Narrative

Zack McDaniel 5/21/12 Mrs. Dabrush Section 1

Today was the last game and I could already hear the crowd cheering. As my teammates and I ran onto the field I could smell the freshly cut grass, the rain on the horizon, and the food from the stands. I could hear the buzz of the vuvuzelas roaring from the stands. One more win and it would be an undefeated season. The playoffs were clinched already but the season wasn’t over yet. One goal and we would become the first undefeated team since 1974. The clock in the last few minutes. I passed it up to Messi. Dribbling it up the field, around one defender, another, another, the shot off, it passed the goalie, I couldn’t believe it if we could hold for one minute we would win. I can still remember the moment when the referee blew the whistle signaling the end of the game. The crowd jumped to their feet cheering us on as we celebrated the win.

“Angelo,” said the reporter with enthusiasm, “how does it feel to play for Barcelona, the first team since 1974 to be undefeated?”

“Even though it’s great we can’t lose our focus. The season isn’t over yet.”

“When did you know you wanted to play soccer full time?”

“Since the time I was a kid. I started when I was five and I’ve been playing ever since.”

“Just one more question. What is the best thing about playing soccer professionally?”

“The thrill of living my dream. Going on the field every week and playing the great sport of soccer.” **•••**

Once the interview was over I finished changing and left. As I emerged from the locker room my scoffer was waiting for me.

“Are you ready, Mr. Tahiti?”

“Yup, let’s go!”

We were going to celebrate tonight. When I got home I decided to host a party. I invited my family, the team, and their families. We all went outside for a friendly game of soccer that turned a little competitive at the end. Afterwards, we talked made bets on what the score of the championship would be. The team was split, half the team thought the score would’t get past 1-0 while the other half thought more than 1 goal would be scored. The day of the game showed up quicker than anybody expected. “Okay boys now is the chance to prove that you deserve the title of champions. This is not the time to get cocky. Now let’s go get ‘em.”

When we got to the field we started warming up.

“Start with stretches.” coach said.

“Okay guys enough horsing around, hit the cones.”

We started with warmups and then transitioned into laps. While running around the field the team and I started talking.

“Remember to spread the field. Soccer is a four dimensional sport, the defense is back for support.”

“Ah, shut up, Christian. Those are fundamentals, if we didn’t know the fundamentals we wouldn’t be in the playoffs.”

“Whatever, let’s just play.”

The ref called for captains just as we finished our laps. Lawrence and I headed over for the coin toss.

“Since Barcelona is the away team they will call the flip.”

“Heads.” I said.

Coach had told us we won to get the ball first.

“Heads”, called out the ref. “Ball or field position”

“We would like the ball first.”

“What side of the field?” the ref asked the opposing team, Real Madrid.

He pointed to the left side of the field and the game was underway. At practice we had configured a 30 second goal. At the beginning of the game I kicked the ball back to Kyle and all of the offense took off running as he booted it up the field. Unfortunately right before we got the shot off the ball was stolen and sent the other direction. It was another 25 minutes before a goal was scored. Real Madrid scored off of a corner kick. It was a perfect kick. The curve on the ball bent it around the goalie toward the striker who headed the ball into the goal. Once the ball reset we decided to take a slower approach. By the end of the half we had scored another goal. Inside the locker room coach talked while we rested and got refreshed.

“All right there is another half of soccer, this is no time to let up. You guys are playing hard out there, but so are they. We need to want the ball more. they are winning about 75% of the 50/50 balls. Honestly, we don’t deserve that goal. Unless we start with more heart they will win and we will have to go back home. I don’t anybody wants that. Does anybody want that?”

“No”, yelled the team in congregation.

The second half on a high note. A slight mistake by the center midfielder gave us an opportunity to capitalize. Before we could get the shot the ref blew the whistle stopping play. The call was offsides. Real Madrid got the free and sent the ball to its midfield who dribbled up the field until our defense tackled him and dribbled up the field. Everyone making sure they were onsides, Leo crossed it into the middle, Circus headed the ball, but at the last second the goalie knocked the ball over the net. Only a few seconds left in the game we had a chance to score on the corner kick. Juan went to kick the corner. He launched a corner that was going so fast it slipped through the goalies fingers. It was so fast that the ball traveled all the way across the field and went out of bounds. Real Madrid stole the throw-in and the ref blew the final whistle. It was time for a shootout. “Feliz” Felix Frances, Randell, and Polo scored for Real Madrid. “Koala” Kenny, Sanchez, and Ubaldo scored for us. The game was on the line and I had the final shot. I either won it for Barcelona or it the shot out goes into sudden death. I dropped the ball on the hash mark and got ready to shoot. My heart pounding i ran up the ball to take what was hopefully the final shot in the game. I connected with the ball and everyone held there breath as the ball flew toward the goal. It hit top right corner the goalie missing the ball by inches. As soon as it was certain I had scored the entire bench came sprinting out to me hoisting me on their shoulders as we walked off the field with pride.

“What a finish, coming down to a shootout.”

“Real Madrid has to be very disappointed.” said the local broadcaster just before they signed out for the night.