Mini Ertz///USWNT/NWSL

So Is This Goodbye?

My last game with the Red Stars. 

I was sad, but hoped I could be back next summer. 

Sarah and I did our handshake for the last time, I gave Tatumn a pre-game hug for the last time, Mal braided my hair for the last time, and Julie ripped me some of her signature teal prewrap for the last time. 

I was starting tonight for my last game, and I was super excited. 

As we walked out of the locker room and onto the field for the anthem, I saw the stands had filled in a bit more, like usual. Then I spotted a few signs with my name on them, and I spotted my club teammates, and I looked into the box where Mace was sitting with Dansby. 

Julie wasn't starting so she could be my sub. We had it all planned out. 

I almost cried during the anthem, but I kept it together for the sake of not looking like an idiot. I'd be back. I'm not retiring. 

Then they announced the starting lineup for the other team, and then they did it for us. 

"And finally, number 88, midfielder Britney Johnston, playing her final game of the season. She has so far tallied 3 goals and 4 assists in her games played. Tonight, join us in thanking the second youngest player to play in the NWSL." 

The cheers erupted from the crowd, and I blushed a little bit. 

We took our starting XI picture, and then took the field. 

Mace and Dansby had moved down into seats, which I was surprised about as he's a celebrity. But I was so happy Mace came, because I loved to hear him cheer for me. He's come to every home game since I signed. 

I took my spot on the field, where Julie usually stood, and then there was kickoff. Mal kicked off to me, and I sent to ball to Tatumn. 

I was playing so well, so well that I was thinking about quitting school to play soccer full time. 

I scored the first goal against the Orlando Pride in the 15th minute. 

The feeling of scoring a goal is one you never want to go away. You want to keep replaying that image of your teammates running to you in your mind, you want to feel the flustered feeling when you hope you high five everyone and not leave anyone hanging. 

The feeling came again in the 33rd, when beat all the defenders and put the ball in the bottom left corner, impossible for the keeper.  

Then I was set to play the first 15 minutes of the second half. 

In those first 15 minutes, I scored again, and I had a hat trick. 

I was absolutely shocked when the ball went in the net, because I was trying to cross it. 

"That's a hat trick, Britt!" Mal yelled. 

I had no idea what to do, so I tipped an invisible cap, and everyone hugged me and surrounded me. 

I was pulled off right after that, and the home crowd cheered loudly, and cheers of my name erupted in the stands. 

I settled into my usual spot on the bench for the last time while on the team. 

"Let's go, Britney!" I heard Mace say from behind me. 

I walked out from under the bench shade, and saw him standing right behind us. 

"Thanks, Mace." I said. 

"I'm so proud of you. They need you so badly. Don't leave them." 

"I have to." I said sadly. "I gotta finish high school." 

"You need to go back to your seat." A security man said, coming over to us. 

"Sorry, sir." Mace said. "I'll go. Bye Britt. I'll see you after the game."

I watched him walk back to his seat where Dansby was. He turned around and winked at me. I smiled, and went back to the bench.