High School Soccer season is over and I wanted to post some of my favorite images of Richie. It is a real thrill to watch Richie play soccer. The physicality of the game is scary for parents to watch and we always pray for all the boys that they will not become injured. I was proud he practiced hard and gave all he had during games. I watch and reminisce about the days I had playing basketball and wonder what it would be like to move like that again (maybe in the next life, if I lose 50 pounds). I have told all my kids that you have a small window of time playing sports, give it all you have while it lasts. Don't just enjoy the ride, create it.
As you read this it does not take long to figure we are Richie's number one fans.
Richie has a good header. Soccer players use their head in more than one way. He scored on a header at least once this season.
Nice balancing act.... all that hair provides a little protection.
Strength and speed help a striker to get around their opponent. Richie likes to play attacking midfield and striker.
Up up and away above the Orem tigers. Orem has not been victorious against the Bruins in a very long time. They have a very good team so there will continue to be hard fought games between these two rivals.
Richie out in front and on the attach. He had a nice cross on this run.
Check out his hair in this photo. You can see where the ball was on his head. Cool !
Richie scored the game winning header against this team (Provo) at home.
After Richie scored on his header the team chased him down to celebrate.
Staying low on the ball around his outside helps maintain ones speed.
Richie juked the defender, ran around him and up the middle of the field.
Richie and the defender when up for a header on a free kick. He has the defenders shirt and looks like he is about to punch him. No harm was done. Richie was fouled many times in the box this year as he came within striking distance.
Tapping the ball on the outside of his foot Richie prepares for a cross.
Helping out on the defensive end with a slide tackle.
High flying header pass down field.
Looking cool with his big quads.
It got a little physical a few times. The kid on the bottom has his hand around Richie's shoulder and would not let him up. So to encourage him to let go, Richie was just about ready to give him a pop in the leg. Luckily he didn't because he would have been carded.
Sneaking in behind to pick off the ball. Good old fashion double team.
Richie gets to the ball first and heads out a cross. Nice technique shown with hooking his opponents arm. Richie runs from the striker position and plays defense during corner kicks. They need his height and hops to clear the ball. With his speed he can get back into offensive position .Thanks for a great season Richie.
Don't forget: Train, Train, Train, Love Dad
