I felt it was best just to create one long article where you can see the various games Devin has played this year. He’s been loving being on the OKC Crew, and we’re so proud of all the work he’s done on the various teams

Devin is number 52. He typically plays midfield, but you’ll see him all over the place!

’08 Crew

OKC Crew vs Shawnee – Sep 10, 2022 (W 2-0)

OKC Crew at Newcastle Sporting – Sep 17, 2022 (W 2-1)

OKC Crew vs Rangers – Sep 24, 2022 (W 3-0)

OKC Crew vs Lawton Legacy – Oct 8, 2022 (W 3-2)

OKC Crew at Midwest City Vision – Oct 16, 2022 (L 3-2)

OKC Crew at Tulsa Tournament – Oct 22-23, 2022

The Crew 08 Team has a rough go at the Tulsa tournament. Our first game was at 8am Saturday morning. We chose to save a little money and not stay in a hotel Friday night. Plus, Devin had to be at the football game Friday night for Marching band, so there really was no reason. But that meant we were up at 4am and out the door by 5am. Well, that was the plan. We did arrive in time for warm-up but we were all exhausted.

Anyway, like I mentioned, the games were rough. Saturday, we played two teams and we just weren’t on our A-game. They weren’t syncing like they usually do. So, 2 losses right off the bat.

Sunday was better. They were playing the top team and I was nervous about it. But they pulled together and played really well. Passing was better and all around it was a much better game. We still came up with a loss and left the tournament early but it was also a great learning experience.

We even stayed an extra hour to eat and watch the Crew 06/07 team play. We thought it was important for Devin to see what it would take to be on a team like that. One of the top things we all noted – faster decisions. Well, faster everything, but the decisions have to be quick. No time to think. And cleaner passes.

Game 1 vs Bentonville Prodigy (Lost 4-2)

Game 2 vs Blitz Academy 07 (Lost 3-1)

Game 3 vs Blitz Academy 08 (Lost 1-0)

OKC Crew vs OEFC White – Oct 29, 2022 (W 3-0)

Devin had a conflict with marching band. He and the Antler Pride Marching Band were competing against other bands around the state in Broken Arrow. I wrote about it here.

OKC Crew at Norman Tournament – Nov 12-13, 2022 (FIRST PLACE!)

Devin had another band conflict. This time, he competed at Bands of America in Indianapolis, IN! Check out the band post for their performance!

We weren’t supposed to attend this tournament, but we couldn’t help ourselves. Braden, Austin, Mike, and I bundled up and went to their first game Sunday at 9:15. It was so cold! But we wanted to support them. And it was a testy game. A lot of pushing and shoving and what seemed like one-sided calls. But the Crew came out victorious. We came away with a 1-0 win.

Mike talked to the coach and said that Devin may be able to attend the finals at 4:15 pm. This was for first place. And even though Coach George said that Devin probably won’t get any playing time, I knew Devin wouldn’t want to miss it.

We picked Devin up from the PAAC at 2:30 and headed straight to Norman. We brought everything with us so he could change in the car. I can’t believe he didn’t want to go home and pass out. But he was fired up for a game!

It was a great game. And the sunset was absolutely stunning. George let Devin play for about 15 minutes, and he made a real impact. Nothing spectacular, but he brought energy to the field. Even Coach David mentioned it. It was the right time to put him in. I can only imagine how tired that team was after 4 games, and Devin brought much-needed enthusiasm to his playing. And he was great. Had speed, ball control, precision…I still can’t believe he played. And played well.

The Crew and Rangers ended the game with a 0-0 tie. So we went to 2 5-minute chances to score. No one scored. It went to a shoot-out.

I was pretty confident in Caylum. He’s an amazing goalie. But you have to remember he’s a year younger than everyone else. It’s a lot to put on someone’s shoulders.

He nailed the first one. I even have a picture of it. The ball looks like a piece of fuzz it was moving so fast. But they said he came off the line. The Ranger player scored in the redo.

Back and forth. A miss here. A miss there. But Hudson nailed the final goal. The Crew won!!

And the players stormed the field!! It was beautiful!

And I’m not sure how I’d feel if it was someone else’s kid, but they gave Devin a medal anyway. No one seemed upset, but I know those boys worked really hard to get there. And Devin wasn’t there for the majority of the tournament.

So I want to thank all the players and parents who understood that Devin couldn’t sit out. He had to be there. And he loves this team and wanted to share in this experience. I also loved hearing from a parent that they wish Devin had been there for the whole thing. I like hearing that’s a contributing member of this team.

And Coach David said it best. He may not have been there for the whole tournament, but he is certainly part of the team.

Yes. He. Is.

OKC Crew vs OEFC Navy – Nov 16, 2022 (T 1-1)

No pics for this game. But it was cold. And cool to be back at ESC!

Final Standings for Fall 2022 – Silver Bracket

OKC Crew vs ODA in Tulsa – Mar 5, 2023 (L 0-1)

It was such a close one! We held them for most of the game, but a combination of tons of Oklahoma wind and just bad timing led to them scoring a goal. But I did get some good pics.

OKC Crew 08 vs Midwest City Vision – Mar 25, 2023 (W 2-1)

This is the second game of the Spring season for this team. We were down 0-1 but came back strong to win!

Devin’s Corner Kick

Whichita Kansas Tournament – Apr 15, 2023

We are so bummed because we love going to Kansas, but Devin has a band conflict! The Solo and Ensemble contest is April 15 so we won’t be able to make it. I’m disappointed and I know Devin is, too. Hoping we won’t miss too many more games.

Crew 08 vs OEFC 08/09 – Apr 22, 2023 (W 2-0)

We tied this team in the Fall. But we played well on a cold and windy Saturday. Dev and David both scored. It was a fun game!

Crew 08 vs Lawton Legacy – Apr 23, 2023 (W 2-1)

Another trip out of OKC, but it was a great game and a perfect day for soccer!

The team did really well. The ball movement is certainly improving. And I heard talking! We always do better when they’re communicating. So proud of this team and so happy to be a part of it!

OKC Crew at the Tulsa Tournament Apr 29-30, 2023 (Lost all 3 games)

Well, it was another rough one in Tulsa. We don’t seem to play well in that city. Not sure why. But it was cool that some of the ’08’s got to play with the ’07 team. And it was the one game Devin played in that they won. Roland scored a lone goal. But with injuries up and down the age groups, they were playing extra games back to back. It was still a fun trip!

Not many pics, but here’s what I’ve got.

OKC Crew vs Midwest City Vision May 7, 2023 (W 1-0)

OKC Crew vs OEFC White (T 1-1)

We didn’t get any pictures, but I was able to capture this video of Roland scoring. It was beautiful!

Final Standings for Springs 2023 – Silver Bracket

The season has kind of been a mess. Only because we’ve been short-handed many times. So many injuries. I hope everyone gets better for the new season!

We also didn’t get to finish all of the games. Schedules were difficult with High School soccer. Plus, the weather didn’t help.

But here’s where we ended the Spring season:

’07/08 Crew

OKC Crew at Da Heat – Sep 10, 2022 (L 5-0)

OKC Crew vs Rangers – Sep 24, 2022 (W 2-0)

Devin could not attend this game. He was in Yukon for the Yukon Invitational.

OKC Crew vs TSC – Sep 25, 2022 (W 1-0)

OKC Crew vs Western OK (L 5-1)

Devin was at OBA for this game.

OKC Crew vs Union Blue – Nov 5, 2022 (L 2-0)

OKC Crew at Aztecas – Nov 6, 2022 (L 6-0)

OKC Crew vs Lawton SC – Dec 3, 2022 (L 4-0)

Devin’s free kick

Devin’s penalty kick

It was a long way to travel to lose the game. But Devin has so much fun he doesn’t care.

Plus, after the game, all of us, including Evan, went to an amazing Mexican Restaurant. Can’t complain!

OKC vs Western OK FC – Dec 4, 2022 (L 3-0)

OKC Crew vs Blitz – Jan 8, 2023 (L 1-0)

Devin was not able to play. He had hurt his arm during Deer Creek soccer practice. For fear of his arm being broken again, the MA advised we didn’t have him do anything strenuous in case he was to fall on it.

Luckily, it was only a bone bruise, and he’ll be able to participate.

Final Standings for Fall 2022 – Silver Bracket

’08 Regional Team

Tournament in Kansas City, KS – Sep 2-4, 2022

Tournament in McKinney, TX – Nov 18-20, 2022

It was so cold! But what a fun trip. We came in Friday evening, made some sandwiches, and just relaxed in our room. The game Saturday wasn’t until 9:30, so we didn’t have to get up as early as usual. That was nice. We ended up getting a good breakfast at IHOP. It’s been a while since we’ve been there. The food filled us up, and the coffee kept us warm. But the weather was bitter cold and overcast. My toes were frozen! The team kept warm, though. Devin loves playing in that type of weather.

Unfortunately, we didn’t win a game. The first game was 0-3. The second game was 2-3. Andres scored a beautiful penalty kick. Then Devin scored a beautiful goal by hopping over the keeper. It was glorious! We were sitting at 2-0, but the other team slowly chipped away at the lead. And then, with a penalty kick, they took and held onto the lead. Game 3 was Sunday morning. It was still cold but much better with the sun out. We lost 0-5. It was a really good team, and we held our own for a while but just couldn’t keep up. They had great ball control and passing. We have some work to do.

So the games were a bust, but you know what? Devin loved it. He hates to lose, but he loves to play more. So he was happy he got to go.

Thinking ahead, we have another tournament with the ’08 boys in two weeks. This one’s in Dallas. Let’s hope for a better outcome!

Onto the next…

Crew ’08 Regional vs OK Rangers – Feb 26, 2023 (W 5-0)

Refs are struggling. Though we won 5-0, the ref was not on our side. He even once ignored his line judge in favor of the other team. Why does it seem we always have refs that are outright against us? I know the world isn’t fair, but this is a massive issue.

As I said, though, we won 5-0. the boys played well, and Devin had one of the scores. Elise took some videos which I haven’t downloaded yet. Here are some pics to enjoy, though!

Crew ’08 Regional vs Aztecas – Mar 26, 2023 (L 2-0)

Crew ’08 Regional vs Sporting 08 – Apr 2, 2023 (L 3-0)

It has been a rough couple of games. Not sure why. And I don’t know what’s happening. But Coach George sure made them work hard at practice last night! Anyway, there are still some great pics of Devin.

Crew Regional vs Enid Elite – Apr 22, 2023 (L 3-0)

It was a beautiful drive to Enid. I had never been there. The game, though, was a little lackluster. We had some good ball movement. I think we’re moving in the right direction. But the other team was certainly powerful and really good at taking us off the ball. Gotta get stronger!

Also, Karson broke his collarbone. We all wish him a speedy recovery.

Final Standings for Springs 2023 – Gold Bracket

It was a tough season. And we didn’t even get to finish. Schedule conflicts and weather prevented us from playing nearly half of the games. But that’s ok. We’re looking forward to the summer (training) and the new soccer season!

Here’s where we finished.

End of the Year

It’s been a long but amazing year. We’ve enjoyed our first year of competitive soccer. And I know that Devin has, too. He loves his coaches and his team and can’t wait to start the new season.

We’ve already had tryouts and several open sessions. It seems we have some great players coming in, even for the ’08 team, and I’m excited to see what they can do.

We’ll still be super busy, though, since we’ve decided to also have Braden try out for the Crew. If he makes it, he’ll be practicing twice a week, too. When does Devin start driving? Not soon enough!