If you asked most people how they spent their weekend, they’d probably tell you about a movie they saw, a restaurant they visited, or how late they slept in on Sunday morning. For me, this past weekend wasn't about relaxing. It was about 180 minutes of high-intensity, high-stakes soccer. It was about the "grind" that comes with being an athlete in the MLS Next Academy Division.

Playing a double header isn't just about showing up twice. It’s a test of everything I’ve worked for, my physical fitness, my mental toughness, and most importantly, my discipline. When you’re an Elite 2011 Goalkeeper, you don’t just play the game; you live it every single hour of the week leading up to that first whistle. This weekend was one of the toughest yet, facing GFI South on Saturday and my own school, SGA, on Sunday.

Saturday: The Battle Against GFI South

Saturday morning started with that familiar mix of nerves and excitement. GFI South is a team that demands your absolute best. In the MLS Next Academy Division, there are no "easy" minutes. The skill level is higher, the pace is non-stop, and as a goalkeeper, one second of losing focus can cost the team the match.

From the moment the whistle blew, I knew I had to be the loudest voice on the pitch. As a keeper, my job isn't just making saves; it’s organizing the back line and making sure everyone is where they need to be before the attack even happens.

The game against GFI South was a physical grind. They have fast forwards who love to test the gaps in the defense. I had to stay on my toes, constantly adjusting my position. By the time the 90th minute rolled around, my jersey was soaked, and my legs felt like lead. We fought hard, and while the physical toll was high, I knew I only had about 20 hours to recover before doing it all over again.

The Mental Game: The Sacrifice

The hardest part of being a dedicated athlete isn't always the training; it's the stuff you have to say "no" to. Saturday night was a perfect example of that. One of my good friends was celebrating his birthday. It was a big party, and all of my friends were going to be there.

I went, but I knew I couldn't stay. While everyone else was getting ready for cake and hanging out late into the night, I was checking my watch. I knew that if I stayed, I was cheating myself and my team for Sunday’s game.

It sucked being the first one to leave. I walked out while the music was still loud and the fun was just starting. People asked, "Hey, why are you leaving so early?" and "Can't you just stay one more hour?" But I had a game against SGA the next morning. Being an elite player means making sacrifices that other people might not understand. I had to get home, get my recovery boots on, hydrate, and get to sleep early. That’s the discipline it takes to play at this level. If I want that college scholarship, these are the choices I have to make.

Sunday: Facing SGA (The School Rivalry)

Sunday morning came around fast. My body definitely felt the 90 minutes from the day before, but the mental prep I did on Saturday night started to pay off. Because I left the party early and got my rest, I felt sharper than I expected.

Playing against SGA is always interesting because it’s my school. I know these guys. I see them in the hallways. There’s an extra layer of pride on the line when you’re facing people you know. You don’t want to give them any bragging rights on Monday morning.

The SGA game was just as demanding as the day before. The MLS Next level doesn't slow down just because it's the second game of the weekend. If anything, the pressure increases. I had to make a few key saves early on to keep our momentum up. My reflexes had to be just as quick as they were on Saturday morning. The fatigue starts to creep in during the second half of a double header, and that’s when your training really takes over.

The Science of the Grind: Preparation is Key

People often ask me how I handle two 90-minute games in one weekend. The truth is, the work for a double header starts on Monday, not Saturday. You can't just flip a switch and be ready.

1. Constant Hydration
I don’t just drink water on game day. I’m hydrating all week long. Proper hydration keeps my muscles from cramping and helps my brain stay focused when the game gets chaotic. If you wait until you're thirsty, it's already too late.

2. The Daily Training Routine
My daily training is what builds the "engine" that gets me through 180 minutes of soccer. We work on explosive movements, positioning, and footwork. As a goalkeeper, you have to be able to go from standing still to a full-extension dive in a split second.

3. Eating for Performance
Fueling my body with the right food is non-negotiable. I focus on healthy carbs for energy and protein for muscle recovery. It’s tempting to grab fast food with friends, but I know that what I put in my body on Tuesday affects how I dive on Sunday.

4. Sleep and Recovery
Sleep is when the body repairs itself. Missing out on sleep to stay at a party would have been a disaster for my performance against SGA. Getting those 8-9 hours of quality rest is the best recovery tool I have.

Why I Do It

At the end of the day on Sunday, as I was packing up my gloves and heading home, I was exhausted. Every muscle ached. But there’s a specific kind of satisfaction that comes from knowing you gave everything you had.

Being an Elite 2011 Goalkeeper isn't just a title; it’s a commitment. The MLS Next Academy Division is a platform that shows who has the talent, but more importantly, who has the heart to keep going when things get tough. The double header weekend was a reminder that the path to a college scholarship is paved with early nights, healthy meals, and a lot of hard work.

I’m willing to make these sacrifices because I love this game. I love the feeling of organizing my defense, the rush of a clean sheet, and the challenge of the grind. If leaving a party early or training while everyone else is hanging out is what it takes to reach the next level, then I’m all in.

Next weekend will bring new challenges, new opponents, and more demands. And you can bet I’ll be ready for it: hydrated, rested, and focused on the goal.

Elite 2011 Goalkeeper looking for college scholarship. Class of 2029.