An Incredible Start

"ROSENBORG! *Clap*Clap* ROSENBORG! *Clap*Clap..."

Zachary could feel his heart beating hard with excitement as he soaked in the cheers of the Rosenborg fans. He'd already taken his spot in the attacking midfield position and was only waiting for the referee to blow the whistle to signal the kick-off.

"Zachary," he heard Coach Johansen yelling at the top of his lungs from the sidelines. "Don't let that Stefan Johansen become comfortable in the midfield. Try to check him once in a while so that you can throw him off his game."

Zachary gave the coach a thumbs and nodded his head to indicate he'd received the message. He cast a glance across the pitch — towards the other half and noticed the player in question.

Stefan Johansen, the defensive midfielder who'd beaten him to acquire the May player of the month accolade, also seemed to be observing him at that moment. So, their gazes collided for a moment, and Zachary felt an intense urge to battle from him.