I have never been here in Scandinavia for the beginning of the Norway Cup tournament. The last times I played for Team Strommen, I came at the end of the season and just reaped the rewards of a whole season's work by the Club. This season is different, and I am actually quite excited to be here for the whole thing. The Norway Cup is a competition that plays out all year long, and all the teams, in all three divisions of women's soccer in Norway, are involved. Everyone gets a chance to play against the top teams. However, I could have done without the game yesterday.

I know there is a big gap between teams in each division, but I didn't actually comprehend how big the gap actually was. Team Strommen won this game against a Division two team by 10-0. I was on the bench and bored out of my mind. I know that this isn't something you should say, but that is the truth.

I enjoyed seeing some great goals scored by my teammates, although I would be at a loss to tell you exactly who scored them all. I know that Una scored a bunch. In reality, the match was a total slaughter.

Perhaps it is useful for every team to have a crack at the big time and see what the standard is like in the Toppserrien, so that players know what they must aspire to. However, in this match, Sjetten seemed to know what was coming their way, and even in the warm up they stood in a circle, chatting before they spent a couple of minutes half-heartedly kicking a ball amongst themselves. Like lambs to the slaughter. They fought us off to the best of their abilities, but Team Strommen were just far too strong, a much better team, and there was nothing any of them could do to stop the rout.

I felt terrible for the Sjetten goalie. One play worthy of note is when D was called into the game in the 84th minute. Her second touch of the ball came when one of our forwards was hauled down in the box and D was called upon to take the penalty kick. On the bench, we were scared she might pull a hamstring. She scored of course - not a bad record for any match - 6 minutes played, two touches of the ball, one shot on net, and one goal.

In the Topserrien, we have to play Floya on Saturday and this will be a much tougher game. We had better be ready for it after this workout. After an easy game like yesterday's it is really important to make sure we are prepared for the jump to this level. It is easy to giove lip service to this, but the reality actually takes focus and concentration.

D and I are heading back to Canada after the Floya game, the Floya last before we play vs the USA. They are our new opponent now that Japan has dropped out. I will let you know how it goes.