Second cooling break’s done, 15 minutes left. We’re down by a goal, we gotta win.

The ball’s in the hands of our gk Nai, she passes it to Belle, who sends right in front of me.

This is it, it’s my moment to finally score a goal.

I run with all I have, eyes glued to the ball as my feet make the first touch, sending it forward. I have two girls hot on my heels and I’m running out of breath.

-“Pass, Pass!” Jenny shouts, and that’s what I do.

Miraculously, my aim didn’t betray me and it went to her feet, only to be snatched away by their defender.

-“Kelly, I’m open!!” The girl behind me says

Not for long, I manage to intercept the pass, do a fake and get ahead of the defense.

It’s just me and the opponent goalkeeper.

Breathe…

and kick!

I think as try to aim the ball to the left top corner, and that’s just where it ends.

I did it. Finally.

I jump in pure joy as Jenny comes running to me and smashes me in the tightest bear hug I’ve ever been given.

Just one more goal, and that’s it.

The opposite striker passes it to their right winger, who sends the ball flying forward, bad move.

Beautiful control by Belle, one touch!

She passes it to our right winger, who sends the ball straight Jenny’s feet, I’m right beside her, prepared for any rebound. But there’s none, because as she kicked the ball, it went flying to the top left corner at lightning speed.

I swear my whole body’s in fire, happiness burning every inch of it, I run to my best friend and hug her with all I’ve got.

5 minutes later, the referee blows his whistle.

Pure chaos. WE WON!!!

A lot of bodies all smushed together, pure joy erupting from every single one of our hearts, the crowd roars their support.

We won.