The Calisoffs travelled once again to the AYSO National Games in Irvine California. We competed in the National Games tournament in 2023. The tournament is held every 2 years and after the one two years ago, I figured we would never go back again.
Luckily a lot of the unpleasantness of 2023 did not repeat itself in 2025.
In 2023 the average temperature was 91°. In 2025 it was in the mid 70°s most days. In 2023 we had 3 games a day between the two different days, meaning we spent most of our days at the Great Park. In 2025 everyday except for our last day we had 2 games a day. Every day the games were either right after each other or at the same time, freeing us up to enjoy sunny California much more. In 2023 we stayed in an Airbnb. In 2025 we stayed at a Marriott Vacation rental.
Besides soccer, one other wonderful bonus was being able to meet up with Adam’s fraternity brothers. They rented a fire pit on Huntington Beach from the Hyatt. It was a great way for the boys to play while the adults hung out.
We also got to eat at at so many wonderful places. My favorite restaurant in Asia, Din Tai Fung, had a location in Costa Mesa. The kids dutifully waited 2 hours to eat here.
And no stop in LA is complete without eating at In N Out Burger.
We also spent our last day on Huntington Beach watching a surf competition and motorcycle exhibition.
Because we had more time, the boys were able to get an afternoon at the waterpark with their teammates as well as an afternoon at Newport Beach.
The Marriott Vacation rental had a ton of fun stuff to do just outside our doorstep – ping pong, pool tables, basketball and tetherball.
But mostly we played soccer… lots and lots of soccer….
After the tournament, the coach pulled me aside to let me know Sam was his best player on the team. He thwarted countless attempts at goals. I’m sure our record would look much different without him in the back field.
Aaron played in the midfield, pushing the ball up every chance he got.
Jack also plays defense and is super hard to beat.
Even Ben got a role. Jack’s coach asked him to be the Team Manager. While Jack played, Ben recorded the stats for the team.
Both teams did much better this tournament as well, finishing a solid 3rd place in both of their divisions.
Overall it was a much better experience than the first time, but not sure if it means I want to do it a third time. However, as we were leaving, the Commissioner for our AYSO division pulled Adam aside and asked if he would consider coaching for the next National Games in 2027, in Huntsville AL. So, maybe we will go a third time? Stay tuned to find out!
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