Back of the Net Book 2: Perfect

Back of the Net Book 2: Perfect — page 3 — Enzo steps past him planting his left foot and connecting with the right The ball flies past the goalie but he has no chance to reach out before it slips into the top left cross Enzo pulls up his shirt exposing his abs He doesn’t bother to thank Aiden for the assist This moment is about him It’s HIS speed HIS timing HIS drive HIS fitness that has made him such a strong offensive player And it’s him that will go on to play in college and the pros when everyone else on the team becomes weekend players or high school soccer coaches Maybe one or two of them have what it takes to play Major League Soccer but Enzo knows that he’ll make it The score is now 1-0 with ten minutes left If defense does its job they’ll win another match But that doesn’t mean that Enzo is ready to take it easy 6

Back of the Net Book 2: Perfect — page 4 — As soon as the ball is back in play he pursues the defense Ben and Aiden are also there pressing None of them is about to take a chance and pull back or play it safe Ten minutes is too long Too much can happen Soon the ball is in midfield Kai looks fresh and ready to attack Enzo jogs back toward the center line looking for another opening If there’s an opening he can count on Aiden to pass He always passes It’s like he’s afraid to take a shot himself Not a champion The clock ticks by with a lot of safe play Boring Enzo starts to make small attacks as his frustration grows The clock ticks down until there are only three minutes left The players will stall as long as possible and nothing will happen for at least another minute or two 7

Back of the Net Book 2: Perfect — page 5 — Enzo glances at Kai who looks in his direction Here Here calls Enzo Kai passes to Ben instead who is still in a defensive position to drive I feel it We’re playing it too safe thinks Enzo It’s time Ben passes back to Kai Aiden is open and Kai makes a quick pass to him Aiden drives ahead and is met by a defender Enzo is forced to pull back and help He does it even though he knows he won’t be in a shooting position Aiden looks in Ben’s direction but instead passes to Enzo Enzo launches toward the ball like a dog at a playground A walk-over fakes out the midfielder and Enzo finds that he has open space on the right side He goes for it Two defenders approach at pace They always tag-team the best player Aiden is open to the left and Kai supports from behind 8

Back of the Net Book 2: Perfect — page 6 — 9 5 7 11 4 4 9 5 10 11 5

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