Final IV : Still Going

In the cramped away locker room, the air was thick with a mix of sweat and hope. Coach Mark's voice was steady and passionate as he addressed the team. "We're right back in this, boys. At 0-2, you could've folded, but you didn't. Now it's 2-1, and Ajax is under pressure. Keep playing our football. They're starting to make mistakes; press them, and we'll get our chances." He drew a few quick tactical adjustments on the whiteboard: the fullbacks overlapping more, quicker switches of play to stretch Ajax's shape. Then he looked to Amani. "Amani, how are you feeling?"

Amani sat on the bench, catching his breath, his jersey drenched. He lifted his head, meeting the coach's eyes. "Feeling good, Coach. We can outrun them. Let's push the pace." In truth, Amani felt a fiery energy coursing through him, buoyed by the mission and the goal he'd scored.