The Forge Academy Grounds – A Month Later
By the time Alvaro had completed his first month at The Forge, his name was already being whispered among the coaches. His performance against the U-15 team had cemented his reputation as a rising talent, but with praise came added pressure.
Coach Delgado pushed him harder than ever, assigning him to lead his team in nearly every scrimmage. "Cortez," Delgado would bark during training, "you want to wear the crest of Blanco Royal? Then act like it. Lead, or someone else will."
Alvaro thrived under the intensity, but the challenges were relentless.
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Not everyone celebrated Alvaro's rise. Morales, once the undisputed standout of the group, seemed increasingly frustrated by the attention Alvaro was receiving. During one training session, Morales openly questioned Delgado's decisions.
"Why does Cortez always get the ball?" Morales grumbled after losing possession.
"Because Cortez doesn't waste it," Delgado snapped back. "Now stop complaining and get back in position."
The remark stung Morales, and his animosity toward Alvaro grew.
Fortunately, Alvaro found an ally in Raul. The winger's positive attitude and work ethic made him a natural partner on and off the pitch.
One evening after training, Raul and Alvaro sat on the edge of the practice field, their boots caked with dirt.
"You've got Morales all wound up," Raul said with a grin.
Alvaro sighed. "I don't want to fight with him. We're supposed to be a team."
"Don't let it bother you," Raul replied. "Morales just hates not being the star. He'll come around—or he won't. Either way, just focus on your game."
Alvaro nodded, grateful for Raul's support.
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The following week, Delgado gathered the players after training. His expression was serious, but there was a spark of excitement in his voice.
"Listen up," he began. "In two weeks, you'll be playing a friendly match against Castilla FC's U-18 squad. They're older, stronger, and more experienced than any team you've faced so far. This will be your biggest test yet."
The announcement sent a ripple of excitement and nerves through the group. Castilla FC was a rival academy known for producing top-tier talent, and their U-18 squad was rumored to include players on the verge of signing professional contracts.
For Alvaro, the match represented an opportunity to prove he could compete against the best.
In the days leading up to the match, training sessions became more grueling. Delgado focused on tactical drills, emphasizing defensive organization and quick transitions.
"Castilla will press you hard," Delgado warned. "If you panic, they'll eat you alive. Stay composed, play smart, and trust your teammates."
During one session, Delgado pulled Alvaro aside.
"Cortez, you'll be our pivot against Castilla," Delgado said. "Everything flows through you. If you control the game, we'll have a chance."
The weight of responsibility wasn't lost on Alvaro, but he embraced it.
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The day of the match arrived, and the atmosphere at The Forge was electric. Scouts, coaches, and academy staff lined the field, eager to see how the young players would perform against their older rivals.
The Castilla players were physically imposing, their confidence evident as they warmed up with sharp passes and quick sprints.
As the teams lined up, Alvaro found himself face-to-face with Ruben Silva, Castilla's captain and a towering defensive midfielder known for his dominance in the air.
"You're the one they've been talking about," Silva said with a smirk. "Let's see if you're as good as they say."
Alvaro met his gaze steadily. "You'll see soon enough."
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From the opening whistle, Castilla showed their superiority. They pressed aggressively, forcing mistakes and dominating possession. Alvaro's team struggled to find their rhythm, and in the 12th minute, Castilla scored with a well-worked move that split the defense.
Delgado shouted instructions from the sideline, urging his players to stay focused.
Alvaro knew he needed to step up. Dropping deeper to collect the ball, he began to dictate play, using quick passes to bypass Castilla's press. In the 25th minute, he delivered a perfectly weighted through-ball to Raul, who earned a corner.
The set piece led to an equalizer, with Morales heading the ball into the net.
"Good work, Cortez!" Delgado called out.
As the first half progressed, Alvaro's composure began to influence his teammates. He intercepted passes, directed play, and created opportunities with his vision and awareness.
In the 40th minute, he spotted an opening and switched the ball to the opposite wing, catching Castilla off guard. The play resulted in a shot that narrowly missed the target, but it was a sign that the younger team was gaining confidence.
The halftime whistle blew with the score tied at 1-1.
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In the locker room, Delgado addressed the team.
"You've shown you can compete," Delgado said. "Now show me you can win. Cortez, keep exploiting the spaces they leave behind their press. And Morales—if you want the ball, move into better positions."
Morales glared but nodded.
Alvaro felt a surge of determination. This was their chance to make a statement.He wanted to make everyone understand that they can do this.
The second half began with Castilla ramping up their intensity. Silva drove into the midfield with powerful runs, forcing Alvaro to defend more aggressively.
In the 65th minute, Alvaro seized an opportunity. Intercepting a loose pass, he surged forward, evading two defenders before threading a pass to Raul on the left. Raul cut inside and curled a shot into the top corner.
The crowd erupted as The Forge took a 2-1 lead.
The final 20 minutes were a test of resilience.Just like their previous match with the U-15's Castilla launched wave after wave of attacks, but Alvaro's team held firm. In the 80th minute, Silva unleashed a thunderous shot that seemed destined for the net, but the goalkeeper made a spectacular save.
Alvaro dropped deeper to help the defense, clearing crosses and breaking up plays. When the final whistle blew, the players collapsed to the ground, exhausted but victorious.
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As the teams shook hands, Silva approached Alvaro.
"You've got something special," Silva said. "Keep working, and you'll go far."
"Thanks," Alvaro replied, his respect for the older captain evident.
In the locker room, Delgado addressed the team.
"That was a performance to be proud of," Delgado said. "You didn't just survive—you won. Cortez, your leadership was outstanding. Keep building on this."
Alvaro felt a surge of pride. He had faced one of his toughest challenges yet and proved he belonged.
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