Aug. 6, 2008

TIANJIN, China - I'm writing this straight out of the ice tub and freezing cold, because my lovely roommate is taking FOREVER in the shower. Anways, hello again! We just finished our first game against Argentina, and let me tell you what a great feeling it is to have our first game out of the way and a win under our belts.

When we previously played Argentina in the Peace Cup a few months ago, we beat them 5-0. Tonight, I thought Argentina came out a lot stronger and more determined than last time. The score was 2-1 for us, but we could have easily had a few more goals, as we had quite a few close chances. Argentina managed to score in the 85th minute on a nice cut back pass and top corner shot. It was a little frustrating to give up a goal, but all that matters is that we came away with the W.

Ever since I watched my first Olympics on TV when I was about eight years old, I knew that I wanted to be an Olympian. I remember adamantly telling my parents that within the next eight years, I was going to be at the Olympics competing for Canada. Well, it took a little longer than I had previously planned, but I couldn't be more excited and honored to be here.

The feeling I had when I stepped out on the field tonight to represent my country was indescribable. Warming up, the butterflies in my stomach were multiplying, and by the time we were in the tunnel ready to go on the field, they were in full force. Once the game began however, and we started to get into the rhythm of things, it felt like just a normal game. (well, almost..)

After the game, we got to watch the first half of the China/Sweden game. The crowd was yelling "CHI-NA" but they dragged it on so long that it kind of sounded like "CANADA," so we're going to pretend that they are yelling for us when we play them next. The game ended up finishing 2-1 with China getting the win. From what we saw, China looked pretty dangerous up top, and had some speedy forwards, so we will have to be prepared for that when we play them on (Saturday) Aug. 9.

Unfortunately, we don't get to go to the opening ceremonies because we play the next day, but I hear that they are going to be amazing. They don't tell you who will be performing until the actual ceremony, but I'm gonna go out on a limb and guess.....Leona Lewis. If I get it right you all owe me a looney. =)

When we were still in the village a few of my teammates and I met up with former U of I student and men's club soccer player Lenny Abbey. He has been living in Beijing and working on the games since February, and he gave us a tour of the Olympic Green, which is where a lot of the competition venues including the Bird's Nest are situated. We were literally in awe of the architectural beauty and enormity of the area. Apparently these are going to be the best and most organized games to date, and from what I have seen so far, I can definitely believe it. (Not that I have anything to compare it with haha)

Well, I'm pretty tired and it's my turn for the shower, so I think I'm going to wrap this up. Tomorrow we have a recovery session in the morning and then practice in the evening. The men's teams who are staying in our hotel are also playing tomorrow night. The U.S. plays Japan and the Netherlands plays Nigeria. Alrighty, thanks for listening. And a big shout out to my team who is just beginning preseason! GO ILLINI! goooood night!