.  Some of the girls wanted to walk up to the point.  Others chose to hang out with the boys on the beach.  They also chose to bury each other in the sand.  A few brave ones went for the cold water and jumped off the rock. 

After spending most of the afternoon we did head back into Skagen.  The players had around 1.5 hours to walk around, shop find food or just have fun hanging out together.  We did catch the 6:50 PM train back to Frederikshavn. 

We catch the ferry at 2:30 PM tomorrow to go the Sweden.  It is a 3-4 hour ferry ride.  Bo will meet us in Sweden to help us get checked in for the tournament.  The teams will be back into soccer mode with games on Monday. 

I am not sure what my internet access will be like in Sweden.  It may take more effort on my part to communicate.  Until I can see what the situation is just be prepared for the possibility of less frequent communications. 

I have plenty of pictures of the players having fun in Skagen.  I will try to upload these to the site tonight. 

As another day comes to close I will throw out some tidbits that I was told today.

The coaches game did happen yesterday.  It was Europe versus the World.  Jamie, Matt, Zach, Avery and Jonah did participate in the game (through the rain).  I was told that the World kicked Europe's butt.  I believe the final score was 2-1 with the Europe goal coming late in the game.  I was told that the World team had some very strong players from Africa and Central/South America. 

I heard that a lot of players went to catch the last Harry Potter movie yesterday afternoon.  At least they were able to take some time away from the tournament and have some fun (not that soccer isn't fun). 

I was told that the players are planning on the Discoteque again tonight.  The boys have been requested to accompany members of the girls team to keep them from being "harrassed" by the foreign players. 

With that I am out of things to add.  Have a good evening.