On the mend

Our depth has really been tested this season.  Just last week, we put our third player on Injured Reserve.  Like Suzie and Carlos, Anna is out until spring.  She has undergone surgery by Dr. John Klimkeiwicz of Georgetown, for all intents and purposes, the team orthopedist.  The doc repaired severely torn cartilage, which caused pain and lack of mobility for more than 2 years.

This was much-needed scheduled surgery, and wow, we owe Anna a debt of gratitude for intentionally planning it around the regular season.  She wanted to give us a boost into the playoffs and help the team.  What a teammate!  That's way beyond the call of duty.

And what a player too!  Let's get back to this torn cartilage thing.  One would think that tearing the cartilage from the bone would render a player useless on the field.  Not with this player.  She's been solid this season, scoring 5 goals and contributing one assist.  Those are pretty big numbers for an 8-game season - actually 7 games because one game was a forfeit win.  We have so much confidence in her as an outlet on the pitch.  She has a good work rate as a striker and makes the people around her better.  She's also the most successful female offensive player in club history, scoring more points than any other woman.  I would have to look it up, but I would estimate that she's contributed about 25 goals (not to mention saving about that many as keeper).  By way of comparison, Jozy Altidore has probably scored about 15 goals since moving to various clubs in Europe 3 years ago - and he has the opportunity to play up to 30 games a year versus our 16.

Anna, on behalf of your teammates, we can't wait for you to fully recuperate and come back!  Get well.

Injury report [updated]

Wow, we're as banged up as we've ever been in terms of numbers.

For this week:

Pete - O
Chris D. - O
Heather - Q
Ashley - P
Chris N. - P
Ermy - P
Adrian - P
Carlos - P
Alec - P (but not available)

Ermy moves to the DL; injuries taking a toll

We must finalize our roster this week. The major things we have to consider are how to temporarily fill spaces due to injuries. Take a look at the injury report:

Meg is off this season to get healthy (ankle).

Ermy is doubtful for the rest of the season (ankle). We will probably add his brother, Percy, as a reserve to help cover us.

Katya is out, but expected to return in a few weeks (stress fracture). Can't keep her down.

Get healthy folks!

Spirits lifted by late-game heroics

Short report this week. Sunday's game was ugly and costly. Suffice it to say that our spirits were lifted by two late goals following a tense break in the action due to the injury of our teammate, Heather. Heather and I left the field to attend to the injury and apparently you all kicked it in gear to rally for the tie. I can report that our tough winger is doing better and planning to make a full recovery as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, we wish her the very best!

Kudos to the Diplomats for their sportsmanship during the entire game and afterwards.

Have anything to add? Fill in the details of the comeback for the Goleros nation.

Notes: 3-3 tie versus The Diplomats, 10/12/08, GW Mount Vernon. Each team had an own goal. Goals: own goal by Diplomats in 20’, Chip (Ermy) in the 70', Jon (Anna) in the 80'. GK: Alec.

The Ice Bucket

I'm in rehab - but not the kind in which celebrities and politicians enroll.  I'm in PT to get back out on the field with you all.  My PT recommended the "ice bucket," something I had seen but never done. 

It ain't like an ice pack.  Apparently, it's a more aggressive treatment to help speed up recovery. Let me tell you it's f-ing cold.  I have literally frozen my toes several times.

All in all, it's going well though.  A lot of progress in one week.

BTW, this is not a photo of me.  I don't do cut off jeans.

Safety first!

Anna, who is being called up this weekend from our reserves, got into a bike crash this week. Apparently, she slammed into an SUV. Knowing how tough she is, my first thought was, was the SUV damaged?

We're just glad she's OK - and ready to play.

Anna, see you at the game.

Full recovery

Griz recently came off the DL to play 3 games in the Coed Classic. He appeared to be pretty darn close to 100%, getting plenty of time at right wing and stopper.

Recall that Griz took one for the team when he played the last stretch of the Spring quarterfinals in goal. Towards the game, on one of the few plays in which the Red Devils threatened, Griz came off his line and met the Red Devils striker at the 12' in a collision. He made the stop but suffered at least 2 broken ribs. He drove straight from the field to the hospital. 1 x-ray and several perkoset later, he began his recovery. Mary was not very happy with me.

Griz has declared his intention never to return to GK. For now, we'll accept that!

Next week, Griz and family are off on vacation. Have fun!