A higher level oppenent?

It can be done.

This game took about 40 minutes total and we traded a few messages afterwards. He was as happy about this game as I was, despite that he lost. He used words like "exciting" and "fun". We're now 1/1/1 and both looking forward to our next game.

My message here is to all lower level players. Don't get discouraged by an opponents higher rank. If you've been studying and done your preparation work, play by the typical standards that any coach can teach you, and it can be done. You can win against a higher level opponent.