08/13/2009
Women's Soccer Travels to Rain Forest and earns 1-1 tie; Read about Day 3

The Clark University women's soccer team departed on August 11 to Costa Rica for an international preseason trip. The 8-day, three-game trip will include time in San Jose and San Carlos. This marks the first time Coach Brady, in his ninth year, has taken the team on an international trip.

The trip will include three games against local club teams, opportunities to train and a number of popular cultural attractions. In addition, the team will take part in a community service project. The players will visit a childrens community center that cares for and educates 200 low-income children between the ages of 1-12 years old.

The players will team up during the trip to provide daily updates from Costa Rica.

Day 3 (Thursday, August 13, 2009) Provided by the sophomores

Today began with an early breakfast and bus ride. On the way to our next destination, the rain forest in San Carlos, we stopped to shop at Sanchi. There, we picked up lots of souvieners for friends and family.

The ride to the rain forest was beautiful. We had the chance to see a local artist whose talent is carving faces and animals out of bushes. The country side was very beautiful spotted with cows, horses, sugar cane and pineapple plantations.

We arrived at the hotel which is surounded by rainforest. We were not prepared for the hot, humid weather that awaited us. After a walk around the grounds, we all took a dip in the pool and prepared for our second game of the trip.

Before the game against San Carlos (a lcoal club team we experienced some international culture with the playing of both the U.S. and Costa Rican anthems and presentaion of the flags. The coach from the Costa Rican team was very welcoming and was truly happy to compete against us. Though we played well, the game ended in a 1-1 tie. Sophomore Rachel Minsky scored in the first half and San Carlos tied the gaame in the second half on a penatly kick. After the game we exchanged gifts with the other team and ate fruit.

Dinner was at the hotel´s restaurant and we were treated to a three course meal that consisted of salad, an entre, and dessert. We are calling it an early night to prepare for our adventure into the rain forest and white water rafting.

-- The Sophomores

Read About Day 1

Read About Day 2