Schultz Party of Four

When we arrived it was sunny and windy and glorious. Winter, at long last, had been defeated - now on to the next victory... or not. Though they don't keep score in this very recreational league, it became abundantly clear in the first five minutes that our team of mosty 3 to 5 year olds was being stomped by the 5 and 6 year olds they were up against.
x
Carolyn started as keeper (look at me with the soccer terms, pretty soon I'll get a mini-van and perm and you can officially dub me "Soccer Mom"). She did outstanding, blocking several attempts on goal, looking very serious and seriously adorable at the same time.
x
In the remainder of the quarters she was out on the field, usually giving it her all... so long as she wasn't distracted by the sidelines, a butterfly, or chatting with a fellow-player. She has speed on her side - she can even keep up with the big boys and she fearlessly got in the middle of several battles for the ball. A couple of times she got away with the ball and headed for the goal, dribbling well and attempting a shot (kind of, I mean she's five, so this is all a bit inflated...let's be real). But overall I was totally impressed and proud of my petite soccer star.
x
Which leads to our little Number One (who is actually our number two by birth but quite proud of the back of her shirt...and don't you forget it), who stood frozen at center field for a good three to four minutes as the team rushed back and forth past her.
x
That is, until the pressure was too great and I went to the sidelines to ask "Julia, what's wrong - go get the ball!" Which caused hysterical sobbing and running from the field to the bleachers into my arms for a good two solid quarters. When we finally got her to explain why she was so upset we heard "Cause I don't know anybody." Fair enough.
x
By the fourth quarter she agreed to kick the ball with Grandpa, and they worked on dribbling a bit before she hurried over for the team snack and shaking of hands with a bunch of strangers.