Chapter 8: The First Friendly

Jason stood in the tunnel, his heart pounding in his chest.

This was it—his first match with his new team.

It wasn't an official league game, just a friendly against a local club, but it felt like everything.

A chance to prove himself. A chance to show Coach Moreno that he wasn't just some trialist—he was a future star.

Rodrigo nudged him. "Nervous?"

Jason exhaled sharply. "A little."

Rodrigo smirked. "Good. Means you care."

Lucas, standing nearby, scoffed. "Try not to embarrass yourself, rookie."

Jason ignored him. He had bigger things to focus on.

The referee signaled.

Time to step onto the pitch.

Kickoff

The whistle blew, and the match began.

Jason's team played in a 4-3-3 formation. He was the central striker, with Lucas on the left wing and another forward on the right.

The ball zipped between players as both teams tested each other in the early minutes.

Jason stayed mobile, constantly scanning the field. His Striker's Instinct (Level 2) helped him predict movements, and his positioning felt sharper than ever.

But something quickly became clear—his team wasn't passing to him.

Rodrigo tried to, but the other midfielders looked hesitant.

And Lucas?

Whenever he got the ball, he refused to pass.

Jason narrowed his eyes. So that's how it's gonna be?

He needed to change that.

The First Chance

20 minutes in, Jason finally got his first real touch.

Rodrigo, under pressure, slipped a pass through the middle. Jason turned sharply, evading a defender, and drove forward.

One-on-one with a center-back.

Jason faked left, then sprinted right.

He had a yard of space—enough to shoot.

He swung his foot back and—

A hard tackle slammed into his side.

Jason hit the ground.

No whistle. No foul.

Just Lucas jogging past him.

"Too slow," Lucas muttered.

Jason gritted his teeth. That wasn't a tackle.

Lucas had stolen the ball from his own teammate.

Jason watched as Lucas charged forward and took a shot.

The ball blazed over the bar.

Coach Moreno shook his head on the sideline.

Jason pushed himself up, frustration burning inside him.

This wasn't just about competition.

Lucas was actively trying to shut him out.

Jason clenched his fists.

Alright, Lucas. If you won't pass to me, I'll take matters into my own hands.

Adjusting His Game

Jason stopped waiting for passes.

Instead, he dropped deeper, pulling defenders out of position.

Lucas, expecting Jason to stay up top, suddenly found himself without space.

Defenders crowded him, forcing bad shots.

Meanwhile, Jason began creating his own plays.

At the 30th minute, Rodrigo intercepted a pass and looked up.

Jason had already started his run.

Rodrigo didn't hesitate.

A perfect through ball split the defense.

Jason exploded forward, his acceleration kicking in.

The goalkeeper rushed out.

Jason saw his chance.

A quick touch around the keeper—then a simple finish into the empty net.

Goal.

The stadium erupted.

Jason didn't celebrate. He just turned and looked at Lucas.

Lucas glared.

Jason smirked. Try ignoring me now.

A Rivalry Ignited

The rest of the first half was a battle.

Lucas, now desperate to score, started forcing bad shots. His frustration grew with every miss.

Meanwhile, Jason played smart. He wasn't just trying to score—he was controlling the game.

Coach Moreno noticed.

Halftime came.

As they walked off, Moreno pulled Jason aside.

"Good movement," he said. "You're making things happen."

Jason nodded. "Thanks, Coach."

Moreno's eyes flicked to Lucas. "But I need my forwards to work together."

Jason knew what he meant.

Lucas wasn't just a rival—he was a problem.

Jason exhaled. "I'll handle it."

Moreno raised an eyebrow. "I hope so."

Because if Jason couldn't fix it?

One of them wouldn't last long on this team.

And Jason had no intention of being the one to leave.