Andy Squared Read Online Free PDF

out. “It’s so warm compared to last week. Thank God.”
    â€œYeah, right? We lucked out,” Andrea agreed.
    Members of the team were already gathering down at the field and stretching out. Andrea parted from them to join the girls, most of whom came early to support the boys’ team.
    Andrew and Charlie found an open spot and helped each other warm up. Andrew sat on the ground and leaned forward, and Charlie pushed against his back, then they switched positions. Their coach showed up a short time later, and soon after, the other team arrived at the field to do their own warm-ups.
    Parents and students arrived half an hour before the game. There were two sets of bleachers on one side of the field, and they quickly filled. Andrew turned to see his parents in the top row. Charlie’s parents sat right below them and a few seats over Andrew saw another familiar face. He waved at Ryder, who saw him and waved back. The coach called the team into a huddle, and Andrew jogged over to join the group.
    â€œThis is it, guys,” Coach Matthews said, his face trying to look serious but barely managing it. “Last game of the season. Hanson is going to be tough, but let’s show them we won’t go down without a fight. We can do this, right?”
    The team yelled their agreement and cheered.
    â€œAll right, let’s show them what we’re made of! Keep your focus and go for it! Keep control of the ball and keep it on their side of the field. Don’t give them the opportunity to take a shot at our goal. Nielsen, focus on that ball and do not let it pass you.”
    The keeper nodded. “Got it, Coach.”
    The referee called Pete Williams, the captain of Andrew’s team, forward with Hanson’s captain. The two stood facing each other while the man tossed the coin and let it fall to the ground. He called out and gestured to the other side of the field as Pete jogged back to them.
    â€œHanson won the kickoff.”
    Coach Matthews nodded. “All right, let’s get out there and play!”
    The teams met on the field and everyone took their places at least ten yards back from the center circle where the ball would be kicked. From his place on the field, Andrew glanced up quickly, surprised to see his dad and Ryder sitting together. He turned his attention back to the game, narrowing his focus to the opposition and his teammates.
    Hanson’s forward charged the ball and let it sail with a solid kick. Andrew turned to watch as Charlie jumped up; the ball collided with his chest and dropped to the ground, where he sent it flying in Andrew’s direction.
    Andrew took possession of the ball and dribbled down the field, focused on the goal at the other end, but aware of his teammates moving up the field with him. He heard someone yell, “Andy! Man on!” from behind him, and quickly passed the ball to Pete.
    The captain feinted to the left when an opponent ran at him, but the play failed. The player with Hanson’s maroon and white jersey slid on the ground and kicked the ball away from Pete. His teammate just behind him took possession of the ball and they raced back for the other side of the field.
    Andrew did his best not to swear in frustration and ran after them to avoid being called offside. As the ball reached their goal, Nielsen stepped forward and saved it, scooping the ball with his hands and sending it flying back to the other side of the field.
    Nice save , Andrew thought, giving a thumbs-up to the keeper as he ran back down the other side of the field.
    The first twenty minutes of the first half passed without a single score. Andrew was switched off the field, and he sat and drank some water while watching his teammates play. He cheered them on and yelled whenever Hanson took the ball. The other team scored the first goal, and by the end of the first half, the score stood at 1–0.
    Andrew got off the bench and moved into the huddle with his team