My Short Story

THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

by Jason Herbert

Chris arrived at the soccer field thirty minutes before the start of the championship game. It was a beautiful fall morning and his team, the Red Bulls, was playing against the Rapids for first place in the city tournament for 10 & 11 year olds. Chris saw his best friend, Luke, and some other teammates kicking a soccer ball to warm up.

"Hey guys," he called as he jogged up to them. "Where is Coach Robert?"

"I don't know," answered Luke. "He's not here yet."

Chris looked surprised. "That's not normal," he exclaimed. "Coach is always early!"

Just then, Luke's dad got a call on his cell phone. After he hung up, he walked over to the boys, looking concerned. "Boys, I have some bad news. That was Coach Robert on the phone," he explained. "His little girl fell off her bike and broke her arm, and he is at the Emergency Room with her right now. It looks like he won't be able to come to the game."

Chris slumped his shoulders in dismay and moaned, ''oh no.'' Today was Chris's first time playing goalie because the regular goalie was sick. Coach Robert had promised to be there to tell him what to do. Luke's dad looked at the shocked faces of the boys standing around him. ''Don't worry,'' he reassured them. ''I'll be your coach today.'' He patted Chris on the back.'' It will be okay , Chris. I'll help you.''

Before the game even started, Chris was so nervous that sweat poured down his face. Tensely, he looked at the players on the other team, who were practicing their goal kicks. He got a knot in his stomach as big as an elephant! The Rapids was the only team the Red Bulls had lost to all season. Chris knew that they could kick the ball really hard.

Soon the referee blew his whistle and it was time to start the game. The green team got the ball first and the game began. By halftime, the score was tied 3-3, and both teams were exhausted. Luke sat down next to Chris on the grass and declared, "Good job in the goal, Chris. You are doing great!"

"Thanks," Chris replied, " but they scored three goals on me." He looked very depressed.

Luke's dad stood up and looked at the boys. "You guys are playing hard, but you need to spread out and play your positions. Defense, I want you to scoot up a little. And remember, this is the championship game! Let's win for Coach Robert!" Eveyone cheered. "Okay guys, hands in, " he continued. "Now on three, everyone yell 'Red Bulls'. Ready?"

All the players stood up and put one hand in the middle of the circle. They shouted, "One, two, three, RED BULLS!"

The referee blew his whistle and it was time for the second half. Playing hard, both teams remained scoreless until Luke kicked one into the back of the net. The Red Bulls were in the lead, 4-3! Delighted and relieved, Chris was thrilled that no one had scored on him during the second half. The game was almost over, and it looked like his team was going to win!

Then with 5 seconds left, Chris's teammate, Paul, was called for a hand ball inside the goalie box. That meant the Rapids would get a free kick against Chris in the net. All of his teammates had to stand outside of the box, so it was one against one. Chris was a nervous wreck! his hands were sweaty, his stomach hurt, and his heart was pounding. Not surprisingly, the other team put their best kicker against Chris . Chris bent his knees and spread out his hands to each side.

''Make yourself big!'' shouted Luke's dad from the sidelines.

''You can do it ,Chris! Come on!'' called his teammates excitedly.

A goal would put the game into overtime. The pressure was on! The other player lined up for the kick. Chris stared at the ball. The whistle blew and the other player kicked the ball as hard as he could toward the corner of the net. Chris dove at the ball and just got his fingers on it, sending it sailing up over the top of the goal!

Chris's teammates cheered loudly and high-fived each other. Now the other team had a corner kick, which went straight into Chris's hands. As he punted the ball down the field, the time expired. The Red Bulls had won! Chris's teammates joyfully carried him off the field on their shoulders. Chris's mom and dad ran over and gave him a gigantic hug. Smiling, Luke's dad called out, "Ice cream for everyone at Dairy Queen! My treat!"

THE END