The Black Sheep

Part 17

Slight swearing and mention of blood

June 26 2015

It was again game day for the US who were against China. Kara was in the starting XI as Lauren Holiday had got a yellow card in the last 2 matches which was the same for Megan. This was a bid thing for Kara as it was a important game.

The national anthems had gone quickly but Kara taped on her leg as it was a way to control her nervous. When the kickoff whistle blew Kara's nervous faded away. In the 2 minute the US had a early chance from Amy but couldn't control her touch and had sent it away from the goal. There was a chance in the 28 minute when the keeper was out of goal but when Julie shot at goal a defender had cleared it away. Julie had another chance in the 31 minute when Tobin put the ball in from the corner but when Julie went for the header it just went over the crossbar. Carli had a free kick in the 36 minute it was a powerful hit was heading to the net but the Chinese goalkeeper was able to make the save. At halftime the score was 0-0.

Kara was still playing in the second half. Julie sent a ball in from just inside China's half. Carli had got her head on to it.

It had hit the back of the net. US was 1-0 up in the 51 minute. The stands were celebrating the goal. In the 57 minute Kelley had to go off as she got hit in the nose and started to bleed. Kelley had to be subbed off and Chris came on for her. Chris had a chance in the 73 minute from outside the box but had just hit the post and went to Carli but hit it over the bar plus she was offside. Jill made anothe substitution when Amy went of for Abby to come on.

The US was through to the semi finals. In the semi finals they were going to be facing Germany. Who had won the world cup in 2003 and 2007.

June 30 2015

It was the day of the semi final against Germany. It was going to be a tough and physical game. Kara was shocked that she had got to start but was thankful for the opportunity to start the game. This was the game where it is go big or go home.

The US got the first good chance in the 7 minute when Julie got a head on the ball but the keeper just saved it with her feet. Germany had got a free kick on the edge of the box. Kara had first been in the wall but there was an extra German player in the box which she was told to mark. When Germany took the free kick Kara was the only person that could get it out of the box, but Kara and a German player both went for the ball but heads going to opposite directions.

Kara had hit the floor. She could tell that she hit something that was really hard. Every sound was louder than it should be. Ali had nearly fell on her but caught her self and saw that Kara was in pain. Kara was facing down into the ground with her eyes screwed shut.

"Kara the staff are nearly here," was all she could hear from Hope and Ali. She new the team was all there but giving her space that she was grateful for. The other player wasn't that much better than Kara but Kara was lucky and wasn't bleeding like the German.

Jill and the people on the bench had a look of worry on their faces. Kara had rolled over and the lights seemed brighter than they were before but slowly went less bright. The staff slowly helped her into a sitting position. They went through the concussion protocol and asking if she had any pain. Kara just shook her head. "Do you think you can continue the match?"

That was the big question. "Yeah I can." Kara slowly replied. The trainers sent a thumbs up to Jill who seemed to be happy that she can continue and wasn't badly hurt.

They made their way to the sideline and Kara was shaken and that she looked a bit paler. The cheered and clapped when they went back on the pitch. For the rest of the half each team had equal chances.

In the second half the Germans had got behind the US defence when Julie miss read the ball. Julie had tug the German player on the shoulder which meant a penalty was given against the US. Julie broke down but the US team were consoling her saying they had plenty of time to score.

Then German player took it as soon as the referee had blown the whistle. The ball had went wide of the left post. The American fans in the stadium were ecstatic. The US had their chance when Alex was fouled in the box. Carli stepped up to take it.

Carli hit the ball in the direction of the goal.

It hit the net on the right side sending the keeper the wrong way. The US was 1-0 up in the game. In the 72 minute Tobin had jumped up jumped on the German play giving a free kick against US. In the 75 minute Tobin was subbed of for Kelly.

Carli had got the ball and dent it across the goal. Kelly pounced on it and scoring her first goal for the US. The stadium went nuts for it. The Germans pushed to try to get 2 goal but the US didn't let them. When the final whistle blew the team had crowded around Kelley.

"Let's fucking go!" Kara had shouted at Kelley while they were griping each other arms. Alex had jumped on them and brought them both into a hug. "Your going to your first final!" Alex said to Kara was ecstatic about it.

Kara couldn't get to sleep despite playing the full 90. She kept on thinking about how her family wouldn't come to the final. They had businesses and well that came first in their family. She knew they would watch it on TV but she wished they would be there in the person to console her or celebrate with her, but she hoped it was the latter.

Notes:

When I was writing this Alex decided to grace us with Her baby!!!! Welcome to the world Charlie Elena Carraco and congrats to Alex and Serv.