Paul James
Paul James writes the James on Soccer blog. You can reach him at
GlobeSports Blog
Goodbye Lensky, and good luck
A quarter of a century ago in Costa Rica, Canada’s soccer team was competing for a spot in the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. At halftime, one of the Canadian players was shivering, shaking and involuntarily urinating in his shorts. His fever-like state was unusual considering the temperature was 34.
The player was suffering from the onset of dehydration, more from excessive exertion than the lack of water intake prior to the game. Regardless, he played the second half, which ended in a scoreless tie that eventually led Canada to the one Olympic berth available for the North American, Central American and Caribbean (CONCACAF) region.
It was a watershed moment for Canada’s soccer team and program, the beginning of a stretch of unparalleled success. This success was marked by a pride for representing Canada, a grit and determination to beat more-talented opponents, a strong work ethic and a selfless mentality to do it all for ostensibly nothing in return – at least from a financial perspective.
No comments yet.