Aug. 22, 2001

Worms, Germany - Hello again. Tonight, the Seawolves dropped a tight 2-1 decision to FFC Frankfurt in Frankfurt. The Seawolves are now 1-2 on their European tour.

It was a hard fought games as the home team grabbed a 2-0 lead in the first half. Kerri McCabe sliced the deficit to 2-1 midway through the second half, heading home a cross from freshman Leanna Yust. Stony Brook had many more chances to get the equalizer but came up just short.

"We were sloppy and disorgnanized in the first half as we still try to get adjusted to our unique surroundings," said head coach Sue Ryan. "I was very pleased with the second half as we settled down and took control of the game. There were many bright spots tonight, things that we build on for the rest of the season. Our depth, versatility and athleticism was on display tonight as we unveiled our third formation on the tour. In the last two days, I see our team coming together as the freshman get more comfortable and understand the expectations and roles set up for them."

Stony Brook played a 4-3-3 formation tonight, with its three midfielders tucked inside in a triangle formation, allowing the outside backs to make flanks runs to attack. It is just one of the many formations that the coaching staff is looking at as it evaluates what style of play is best suited for the 2001 Seawolves.

Last night, we attended a food festival in nearby Deisdeheim. A quaint, family real down-to-earth German party. It was off the beaten path and not a general tourist destination which made it all the more special. There was plenty of food (brotwurst, weinerschnitzel, crepes, pretzels and pork sandwiches to name a few) along with many delicious desserts. I was extremely proud of our team as they tried to taste things they weren't used to. They are really starting to enjoy and get a flavor for the country they are in. After a vote, the black licorice and the candy almonds and cashews seemed to be the team favorites.

Following a morning training session, we visited the city of Mainz, an ancient city that the Romans settled in the fifth century. An absolutely gorgeous day, we toured the town for about three hours. Located right on the Rhein River, the center of town is marked by a gothic style cathedral that rises of of the city, dwarfing its surroudings.

Walking through the cobblestone streets was a real treat. The houses looked like the houses in the villages that one sees in a Christmas display - they almost looked fake. The village had an open fruit and flower market in the center and we recommend the strawberries. Coach Ryan, her mother and myself bought a small basket of strawberries for six marks and walked for a while eating strawberries and window shopping through the city. It doesn't get much better than that, believe me!

We also stopped by another church that was adorned with some of the most beautiful stained glass windows we have ever seen. St. Stephan's Church had been bombed in 1942 during WWII - the stained glass windows were made by Marc Chagall, a really famous artist. The city is the home of Johannes Gutenberg, the man who invented movable type.

One other note. Adjacent to our practice field this morning was a beautiful clubhouse that had been built eight years ago by the club's members. Every soccer field over here has a clubhouse - it is like the clubhouse at a golf club. It is located on the banks of a lake overlooking a gorgeous field. As Mr. Head of Delegation, I was fortunate to be granted a tour of the clubhouse. The manager is extremely proud of his facility and had no trouble showing it off.

Tomorrow will be a light day for us -- at least by the standard of this trip. We will practice in the morning and the afternoon. In between, we will rest and just walk around town. In the evening we will eat in a local restaurant before some of the players put on a little skit for us. Of course, equipment guy Greg Delimitros will make his daily pilgrimage to the laundromat to wash all of the sweaty clothes.

Friday will bring a morning practice and then the much anticipated tour of Heidelberg and its famous castle. That eveing will we face Niederkerken in our final match of the trip.

I will check in with you all again tomorrow - twice if I am lucky, ya (yes) as the say over here. All is well... it is 11:30 here, time for bed . . . the adventure continues

rob emmerich, jr.