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I demand your power stones as I was deemed worthy by the singularity to present you with its hero's tale, so motivate me to write more and upload chapters faster.]
"You had a good game," I told the right back who had latched onto my side as soon as he realised that I'm his direct opponent. His confused expression is priceless as he sent a confused look to his friend hoping to understand what I meant.
"What are you talking about dude?" He asked after a moment of silence finally deciding to voice his confusion. However, the answer he was expecting from me never came as I gave him a small nudge before dashing back a couple steps.
"Ben over here," I called out to him after he won possession of the ball from the Pasco throw in. His pass came instantly without hesitation beaming a pass across the field right to my feet. Guiding the ball through my legs with my right foot I instantly turning around to charge forward.
Latching onto the ball just in time before the Right back I had just left behind could steal it. Not coming to a stop and give up the speed advantage that I have I dragged the ball back with my left foot. Seeing him lunge forward I used my right to knock the ball through his legs. Feeling the adrenaline rush at succeeding in my skill move I felt more hyped up and decided to burst out with the pent-up energy that I've been building up on the bench.
Circumventing the stupefied player, I knocked the ball further forward rushing down the left flank. In no time I left both the right back and the centre line in my rear-view. Pretty much unimpeded on my way down he flanks since their central defender was trying to decide whether to attack me or continue marking Tom. Deciding to make the most of it I charged forward with more confidant forcing the defender to make a choice.
As if we were telepathically linked Tom and I decided to make the most of this chance by using his hesitation to our advantage. Whilst I Speed up down the flank looking to enter the box from the side, he came to a stop at the edge of the box forcing the defender to make a decision. Depending on his decision would decide how we would proceed in our attack towards their goal.
He made the decision to follow me but at this point it was too late as I had already entered the box and headed for the keeper. The goalie didn't dare to come of his line probably wary that I would cut a pass back to Tom. Which was exactly what I had planned if he chose to take a step off his line. In the end he chose to just block the near post, but he might have as well just let me walk the ball into the net.
Since he didn't put much pressure on me It felt like I had all the time in the world to pick where I wanted to place my shot. Making use of this I squared ball across his goal aiming for the top right corner. Watching the ball curl around his outstretched arms and into the top corner I took off to my teammates to celebrate.
Pointing a finger to Mom's direction in the stands a bright smile appeared on my face happy that she could see me score a goal. I've completed my promise to her so now I could focus on having fun and maybe score one for Ben if feel like it. Not continuing to think about it I jumped onto Tom's back cheering happily. However Instantly regret may action's as he started running and jumping when we met our teammates on the way.
50th minute of the game the score stood at 3:2 with the Eagles leading the score sheet for the first time today. They didn't relent in their aggressive style of play wanting to further expand on their lead. Seeing this the Pasco coach decided to make a substitution to stabilize his team situation on the pitch.
They removed one of their four midfielders and brought on another defender changing their formation to a 431. Although they still held the numerical advantage in the midfield, they still struggled to maintain possession of the ball. This was due to the fact that both the eagles wingers dropped back to the midfield helping them to supress their opponents.
This resulted in the Pasco Defenders being forced to launched long balls to their lone striker as their midfield was quickly overwhelmed. This was not only due to the disparity in skills but also the result of the fresh legs of Rakim and Max. Many time's both substitute would rush back to surround the opposing midfielder forcing simple mistakes.
The fact that they had all this extra energy showed in the 50th minute when the Pasco number four sent a long ball down the right flank. Their striker managed to beat the shorter Logan in an aerial duel and retain control of the ball. However, before he could get the chance to attack, he was surrounded.
Max on the flank, Logan blocking the path to the box, and Lucas covering the path to the middle of the park. He could only try his best to protect the ball but that didn't last long as when he turned to protect the ball from Max, Logan used this chance to poke the ball lose. This surprised Max slightly, but he managed to react instantly after seeing the ball rolling towards him.
Scooping up the ball with his foot the young winger rotated on his axis and charged forward down the right flank. Giving full freedom to his speed he picked up pace dribbling the ball at his feet. In a matter of moments, he crossed the halfway line before an opposing midfielder charged at him from the side.
Seeing the boy slide in for a tackle he came to an emergency stop sliding on the grass slightly due to the abruptness of his move. Taking another step back with the ball just to be sure he suddenly made eye contact with a group of girls on the side of the field. Involuntary a smile crept on his face as a hint of mischief twinkled in his eyes. Before he knew it a crazy Idea popped into his mind that he instantly decided to implement.
In the next second he swung his foot chipping the ball over the sliding defender and hurdled over him. Catching a glimpse of the stupefied midfielder and the shocked girls his confidence spiked further. Cheekily waving at the girls he continued his run forward tearing up the grass further picking up pace again. Keeping up with his momentum he teased the left back with a couple of step overs.
Waiting for the exact moment the left back took the bait without reducing his speed too much. He Quickly dropped a shoulder; and then sneaked past him with ease dashing forward. Just as he was about to enter the box, he noticed that the left back managed to regain his footing to chase after him. He didn't panic though as another mischievous Idea popped into his mind.
Not risking a head on confrontation, he chopped the ball back with his right using the momentum to sidestep in that direction. His abrupt change of direction and motion caught the defender of guard causing him to run past him. Not wasting another second, he charged forward into the box not bothering to glance at the defender. Entering into the box the closest central defender appeared in his way blocking his shooting lane.
That didn't bother him though as he spotted Ben at the edge of the box a couple steps ahead of his marker. With both Tom and Rakim garnering the attention of the other defender his choice was clear. Sending a sharp pass to the midfielder's feet the ball practically glided along the grass. Ben who received the ball did not take a shot right away though as the ball arrived at his weaker foot. Not wanting to take his chances with his weaker foot and waste this chance he chose to bring the ball under his control first.
However, the shooting lane that had been clear was gone by the time he adjusted, and he could practically feel his marker breathing down his neck. Adding to the fact that Tom's marker also rushed towards him meant that he had to make a quick decision. It's a good thing that he lives for these types of moments where he gets to make crucial game changing decisions under pressure.
Just like usual when he felt under pressure a calmness descended over him and everything started to become a lot clearer for him. His dad calls this state he is in his killer instinct caused by adrenaline. However, Ben himself likes to think of this as his superpower and plays sports just for a chance to feel this state.
Just like he expected once this sensation kicked in, he spotted the best area to send the ball that would most likely result in a goal. Trusting his instincts, he sent a slightly curved pass towards the left side of the box. Although he has not yet mastered the technique to curve his ground passes it's enough for now.
Barely slipping past the outstretched foot of Tom's marker the ball curved slightly into his run. The deadly striker that he is he immediately swung his foot towards the goal, but the expected shot never came. Instead, the strikers foot bypassed the ball enterally letting it slip past him. His action resulted in the ball also slipping through the legs of the right back that had lunged in to block the shot.
Before anyone in the box had the chance to turn their head to see where the ball ended up it impacted the back of the net. Rakim who ended up unmarked due to both Max and Ben's ingenious actions to draw away the defenders scored what is probably the easiest goal in his young career. Simply tapping the ball into the back of the empty net of the dispositioned keeper and the score sheet was once again rewritten.