Upon Our Return - Coach Goldy's Email - The Journey Home

Gents,

Flew in with Jared, landed yesterday late afternoon. I assume most of us are home or will be by end tomorrow. Please shoot out an email so we know you are safe and sound in the USA or Europe etc.Like you, I’m a little tired right know but I wanted to get something out there because I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to all of you. I'm going to reflect for a couple days and may send something out over the weekend but some quick points from my view.

First of all, thank you, each and every one of you, for behaving as gentlemen both on and off the field (ok maybe we were a little like 18 year olds off of it but you get my drift). I don’t remember ever being associated with a bunch of nicer lads from top to bottom. Not easy to be a player coach but you all allowed me to be coach when we needed that and one of the guys when I needed that. I had a great time over there and I hope you all did as well.

The soccer results are what they are. We may not have won a game but we sure as hell didn’t lose. This game we play is a funny, sometimes fickle game. Sometimes, the ball doesn’t bounce your way. Sometimes it just doesn’t go in. Maybe all the good fortune that came around 4 years ago went away this time around who knows? I don’t know why this happens!

What I do know is you guys worked your butts off and arguably deserved better. I hope you are all at peace with the fact that you all did what you could. You gave it your best. I think you should be at peace for sure. I gave my all to the coaching and I feel content with that. I had nothing left to give so I am at peace (amazingly).

What I also know, and knew all along, is that the soccer was only a part of this. In case you didn’t get it by now, please allow me to offer my take on this and what my journey has been about. The soccer is just the vehicle that has brought us all together in Israel for a great cause. Some of you may never have seen Israel (I wouldn’t have) if not for the soccer luring us there. The friendships I've made both new and old, as well as the great memories are forever lasting.

So what a great journey it has been and may continue to be. Congratulations to all of you for engaging, getting off the couch, and taking a chance on yourself. I applaud you all.

It has been a privilege.

Coach Goldy