It's Time

                Anxiety takes over my whole being as I hear the Star Spangled Banner. Two teams divided however striving for the same goal: the ticket to the Olympic Gold Medal match. I’m on the edge of my seat awaiting the whistle for the start of the game.

Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England

            “Well it’s a wonderful day here at Old Trafford. The players are on the pitch, ready for the start. The United States take on Canada in the women’s semi final Olympic match.”

            The 22^nd minute hits. My heart stops, visualizing the play before it even happens.

            “Tancredi settles the ball. Quick feed to Sinclair. Touch and shot. And it gets past Hope Solo. Canada now with a one to nothing lead.”

            I let out a small cry of defeat. I can’t lose hope. This is our time. The rest of the first half flashes by in a blur, the US can’t get anything on the board. The teams go into their separate locker rooms while I sit and wait for the second half to commence.

I have faith. I believe.

            “Now onto the second half, hopefully the US can create something up top to get a goal.”

            I watch as the US begin to connect their passes and build from the back. Cheap shots are thrown around. This game will not come easy. I sit and wait in desperation for a goal. The US has a corner kick. I pray that something can come of it. Megan Rapinoe places the ball right where she wants it. She strides back, raises her hand, runs forward and kicks the ball.

            “And the USA gets a goal. Megan Rapinoe scored it.”

            I jump into the air with triumph, not being able to hold the excitement in.

            I have faith. I believe.

            Now that there is an even playing field, we have to concentrate on winning the next goal. However it doesn’t happen. Christine Sinclair gains another point for Canada by a header goal. I can’t lose hope.

            Two minutes later. The US scores another. Megan Rapinoe, once again, taking the ball, traps it, a little touch to the right of the defender and hits the ball perfectly. The ball flies right by the goalies fingertips.

            However, Sinclair gets another goal and a hat trick for the game.

            I have faith. I believe.

            My emotions are on a never ending rollercoaster.

            Wambach, somehow, ties the game up. It’s 3-3. The game has ended. There has to be a winner. The players are fatigued. It has been a solid 90 minutes of playing time. The game will now go into overtime.

An additional 30 minutes are played. No one has been able to put one in the back of the net. The referee’s add on three minutes for the time lost for an injury.

            My heart is racing, thinking this game will go into penalty kicks.

            I have faith. I believe.

            Then the unthinkable happens.

            “One goal wins it now. O’Reilly. Morgan in the box. Wambach in the box. Here comes the cross – OH! IT’S IN! Alex Morgan has done it!”

            Alex Morgan scored a header goal in the 123^rd minute of the game.

            I have faith. I believe.