Rhian Wilkinson's Official Website

RHIAN'S SOCCER JOURNALS:

THE DAY BEFORE THE GAME 18th July 2009

Our Sunday wake-up call came early this morning, but I didn't mind this as much I minded the caliper fat testing to which we were immediately subjected. The team fitness trainers and coaching staff also randomly tested our flexibility, weight as well as fat percentage. I'm not too sure why all the tests were necessary. For example, I would love to see our heights change drastically. Mind you, Diana does claim that at this testing she has gained over 3 cm.

Even when you are in shape and you know that you have been taking care of your fitness and strength, body fat testing is rarely an enjoyable experience. Of course, those in the team sporting six-pack abs may not find the experience quite as hard as I do.

This morning our only task was to attend a team meeting. The rest of the time was spent relaxing and preparing. I decided to watch the Toronto FC match. I don't get to watch much North American soccer in Norway, so I am always pleased when I can have a chance to see how they are doing. The game they played against Houston was a pretty exciting one, especially the brawl in the middle of the match! I will hope to watch some more of their matches while we are here in the USA.

At three o'clock in the afternoon, we headed to the practice field for training. We had a good practice: More fast footwork with Mario, some game situations and some set pieces. Our practices are never very hard on the days before a match, but it is always good to have a chance to get the legs moving before the big game tomorrow.

After team dinner at the hotel, a bunch of players headed over to the local Starbucks. Of course, the team found this establishment soon after arriving in town. It does not take long to move back into pre-game routines.

Then, the rest of the evening was spent watching movies on TV and relaxing in our rooms. However, I am not too sure how relaxing Robyn found the time, as she had to listen to Diana sing along to the Mamma Mia soundtrack. Her choreography and dancing were worse than the singing. I left the room.