Free Solo

23

Audrey's POV

"Well that fucking sucked." Kelley says as everyone sits in their lockers.

We're playing Canada in the gold medal match and we're down 3-0 at halftime.

"Alright." Vlatko says and claps his hands to get everyone's attention. "Pinoe can you continue?"

"No. I think the adrenaline was getting me through the last ten minutes."

"Alright...Audrey."

"Yes coach?" I say.

"You'll be going in for Pinoe."

"Okay." I say then Pinoe squeezes my thigh.

For now we put aside our differences, but I'm pretty sure she and I will be having a conversation later about what went on back in 2016.

"Alright. Now who thinks we should go for the win?" Vlatko asks.

"I didn't come here to lose to Canada." Ash says.

"So we're all in agreement then." Vlatko says and everyone nods. "Good...so we are going to a 3-4-3 formation. Ash is obviously still in goal. Julie I want you to slide into defense with Becky and Abby."

"Got it." Julie says.

"Good...Crystal and Kelley you two will push up into the midfield with Sam and Lindsey." Vlatko says and the two fullbacks nod. "And Audrey, Christen and Tobin are up front. Everyone understand."

Everyone says yes.

"Good..Audrey go warm up."

I nod then get my shin guards and follow one of the coaches out of the room. Right before I leave the changing room to warm up Pinoe speaks up.

"Hey Audrey." She says.

I turn around and look at her and notice everyone looking at me.

"Fuck 'em up." Pinoe says.

"With fucking pleasure." I say then walk out of the room and to the pitch.

"Lets go. This games over." Someone in the crowd says.

"I wouldn't leave if I was you." I say and keep walking.

Once on the pitch I warm up for the last ten minutes then I jog over to the sidelines when Carli calls for me. When I reach Carli she puts her hands on my face and as she does this I see three cameras pointing towards us. Once Carli has my full attention we have a staring contest for a minute then Carli breaks the silence.

"I didn't come here to bring back a silver medal."

"Understood." I say.

"Good." Carli says then kisses my forehead. "Now go show them why Solo's aren't to be fucked with."

Carli hugs me then I get to my position right as we kick off.

We dominate possession for most of the first ten minutes, but nothing amounts to anything.

In the 57th minute Canada have a goal kick so Labbé kicks it upfield, but it goes right to Crystal. Once Crystal has the ball she jogs with the ball toward the halfway line and I, seeing a lat of space ahead, take off towards goal. Crystal sees my run and floats a ball towards me. I keep running, but quickly look at Labbé and see she's running out to get the ball. I look back at the ball and see it falling right in front of me so I dive and get my head on the ball then I fall to the ground.

When I hit the ground I look up and see the ball in the back of the net which I guess means the score's now 3-1 Canada.

"Hey you alright?" Christen says while she's squatted next to me.