Nee's soccer team, The Steelers, played their last game today. If they won today's game, they would finish the season undefeated. The pressure was high and you could sense the urgency in the players.
Unfortunately, the Steelers didn't bring that urgency on the field. When the game started, they were all very tentative and didn't attack the ball as they usually did. They eventually picked up the pace, but only after the opposing team gave them a wake up call by scoring a goal.
That kick in the pants didn't seem to be enough for Nee. She remained pretty lackadaisical on the field. Although, she managed to touch the ball a few times, she never followed through on her kicks.
"At least she kicked the ball," said Nee's grandmother, G-Mom. "That's better than nothing."
"No, it's not better than nothing," I said. "She can play better than that."
"She's doing her best," said G-Mom.
"No, she's not," replied KayEm and I in unison.
I thought things would get better when Nee moved to defense, but they only got worse.
At one point, Nee had a clear defensive stop. All she had to do was kick the ball. Instead, she ran away from the ball and the other team scored a goal. In frustration, I buried my face in my hands. Nee's coach walked by and patted me on the back.
"It's okay man," he said. "It's okay."
It was not okay to her teammates. One of the girls got into Nee's face and yelled, "What is your problem? Why didn't you get the ball?"
When the quarter ended, Nee tentatively walked over to where I was and sat down. By then, I had managed to contain my frustration and was able talk to her rationally.
I kneeled next to her and placed my arm around the back of the chair.
"I know what you're going to say," said Nee.
"What am I going to say?" I asked.
"You're going to say, 'Why didn't I kick the ball?'" she said.
"You're right," I said. "So tell me why you didn't kick it."
"Because the girl running towards me was scary," she said.
"WHAT?" I asked.
"She was scary so I moved out of the way," said Nee.
"Nee," I said calmly. "Never let anyone intimidate you."
"But..." she said.
"No buts," I interrupted. "NEVER let anyone intimidate you."
"Okay," she said.
I wanted to talk more about giving your all and helping the team, but I decided that it would be best to just give her a hug and a kiss on the forehead. Besides, the Steelers won the game and celebrated an undefeated season.
Mocha Dad
