The floodlights of the Galaxy Youth Academy stadium cut through the night like blades. This was Alex Rivera's second official match as a contracted player, and the stakes already felt heavier. The opponent was the San Jose Earthquakes Academy — a fast, physical side known for their high press and ruthless counter-attacks. Scouts from the first team were in the stands. So were more reporters than last time. Cameras lined the touchline. Phones were recording before the whistle even blew.
Alex stood in the tunnel in the white-and-blue Galaxy kit, No. 10 on his back. The crowd was larger, the noise sharper. Inside his head, the thoughts never stopped.
I died on a couch in 2024 watching Messi and Ronaldo lift trophies while I stayed a nobody. Tonight I'm wearing Galaxy colors in an official match. The contract is signed. The Legendary skill is active. The media is already asking about Emma on camera. This is the life I chose — the pitch, the fame, the scandals, the pleasure. I will take all of it and still become greater than both of them.
The blue system screen hovered only for him.
[Daily Task Active]
Score or create at least 1 goal/assist in today's official friendly.
Reward: 500 EXP + Random High-Grade Skill Card (Professional Environment Bonus)
The whistle blew.
First Half
0' – San Jose kicked off with aggressive intent. Their midfield pressed high immediately. Alex dropped deep to help build, received the ball from the center-back, and played a crisp one-touch pass to Diego Morales. The tempo was electric.
3' – San Jose won the ball high and launched a lightning counter. Their striker broke through the gap and fired low. The Galaxy keeper parried, but the rebound was smashed home.
0–1 San Jose Earthquakes Academy
The crowd groaned. Alex clenched his jaw.
One early mistake. Not tonight. I will not let this team fold like we did before.
8' – Galaxy responded. Alex received in the No. 10 pocket, triggered Phantom Shadow Dribble for the first time in the match. The after-image confused two pressing midfielders for a split second. He exploded past them and slipped a perfectly weighted through-ball to Marcus Hayes. Marcus crossed dangerously, but the defender headed it clear.
12' – Another San Jose counter. High press forced a turnover. Their winger cut inside and curled a shot into the far corner.
0–2 San Jose Earthquakes Academy
The commentator on the academy broadcast called it clearly: "San Jose are ruthless on the break. Galaxy trail 2-0 early. The new signing Rivera is being asked to carry a heavy load very quickly."
Alex's mind burned.
They want to test me. Good. Let them see what Legendary looks like.
18' – Alex dropped deeper, won a crucial tackle, and started the counter himself. He beat three players with quick changes of direction, the Phantom Shadow Dribble leaving defenders reacting to ghosts. He played a no-look pass to Diego, continued his run, received the return ball, and unleashed a powerful 28-yard strike that forced a fingertip save.
22' – Galaxy corner. Alex stood over the ball. He whipped a dangerous inswinger. Lucas Rivera rose highest and headed it goalward. The keeper parried, but Alex was first to the rebound and smashed it into the roof of the net from close range.
1–2
The crowd roared back to life. Diego ran over and hugged him. "That's our No. 10!"
The commentator's voice rose: "Rivera pulls one back! That movement on the rebound was electric. Game back on!"
28' – San Jose pushed again. Alex tracked back, won the ball in his own half, and launched a long diagonal pass to Marcus. Marcus beat his marker and crossed. Alex arrived late but his header was saved brilliantly.
The half ended 1–2. In the locker room the mood was tense. Coach Harlan started speaking, but Alex stood up first.
"We're not losing this," he said, voice steady and burning. "They scored two early goals because we were nervous. I'm not nervous anymore. I died once watching legends while I did nothing. This is my second chance. I'm not here to be carried — I'm here to lead. We go out there and we show them who we really are. One goal at a time."
Diego nodded fiercely. "He's right. Let's do it for Ace."
The team stood up together, the energy completely different.
Second Half
Galaxy came out with fire. The press was higher, the passes sharper.
47' – Alex won the ball in midfield, played a quick one-two with Diego, and surged into the box. He used Phantom Shadow Dribble again — the after-image froze the last defender. Alex beat him and squared it for Marcus, who tapped it home.
2–2
The crowd erupted. The commentator shouted, "Rivera creates, Marcus finishes! We are level! That dribble from Rivera looked impossible!"
55' – San Jose tried to respond. Their striker broke through, but Alex tracked back and made a perfectly timed sliding tackle, winning the ball cleanly and immediately launching the counter.
62' – Galaxy corner again. Alex delivered another dangerous ball. Lucas headed it down, and Alex arrived on the volley, smashing it into the bottom corner with the outside of his foot.
3–2 Galaxy Youth
The stadium exploded. Teammates piled on top of Alex. Diego screamed, "That's our leader!"
The commentator was nearly hoarse: "Rivera with the winner! From 2-0 down to 3-2 up! The Inglewood kid is turning into a Galaxy star right before our eyes!"
The final twenty minutes were pure tension. San Jose threw everything forward, but Galaxy defended deep and smart. Alex dropped into a more defensive No. 10 role, organizing the midfield and making crucial interceptions. In the 88th minute he won the ball in his own half and launched one final counter, but the shot was blocked.
90+4' – Final whistle.
Final Score: LA Galaxy Youth 3 – 2 San Jose Earthquakes Academy
The Galaxy players celebrated wildly. Coach Harlan pulled Alex into a hug. "You just earned yourself a starting spot next week. That was leadership."
Diego slapped his back. "You carried us again, Ace."
Marcus grinned. "Second official game and you win it for us. Welcome to the big leagues."
The media crew was waiting the moment he stepped off the pitch. This time there were more cameras, more microphones, and the questions were sharper.
"Alex Rivera, two goals and an assist in your second official Galaxy match after coming back from 2-0 down. How does it feel to make such an impact so quickly?"
Alex kept his voice calm. "It feels like the team came together. I'm just happy to contribute."
Another reporter pushed forward, voice louder. "There are now multiple photos and videos circulating online of the same blonde woman seen leaving your games and training sessions. Social media is calling her 'Ace's Mystery Blonde.' Are you in a relationship? Is this the first Galaxy scandal of the season?"
The question hit harder than any tackle. Cameras zoomed in. Phones recorded every second.
Alex kept his face neutral, exactly as he had practiced. "My focus is 100% on football and becoming the best player I can be for this academy. Everything else stays private. Thank you."
He walked straight to the tunnel, but the questions followed him.
"Any comment on the rumors? Is she a girlfriend? Are you already living the full superstar life?"
The scandal pressure had just gone from whisper to roar.
Inside the tunnel, Alex's phone was already exploding with notifications. One text stood out from Emma:
"Saw the clip. You handled it perfectly. Proud of you. When you're free… I'll help you forget the cameras again."
Alex allowed himself one small smile.
The contract was signed. The Legendary skill was active. The media storm was here.