"Come on girls, this game isn't over, we can still win," our coach said, trying to pump us up as we tended to our wounds.
"Well, what do you want us to do, because there is no way we somehow make it through this game, we are going to collapse, one more cleat mark on Phoenix's leg it's going to be completely red," Kaya said, she likes to complain a little bit.
"She's got a point, if we just cop out now, then we won't die!" Karissa said, trying to be positive but failing miserably.
"How can you all have already given up? Do nationals mean nothing to you? Look, I know this is hard, but when was it ever easy? Let the pain fuel you to go out and knock those girls around. Let's get some goals and go to Nationals!" I exclaimed, and everyone popped up, excited as ever and ready to compete.
We said our cheer again and ran onto the field, battered and bruised, facing the other team as they glared at us like snarling dogs.
The referee blew his whistle for the second half to begin just as I started having a staring contest with a girl from the other team who had always knocked the crap out of me every time we played.
Thankfully, the referee had finally started blowing his whistle, so this half wasn't as violent, but it wasn't good. He can blow the whistle, but it doesn't stop the injuries, it just deters any further evil acts.
Like here, at midfield, in the last minute of the game, when our defending midfielder, or 6, got taken out by their striker, or 9.
Both teams were up in arms as the referee blew the whistle. Our team thought it should be at least a yellow card and the other team didn't think it should be a call at all.
"All of you calm down or was are calling the game early!" He exclaimed from the center of the field and we all quickly piped down, wanting this very intense game to finish out.
Our center-back grabbed the ball and set it down quickly, kicking it to my feet. I don't mean to sound cocky or anything, but I consider myself very good at weaving in and out of players and scoring goals, especially when I have adrenaline pumping through me like this. So when the ball came to my feet, I knew I was going to score before I even took my second touch.
I blew by two of their players, and I start hearing people on my team yelling for the ball. That's another thing I've been struggling with. Tuning out the negativity. The only reason they are yelling for the ball is that they don't think I can make it, or they think they can do it better. I hate to break it to you, you can't! This may be the first time in my life I decided that enough is enough, I'm not going to pass the damn ball, I'm going to do this myself.
I beat another player, then another. I was finally one vs one with the goalkeeper. I made eye contact with her, so she didn't know which way I was going. That's when I calmly put the ball through her legs and into the goal.
I ran to the corner and did my signature 'Jump-in-the-Air-and-Fist-Pump' goal celebration. My entire team ran over to me and hugged me, all of us screaming in pure joy.
We eventually ran back to our starting positions so Thunder could kick-off, but just as they did, the ref blew his whistle for full time. My team ran back over to the bench in pure exultation for the events that just occurred.
Our coach gave us a speech about being humble or whatever, then we cheered for Thunder and shook their hands, coming back to our bench to grab our stuff.
"Let's get a cheer, everyone ice up and get ready for practice in two days, we have to be ready for our National games next month!" Our coach exclaimed as they put their hand in the middle of the circle we had created.
"Nationals on three!" I shouted, and we all cheered in unison.
"One! Two! Three! Nationals!"
Everyone then ran over to their parents to celebrate, and I hobbled over, and my leg was currently bleeding through my sock.
As I walked over, I noticed a man I had never seen before walking toward me. He was in a... designer sweatsuit? I didn't know what was happening, that is, until he called my name.
"Skyler? Skyler Ederson?"
YOU ARE READING
Move It Like Messi
Novela JuvenilSkyler Ederson has always been a top student, top athlete, and amazing friend. The only problem was that her family is dirt poor. Finally, after a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, it seems like all of her work has paid off when she gets the opportuni...
