So in my Monday night soccer league, we were up 1-0 with less than ten minutes left in the match. I subbed out while on defense after getting my foot drilled, then went back on moments later for attacking midfield. Again, around ten minutes left, I make a run to split two defenders when I see Drew get a good look on a 50/50 ball. He redirects the ball right behind the last defender, actually almost laying it out for me while I was in stride. I bring it down and give two close touches as I sprint towards the 18, one on one with the keeper at this point, with a defender right behind me.
Thinking to myself, 'I've seen this before.. you've watched this get screwed up a hundred times by the pros. You know what to do.' Visions of Emilio Renteria in my mind.
I cross the top of the 18 and the keeper thinks I'm going to pop it then, but I flick it to the right (a little too hard) and side step him as he slides. The ball is rolling good towards the touch line now and both the defender and I race to catch it first. 2 ft from going out of bounds and 4-5 ft to the right of the goal mouth, I win the race and quickly make a right foot, cross-body one-touch strike and immediately tumble out of bounds as the ball hits the back of the net. 2-0.
Man I was so pumped. It's like everything I've been working on and learning for the last two years finally paid off. Tonight confirmed that staying in shape and watching endless hours of leagues across the globe has made me the better player that I knew I've become. We've won 5 out of our last 6, we are on a roll!
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