The Natural by Chris Kreie

Author:Chris Kreie [Kreie, Chris]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Darby Creek, Fiction, High School Soccer, Hi-Lo, Hi-Lo Fiction, Kick, Kick!, Soccer, Soccer Fiction, Soccer Team, Soccer Teams, Sports, Recreation, Soccer, Soccer Ball, Social Themes, General, Chris Kreie, Darby Creek, Fiction, Friend, Friends, Friendship, High School, Jealousy, Natural, Relationships, School, Soccer, Soccer Stories, Soccer Story, Sport, Sports, Sports and Activities, Sports Fiction, Sports Stories, Sports Story, Teen, Teenager, Teenagers, Teens, The Natural
ISBN: urn:uuid:29d919dd-24f5-4384-be78-b447c9dc299b
Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group
Published: 2018-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

At practice the next day, spirits were still high. Justin continued to soak up the attention for his game-winning goal, and Kamal kept his distance.

“One on one!” shouted Coach Hayes. “Line it up!” The players jogged over to one of the goals. The goalie moved into the net, and the rest of the team began lining up single file at the edge of the box. Kamal got in line in front of Rodrigo and Justin.

Kamal heard Rodrigo explaining the drill to Justin. “This one’s easy,” he said. “The first player defends, and the next player tries to score. After you shoot, you immediately become the defender and the guy behind you tries to score.”

Kamal waited and watched as the guys in front of him did the drill. He didn’t say a word to Rodrigo. He was beginning to get annoyed with how chummy Rodrigo and Justin were getting.

“Great job, guys!” shouted Coach Hayes. “Quick now. Go hard!”

Finally, Kamal was up. He advanced forward with the ball. His defender raced to get into position, but he was too slow. Kamal exploded to the right and got around him easily before firing a shot past the goalie.

“Excellent job, Kamal!” yelled Coach Hayes.

Kamal sprinted back to defend. Rodrigo was coming toward him with the ball. Kamal played it aggressively, thinking he could surprise Rodrigo and go in for a quick tackle. He lunged, diving in at the ball with his left foot. Rodrigo quickly moved the ball backward then spun around Kamal. He tried to recover, but it was too late. Rodrigo was by him. He fired the ball into the goal before Kamal could catch up.

“Great move, Rodrigo!” shouted Coach Hayes.

Kamal returned to his place in line.

Rodrigo quickly got into position on defense. Justin shifted the ball back and forth between his feet. He made a move to the left, but Rodrigo stayed with him, tackling the ball away.

A minute later, Kamal was back up. Again he put a good move on his defender and put the ball into the goal. He was more concerned, however, with stopping Rodrigo on defense. He might not be able to prevent Rodrigo from being friends with Justin, but he could remind him who the Big Dog was on the soccer field.

After his goal, he quickly got into position. Rodrigo broke toward him. Kamal held his ground, keeping low and light on his feet. “Let’s go, Rodrigo!” yelled Justin.

“Come on, Kamal!” yelled another player.

Rodrigo took a quick step forward and then stopped. He took another quick step and stopped again. He was trying to get Kamal off balance. It didn’t work. When Rodrigo tried the move one last time, Kamal read it. He moved forward the instant Rodrigo stopped with the ball. Rodrigo tried to protect it, but Kamal was there. He kicked the ball away and off the field.

Some of the players cheered. “Way to stay patient!” yelled Coach Hayes.

Kamal felt a surge of pride as he ran to the back of the line.

On Justin’s

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