Dave Bannick is Goalkeeper for the LA Soccer Club O30 and First Team and was a member of the Masters (O35) US Maccabi team which competed in Argentina December 2007. Dave provided a recap of his recent trip below.
Congratulations to Dave and all his "OTHER" team mates!
Hi Everyone!
First of all let me apologize for not getting updates out as I had planned. Our
schedule in Argentina was demanding and I used most of my spare time to recover.
Some of you may get this email multiple times...sorry. I have a new laptop and
my contact info is not well organized yet!
Upon arriving in Buenos Aires we were greeted by Argentine Militia and secret
service officials. We had a full scale military escort everywhere we went as a
team for the entire trip. We didn't have to stop at red lights or toll booths
and we even had a helicopter following overhead. When we left the Sheraton Hotel
on foot to go sightseeing we were not allowed to wear anything that identified
us, who we were or where we were from. (Very sad when you think about it) The
city is wonderful nonetheless.
There were about 5,000 athletes from 25 countries competing. The opening
ceremonies were indescribable. 50,000 people and I was still able to find Shay
and Mom in the 3rd row! (Where else would they be?!) Shay took some amazing
pictures which we attached for you to see.
As if I weren't somewhat overwhelmed by the experience the coaches were to name
a new game captain before each game. I was honored by being named team captain
for the entire tournament. As one of the newest guys on the team I was very
surprised. Needless to say I accepted.
As for the results, I wish I could say we came home with a medal. We didn't. We
had a very tough group and didn't start well.
USA vs ENGLAND (1-2) - We scored in the opening minute and then sat back and
struggled to put 2 passes together the rest of the game. England completely
dominated the game and had countless attacks on the goal. We were fortunate to
have escaped losing only by one goal. England would go on to beat Argentina in
the final 2-0.
USA vs ARGENTINA (0-3) - Despite the score this was a fairly close game. We
played quite well but were a bit unlucky around their goal. Argentina took
numerous dives in the box and were finally awarded a penalty kick in the last 3
seconds of the game for their acting efforts. I got a good hand on it but the
pace was to hot to handle. We earned the respect of the 7 time champions. I made
many point blank saves and played a very physical game.
USA vs BRAZIL (1-2) - We dominated this game and could've won. It was one of
those games that I felt like a giant in the goal. I made load of saves and we
were getting our chances and hit the post 3 times. We scored a beautiful head
ball goal before the Brazilians broke through on a one on one. I cleared the
ball away with my feet collided with their striker who hit the turf. Ref blew
the whistle a awarded Brazil a penalty shot. Everyone was shocked. This was NOT
a penalty. I guessed correctly but the shot was an unstoppable rocket. 30
minutes later another defensive breakdown and another one on one right down the
middle. The striker pushed the ball around me and I took him out. I got a yellow
card and again Brazil scored despite getting a hand on it. After the game the
Brazilian coach gave me hat and jersey and asked if I would be interested in
playing for a Brazilian team he brings to the States once a year for a
tournament. We'll see.
I was bummed that they won with 2 pk's but I did what I had to do the keep us in
the game.
USA vs COLUMBIA ( 2-0) - We win! No pressure and we totally dominated. I made a
few simple saves, but nothing spectacular. We scored 2 incredible goals against
Columbia. Both head balls. If we played this well the rest of the tourney we
could have won it. Too little to late.
That was it. The temperature in BA was over 100 degrees and somewhat humid so it
was a physically tough tournament. I played well enough to make my mark on the
tournament and seemed to make an impression on the fans and athletes who watched
our games. On a point system I couldn't quite understand we took 5th place. We
will focus on the future and prepare ourselves for the next games in the summer
of 2009 in Tel Aviv.
Thanks everyone! See you soon.
db