We have arrived in Frankfurt completing the short first leg of an all day trip. Yesterday was a whirlwind, with two games in the morning against FC Slovan Modra, lunch in old town Bratislava, an impromptu walking tour, a professional game, dinner and travel preparations.
Slovakia has been slower (or more reluctant) than the Czech Republic to feel (or possibly embrace) the impact of the fall of communism, with many legacy buildings and structures. In our hotel, Hotel Tourist, we got a taste of the Red Star days, but many players mistook the simplicity for meek one star lodging. Progress and modernization radiates from the capital, Bratislava, which has a wonderful mix of preserved history and gleaming steel.
Both games went well, with the 94s winning 4-1 and the 95s winning 6-0. FC Slovan Modra is a small local club that was given very short notice due to another club pulling out of the games a few days prior. Our hosts were generous and their players enjoyed playing against the Americans. We drew quite a crowd for a small village. The facilities are about to be replaced with all their money reserved for construction in lieu of upkeep.
After the game and gift exchange, we headed downtown for lunch in old town Bratislava. Old Town is a well preserved old European capital, with narrow streets winding around architectural wonders, all overlooked by a great old castle.
We all split up, set to return to the bus in front of the palace. However, our meeting time was lost in translation and bus failed to arrive, giving us the opportunity to educate ourselves on Bratislava's public transportation system.
A few km down the road, we found the train station were we could catch bus 61. Instead we opted to walk the 3 km back to the hotel, located a few blocks from the stadium. Along the way we saw great city parks, performance halls and daily Slovakian city life.
We heard the chants and songs of the local supporters before we saw the stadium. We were gifted ticketless entrance
through the VIP entrance. We arrived about twenty minutes in, with host FC Slovan Bratislava up 2-0 on bitter rival Dun. Streda. FC Slovan Bratislava is the league leader, richest and most storied team in Slovakia. There hundreds of riot police, in full gear. Inside the stadium, the two supporters groups were in separate, but adjacent stands. At the edge of each group, riot police lined shoulder to shoulder, at times thee deep, making a human wall to keep the two groups apart. Between the two stand stood an old firetruck, presumably to discourage or quell any riots with a high pressure shower. Near the firetruck were the German Shepherds and mounted police. I have only ever witnessed such a show of force at World Cup games.
To watch three first division professional games in thee different leagues and countries is amazing. The quality of soccer, stadia and atmosphere improved each game. What an education for our kids. As one coach stated, "If you don't want to be a pro after seeing that, then you don't want to be a pro."
The hosts continued to dominate in every aspect and some great finishing provided a 6-0 victory. The quality of play was surprising high.
After the game our entire group went for pasta and pizza before heading back the Hammer and Sickle Inn to pack and get a few hours of rest. We had a 2 AM wake-up and 3 AM departure.
Ten days, three countries, four games played, three division one pro games, a men's and women's pro training session, rejuvenation, sightseeing, castles, chateaus and the food, culture and history that goes with each. All while healthy, no issues and freakeshly high spirits. Truly priceless.
Soon we will walk through customs and into the lives we left less than two weeks ago. However, we will make that walk with new insights, appreciations and maturity, both as soccer players and, more significantly, as people and members of the global community.
We appreciate the support through this trip. While the calls home have been scarce, every opportunity was given to every individual to learn, grow and mature.
Everybody looks forward to home, but soon, when the reminiscing and story telling begin, most will yearn to return here, a sure sign of a successful trip.
