Has there ever been a time where something elementary you were doing became extremely strenuous in a matter of minutes? For me this happened during a soccer game. When the game commenced the sky was an extravagant blue with hardly any clouds. That all changed in the blink of an eye.

       The beginning of the game was very elementary. The weather was almost perfect in every way imaginable. The temperature inhabited about 70 degrees Fahrenheit with impeccable humidity. Passing was incredibly easy with the pitch in the shape that it was. You could palpably hear a sound like a spray can going when the ball cycled end over end. It contained lush, green grass everywhere. The grass was not wet enough to make the ball glide across and bounce out of control. Likewise not dry enough to make the ball itself dry and stick to your foot, making it hard to not trip. Because of the conditions,  it was very easy to pass the ball back and forth, keeping it away from the other team and scoring. We thought it would be an easy game.

       As the match progressed closer to halftime there were clouds rolling in over our heads. As halftime was coming to the end it was becoming more and more palpable that it was going to rain. Within five minutes of the second half it began to sprinkle. It started as a drizzle, then rain, and finally it was pouring, feeling like I was in the shower. We all were playing with rain pounding at our backs and making it almost impossible to see. Nonetheless, we still had the ball to worry about. The ball was at your feet and then gone again instantaneously with how much speed it had gained; it was almost impossible to control. We were falling every ten seconds because of how muddy the pitch was. 

       We were forced to make soft short passes to keep possession.  The ball inhabited the opposite side of the pitch about fifty yards away from me. My team had just won possession and were wrapping the ball to the other side of the pitch rapidly. The ball was slowly but surely progressing towards me. The first pass was very aggressive like a bull at a matador, jumping around like a kangaroo in the desert. The second pass was incredible. You could vividly hear a spray can sound all the way to the next player. We kept communicating and moving the ball all around the back and up the other side.

       Now the ball was on the left side of the pitch where I resided. I received the ball, and it felt like a baseball to my foot. It was as tough to control as a bull rider controlling a bull. Precedent to me getting the ball, I had worked out where I would pass or dribble to create space. 

       I ended up passing the ball down the line so close it looked like it was walking a tightrope. I then sprinted diagonally to my right to receive the pass back, a give and go. I then dribbled past one of the opponents and found my team mate, and he took an elegant touch towards the goal. The ball ricocheted off the post and right to my feet. I was stunned by the sudden appearance. Someone from the opposite team came in and plowed through me, sending me sprawling. 

       TWEET.  The referee’s whistle blew, and he called a free kick. I was the lone soul that could kick the ball to the goal from where it layed. I reluctantly got up, knees buckling, and started creeping towards the ball. I confirmed I was far enough away from the ball, but not too far. I started my run up, heart going a million miles an hour. I felt my foot nail the ball in the perfect spot just below the center. I was practically sideways in the air after the monstrous hit. The ball was soaring through the air like it was a surfer on a wave. All became silent except for the crickets chirping on the field next to us. I abruptly heard the crowd screaming and my teammates freaking out. I had nailed it bottom left corner right past the keeper's hands.

       This is an example of me and my team communicating to win and keep possession of the ball. I looked to my right and identified my teammate beside me. The ball had just looked like it had been shot out of a cannon past the goal. We were preparing to defend a goal kick. The other team was preparing the ball and the grass. While they were doing that we were howling to each other who to guard. We were also shouting where we thought people would make runs.

       I remember once commanding, “Watch for 21 to make a run to the back post for a header or volley.”

       My teammate responded, “Okay, thanks.” He looked like he was going to the front post to hit it toward the penalty spot for one of his teammates.  With perseverance and continuing to play hard we were able to come out with the win.

       This was the game that was both elementary and strenuous for me. This game taught me perseverance by giving me something easy to begin with and quickly changing to something difficult. I was not ready for the rapid change, and I had to struggle through the challenges controlling and passing the ball. I learned that it's important not to give up when something becomes difficult, and that with dedication you can adjust and achieve your goals.

-Ryan G.