Haverford Women's Soccer in Costa Rica: Day 1| Day 2

CARTAGO, Costa Rica - This morning started off with a delicious hotel breakfast of omelets, fresh papaya and pineapple, and, according to Mitali, the best orange juice she's ever had.

 We then headed off on a 2 hour bus ride to Irazu Volcano National Park. The bus ride itself was a scenic treat as we passed through rolling agricultural landscapes. It was only a short walk to the crater, but the altitude took its toll at 11,220 feet. The top of the volcano was unlike anything we'd seen before; luscious green trees growing just above ashen gray floors, all covered in dense, swirling fog. 

The rest of the day was spent in Cartago, Costa Rica's original capital. After grabbing lunch, we got to see The Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, where two million out of the five million Costa Ricans walk every year on August 2nd for Virgen de los Angeles Day. After grabbing coffees, we traveled to the stadium for game #1. 

Game #1 versus Cartago was an incredible experience. The stadium was enormous, the grass was pristine, and the energy was high. With a Sarah Klink opening goal and a Liv McMillan second tally, we came out with a hard fought 2-1 win. Testing our Spanish skills, we hung out on the field after the game to talk to the Cartago players, and even sang an early "Feliz Cumpleaños" to Maddie and Abi with their help. 

After dinner in Cartago, we headed back to the hotel for bed to rest up for a day of beach, soccer and latin dance tomorrow. 

Playing Cartago is a reminder to "rejoice in the beautiful game" played around the world, so the song of the day is the official 2010 World Cup song, "Wavin Flag" by K'naan.

Ella Manning '25