Yes. I cannot believe in it either. BISS cancelled the match because the pollution levels were above 200. Well, it was between 200-210 and sincerely this was brought up at the AD (Athletic Director) meeting of all schools. The regulation that was agreed upon was that if the pollution levels where between 200-300, we would play a modified game, where we play 4 quarters of 15 minutes and when we have the break, we would go inside. Me and the team were extremely upset by that. We wanted to play. We invited colleagues and parents to watch but the match was cancelled 1:30PM. Ironically at 4:15, the time of the match, the pollution level was 195. Anyway, we decided to have a scrimmage between our own team. And I can say it was extremely productive.

I divided the teams: one was Bella, Greta and Phoebe, Alice, Inês and Kyra with Franziska as striker. The other was Mikayla, Tehillah, Emma, Suh-Young, Alva, Sinead, and Hailey as striker. With some minor modifications, we played the modified format (4 quarters of 15 minutes) and I can say that both teams played really well. Inês played wonderfully well as center midfield, distributing well the game whenever her team was attacking. Franziska more and more is tuning her “killer” instinct in the box, scoring nice goals. Praises also to Greta and Phoebe, that worked really well defending. Alice showed once more stamina and good ball control. Unfortunately it was not her day. Her knees were hurting a little so she left the field for a while to rest and then by the end of practice a ball hit her jaw. Oh boy, it was painful.

I did a rotation on center midfield to test different players. Suh-Young, Sinead and Alva played on that position but I still not sure who would be the best there. For now, Inês and Franziska are solid on that spot but I prefer Franziska as striker. She imposes respect from the defenders of the other team. As a matter of a fact Tehillah did an amazing job tagging along with Franziska, reducing as much as possible her space. Sinead still shows an unbelievable stamina, running for the 60 minutes and also kudos for her trapping. There were two high balls that she trapped like a ninja master. Now she needs to practice the dribbling part. Lastly, goalies we are extremely well served with Bella and Mikayla. Both are really good but I’ve noticed that Bella was not still fully recovered from last Tuesday. I am sure next week she will be 100%. I would also like to thank Elliot for his help whenever a player had to leave the field. Merci, mon ami! Also, Bienvenue Emma! Joining the squad and helping us a lot!

Our match against BISS Puxi was rescheduled to next Thursday (27). Spread the word and let’s play with the same spirit we showed today!