The other teammates were already trickling in, making the room rowdy with movements and the sound of jammed lockers.
I leaned in towards Spencer. “Her name is Licia.”
“Hmm, Licia.” He then turned to the team almost immediately. “Listen up, Lions. Our golden boy here has a date with his girlfriend. Isn’t that sweet?” He teased, grabbing my shoulder, which I shrugged off.
The room erupted in cheers and taunts. I knew telling Spencer was a bad idea, seeing as he practically turned everything into a tease, but I didn't care. I slang my bag over my shoulder and made for the door.
Turning to Miller, I said, “Happy birthday, dude. Sorry, I can't stay. You already know why.”
“Thanks, Brown… and have fun with your date.” He added with a wink.
I shook my head. “Y’all should get your minds out of the gutter.”
***
The college stadium was packed with spectators on the day of the finals. We had practiced and trained arduously, and now it was time for execution.
Coach Wallace took his time once again to drum the importance of the match into our ears, emphasizing teamwork.
“This is war,” he said, “you need to watch each other's backs. Hold the fort, and don't get caught up in your attempt to be a superstar. Lone stars shine, but they shine brighter in the company of other stars.”
Seeing my parents and Licia cheering me on in the crowd was all the motivation I needed to give it my best. They were my biggest fans.
As we waited for the referee to blow the kickoff whistle, I sent up a short prayer to God. We needed His special favor.
The match dragged on till the end of the first half with no side conceding a goal. The tension was so thick you could cut through it with a knife. The players' nerves were frayed, and we felt like we were going to lose the game.
The fifteen-minute break in the dressing room was chaotic. The boys were complaining, some blaming others for missed passes and tactlessness until Coach Wallace walked in.
“Hey, listen up.” He ordered with a stern expression.
The room became absolutely quiet.
“You guys have played well, but I know that’s not your best. We can do this. Your folks in the crowd are expecting a win, so let's give it to them. Now, stop sulking and go show them how we do it! Get your head in the game!”
He then took out his tablet and made some adjustments to our formation, paying close attention to our attack, before we were called up for the second half.
Just when we thought we were going to end the match with a goalless draw and go for extra time, Spencer got possession of the ball. He ran with it at full speed, dribbling as he made for the Jaguars' goalpost.
Seeing me running to the other side of the goalpost, he made a clean pass to me. I trapped the ball mid-air and, with all the energy I could muster, shot it straight into their net just in time for the final whistle to go off.
The crowd went berserk with excitement.
“Goal!”
My teammates hoisted me up on their shoulders, celebrating our win around the pitch. Coach Wallace wasn’t left out of the celebration. He ran into the field, cheering and singing our praises. I had never felt so invincible. It was a thrilling feeling.
I looked at the spot where my family sat with Licia, and she blew a kiss my way, melting my heart all the more. I had just saved my team and made the most important people in my life proud. It still felt surreal.
Back in the dressing room, the boys were still singing and chanting our victory when Coach Wallace and his assistant strutted in, beaming like two very proud fathers.
“I have always known you guys would bring the trophy home, and you did. Special thanks to Spencer Hills and Kevin Brown. That pass was incredible. Everyone was literally at the edge of their seats. Bravo!” His assistant commended.
“Thanks, Coach, for believing in us.” Spencer and I responded, feeling flattered.
“You guys worked really hard. You deserve the win. Lest I forget, Hills… Brown, some people want to meet with you guys tomorrow by noon. For now, let the celebrations continue.” He gave us thumbs up and exited the room.
The meeting with the scouts was brief but detailed. Spencer and I were being recruited to play in an Asian club in Dubai, and the side benefits were too mouth-watering to turn down.
