Coach and Player Responses so far.

After 3 and a half days in China, here are some responses from 3 men on our trip.

Paul Gianotti:

“Based on last season, I didn’t think we could make it through 4 matches without an injury, and today we proved we couldn’t even make through one…unfortunately Biddie suffered a fracture of the 5th metatarsal in his left foot. This is a common injury that occurs when an athlete lands on the outer portion of the foot, almost as if going to sprain the ankle, but the force is directly on the long bone on the outermost edge of the foot, causing it to crack. We did (with the help of our great tour guides Wesley and Annie) manage to get some very prompt, professional and accurate service at one of the best hospitals in Shangai, that is associated with one of the best Universities in China – Huashan Hospital for Fudan University.
The system is set up that there are private international clinics that are very expensive, but also, in the large hospitals, there is an international outpatient department that is set up and run much like hospitals/clinics in the U.S.; albeit more efficient and cheaper. Within 75 minutes of arriving at the hospital, he was checked in, x-rayed, consulted with a doctor and we paid and checked out! All by a competent staff who spoke English. The only real “out of the ordinary” part of the experience was after receiving the orders for the x-ray in the international part of the hospital, we did have to be transported outside across the walkway to the traditional radiology department that also serviced the Chinese patients. It was here that upon the radiologist opening the door to allow Biddie out following the x-ray, the next porter and patient and his family all just charged into the room and proceeded to climb on the x-ray table right next to Biddie as he was placing his brace back on his foot and gathering up his crutches…interesting…all in all, though we are disappointed for Biddie to miss the remaining games, but glad he had a good experience at the hospital and that he can continue to enjoy the sights and sounds of China with us on the rest of the trip.”

Keith Buckley:

"We are now in our third day of our trip, it has been an interesting experience for all involved. Today we played our first game against Tongsi University. The game was very fast and physical in the first half. Dennis Chin scored our first goal. The second half lacked the energy of the first half and we scored two more goals both by Nick Sowers. In the first half Thomas Biddinger broke his foot. He fell awkwardly after heading the ball.
The hotel is excellent, the staff are extremely helpful and friendly. Our two guides Wesley and Annie have been very good. Annie's English is outstanding. We have not encountered many issues - the taxi drivers do not speak English, some of the players don't like the food very much and Paul Nagy keeps sleepwalking which makes sleeping difficult for his room mate."

Tres Loch:

Tres here putting in my two cents representing the alumni on the trip. So far so good from my perspective, it’s been a tremendous experience for us all. The boys have represented our school, sport and country with great pride.

Interacting with the Chinese people has been quite extraordinary. Declan and I went for a run through the streets of Shanghai on our first evening here and we received some very interesting looks from the locals. I'm not sure they had ever seen a ginger that big dodging in and out of traffic with such nimble poise.

The service we have received from everyone has been first class. Our guides Annie and Wesley (their English names) have been remarkable. They have done a great job (with what they've had to work with) teaching us their language. "Ni How" (hello) "Zao" (good morning) and "Shi Shi" (thank you- unless you're Declan, then it's pronounced "Sushi") is as much as we have mastered.

Our experience at Tong Ji University was unforgettable. Visiting the impressive campus, learning about life as a student in China, and competing against a top Chinese University was all very nice, but it paled in comparison to listening to Dr. Keith Buckley deliver an impromptu speech over loud speaker in front of both teams, athletic department representatives and students- in Mandarin. Coming soon to a YouTube near you...

We've got a fantastic day ahead of us with what looks like the best weather we've had yet. After our game today we'll spend our last night in Shanghai. Tomorrow we'll fly to Beijing to continue our tour.

Dennis Chin- Regarding the first game:

"The game against Tongji University was one of the most physical games I have played in. They cover their soccer disadvantages by playing physical. They will throw their elbows and arms to block you off and try to hit you in the face. Their style of play was very technical. They lacked explosiveness, never looking dangerous. They were also weak in the back and up front. Their midfield was their strongest point. The referee was overly biased against us, making foul calls primarily against our team. Anyways, I enjoyed the experience and I look forward to our next three games."