Day Three – Thursday, July 13
The focus of the first few days here involved training, mixed with various tours and the boys getting accustomed to the German culture as well as the time differences. The team looked great in training and was ready for their first live action against the Northern Bavarian ODP Team.

 

International Friendly – Northern Bavarian ODP 
The level of detail the Germans put into the pre-game ceremony was impressive. They announced the lineups and the teams exchanged gifts at midfield. The small town we were in was of only about 7,000 but I would say at least 1,000 came out to watch he match.

 

I felt we had the better of the play throughout the game. The score was tied at 1-1 at halftime but we gave up some questionable goals in the second half and lost 3-2. The team looked good for their first official match together. The 88’s did have the better players but the Bavarian’s were the better team that day.

 

Immediately after the match the boys were again taken back by the level of German hospitality. The town and the team had prepared a cookout of steak and potato diner. The two teams ate together and continued to build intercultural friendships.

 

Day Four – Friday, July 14
The team had another training session the following morning followed by a day of travel. We took a train from Frankfurt to Rieneck. When we arrived SV Rieneck, a German Club Team and our host for the next few days, were there to greet us. The rest of the day was spent checking into our rooms.

 

Day Five – Saturday, July 15
The morning started with breakfast and a light training session. Lunch was at Gasthaus zum Hannickel. Then the boys boarded a bus to Karlsburg.

 

International Friendly – TSV Karlsburg
The team we played from TSV Karlsburg was made up of semi-professional players. They seemed much older and stronger than our U16 boys. It was a good test for them and they more than held their own. The officiating was questionable at best and the home team was awarded several phantom calls including a penalty kick that unfortunately decided the game.

 

The score at half was again 1-1. The penalty kick came in the second half to make it 2-1 Karlsburg, but our boys played extremely well under the conditions.

 

Day Six – Sunday, July 16
For the second day in a row we were served breakfast at SV Rieneck and held a light training session. We returned for lunch before a community men’s team traveled to play us at SV Rieneck’s home stadium.

 

International Friendly – Local Community All-Star Team
The 88’s seemed out to prove something this day as they took the field against a team made up of local all-stars. Kyle Montgomery and Sergio Munoz stood out in my mind. Each had a goal and Munoz added an assist. The final score ended up 5-0 USA. Getting thier first win on German soil and as a team raised team spirits. The team focus is the tournament. They will be well prepared.

 

Tonight the 88's beat the Bavarian ODP which represents several paid players, 1-0. The goal was on a pass from Frankie Lopez to Kevin Ante who streaked up from right back and scored. Kevin Sawchak had several impressive runs and the defense was solid. Tomorrow the team has no soccer but visits the ancient town of Rottenberg.

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