Teaching Elementary, My Dear Watson

35 - Soccer Finals

35

Soccer Finals

Monday, February 27

The girls' championship was held at Buena Vista. Kevin's former mentor, Rico Hernandez, hosted the game. They shook hands. "Buena suerte, Kevin."

"Good luck to you, too, Rico." Kevin felt confident about his squad until the game started. Buena Vista had a girl, number 15, who had not been on their football or basketball teams. That was true of a few on Kevin's team, too, but this young lady stood out. She was a fine athlete, clearly the fastest and strongest on the field, and had superior soccer skills. There was nothing his team could do. Kevin tried shadowing her with Valerie, his cross-country star. She didn't run out of steam and tried the whole game, but 15 was too fast for her during sprints down the field. She controlled the ball like it was part of her and could move with it at a greater speed than the Valle Grande girls were able to do without a ball. Too tough. She scored all four of their goals, passing unselfishly when appropriate, but several times covering the entire distance by herself. Yolanda looked resigned as the shots sailed past her into the goal, rockets to one side or the other.

Valle Grande scored one goal near the end when Rico rested his star and gave some others a chance. "Congratulations, Rico. Wow, your number 15 is a top player. She'd be fun to watch if it wasn't against us."

"Thanks, Kevin. That's my daughter."

"Really? I don't recall seeing her in the last two years. Surprised she wasn't on your other teams."

"She was in LA with her mother, but moved here after Christmas. She wanted to play soccer for me."

"Your daughter's skills are amazing. I like her unselfish attitude and vision."

"Too bad there is no Women's World Cup or US national team. Maybe someday? Risa is going to have to switch to a different sport unless a local high school lets her on their boys' soccer team. Maybe basketball."

"Risa?"

"Short for Sonrisa. She was always smiling so much when she was a baby, and so were we."

Kevin said, "Send her over to me for next year!"

"She's already in sixth grade."

"Well, let's have her transfer now, and we'll fail her. She can repeat this year with us!"

Rico laughed. "Thanks, Kevin. I'll tell her that. It will give her another sonrisa. See you tomorrow."

Tuesday, February 28

For the boy's final at home, it was Buena Vista again. They had been to the finals in other sports, and had won in football, but lost in basketball. Kevin expected them to be fast and skilled, but could see they weren't that tall. And Rico had only one child. Hopefully, no other surprise all-stars today with the opponents.

"Buena suerte otra vez, Kevin."

"Hope we don't need the luck again. You haven't added any sons since yesterday?"

Rico laughed. "No, I am not so creative. Looks like you have quite the crowd today."

"First time for our boys to be in a championship." We also had a transfer, Thang. Talent helps.

They shook hands. The referee flipped the coin, and Buena Vista started the game. The two teams looked about even. Both had boys who could control the ball. Both sides had defenses that anticipated passes and stopped advances. The first half ended in a scoreless tie.