The Sound of Cleats

One of the most vivid feelings a player has is making their way from their locker room to the game field. As you walk, anticipation is felt in your chest and the laughter of teammates poking fun at each other is drowned out by the sound of cleats vibrating on the pavement.

Our day began with a delightful community breakfast with Chef Anton’s Belgium famous coffee and yogurt. Our zombie like squad got up after their first night of full sleep to the beat of everyone feasting on our Chef’s quality morning meal. This day will feature our first match at RSC Anderlecht.

RSC Anderlecht is the home club of US MNT player, Sacha Kljestan. Our hope is to see him play on Tuesday night, we have some staff working on tickets for that crucial game which has Champion’s League implications. Our kickoffs are mid afternoon and we decided to spend the morning at a slower pace with a walk to the Belgian Food Lion to purchase snacks and the customary recovery drink of chocolate milk. Quality lunch and we are off to play our first International friendly at Anderlecht’s youth training center.

This training center had 4 fields, 2 grass and 2 turf with a restaurant overlooking the main grass field. Families of the Belgium players milled about as various teams got ready to play. With dressing rooms prepared for the match--"The Sound of Cleats" and kick-off.

The 2000s opened their International tour with a goal after 45 seconds pouncing on a mistake by the Anderlecht back line and within 5 minutes a second before anyone could establish possession. Ball speed around the backline increased and at half, the score line is a comfortable 4 nil. A nervy second half and a final of 6 to 2 with both teams scoring twice in the second stanza.

1998s played next on the artificial turfed stadium. The home team was very organized with a high backline and pressuring the Virginia squad. Chances go begging and the Region 1 Champion side is just unable to get their timing right to break the off-side trap. And we all know, if You live by it…. You die by it. The second half features the ‘98s dominating play but on this day, the Belgians hold firm and survive for a nil all draw. With Belgian FA scouts looking on in the stands, game 2 awaits in a couple of days.

After both games, the hosts welcomed the teams to the club restaurant for tarts and conversation. Instagram /Twitter/Facebook accounts exchanged, new futbol friends made!

Back to our hotel and another fantastic diner. Au revoir!