Chapter 86: FA Cup Final [1]
Saturday, May 15, 2010
The FA Cup Final Begins
Wembley's tunnel was damp and echoey, filled with the smell of concrete and nerves. The roar of the crowd rumbled in like a wave. Crawley's players stood in line, their red kits bright under the flickering lights, each wearing wristbands stitched with "Crawley."
Max stood at the front, his captain's armband tight on his arm. His lucky painted stone was taped inside his locker, and his jaw was set with focus. Thiago bounced on his toes, a confident grin on his face, his lucky ribbon tied tight. Luka stared straight ahead, his boots laced perfectly, his focus sharp.
At the tunnel's edge, Coach Niels growled, "This is it, lads. Chelsea's the favorite, but we're Crawley. We fight for every kid, every street. Go show them who we are."
Ollie, the team mascot, stood beside Max, holding his banner tightly. His voice was quiet but brave: "We're not scared."
