The match against Harrington was a chance for Crestwood to show that their new unity was more than just a temporary agreement. Harrington, winless and at the bottom of the table, was a team they should have dominated, but how they won was what really mattered.
From the start, Crestwood played with a fierce and unselfish efficiency. The ball moved quickly, players trusted one another, and their past selfish habits disappeared. Ethan was at the center of it all, calmly directing the team's rhythm. He didn't force plays; he let the game unfold. His vision and quick decisions broke down Harrington's solid defense.
The first goal came just twelve minutes in, showcasing great team play. It started with Mason winning a tackle in midfield and ended with Ethan passing to Callum. A few weeks ago, Callum would have taken a shot from a tight angle. This time, he took one touch, looked up, and passed across the six-yard box for the onrushing winger to tap into an open net. The celebration was significant; Callum pointed to the winger, who pointed to Ethan, creating a chain of recognition that connected the entire team.
The second goal came before halftime. Ethan gained possession and attacked the defense, drawing in two players. Instead of trying to beat them, he made a simple pass into the space he created. Callum, making a smart run, received the ball, turned, and finished sharply.
At halftime, Coach Shaw had a straightforward message: "Keep it up. Be relentless."
They did. The second half showcased their renewed teamwork. Ethan and Callum were a constant threat with their perfectly timed movements. Ethan dropped deep to pull a defender away, and Callum darted into the open space. Their connection seemed so natural that it looked effortless. In the 65th minute, Ethan assisted Callum again, this time with a clever reverse pass that set his friend up one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
Crestwood won the match 4-0. It was a strong, professional performance, but more importantly, it was a statement. As they walked off the pitch, the victory felt clean, achieved not through individual talent but through teamwork.
On the bus ride home, the atmosphere was relaxed. Callum leaned over from the seat behind Ethan and Mason. "See?" he said with a grin. "It's easier to score when you've got ten other guys helping you." Mason grunted, a hint of a smile on his face. "Took you long enough to realize that."
Ethan leaned his head back, feeling a sense of quiet satisfaction. They had faced their first real test as a team and come out stronger. The pressure from scouts and the pull of personal glory would always be there, but they had learned an important lesson: their greatest strength, and their best chance for the future, lay in playing for one another.