Breakfast In Bed

SheBelieves Cup - USWNT v Germany

"Ready love?" Becky had again weaved her way through the tunnel to where Alyssa was waiting to walk out behind Carli.

"Yeah I think so. I hope so." Alyssa nodded her head in an attempt to bolster her self-confidence.

"You have this. Remember Jill wanted you to start this game. She chose you over Ash because she thinks you will do better against this German team. We watched the footage and Graeme helped you get ready. Let's go kick their ass." Becky spoke quietly in the tunnel. She knew her fiancé had to get out of her own head and focused on the match.

"Yes dear." Alyssa gave a shy smile before stealing a kiss.

"That's my keeper." Becky winked at her, making Alyssa blush as the German team started to make their way into the tunnel. "You know that Allie, Casey, and I will have your back. We are going to win this tournament again. You can bet we will celebrate when we get home."

"Ok love." Alyssa was shaking her head as Becky walked back to her place behind Sammy Mewis. The blonde had been true to her word and been up to help her through any nightmares she had. They weren't rooming together, so the two were forced to settle for texting under the covers. Neither woman wanted to disturb their roommate. It wasn't the best, but it helped calm Alyssa enough so that she could get a few hours of sleep.

Becky was trying to ignore the pressure in the back of her mind. They had to win this game. After getting knocked out of the Olympics to Sweden, everyone inside and outside the team was questioning if they were still one of the best in the world. Jill had forced some out, shaken up the line ups, and brought in new faces. Now they all had to show that it worked (even if they didn't fully believe that it did). She also felt the pressure for Alyssa's sake. Her lover needed a big win in a major tournament against a top tier opponent. This was her chance. If they didn't win, Becky feared what would happen. But she couldn't be concerned with it now. For the next 90+ minutes, she had to focus on the game in front of her. That was the best way to ensure the happiest outcome.

The teams finish lining up. The refs took their place at the front and the kid escorts were handed out. They all walked out of the tunnel to a roaring crowd at Talon Energy Stadium. There were a few German fans in the corner of the stadium, but it was 98% USA supporters. The American Outlaws were already on their feet and chanting. It was game time.

Carli again took her place in the center circle for the pre-game ceremonies while Jill gave the rest of the starting line-up some last-minute instructions. They were starting the game in a 3-4-1-2 formation. The backline was again Casey, Allie, and Becky. The midfield was composed of Crystal, Morgan Brian, Sammy and Tobin. Carli was tucked up underneath the strikers, somewhere between the midfield and the forwards. Christen and Amy started up top. Another experimental line-up, but their coach was determined to test it against the best. Right now, that was Germany.

Upon Carli's return, the team was informed that they had kickoff and were attacking left to right. Everyone nodded and got last minute checks in before taking the field. Becky slipped her arm around Alyssa's shoulder as the defense huddled up.

"Alright, we have a big one today. Casey, don't get caught up to far. You've been doing good, but they have pace down the wings and Tobin won't be much help on defense. Allie, you know that you have to stay sharp. They can shoot from anywhere close to the 18. Close them down fast. Becky, don't drift out too far. They will try to pull us out of shape." Alyssa was in the moment and focused. Now was about her performance on the field. A good chunk of that was determined by how well her defense played.

"Can do Lys." Casey nodded at her fellow Red Star. She was just as nervous about the big game. It was her first start against a serious opponent. She needed to prove she belonged on the squad.
"I got you." Allie nodded at the other three women in the huddle. She knew she had a lot to do still to prove she could be a defender. She was trying, and she would give it her all. She always did.
"Call me out if I do." Becky responded to Alyssa's warning. She doubted she would, but now was not the time to start nitpicking. They had a big game to win.