I feel the wet grass wilt beneath my feet.

Focus.

The ball skips, hard to control.

Focus.

I take a touch and send it on its way.

Focus.

My teammate receives the ball with equal difficulty,

he turns up-field.

I see open space.

Focus.

I am there.

Focus.

I receive the ball,

textbook give and go.

The ball adheres to my foot.

Focus.

I am in control.

Focus.

I hear the voice of my teammate, but before I locate him

the ball is stolen.

Focus.

I recover with a vengeance.

The robber proceeds downfield

with my ball,

toward my goal.

Focus.

He will not make it.

I am on him.

Focus.

The ball pops up toward the evening sky.

A 50/50 ball.

Focus.

The words "challenge for it" ring in my ears.

I am up.

Focus.

So is my opponent.

I rise higher.

Focus.

The ball is mine.

Once again, I am in control.

Focus.

The only way to win is to dominate.

Focus.

Own the ball.

Focus.

Be the ball.

Focus.