The players returned after their short break. The sun had begun to dip, casting long shadows across the pitch.
Round 3 was about to begin. Only 18 groups were left for Day 1 of the trial. Some players had won both round 1 and 2. So they progressed to Day 2 automatically.
Coach Joe clapped his hands. "Alright, boys. Round 3 will test you the same way round 1 did. Your speed, skill and composure will be put to the test here.
Each player will have a 1v1 against his opponent, you both have 3 minutes to score, the first to score wins the round.
so be sure to use every opportunity you have wisely", He said.
Sonny's stomach tightened, his face squeezed together. He knew Theo had locked in and wasn't going to give him the same opportunities he had in round 1.
"Theo's not going to play around this time, if I want to win this, I have to match up to his level". He said, while looking at Theo with determination.
Theo, on the other hand, flexed his calves, already visualizing the moves he'd pull.
Some students watching from the stands spotted Sonny, and were surprised to see him still in the trial, and against Theo Harrow of all people.
"Yoo isn't that the traitless kid" a student asked.
"Huh... oh, it is the kid, hahaha. How is he still in there" another student replied
"Probably just a fluke, he's not making it to Day 2, no chance. Not against someone like, Theo Harrow" a boy said.
Each group one at a time would play, The first few groups went up for their respective 1v1 battles.
{20 minutes later}
Sonny and Theo were group 13 and their match up looked like one of the more promising ones.
"Group 13, please make your way into the field" an assistant said.
Sonny and Theo went into the field. They faced each other a bit over 30 yards away from the goal post. The ball sat between them.
Sonny looked at Theo and smiled awkwardly. Theo offered him a hand to shake.
"May the best player win?", Theo smiled and said, while stretching out his hand for the handshake with Sonny.
"You bet!" Sonny responded and shook his hand.
Coach Joe stepped into the field with the ball in his hands. "Alright back off a little, allow the ball to bounce once and then the first to score wins the round, ok?", he said.
"Yes sir", Sonny and Theo responded.
"Let's go", coach Joe said and threw the ball into the air. Then backed off.
The ball was in the air for what felt like an eternity. The atmosphere changed. The aura of the two players was different.
Finally the ball landed, and bounced once.
Theo struck first, a smooth control in the air. Sonny covered up. Theo tries 2 quick step-overs followed by a sudden drag-back.
Sonny reacted just in time, blocking the first attempt, and won the ball.
He countered with a feint of his own, pretending to cut left but slipping the ball to his right. Theo's eyes lit up.
The seconds passed like hours. Theo tried a nutmeg, but Sonny blocked with his heel.
Theo attempted a sudden drag-back into a shot, but Sonny intercepted with a flick and spun past him. Sonny saw the post, empty, no one to block his shot.
He tries a shot, Theo was there just in time with a sliding tackle, blocking the shot, and causing the ball to go out of play.
There were no corners or throw-ins so an assistant threw the ball back into Theo.
Theo ran forwards but was against Sonny again. Sonny was like a wall he couldn't penetrate.
He looked at Sonny in front of him, Theo was getting tired. "Why can't I break through this guy?!", Theo thought to himself.
"Hehe, just like old times right Theo", Sonny said.
"I've been improving. Training. Every single day for years", He continued, with determination in his eyes.
"You're one of my best friends, but.. (he coughed) my rise is inevitable", Sonny said.
Theo's blood rushed to his head, his eyes whitened. He saw what Sonny said as a challenge.
"I spent 3 years in Middlesbrough trying to get into an academy. I'm not gonna lose to You!, never!", he exclaimed.
{On the stands}
Kelly Mercer grew intrigued. She wasn't too moved but was at the edge of her seat.
Damien, who had won against his opponent 2-0 and secured an automatic spot for Day 2, was also watching.
His arms folded, acting unimpressed, so he could look as cold as possible.
{Back on the field}
Theo did 3 quick roll backs with the ball, into a double stepover - La Croqueta move. Sonny timed the tackle perfectly but Theo wanted him to bait him in.
He did a quick Cruyff chop. Sonny almost splits but holds his position to the ground. Immediately covering up.
****
"Only 30 seconds left... it's now or never. Only the best can define their destiny. Can he really do it?" coach Joe said, waiting for something to happen.
****
Theo tries to use his body to nudge Sonny off him, but Sonny doesn't hold back. He slides in and intercepts the ball. But not to himself.
The ball goes a bit wide, Theo and Sonny ran a little sprint race to win it back.
Sonny gets there first, And turns to face Theo.
1 on 1. The air got thinner. The clouds covered the sky. The silence was loud, Everyone watching on, eyes wide open.
Sonny at the edge of the 18 yard box, goes forward. 1 touch with the sole of his boot, another touch, and a 3rd touch.
He pulls a stepover, into a reverse elastico, he immediately winds up for a shot. Theo dives in with his whole body.
There were only 10 seconds left. If Theo blocked this Sonny would lose in the extra time without a doubt.
Former friends, turned rivals overnight. Darkness rained down on the field. The aura of the 2 players was the only shining light on the field.
They both had justified reasons to want to be on the team.
One has been rejected everywhere he's been to, looking for redemption.
Another had been on trial for 3 years and got laid off, as though he had wasted those 3 years of his life.
The only question to be answered was who wanted it more?