Confidence had returned to Crestwood after their 2-1 win over Greenford, but the fixture list gave them no time to celebrate. Up next was a home match against Riverton, who were flying high with two wins and one draw to start their league campaign. For Ethan this was another opportunity to show that he can hang with the best in academy football.
In the changing room Coach Warren stood in front of the whiteboard. "Riverton are quick, physical, and can score plenty of goals. However, that doesn't mean they're unbeatable. We've already proven that we can bounce back from a loss. Now let's prove that we can compete with the very best. Play hard, stick together, and play our game."
From the opening whistle, Riverton showed why they were one of the best teams in the league. The midfield pressed high and within the first ten minutes, they already made the Crestwood keeper make two saves.
Crestwood weathered the storm and in the 15th minute had their first chance of the game. Ethan picked up the loose ball and slipped a pass to Callum. Callum struck the ball, but the Riverton keeper was able to make the save.
Eight minutes later, the Riverton right winger ran down the side of the pitch and put a cross into the box. Their striker was able to beat the center back to the ball and struck it into the net to put Riverton in front.
Crestwood didn't panic and ten minutes later leveled the match. Mason won possession with a crunching tackle and laid it off to Ethan. Ethan faked going right, then slipped a pass to the left winger making a run. The cross was whipped in and Callum rose highest and headed the ball into the goal.
The second half started at a frantic pace. Riverton pressed even higher while Crestwood looked to hit them on the counter. Mason worked tirelessly breaking up play and shouting instructions to the team, while Ethan was looking sharper on the ball. In the 58th minute, Ethan picked the ball from 25 yards out. He ran towards goal before passing it to Callum, who ended up hitting the post with his shot.
Then in the 70th minute, Riverton whipped in a corner that wasn't dealt with very well. Chaos ensued inside the box before it was knocked in by Riverton to reclaim the lead. For a moment a few Crestwood heads dropped until Mason shouted, "We're still in this guys! We still have ten more minutes!"
When play restarted, Ethan pushed higher up the pitch and started demanding the ball. In the 76th minute Mason intercepted a pass and quickly gave it to Ethan. Ethan beat his man and unloaded a shot from the edge of the box into the low corner to equalize the match. Teammates mobbed Ethan as he delivered in another crucial moment.
The final minutes were tense as both teams looked to find the decisive goal. Both teams had chances to find it, but the defenses held strong and kept it at two all.
They might've not won the match, but the Crestwood players were proud of being able to stand toe-to-toe with one of the strongest teams in the league.
"That's the spirit Eastfield," Mason said clapping Ethan on the back.
"The goal was cool and all, but next time set me up instead," Callum joked.
Ethan laughed and shook his head.