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ATHLETICS
Sunday Soccer
Series Finale
Lorenzo Mangubat (H2C)
Posted
Wednesday, 20-Oct-2004 1:05 PM
It has been my ritual for the past Sundays
to wake up early in
preparation for a soccer game in the Filipino-Chinese Soccer League.
It wasn't really much of a big deal since we ruled over all other teams we played in the past games. Some couldn't help but take it for granted as they skipped many games. However, I had a feeling that day, October 3, which would not be like all those other days for
that day was THE FINALS.
That time , our team could not afford anyone
to be absent. The '90 boys had their game the previous day, so they
could not come and that leaves the entire line up to us, the '89.
To add to that, somehow the opponent gave us something to think about: they defeated a team 29-0 when we defeated that same team only 18-0.
Despite the standings relative to that
other opponent we defeated before, we still weren't shaken- or at least
my teammates did not show any sign of worry. After all, we played
well in the previous games. With the last two games ending at 8-1
and 18-0 in our favor, did we really have anything to worry about? Little did we know that this question would soon be answered we took our
positions in the field.
The whistle signaling the beginning of the
finals blew, and its sound echoed. Our forwards immediately seized
the ball, and possession stayed with us for the first few minutes.
We held on early, taking the ball up the field
and we managed to get through easily so an attempt to score was quickly
made. The ball flew, cut through the air heading straight for the net.
The goal keeper tried to reach for the ball, and fell to the ground. He
picked himself up to see the ball beyond him. Goal! It was still
early, and patterns seen in previous games we ruled over were showing
once again. It was quite clear that we had the game.
Or did we? Maybe we were just over confident
or the opponent was
just saving their true skills for later. As we played defense,
they managed to get the ball on the far side. They penetrated from this
area, and when they reached their attacking third, placed the ball in
the middle. These boys though on average only three-fourth our size, got
by swiftly and surprised us by giving us something we did not expect -
a score against ourselves.
At that point, some were only considering
playing harder since we
did have a game, 8-1 wherein we were passed through by one shot.
However, it did not stay like that. After that one goal, I glanced back and what I can remember clearly is seeing the ball down near our goal once again so quickly. Then, just as quickly- or
maybe even quicker- the second shot got past us. Thus, for the first time in
theleague, the opponent was leading! There was no way that we could remain complacent.
It was show time. Our opponents have
made it clear that they are not to be taken lightly, and we had to respond.
Thus, I immediately changed my view. No longer did I see
these kids half my size. Then, I suddenly remembered all those games
I played in fields away from our own. I traveled back and placed myself
in another football field where we lost quite badly to the opposing team.
I feared history repeating itself and vowed to myself that we cannot
afford such a loss – especially not in our own field and not in this league.
Eventually, grace fell upon us as we got
a penalty kick. I would have felt secured, but there have been times wherein we've screwed up to most give-
away of shots. I kept my feet planted in anticipation of charging
in should the ball be deflected. As I brought myself to a ready and tough pose, still, I wanted only for Miguel Palma Gil to make that ball to go in. Thank soccer balls, this one went in clean!
The whistle blew concluding the first half.
This was our moment of revelation. All we could do now was
to look back at the first half. Regret a bit, but more importantly, learn
from it. The few minutes of rest in between periods gave us the
chance to be aware of reality and let go of our egos. We realized
it would take effort to win the game. Glancing over our shoulders,
we saw the opponents’ whole line of substitutes. Six of their players
would be starting fresh, while all of us would be veterans of the first
half. Nevertheless, I did not let that bother me. I knew we could hang
on. After all, we had Gatorade, didn't we?
As we carried ourselves back to the field,
I could feel new inspiration in all of us just waiting to score a goal. "Kaya natin `to," Niccolo stated with assurance. Sure
enough, maybe just a little more of it could have made us fly. As the
opponent attacked on my side, I managed to retake the ball. I brought
it up the field and made a quick pass to Kleiner. Before I knew it, the
ball managed its way to Andrew's corner and the ball was in the net in
more or less only 10 seconds.
Any honest spectator would sincerely say
that there was indeed a big difference between our performances in the
first half and second half! For
from that moment on, the ball followed our dictates. Allowing for
only one more goal against us, we managed to take full control with five
more goals. One after the other, we sent that ball where it belonged
and there was no way for us to make the same mistakes. “20-0 kung 20-0.
That's soccer," I recall a soccer parent saying about a year ago.
At the end of that game, the scoreboard said, “7-3.”
After all those Sundays of sacrifice under
the sun, the beginning of the end concluded with us on top. Surprisingly,
the gold medals we received seemed heavier than before for they weren't
plainly made up of metal; they were a product of sweat, fun, team work,
and most especially humility. Though our opponents were generally
a fraction of our size, they surely gave us a fight. It made me
wonder how much they will grow in size and skill for next year's Sunday
series. Through it all, the Fil-Chi League has been strenuous as it was
eye- opening.
Now it's time to wake up early on Saturday for RIFA!
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