On Monday, as Jared dropped the ball to start his game against Ryan, his mind was cast back to a game almost exactly one year ago, a game also against Ryan, Ryan's first of the season. Ryan happened to win this game 10-9. Both games were played in Moscow, in front of a home crowd for Jared. Both started out with Ryan jumping out to a quick lead.
"I must admit, the similarities crossed my mind more than once," said Jared. "I was hoping the end result would be different."
Jared was granted his wish. Ryan, who held an early 5-3 lead, matched #1 Jared blow for blow. A player who looked inconsistent last season and admitted to having "emotional problems" in 2011 put on a solid defensive display that was more than a match for Jared's usually boggling array of tempo changes, quick crosses and powerful point-blank shots on goal, most of which ricocheted harmlessly off of the sides of the goal. The end result was a 10-8 Ryan upset, a different result than last year's season opener, but not the one that Jared was looking for.
After the shocking turn of events on Monday, Jared had only one explanation for his disappointing setback: "Déjà vu." He's dead right.
After another win on Monday, a 10-1 blowout of Sarah, Ryan is 2-0, and poised to be a huge contender in the Summer Classic, the Granddaddy of them all: the CCFA Championships.
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