Days with the Dorans

This year was a little bitter-sweet because we knew it was going to be Joe's last soccer season. With the birth year changes in the rules, Joe would not be playing with most of his friends and we've learned that he's a really good runner so will probably focus on that.  Still, it was a great season and I was also so proud of Jeff who really helped the boys improve again this season. He's following in his dad's footsteps and I know his dad would be SO proud of him (gosh I miss that man).  Joe had a good season.  He's up and down and not an aggressive kiddo (which is another reason he won't be playing next year) but overall he had fun and always showed great sportsmanship!  He played well on defense and Jeff would often say he was a "disruptor" which was cool. I'll miss watching these boys play together as many of them have played together since kindergarten! They started out like Z's team losing every game but ended the last ...

So after a season off I was actually very excited that Joe wanted to get back into soccer.  I felt it was his best sport and the last season he played he was really starting to understand and enjoy the game.  I wondered if he quit because the last season he played was so horrible (weather-wise).  Whatever the reason I know he's glad he's back and so am I! Joe is now playing in a travel rec league which is good because it's not the crazy commitment of travel but he still gets to go play against other programs.  He's learning more about the game including off-sides and is so much better at playing positions.  Like Z, he prefers defense.  Ali is our offense girl! I don't get to see as many of Joe's games because Jeff is helping coach now so I mostly take Al or Z.  I'm happy Jeff is coaching as his dad was an amazing soccer coach in Saginaw and I know he'd be excited to know his son is now coaching too.  I believe he actually coached a t...