The Galaxy first-team meeting room was bright and cool the following morning. Sunlight streamed through the large windows overlooking the training pitches. The squad sat in comfortable chairs arranged in a semi-circle, some still in recovery gear, others in fresh training kits. Alex "Ace" Rivera sat in the front row, number 33 training top on, notepad open on his lap, fully focused. After yesterday's 5-1 win and the smart substitution at 72 minutes, his body felt refreshed, but his mind was already locked on the next challenge.
Coach Victor Morales stood at the front, tablet in hand, the large screen behind him ready. The atmosphere was professional and sharp — no one was celebrating the Portland result anymore. The focus had shifted entirely to the long climb.
"Gentlemen," Morales began, voice steady and commanding, "yesterday was excellent. We took three points from a direct rival and moved three points clear of the playoff line. But we are still only in sixth. Top 4 is the target. Let's look at the current picture."
He clicked a button and the full Western Conference table appeared on the giant screen:
Western Conference Standings (After Matchday)
Seattle Sounders – 52 points
LAFC – 50 points
Houston Dynamo – 48 points
Minnesota United – 47 points
Real Salt Lake – 46 points
LA Galaxy – 46 points
Portland Timbers – 45 points
Vancouver Whitecaps – 44 points
Austin FC – 42 points
Colorado Rapids – 41 points
FC Dallas – 40 points
Sporting Kansas City – 38 points
San Jose Earthquakes – 36 point
sSt. Louis City SC – 34 points
Morales pointed at the numbers. "Sixth place. Three points clear of seventh, but still three points behind fifth and four behind fourth. We have eleven regular-season games left. Our next opponent is Vancouver Whitecaps at home in four days. They sit in eighth, desperate for points, and they play an aggressive, high-pressing style. We will not take them lightly."
The coach switched slides. A detailed tactical analysis of Vancouver appeared — their formation (usually 4-2-3-1), key players, pressing triggers, set-piece tendencies, and weaknesses.
"Vancouver press high and aggressively. They try to force turnovers in our half. Our plan is simple: build from the back calmly, use short passes, and exploit the space behind their full-backs when they over-commit. Alex, you will play as the No. 10 again, but with more freedom to drop deep and help the midfield. We want you fresh — no unnecessary sprints. Control the tempo."
Alex nodded, making notes. The coach continued for nearly forty-five minutes, breaking down every phase of play — build-up, pressing, attacking transitions, and defensive shape. Video clips from Vancouver's last three matches played on the screen. The team discussed triggers, communication, and set-piece routines. Alex spoke up several times, offering calm, intelligent suggestions about positioning and when to switch play. The senior players listened. His voice carried weight now.
After the tactical briefing, the squad moved outside for a light, controlled session on the training pitch. No sprinting, no 11v11, just technical work and shape drills.
They started with possession in a 6v6 + 2 neutral setup inside a 30x30 yard grid. Alex was in the middle, receiving, turning, and distributing with precision. He used God's First Touch to kill difficult balls and quick one-touch passes to keep the tempo high but controlled. The assistant coach praised his vision constantly.
Next came set-piece practice. Alex spent twenty minutes working on free-kicks from different angles — whipping in dangerous deliveries and practising the iconic long-range whip he had perfected. The goalkeepers were working hard to stop them.
System notifications flashed quietly in his mind:
[System Notification]
Tactical Awareness stat +3
Leadership stat +2
Overall Rating increased: 89 → 90
Mission "Climb to Top 4" – Progress: Steady (preparation phase)
The final part of the session was a light 8v8 shape drill, focusing on the exact formation and pressing structure they would use against Vancouver. Alex played as the central attacking midfielder, dropping deep when needed, linking midfield and attack, and calling out instructions to teammates. His voice was clear and confident. Captain Delgado gave him a thumbs-up after one particularly sharp piece of play.
"Looking like a leader already, 33," Delgado said with a grin.
Session ended after ninety minutes — short, sharp, and focused on recovery and preparation rather than intensity. Coach Morales gathered the players at the centre circle.
"Excellent work today. Rest tomorrow. The day after, we go full intensity for the Vancouver match. We need three points at home to keep climbing. Top 4 is not a dream — it is our target. Alex, you are central to this. Rest well, recover fully, and be ready to dominate again."
The players dispersed. Alex stayed behind for a few extra minutes with the set-piece coach, fine-tuning one more free-kick angle. When he finally left the facility, the sun was higher, and the next fixture felt close.
In the car on the way home, he allowed himself one moment of reflection. From sixth place to Top 4. One match at a time. One point at a time. This is how I build my legend.
The long, disciplined push toward the Top 4 had taken another calm but important step.