The atmosphere around the Generation Adidas Cup was electric, and KJ felt the weight of it. His heart raced, but there was no doubt in his mind that he was ready for this moment. It had been a long road since he first started at Metro Academy, but he wasn't here by accident. KJ had earned his spot on the U19 team, but in the months leading up to the tournament, he had spent more time with the reserve team, training at the next level. The reserve team, filled with older, stronger players, had tested him in ways he hadn't imagined before. The speed and physicality were a shock, and the difference in chemistry was something he had to adapt to.
But today? Today, KJ was back with the U19 squad, and he felt more than ready. He had learned what it meant to push himself against older, more experienced players. Now, it was time to show everyone what he could do at the Generation Adidas Cup.
Standing on the sidelines as the rest of his teammates warmed up, KJ could feel the tension in the air. Coaches, scouts, agents—everyone was watching. It wasn't just a game; this was an audition for the next level. But KJ wasn't fazed. He had been waiting for this.
As the whistle blew and the match began, KJ moved with the precision and purpose he had spent months perfecting. His first touch was flawless, the ball responding as though it were an extension of his foot. The defenders on the opposing team couldn't get near him. His speed, combined with his strength, made him a force to be reckoned with. KJ wasn't just another fast player—he was a thinker, moving with calculated intent, reading the play as it unfolded in front of him.
In the 23rd minute, KJ got his first real chance. A through ball came from the midfield, cutting past two defenders and landing perfectly at his feet. Without hesitation, he accelerated past the last defender, who tried to foul him, but KJ powered through with ease. The goalkeeper rushed out to meet him, but KJ remained calm. With a quick, deliberate touch to the right, he slotted the ball into the far corner of the net. It was a goal that showcased his physicality, his intelligence, and his ability to remain composed under pressure.
His teammates rushed over to celebrate, but KJ gave a casual smile, clapping them on the back before jogging back to his half. It wasn't about the celebration—it was about the game. KJ was focused, and he knew this was just the beginning. His performance wasn't just for the scouts in the stands—it was for himself. He had worked hard to get to this point, and now he was ready to prove it.