MADRID - The Elon University men's soccer team is spent its 2019 spring break abroad, taking part of the Elon Global Experience this week in Spain and Portugal. The team was able to keep fans enaged with the program in during its international and cultural learning and playing experience as members of the team posted daily blogs of their adventure at elonphoenix.com.

Today, rising senior Jimmy Contino wraps up the team's trip with his blog entry below.

Final Entry

After a long week of traveling, futbol and tapas, our trip is coming to an end. Tomorrow we head back to the states which is bitter sweet for us all. Some of us are ready to go back home, but I can personally assess that Lisbon and Madrid has provided plenty of memories that we can look back on for the years to come, giving us a multitude of laughs and smiles.

Today was our last full day in Madrid. It started off with a beautiful gift of being able to sleep in a bit later than usual along with a great hotel breakfast in which there are many options. I know of myself I have never had so much ham, cheese and expresso for breakfast in my life, and I'm not complaining.

We then left for the Getafe game against Leganes in which Getafe lost 2-0. To be honest, I'm not sure what was more enjoyable to watch, the game or the fans. There was never a moment where opposing fans were not getting after it. Although all the chants and songs were in a foreign language, somehow it was easy to understand what they were chanting or singing for. Although there was a significant amount of controversy between the fans, there was an interesting response after the second goal by Leganes. The player who scored did not celebrate due to the fact that his former club was Getafe. The whole stadium applauded because of this response. This reminds us that the game, although can sometimes be emotional and draw blood, is still "The Beautiful Game."

Next, the whole group went to an amusement park where we were able to go on some roller coasters and have fun together in smaller groups as a team. This may have been where I personally have learned the most about some teammate's greatest fears, whether it be heights or just the coaster in general. Let's just say, some guys act tougher than they actually are. Overall, there were many laughs and jokes being made while we got to spend some time at an awesome park. Note to self, paella before a roller coaster is not the best idea. 

I must say, this has been such an incredible experience and I know we have been blessed by this trip. Many of us grew closer, are more cultured, and for many of us it has been our first-time playing soccer in Portugal and Spain. This will be something we will be able to share with our families in the future and memories I am sure we won't forget. 

I am speaking for myself and my teammates when I say we would like to thank the Elon athletics department for the opportunity of this unbelievable life changing experience.

By Jimmy Contino