The Forge Academy Grounds – Third Week of Training
By the third week at The Forge, Alvaro had started to find his rhythm. The drills became more familiar, the demands less daunting, and his understanding of the game sharper. Yet, every session brought new challenges, and Coach Delgado ensured no one grew comfortable.It was like grinding without stopping.
"You've made it through the door," Delgado said during the morning briefing. "But staying here requires more than talent. It requires focus, consistency, and grit. Today, we'll see who has what it takes."
The announcement came with a sense of anticipation. The players had heard whispers about an upcoming trial match against an older academy team. For Alvaro, this was an opportunity to prove himself at a higher level—and to show that his place at The Forge wasn't a fluke.
---
That afternoon, Delgado confirmed the rumors. The U-15 team, two years older and much more physically developed, would play against Alvaro's group in a full-pitch match.It was a surprising revelation.
"They're bigger, stronger, and more experienced," Delgado said bluntly. "But football is played with the brain, not just the body. If you think, adapt, and work together, you'll have a chance. If you don't, they'll crush you."
Alvaro felt a jolt of nerves. He had faced older players before in Valle Sol, but this was different. These were seasoned academy players, many of whom were on the cusp of being promoted to the reserves.
---
Pre-Match Tensions
In the locker room, the atmosphere was tense. Players stretched in silence, their expressions focused. Raul sat beside Alvaro, tying his boots with practiced ease.
"This is going to be rough," Raul muttered. "Have you seen their captain? He looks like he could play for the first team."
Alvaro smirked. "Size doesn't matter if we don't let him get the ball."
From across the room, Morales scoffed. "Just make sure you don't slow us down, Cortez. I don't plan on being embarrassed out there."
Alvaro ignored the jab. He had learned not to let Morales's attitude affect him.
---
The players lined up on the pristine grass of Pitch 1, their kits crisp under the afternoon sun. The U-15 team, clad in navy and white, exuded confidence as they took their positions. Their captain, a towering midfielder named Victor Gutierrez, surveyed Alvaro's team with a faint smirk.
The whistle blew, and the game began.
From the start, the physicality of the older players was evident. They pressed aggressively, muscling Alvaro's teammates off the ball and dominating aerial duels. By the 10th minute, Gutierrez had already orchestrated two dangerous attacks, forcing the younger team to scramble defensively.
Alvaro struggled to find space in the chaotic opening minutes. Every time he received the ball,an
U-15 player was on him, forcing rushed decisions.Hewas thinking about how to face this.Delgado's words echoed in his mind: Think, adapt, work together.
In the 15th minute, Alvaro noticed something: the older team's press left gaps behind their midfield. If he could exploit those spaces, they might find a way forward.
The next time he received the ball, instead of rushing a pass, Alvaro took a quick glance upfield and sent a lofted ball over the press. It found Raul on the wing, who surged forward and earned a corner.
It wasn't a goal, but it was a start.
The corner led to the equalizer. Raul's cross found Morales, who managed to head the ball past the goalkeeper. Though Morales celebrated with his usual bravado, Alvaro didn't mind—it had been a team effort.
With the score tied 1-1, Alvaro began to grow into the game. He dropped deeper to help the defense play out of the press, using quick, simple passes to relieve pressure. His composure spread to his teammates, who started to find their footing.
---
At halftime, Delgado gathered the players on the sideline.
"Good response," he said. "But Gutierrez is controlling the game. Cortez, I need you to stay tighter on him. Don't let him dictate the play. And remember: quick transitions. Their backline is slow—exploit that."
Alvaro nodded, already forming a plan.
As the second half began, Alvaro focused on shadowing Gutierrez. The older captain was strong and skilled, but Alvaro's positioning and anticipation made it harder for him to influence the game.
In the 60th minute, Gutierrez tried to dribble past Alvaro, only for the younger midfielder to strip the ball cleanly and launch a counterattack. The ball found Raul, who cut inside and curled a shot into the top corner.
"¡Gol!" Delgado shouted from the sideline.
The younger team now led 2-1, and the momentum had shifted.
The final 20 minutes were a test of endurance. The U-15 team pushed forward relentlessly, sending cross after cross into the box. Gutierrez, frustrated but determined, began taking risks, driving into the final third with powerful runs.
Alvaro, though exhausted, stayed disciplined. In the 80th minute, he intercepted a pass intended for Gutierrez and cleared the ball to safety. His teammates rallied around him, defending as a unit and denying the older players any clear chances.
When the final whistle blew, the younger team erupted in cheers. They had done it—beating a stronger, more experienced side through grit and teamwork.
---
As the players shook hands, Gutierrez approached Alvaro.
"You played well, Cortez," he said, his tone respectful. "We'll see each other again."
"Looking forward to it," Alvaro replied with a small smile,Clearly excited.
Delgado gathered the team on the sideline, his expression uncharacteristically warm.
"That," he said, "is what I want to see. Cortez, you led by example today. Keep this up, and you'll go far."
The praise sent a surge of pride through Alvaro. He had faced one of his toughest tests yet and emerged stronger from it.
---
Later that night, as Alvaro lay in bed, he replayed the match in his mind. The tackles, the passes, the goal—it had all been worth it.
He knew there would be more challenges ahead, but for now, he allowed himself to savor the moment.
With a deep breath, he closed his eyes, ready for whatever came next.
---