There's No "I" In Team

Part 3

After a while, the Cougars scored a goal, their fans raved! Then we scored another goal and then they did. It was almost like leap frog, except it was only with soccer.   The score was now two to two. Coach Mailand granted me permission to play again in the game and sub-in for Ashley. The sun was just barely over the horizon.  It was getting darker by the minute and suddenly the beams of the bright field lights popped on like lightning bolts shoot down from the sky on a stormy night! One after another they all popped on.  Boom.. boom.. boom...They went!

    

           The field looked light as day, as if the shiny sun was still up in its sky blazing down. Every one, even the Cougars where getting tired, but the game still wasn't over yet! As I skipped on the field thrilled to be back, and happy I don't have to worry about #17 after that Red Card was called, which disqualified her from playing the rest of the game. As I skipped to take Ashley's place we gave each other a quick little high five. By this time the Cougars had the ball. They were running down the field with it. They were almost at the goal. I held my breath as they got closer and closer! I was sure they were going to score! Promptly, Emma sprang from out of nowhere, and as defense she was our only hope! She punted the ball with all her might and sent the ball soaring over to the Cougar's side! I let out a sigh of relief! The crowd roared with excitement and cheering! Faith got the ball and started darting like mad to the goal, except the Cougar's defense caught her off guard and sent the ball back to our side! I'm sure from the stands it looked like a ping-pong match! The Kalamazoo Cougars charged with the ball and scored again! The scoreboard quickly changed its digital orange numbers. It was now three to two.

           The ball had gone out at the corner; therefore it was a side throw in, but the refs called a break for both teams since it was one of the hottest days of the year.        

By now we were drained. Our sweaty, fire red and jet-black jerseys were clinging to our tired bodies. Our knees were brown and green from grass and dirt stains. Our cleats were caked with grass and mud. We had subbed in all the players we could. Our Coaches were contemplating on what to do!

                                                                  

They were stooping as low as to have a mercy rule which I'm not sure soccer even has!

But even if it was an option, it was NOT an option for the Dragons!  I chugged my blue Gatorade, some drippled down my chin. Every one else was ready to give in, but before any decisions could be made, I ran up to the coaches,

"Wait!" I yelled from behind them. Both coaches turned around to see who yelled.

" What is it Kayli?" Coach Alvaro said.

"We're not giving up! I know we're tired and dirty and stinky and smelly and a little sweaty... okay really sweaty but we can do this!"

"Uuuuhhhh," Was all that Coach Mailand said well, sighed.

" Good attitude Felton, but it's too hot out here for you guys, and time is almost out! Start packing up you gear."  Coach Alvaro said.  

" We can do it!" A quiet voice whispered.

 Our attention was drawn to Kristen.

" Yah! I know we can!" Anna said walking up from behind her.

The "yeps", "yahs", and "we can do its" were heard as our team crowded around the coaches.

" Come on Coach! Let us play!" I said. " Dragons never give up! Even when they are behind a little," I pleaded with a smile on my face.

Coach A. looked from us, to Coach M. to us again. Coach Alvaro whispered something to Coach Mailed and back and forth for a few seconds.      

  " Alright girls. We'll keep going!" Coach Alvaro said with a slight smile on his lips.

 " HOORAYY!!!" The team shouted!

We all gave each other high fives and started sprinting back out of the field. After what Coach A. agreed to, we had renewed energy! It was a pretty cool feeling!  The ref placed the ball in the middle of the field again. There was only three and a half minutes left on the clock!

"Let's go Dragons!" Emma chanted!