(This is the first installment of a series that goes into smut and even romance in Women's soccer. This will mostly delve into the US Women's National Soccer Team but other soccer players will be included throughout. Look at it as somewhat of an anthology of sorts)
-Disclaimer: This is a work of complete fiction. None of this is real or intended to be perceived as factual-
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"O'Hara taking it up through midfield. The US is down to their last few seconds of extra time in this final of the 2022 She Believes Cup. Can they tie it up and send this exhilarating game into extra time? Or will the French hold on to claim the title" The announcer exuberantly called out as Kelley ran up the field with the ball.
"I have to say, this seems like the World Cup Final, not an exhibition tournament, Beth." He continued.
"Oh no, JC, these women are ultra competitive, they want this win" the second commentator added.
"Oh look at this, Lavelle making a run on the far side. O'Hara sees her... this could well be their last shot! O'Hara with the long cross! Lavelle with the first time shot on goal! And.... Oh no! It's off the crossbar!" he shouted as the stadium fell silent, the sound of the crossbar ringing the only thing breaking the silence.
"And there's the whistle! The French have done it!" he shouted as the French fans erupted in cheers.
The French team ran onto the field in celebration. The sight of the French stang at Kelley's stomach. Her competitive spirit yearned for one more chance at an equalizing goal, but all she felt is that terrible knot inside. Her head dropped for a second before she snapped out of it.
"Stop it! You're the captain! You need to be a leader right now!"
"Hey, come on. Up, get up. None of this" Kelley told the girls as she went from one to the other, consoling and encouraging them.
"Come on, bring it in! Come on!" The captain began to say, motioning to the girls all around, still trying to process the loss. They slowly came together, huddling in a loose circle as Kelley continued bringing them together.
"Rose! Hey, Rose! Bring it in" Kelley called out as the pale brunette simply stood looking at the empty goal. Her hands rested on her hips as she panted, trying to catch her breath. She had given it her all, the last sprint truly having taken it out of her. Her strong legs felt like gelatin, the only thing keeping her standing is the disappointment.
"Hey, come on. I know, I know it sucks, but come on, I have something to say" Kelley told the younger brunette as she walked up to her and placed her hand on the girl's shoulder.
"No. I'm done here" Rose simply said, her blue eyes trained on the net that should've rattled with a final goal.
"Rose, come on. It'll be quick" Kelley continued as she slowly tugged on Rose's shoulder.
"Fuck off" Rose said almost nonchalantly as she panted, her breath slowly coming back.
She shimmied her shoulder free of Kelley's hand and walked towards the tunnel into the locker room. Kelley looked on stunned as the pale girl slowly walked off. The team looked on, whispering and wondering what the disagreement was about.
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"Alright, onto the bus, come on. The quicker you get on the quicker you'll get to go to bed" the head trainer stated as he handed each girl a special drink of electrolytes as they walked onto the charter bus.
Each girl sat at a seat, nobody saying a single word. Then, as Kelley waited at the bus door, the last girl came up, Rose. Her blue eyes looked forward, not breaking as the captain stood by. Rose simply took the drink and walked into the bus, taking a seat towards the back, alone.
The bus ride was silent, all thirty minutes of it akin to a church service. The atmosphere was rife with uncertainty and disdain. Sure the tournament was an exhibition, a mini dress rehearsal for the World Cup, yet it proved to show what they all knew, they were struggling.
The chemistry they once had was lacking, surely due to the retirement of the veterans on the team. Carlie, Megan, and even Alex had retired from international play. Those who were the glue of the team, those who had experienced so much and mentored the younger players, were gone.
Kelley felt the burden of the team's lack of form lately. She knew everybody was looking to her for motivation, hope, and the words of encouragement that used to inject the team with raw passion. This, though, was much different. The captain didn't know what to do.
It didn't help that Rose had become somewhat of a rebellious spirit all of a sudden. Kelley knew she needed to have a talk with her. Rose was one of the best players on the team with tons of experience, somebody others could look up to; she just needed to be a team player, which she showed no interest in being at the moment.
"Alright, grab your keys, don't forget to set your alarms. We have an early flight to France tomorrow." the coach said as the players filed out of the bus and grabbed their room key cards from a receptionist. Everybody looked bleak, exhausted, drained. The overall feeling was rampant amongst the girls.
"Rose, come here for a second. I have some stuff I want you to look over..." the coach said as she walked out of the bus, the final player to grab her room key.
"I'm going to bed. I'm sure Kelley will be glad to discuss things with you" Rose said as she took her key card and continued walking.
"Rose... lets discuss this now" the coach continued, now with a hint of sternness in his voice. Yet Rose did the unthinkable, she simply raised an arm and flipped the bird behind her.
"What the f..." the coach began to say, beginning to walk towards the pale brunette but Kelley stuck a hand out to stop him.
"No, no... let me handle it." Kelley said as she looked around, noticing none of the handful of people left in the lobby had seen the ordeal.
"No, somebody has to rein her back in. What's gotten into her?" the coach said, his eyes stared at Rose as she continued to walk to the elevator. His ire was evident to Kelley, clearly giving her the impression that he'd bench Rose, or even kick her off the team.
"Coach... Jim... come on. Trust me, please. I'll talk to her. Trust me" Kelley said as she stepped in front of the coach.
"Fine... but if this continues, she's off the team, Kelley. I don't care if the World Cup's around the corner.... She'll be out. I'm not kidding" he finished as he grabbed his duffle bag and walked to the elevator. Kelley looked up at him and slowly nodded, taking a deep sigh as she closed her eyes and ran her hands over her face.