Wolverines Tour Brazil: Day 5
7/5/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Just before they open their new home in Ann Arbor this upcoming season, the men's soccer team will head to South America to tour Brazil. Throughout the week-long trip (June 29-July 5), the Wolverines will take to the pitch in six different cities.
Michigan opens the slate with a pair of exhibitions in Sao Paulo, Brazil - taking on Sao Paulo on June 30 and Palmeiras on July 2. As the team celebrates the United States Independence Day, they will play Santos in Santos, Brazil before wrapping up the schedule with a match against Flamengo in Rio.
Throughout the trip, U-M assistant coach Chris Grassie will provide daily updates of the Wolverine adventure on and off the field.
SATURDAY | JULY 5, 2008
Athletic trainer Bill Shinavier fills in for assistant coach Chris Grassie for today's update from Brazil.
Happy 4th of July to everyone back in the states!
Being in Brazil, we will miss out on the fireworks and celebrations but you shouldn't feel too sorry for us. Following breakfast, we made the short trek to the beach at Riviera Sao Laurencao, home to some of the finest sand and views anywhere in Brazil. Despite the sunny and 75-degree weather, it is winter here. Because of this, we were the only ones enjoying salty waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Miles Jackson, Adam Shaw, Jeff Quijano and the coaches tested out the waves while the upper classmen enjoyed a friendly game of soccer tennis. Following the sand and surf, we enjoyed almocar -- Portuguese for lunch -- then boarded the bus for Vila Belmiro, home of the Santos Futebol Clube. Santos FC is one of the most feared and respected professional soccer teams in the world. Some of the greatest players to have ever played the game got their start with Santos, including Robinho, Diego, and the greatest soccer player ever, Pele. Our tour of Vila Belmiro started in their museum. Santos FC has much tradition and to witness the many state, national and world championship trophies was truly inspiring. Following the museum, we toured the pitch and the locker room. Everyone enjoyed the view of the stadium from the playing surface, taking in the atmosphere and tradition of this famous stadium. The locker room was nice but unique in that it had an actual chapel. According to volunteer assistant coach Waldir DeSouza, each professional team in Brazil has a patron saint and some of the mascot images are inspired by their saint. Soccer is indeed religion here in Brazil. Following the tour we watched a highlight video of the Santos FC championships in 2002 and 2004. It was very inspiring and everyone left the room motivated and pumped up for the upcoming season.
Tomorrow we will take in more of Riviera Beach and then head to Sao Paulo to watch a professional match between Corinthians and Sao Caetano.
Tchau and boa noite!
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