The Apex stadium sound system blasted a triumphant anthem, but it was drowned out by the roar of 40,000 ecstatic virtual fans and the jubilant shouts of the players on the pitch.
Viktor Kristensen, the 16-year-old hat-trick hero, was hoisted onto the shoulders of the towering Grant Hanley and the surprisingly strong Kenny McLean.
He looked down, a mixture of shock and elation on his young face, as his teammates bounced around him, chanting his name.
Ethan stood on the sideline, clapping until his hands were sore. He wasn't just watching a team celebrate; he was watching his team. His vision. His risky, youth-focused project had just delivered a 4-0 thrashing in a game that had been thrown into utter chaos.
He caught the eye of Emre Demir, who had been the architect of so much of their beautiful play. The Turkish prodigy gave him a small, knowing smile and a thumbs-up.
It was a simple gesture, but it spoke volumes.
We did it, Coach.
