The floodlights at Galaxy Youth Academy burned bright against the night sky.
This was Ace's second official match as a contracted LA Galaxy player, and the pressure had doubled.
Portland Timbers Academy stood across from them. Sharp. Physical. Ruthless on the counter. Their striker, Jordan "Lightning" Kane, and captain Tyler "Anchor" Brooks were already drawing first-team attention.
More scouts were in the stands tonight.
More cameras.
More eyes on him.
Ace stood in the tunnel, the No. 10 on his back sitting heavier than before.
Not fear.
Expectation.
I died once watching greatness from a distance.
Now I'm here.
This time, I don't watch. I take it.
The blue system screen flickered into view.
[Daily Task Active]
Score or assist at least 1 goal.
Reward: 500 EXP + Random High-Grade Skill Card
The whistle blew.
First Half
0' — Portland pressed immediately. Fast. Aggressive. No space.
Ace dropped deeper, linking play, adjusting to the tempo.
3' — A mistake.
Portland won the ball high. Kane broke through and fired low. The keeper got a touch—
But the rebound was finished.
0–1 Portland.
The crowd groaned.
Ace's jaw tightened.
Not happening again.
8' — He started demanding the ball more.
Quicker touches. Faster decisions.
He received between the lines and triggered Phantom Shadow Dribble.
For a split second, his movement blurred.
Two midfielders stepped the wrong way.
Ace slipped past them and threaded a perfect pass into Marcus.
Cross—
Cleared.
Close.
18' — Ace dropped deeper, won possession, and drove forward himself.
One defender. Then another.
Phantom Shadow Dribble left hesitation behind him.
He linked with Diego, got the return pass, and struck from range—
Saved.
22' — Corner for Galaxy.
Ace stepped up.
One look. One delivery.
The ball curled in with pace.
Lucas met it. Strong header.
Saved—
Rebound loose.
Ace reacted first.
He smashed it into the roof of the net.
1–1.
The stadium came alive again.
Diego grabbed him. "That's our No. 10!"
Ace didn't celebrate long.
He turned back immediately.
We're not done.
The rest of the half stayed tight.
Portland pressed. Galaxy adjusted.
No more goals.
Locker Room
The mood was focused now.
Not panic. Not fear.
Control.
Coach Harlan started to speak, but Ace stood first.
"We match their intensity," he said calmly. "No hesitation. One moment decides this."
The room locked in.
Diego nodded. "We finish it."
Second Half
Galaxy came out sharper.
Faster passes. Cleaner movement.
47' — Ace won the ball in midfield and pushed forward instantly.
Quick one-two with Diego.
He slipped into the box.
Phantom Shadow Dribble flickered again.
The defender froze just enough.
Ace shot—
Blocked.
65' — Portland countered dangerously. A low cross flashed across goal.
Cleared at the last second.
The game tightened.
Every mistake mattered.
78' — Ace tried from distance again.
Saved.
He exhaled slowly.
Not clean enough.
85' — The moment came.
Ace received the ball deep in midfield.
Turned.
Accelerated.
One defender beaten.
Then another.
Phantom Shadow Dribble distorted his movement just enough to open space.
Three defenders collapsed on him.
Perfect.
He slipped the ball into Diego.
Immediate return pass.
Ace didn't hesitate.
One touch to set.
Second touch—
Strike.
The ball flew into the top corner.
2–1 Galaxy.
For a second, silence.
Then the stadium exploded.
Teammates rushed him.
Diego shouted, "That's our leader!"
Ace stood still for a moment, breathing steady.
That's the difference.
90' + 4
Final whistle.
Final Score: LA Galaxy Youth 2 – 1 Portland Timbers Academy
This time, there was no doubt.
They had finished it.
Coach Harlan pulled Ace in briefly.
"That's how you decide games," he said. "You're starting next week."
Ace nodded.
"I know."
Diego grinned. "You don't just play. You change everything."
Ace's expression stayed calm.
"That's the point."
Post-Match
The cameras were waiting again.
Closer now.
Hungrier.
"Alex Rivera, a goal to equalize and a late winner. How does it feel to decide the game like that?"
Ace kept his voice steady.
"The team pushed until the end. I just finished the moment."
Another reporter stepped forward.
"Alex, there are multiple clips online of a blonde woman leaving with you after matches. Social media is calling her 'Ace's Mystery Blonde.' Are you in a relationship?"
The pressure shifted instantly.
Cameras zoomed in.
Ace didn't blink.
"My focus is football," he said. "Everything else is private."
No emotion.
No slip.
He walked away.
Tunnel
His phone buzzed nonstop.
Messages. Mentions. Clips everywhere.
One stood out.
Emma:
Saw the interview.
You handled it perfectly.
Proud of you.
When you're free… I'll make you forget the cameras again.
Ace looked at it briefly.
Then locked his phone.
Out on the pitch, it was a win.
Inside, something sharper settled in.
This is just the start.