CHAPTER 9

FINAL MINUTES

After Dominic’s goal, the Warriors took possession of the ball at the centerline. A few minutes later, though, one of the Rockets’ players stole it. Just like before, the Rockets kept passing the ball back and forth, but they were having trouble advancing down the field and toward the opposing team’s goal.

The Rockets still weren’t passing to Dominic. Only this time, there was a different reason.

The Warriors are guarding me too closely, Dominic thought. Every time I move, at least two defenders follow me.

Johnny, however, was also on the field and was standing wide open near the sideline. With his reputation as a troublemaker, none of the Rockets were even thinking about passing to him. He was in the exact position Dominic had been in just a short time ago.

“Two minutes left!” Coach Everett shouted.

Dominic desperately tried to get free so someone could pass the ball to him. At last, he saw his chance. One of the Warriors guarding him got distracted, and Dominic darted forward, away from the other defender.

Sure enough, one of Dominic’s teammates spotted him and passed him the ball. Once he had the ball, Dominic took off. Three Warriors defenders stood between him and the goal, but he faked each of them out until he was alone and inside the 18-yard box.

But the goalie was ready. He stood with his arms out, expecting Dominic to pull another fake and shoot in the opposite direction.

Just then, Johnny ran down the sideline toward the other side of the goal, about ten feet from Dominic. The goalie, who was still focused on Dominic, didn’t seem to notice him.

There couldn’t be more than a minute left in the game. Dominic knew he had to do something — and quick.

He drew back his leg, pretending he was about to kick the ball as hard as he could into the goal, but at the last minute, he spun around and passed it to Johnny, who was waiting on the opposite side of the goal.

Johnny seemed slightly surprised and fumbled the ball, but he recovered quickly. The goalie didn’t have time to get to the other side, so Johnny easily kicked the ball into the goal.

There was whooping and cheering from the sidelines as the Rockets took the lead 3–2.

Dominic looked over at his family. They were cheering and clapping. Caleb, awake now and sitting in his mother’s lap, also clapped his hands.

There were only thirty seconds left in the game — not enough time for anything more to happen. The Warriors passed the ball back and forth a few times, but soon the referee blew his whistle.

The game was over.

The Rockets gathered to celebrate, high-fiving each other and then lining up to shake hands with the Warriors.

As everyone gathered up their things, Coach said, “Don’t forget practice on Monday. Our second game is next Saturday night, and we need to keep working hard!”

Dominic grabbed his bag and hurried over to his family. He couldn’t wait to give his little brother a hug.

Forget practice? Dominic thought as he left the field. I can hardly wait!