Kicker by Michele Bossley

Author:Michele Bossley [Bossley, Michele Martin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: JUV000000
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Published: 2007-03-01T05:00:00+00:00

chapter twelve

Julia bent over her soccer bag and checked her cell phone for the fifth time. “Still nothing.”

“Is it on?” I tightened the laces on my cleats.

“Yeah.” Julia tossed it back in the bag.

No threats so far, I thought. I watched the action on the field. Our players struggled to get the ball—the other team had amazing passing skills, and they seemed to know each other’s positions on the field at all times. I could tell that we would need to play our absolute best in order to have any hope of winning this game.

Coach Collins studied the other team grimly. “Okay, girls,” he said. “I need you to dive in there and get the ball. You have to be one hundred percent fearless, all right? This team is aggressive, and they are going to do whatever it takes to keep possession. Julia, once you have it, take the shot as soon as you get the opportunity. Don’t wait. Okay?”

She nodded.

“Izzy, your job is to feed the ball to Julia. You’re a fast runner; if you can get ahead of everyone and slam a goal in there, great. But if you’re blocked, look for Julia. She’ll be trying to get clear. All right?”

“Okay,” I answered.

“Good. Get out there.” Coach motioned for a shift change.

I ran out on the field with Julia right behind me. Nicola was on this line as well, which didn’t strike me as a good idea after what happened last time. Then I put it out of my mind and focused on the game.

The girl I had to cover was quick; she could run in such fast bursts that I had to fight to keep up. She got the ball and thundered down into our end. I sprinted after her. I knew I was out of position, but I didn’t want to leave our defense without support.

I caught up with her and dug for the ball, trying to smash it sideways and get it out of her control. She dodged me twice, but I finally got a piece of it and sent the ball toward the sideline.

Nicola appeared out of nowhere and scooped it up. She raced up the field, dribbling the ball, just keeping it inbounds.

“Izzy! Get back!” Coach yelled from the sidelines.

I galloped after Nicola. A bunch of their players swarmed her as she neared the goal, but I was still open.

“Nicola, pass back!” Coach hollered.

I could see Julia positioning herself near the net. If Nicola passed it back to me, I could dodge the players who surrounded Nicola and slam a quick pass to Julia. She would have a perfect shot.

“Nicola!” I shouted.

Nicola fought to get through the players who blocked her shot on the net.

“Nicola, pass it back!” Coach’s voice took on a frantic note.

I was still clear, but not for long. My heart pounded, and I felt the familiar tightening in my stomach. What if I messed up yet again?

But I never had the chance to find out. My opponent with the lightning feet had reached me and began to cover me.

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