This game against our biggest rival was hugely important for us, so at halftime Coach Borders instructed us to change tactics. No more wide open, freewheeling creativity from me: he wanted us to bunker in and protect the lead. This we did, shutting down the other team completely. And after the ninety minutes were over, my two goals still stood up, making the all-important difference between us.
Everyone loved me afterwards of course, and plans were quickly devised for a victory party. As the man-of-the-match I was obliged to attend this. Luckily though, I had brought no clothes but my uniform, so I had a valid excuse to go back to the dorm to shower and change first. Then I went out drinking with my teammates.
It seemed I might regain a social life after all. With barely a month left in
