We had finally reached a week where we would be playing a game. All our training was in preparation for it. Training intensity once again rose to ensure that we were as prepared, physically and tactically to play against USL team Louisville City FC. And on Wednesday night, after our second training of the day, we finally hit the road. It was a late night arrival for us into Columbus, IN. Thursday morning we were back on the road to finish off the trip to Louisville. We arrived and we given the opportunity to use their locker for preparation. It was as professional as you can get and really set the tone for what was to come in the next few hours. Once we were dressed and coach had given his pre match talk, we headed to their training field where we were to play. Their training pitch was it great condition, and a little damp from the recent rain. The game was an eye opening experience for many of the lads on our team as they had not faced this high level competition before. Louisville was very slick, especially because they are mid season, and we are only beginning to really prepare as a team. It was a game where we didn’t have the ball too often, however we did not embarrass ourselves, losing only 3-0. Results aren’t the current focus as we continue to prepare for Europe, but for me, individual performance is very important. I was fairly happy with my performance, however a few small adjustments need to be made going forward to continue to build my game. I’m looking forward to more high level competition to allow me to test myself again.

This trip had put most of our schedules off, as we were returning it felt like a Sunday evening, however it was only Thursday. Friday we were given off to recover, however we still had therapy and chiropractor in the morning which was perfect for the day after a game. Friday evening, myself and 3 others took a trip into Chicago. As it turned out, BROODS were playing in The House of Blues. I went to high school with Georgia and Caleb, who make up BROODS and I was very good friends with them. So I had sent Caleb a message earlier in the week and he was able to get us in on the guest list. When we arrived, we were given our tickets and a special pass for Box 130. As it turned out, Box 130 was a private box on the second floor behind the curtain directly above the stage. So we could see out into the crowd and directly down on stage. It didn’t take long after they were on stage for Caleb to shoot a smirk up my way, and the more focused Georgia took a little more time but she sent a smile up a few times. They continue to do amazing things with their music, but they are still the same friends I went to high school with, not letting the fame influence them. After the show, Caleb came down to our box and invited us up to their green room where we hung out for an hour or so. It was great to just catch up with them, share stories from high school, but also hear stories from their journey, the various concerts the had played and the places they went. I’m sure it wont be long until I am in the same city as them to watch another concert!

Saturday we were back in training and because of the teams lack of fitness compared to Louisville City FC, we were on the track at Wheaton College doing fitness. Fitness is crucial to compete at the professional level and it may take a little longer for some for that to sink in. It was also a holiday weekend and our apartment complex finally opened the pool, so it has been nice to relax by it, but also use it for recovery after training. Next week will be a very intense week as the preparation continues and it marks 5 weeks till Europe!!