Men’s Soccer European Tour

August 10, 2008

Surreal, extraordinary, priceless…These three words impeccably capture the essence and experience our team has obtained through the countless physical and mental challenges of the game, trials and treks of cultural differences, and most importantly the many learned lessons of character and life.  Oh yeah…and about enough crazy stories and memories to last a lifetime…or at least a nine hour plane ride home.  To sum up Euro 2008-The Albion Entourage in a mere one page would be impossible, but I will say that it was a one in a million opportunity and a trip that will never be forgotten for a variety of reasons.

                Overall, the trip was a safe, well-planned voyage of Northern Germany and Holland.  No one got in to any trouble, nor did any one get lost or left behind.  Well, not counting Matt Makin’s luggage, and all his favorite clothes…sorry Makin.  But anyways, the trip was well-balanced between tons of soccer games and training, sight-seeing of the local monuments and soccer stadiums, and last but certainly not least leisure time.  We had so much on the agenda that a lot of people found themselves sleeping on the bus, in the airport terminals, or wherever they could find a pillow or a shoulder of a willing teammate.  We walked through the FC Cologne Stadium one day, and then toured the house where Beethoven was born the next.  It was definitely an action-packed experience.  During the nights we had free time so we would get the team together and experience whatever nightlife the quaint town of Nuland, or the Metropolis of Cologne had to offer.  We made friends with the local bartenders and restaurateurs, and even took a night out on the town with our tour guide.  It was a team bonding experience extraordinaire that cannot be replicated. 

                Soccer-wise, we ended up with a record of 3-1.  Not bad considering we were playing club teams with many players that have the potential to play professional in the German Bundesliga.  It was a great chance to get used to our teammates playing styles and tendencies again before pre-season even begins.  It was also a fun way to get some additional training under our belt, experience cultural differences, and hopefully give us a jumpstart to a great season and MIAA championship, specifically dedicated to all of our new Dutch and German friends and fans!  After this trip we are all really looking forward to this season and are especially pleased with where we are sitting at this point in time.

-          Jacob Kuehn and Tim Wasmer