Chapter 15 #2
During the game, it’s surprising how much time I spend with my back to the goal. Mostly when people think of strikers, they think it’s all about kicking goals. And yeah, I rule at that, but there’s so much more to it. Not only do I attack, but defending is a big part of my position.
Over my shoulder, I note open spaces and unmarked players for opportunities where to send the ball if it comes my way.
I take a glimpse at our goal and see an opponent fumbling the ball.
When one of our defense players runs onto the ball, it’s a mess of feet until the ball rebounds out of the goal circle.
Instinct takes over, and I run onto the ball. With Coach in my head, I make one touch, passing it to our left wing. Tobey paces the edge of the field and gains speed with agile control of the ball. Staying square, I move further into the center, ready for him to pass the ball back.
When I get the ball, I push Coach out of my head. This is all me. I’m itching for that goal, and I want to put the other team in their place early. I dodge their defenders and look ahead to their goalie. He’s sizing me up, but I’m two moves ahead.
Zigzagging my way into the goal circle, I swing my leg back to fire the ball into the goal. The ball bounces off the goalie’s save, but I’m on it. How many touches did Coach say again? Man, he’s screaming on the sidelines.
Back onside, I line up another kick, and this time, the referee blows his whistle when the ball smashes against the back of the goal.
“Yes!” I cheer, jumping into the air.
Thank goodness, or Coach would’ve had a conniption.
Tobey pats me on the back as we run back to the center of the field.
I don’t get back to the goal circle for the rest of the first half. When we’re on our half-time break, Coach gives me a lecture about not using the rest of the team. When I deadpan him, he relents and congratulates me on the goal.
Damn straight. It’s our only goal, and it’s thanks to me.
The second half is a lot tougher. Were our opponents saving up their energy, or what? Somehow, they sneak a goal past Tyler. He’s still beating himself up about it.
“Head in the game, Ty!” I call out. “Curse yourself after the buzzer.”
The other team is still hyped. There’s another three attempts by them to make a goal, and this time, Tyler blocks them all. On the third, he tosses the ball high and long, and I’m right there to headbutt it in Paul’s direction.
Paul dribbles past center field, but he’s charged by another opponent.
With excessive force, the opponent knocks Paul to the ground.
The ref blows his whistle at the same time Coach is cursing from the sideline.
Two of our teammates help Paul to his feet, and he shakes it off, nodding to the ref he can still play.
One of our midfielders takes the free kick, aiming in Tobey’s direction.
Bad decision.
Someone with low-vision could tell Tobey was marked by two players. The other team gains possession of the ball and their players run up the field. Again, I need to defend. All I want is to get back to that goal circle. I eye the clock on the scoreboard. Five minutes left.
We can’t have a tie. I will not allow a tie.
I watch the ball in play, and notice the other team’s wing losing steam. With every scrap of energy I have left, I dart toward him. I make a move to my right, and then switch to my left. His exhaustion is my gain, leaving him dizzy as I tap the ball away.
Careful with my dribble, I look ahead for opposing players. My team marks them up, and I spy a gap. Can I do it twice in one game? I can already hear Coach calling out to me not to do it, but screw it.
I want to win.
I dart between the gaps and keep my eyes on the goal. The goalie is running out to the top of the goal circle, attempting to intimidate me.
Doesn't he remember me from previous games?
I do the intimidating.
When he runs at me, I’m quick to flick the ball behind me. I kick it away with the back of my heel, and Tobey runs onto the ball. Racing toward the goal, Tobey lines it up perfectly. He kicks it across the goal circle, and I’m on it. One touch, just for Coach.
The buzzer sounds at the same time the ref confirms the goal. I let the bubbling emotions burst out. Dropping to my knees, I skid across the blades of grass with a cheer of satisfaction. My teammates stampede toward me, and then they dogpile on top of me.
When I come up for air, I catch Tyler halfway through a backflip in the goal circle. I raise a fist in his direction, signaling I couldn’t have done it without him.
Back on my own two feet, I follow my teammates to shake hands with the losers. Ah-hem. I mean, the other team.
Off the field, my parents are quick to wrap me in hugs. Mom is quick to grimace, commenting on the sweat and grass stains.
“What did you expect?” I smirk. “Didn't you see me kicking butt out there?”
Jamie rushes in and hangs her arm around my neck. “Good job, bro. You kicked some serious butt. Now, I gotta run.”
“Already?”
“Hey, you’re lucky I came at all. You know Maddy hates when I bail on the café on Sundays. I've gotta get back before she has a complete meltdown.”
“Hang around and my parents will drop you off.”
She shakes her head. “Maddy already sent someone to pick me up. They’re waiting in the parking lot.” She paces backward. “Congrats again.”
I wave her off. “I’ll meet up with you later.”
“Good game, Kai,” Parker says, and I meet him in a high five. “That was some fancy footwork.”
Lewis steps in beside him. “Every few seconds, whoa was coming out of Parker’s mouth.”
I snort. “Well, I am one of the top ten wonders of the modern world.”
Lewis laughs. “Wow, you didn’t call yourself number one?”
“I didn’t want to blow Parker’s mind,” I joke.
Parker lifts his hands in defense. “Sorry for being amazed by my friend. Man, I won’t come to your next game then.”
“Don’t be so dramatic, Park,” I tease. “Honestly, I’m glad I could get it together today. Coach would have rung my neck if I had let him down.”
“Yeah, how many extra practices have you talked him into?” Lewis asks.
“Too many to mess up,” I quip.
“I’m just gonna grab my bag and then we can go,” Tyler calls out. He then jogs toward us, pats my back, and keeps moving. “You were awesome, Kai.”
“Thanks, dude. Right back at ya.”
I move to my bag and pull out my hoodie. Wrapped inside, my phone slips out. When I grab it, I see a notification from Tabitha.
The corners of my mouth hint at a smile as I read her text. I pocket my phone, leaving my reply for after I get home and shower. I don’t need my parents or my friends catching who I’m texting. Who would I be texting when they’re all here?
“We’re heading over to the cafe,” Parker says. “You coming with?”
“I got five layers of grass stains to scrub off,” I joke. “I’ll catch up with you guys later.”
“Okay, man,” Lewis says. “Good game.”
Tyler catches up with the boys. “I’m coming with.”
Parker’s lip upturns. “With that muddy uniform?”
Tyler scoffs, ripping off his jersey and unzipping his duffel bag. “I’m capable of changing.”
Lewis sniggers. “Got deodorant in there, too?”
Tyler pushes ahead of them, whipping on a fresh shirt. “Let’s just head out, shall we?”
They wave goodbye to me, and I can’t help laughing at the clowns.
As I pull the strap of my duffle bag over my shoulder, I can’t help smiling again.
Tabitha, of all people.
Hmm. I kinda want to see her again. She looked so pretty on Friday night.
“Ready to go, Kai?” Dad calls, jingling his keys.
Still smiling, I nod and follow him to the parking lot. “Sure thing.”
Dad regards me for a moment. “Geez, son, you look pleased with yourself?”
I shrug. “What can I say? It’s a good end to a good weekend.”