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An early morning wind blows glacial-like air on this day
One final match these soccer boys have come to play
An adamant, northwest onslaught delivers an icy, Arctic blast
Will the team harness enough stamina and energy to last?
Players dressed warmly in layers, gloves, and stocking hats
In their final match, they look ready to conquer this and that
Looking more like Eskimos, parents and families huddle near
Hoping to see the resilient boys score goals without any fear
The spectators cheer the boys to play hard and to be bold
But they agonize and confirm—“Oh my, it’s way too cold!”
Sheltered beneath layers of blankets, the crowd surveys the field
The opposing team advances the ball, but the boys form a shield
No goals will be scored against them on this day
The boys’ defense hustles and continues to play
Halftime arrives with the team playing tough
Will the season end well in weather so rough?
The second half continues under adverse conditions
The team finishes with a season filled with tradition
While the rest of the players hustle to stay warm
The talented goalie stands all alone as ice forms
A woman’s hot coffee has transformed into cold slush
She clasps tightly to a heavy blanket, deep and plush
The match marches to its finish with winter as its final foe
Frozen spectators ask, “How many minutes are left to go?”
Icy faces, shivering bodies, and numb fingers
Plus ice blocks for feet—all continue to linger
Spirited boys ignore cold and continue to play
Their five goals will deliver last and final say
At match’s end, players and families hurry to their warm cars
All wondering how they survived the cold and made it this far
For two grandparents who were amazingly fearless and bold
Tomorrow morning, will be glad there is no soccer in the cold
This season-ending soccer match was played in November, 2018, by one of my grandsons. The wind chill temperature was 10 degrees Fahrenheit. He and his teammates completed a remarkable season with an unblemished record.
Big Sky Buckeye 