Having done his red card penance, Nico was back on the pitch today for the remaining games against Poland and Ukraine. The US played well, but not well enough to win either match. Playing on a 6-hour body clock differential did not help our cause, but to be fair, both our opponents deserved their victories. Even in defeat, I see enormous improvement in the US team, and we were without two of our most talented strikers.

Nico had several promising shots on goal but none that found the back of the net. In typical fashion, he also had some dramatic overhead footwork that is unique to amputee soccer. He will return to the States early tomorrow morning, while I depart for Krakow by train this evening.

It was a real Father’s Day treat spending the day with Nico and I can’t wait to do the same with Kyle and Maya upon my return.