Semifinals (3)

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[Casey Simpson with the ball, he's moving, he's moving quickly. Casey past Carver, past Carver again, still Casey, still Casey, and now it's a goal! Casey Simpson, take a bow. What a run, what a finish, what a goal!]

[It's a splendid goal, but I think that Archie Stoke is at fault there. He shouldn't have assumed where Casey was going to play the shot; he should've waited for the man to shoot instead of preemptively guessing.]

[Did we just watch the same goal? There is no way in God's green earth that Archie Stoke is getting to the ball. In fact, I don't think there's any goalkeeper at this level that's going to get to that. Mbappé-esque finishing from the young winger!]

The Jeremiah Hayes players felt a little annoyed and frustrated when Casey's goal went into the back of the net. A few of them sent hateful glares at Jamie, their discontent palpable, but Jerry managed to calm them down quickly. The match was only just starting, and they still had plenty of time to push for an equalizer if they played smart.

The Young Dragons Academy players didn't spend too much time on their celebrations. They showed their professionalism by immediately jogging back to their half of the pitch, ready to restart the game. The referee blew his whistle, signaling the resumption of the match, and the game was on again.

After The Young Dragons Academy's first goal, the match became a lot more open and intense. What had initially been a controlled exchange of spells of possession between the two teams quickly evolved into an all-out war on the pitch. Shots were flying from both ends, and every moment felt like it could lead to a goal. Despite the relentless attempts, none of the shots managed to find their way into the back of the net.

The tension in the air was palpable. Fans in the stands were on the edge of their seats, their eyes glued to the action on the field. Every missed chance was met with audible groans, and every save drew cheers and applause. The atmosphere was electric, and the players on the pitch were giving it their all, leaving nothing in reserve.

After several near-misses and moments of brilliance from the goalkeepers, a breakthrough finally came in the fortieth minute.

40'

Jeremiah Hayes Football Institution launched a lightning-fast counterattack off a Young Dragons Academy corner. Moses, towering over everyone else, rose highest to meet the incoming ball and headed it out of the Jeremiah Hayes penalty box with authority. His powerful header sent the ball soaring, setting the stage for the counter.

As soon as Jerry saw the ball bounce off Moses' head, he made a decisive run towards the left flank. His quick movement drew the attention of Young Dragons Academy's two center-backs, who instinctively followed him. This tactical decision by Jerry created a significant gap in the middle of the defense, a gap that Jordan exploited to perfection.

Jordan sprinted into the open space, his timing impeccable as the ball rolled into his path. Wasting no time, he drove it forward with purpose, his feet moving swiftly as he carried the ball toward the retreating Young Dragons defense. His pace and ball control were mesmerizing, making it nearly impossible for the defenders to anticipate his next move.

As he approached the final line of defense, Jordan slowed down slightly, allowing the defenders who had initially chased after Jerry to recover their positions. Despite being surrounded, Jordan remained calm. He scanned the field with a quick glance and spotted Jerry making a run on the left. Without hesitation, Jordan threaded a perfectly weighted through pass, slicing the defense open.

Jerry and Aaron Welbeck, the Young Dragons Academy right-back, were locked in a footrace for the ball. The crowd roared as the two players sprinted at full speed, each determined to get there first. Ultimately, Jerry's sheer determination and speed gave him the edge, and he reached the ball just ahead of Aaron.

However, Aaron wasn't about to give up easily. He stayed close to Jerry, attempting a side tackle to dispossess him. But Jerry, showing remarkable composure, executed a Ronaldo-styled chop with precision, leaving Aaron behind and dribbling into the box from the left flank.

As soon as Jerry entered the penalty area, he was met by Destiny Uchechukwu, the towering Young Dragons Academy center-back. Destiny was a formidable presence, known for his strength and defensive prowess. Jerry feigned a move to the outside, causing Destiny to shift his weight in that direction. Then, with a sharp cut, Jerry darted inside, narrowly getting the ball past Destiny's outstretched leg.

But in doing so, Jerry realized he had hit the ball too hard.

"Fuck. I hit it too much," he muttered under his breath, his eyes locking onto the loose ball rolling away from him.

In that split second, Jerry made a bold decision. Realizing he wouldn't reach the ball in time to take a shot, he cleverly hooked his ankle onto Destiny's outstretched leg and let out a loud scream of agony as he fell to the ground.

The referee, who had a clear view of the incident, immediately blew his whistle and pointed to the penalty spot.

"What? That's not a penalty!"

The Young Dragons Academy players were furious. Destiny, along with several of his teammates, surrounded the referee, passionately protesting the decision. Their voices filled the air, a mix of disbelief and anger. But the referee stood firm, unwavering in his judgment.

Destiny, feeling utterly wronged, turned his glare towards Jerry.

"You're a cheating scum," Destiny spat, his voice trembling with anger.

Jerry simply shrugged, his expression indifferent.

[Ooh... the referee's pointed to the spot. It's a penalty. It's so late in the first half, and after trying their best to get themselves back into the game, Jeremiah Hayes Football Institution can finally do so.]

[It looks like quite a few of the Young Dragons Academy players are trying to get the referee to change his mind, but the referee doesn't seem to be having any of it. He's sticking to his original decision. It's still a penalty for Jeremiah Hayes Football Institution.]

Jerry picked up the ball and placed it carefully on the penalty spot. He took a moment to compose himself, his breathing steady as he visualized his shot. His teammates watched anxiously, their hopes resting on his shoulders.

The referee blew his whistle, signaling Jerry to take the penalty. Jerry began his run-up, his steps deliberate and measured. His focus was unshakable as he approached the ball.

[Jeremiah Hayes versus Isaiah O'Connor. The goalkeeper with the most clean sheets in this tournament versus the tournament's joint top scorer. Who is going to come out on top?]

The commentators heightened the tension, their voices rising as Jerry struck the ball.

[Jeremiah Hayesss!...]