After weeks of early morning practices and preparation, the senior soccer teams at SIS finally made the trip to Oslo for the Nordic Championships last month. They competed against students from Oslo International School (OIS), The International School of Helsinki (ISH), and Skagerak International School (SKIS). As both the boys and girls teams had won the Nordic Network tournament last May, it was crucial that they perform well. Although the results did not go as planned, there was no lack of perseverance and dedication at the away days.

With expectations set high for the Senior Boys’ Team, there was no room for disappointment.  Following the departure of ex boss Coach Hardy, the boys needed a new source of motivation and reason to play, knowing that things would be different and much harder.

In their first game, the boys played against SKIS. Lining up in their positions, they were all quite sure that this would be like sailing a boat on clear blue waters with a pleasant wind blowing. They received a quick wake up slap from an early goal that took a deflection off of a defender, leaving goalkeeper Nicolas L. stranded and went straight into the bottom right corner.

The  boys team would have none of that as shortly after, our own Ronaldo, Salvador F. rifled a shot from 23 meters straight into the right side of the goal, giving the SKIS goalkeeper zero chance at all to stop the rocket that blasted off from his foot.

The game started again shortly after, tied 1-1. The remainder of the game was tight, but eventually late in the second half, William M. whipped in a cross which Sebastian D. rose to like a salmon leaping out of a stream in the Alaskan wilderness and headed it in.  The game ended 2-1,  giving SIS a vital three points.

Game 2 saw SIS play against Oslo International School. The game was the most difficult that SIS played in the whole tournament.  It was blood and thunder out there. After multiple counter attacks and an incredible defensive display from both teams, the game ended in a 0-0 draw. This left SIS with 4 points from 2 game. Their next and final opponent had 6 points from 2 games, meaning that if SIS were to win, they would be crowned champions.

The final opponent was Helsinki, and Helsinki had not yet lost. This one was for all the marbles. Within the first 5 minutes of the game, Sebastian D. crossed in the ball from a free kick. Like a panther waiting to strike on it’s quivering pray, William S. was poaching in the penalty box and pounced on the loose ball to see it roll into the back of the net. As if this match were scripted into the history books, Michael S. scored another goal for SIS 13 minutes later.

After some short precise passing in the box from the team, Michael was left open in front of goal and like an Indonesian Ibrahimovic, back-heeled it past the keeper giving SIS a 2-0 lead. After a succession of saves during the match and tournament, goalkeeper Nicolas L. let one slip, making the game 2-1.

In the dying minutes of the game, Helsinki were like sharks who had smelled blood in the water, and that blood was their next goal. It was so close for them, but ultimately too far as the referee blew the full time whistle and the SIS Senior Boys’ team broke into celebration as they had officially become the champions.

The key to their success was the remembrance of their old coach. Before every game they would chant ‘HARDY’  as they broke their huddle to get into positions.

The girls on the other hand, had a different experience. Named the Nordic Network champions the year before, the Senior Girls approached the field with confidence. Heads began to turn as both teams (boys and girls) warmed up together. This new strategy seemed to threaten the other teams. It was clear that SIS has a reputation to uphold.

As the girls took the field for their first match, they quickly learned this was not going to be as easy as they had originally thought. There had been some skepticism about the ability of the team going into the tournament due to the fact that over half the members were new; however, this was not evident on the field.

Although the day started out a bit slow, with the girls  losing their first match, things quickly picked up in the second game. With a strong back line and controlled passing in the mid field, the girls scored a well earned goal giving them the lead. Nevertheless, soon the other team was cheering and the score was tied again. That game ended in a tie leaving the girls disappointed at lunch.

After some inspirational talk from their coach, the girls were ready to go back out and fight for a win. The girls got out on the field and put up a hard fight, but unluckily lost their third game due to an own goal. With spirits low, they knew they needed to win this last game.

By far the last game was the best game of the tournament. The girls worked tirelessly and attacked hard. With multiple opportunities, it looked as if the girls could pull this game off. Yet in the fortieth minute, the whistle blew, and the game ended in a draw. With heads down the girls walked off the pitch disappointed with their placing in the tournament.

Despite the final points tally, the Senior Girls’ team play was excellent overall, but unfortunately came up short. This tournament learning was experience and gave the team lot to think about and work on. 

Even though it was hard work, the trip was also very memorable and a great bonding experience for teams.

The next tournament will be a continental competition that will take place in Switzerland in early November, where SIS will face a new set of teams from France, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. Stay tuned for more news.