Double Fake Read Online Free PDF Page B

today. Six o’clock ... we’ll probably see you there. I guess.”
    Danielle wiped her hands together again. “I guess.” She opened the door to go back into the gym. “See you at Tuesday’s game.... Better practice hard.”

8
    Showdown
    I t was a perfect evening for soccer. Not too hot, not too humid. Hardly a breeze. Two unbeaten teams had completed half a game, and things stood even: Bauer Electric 0, Little Italy 0.
    But the second half promised much more action. Danielle Rosado had spent the first half at goalie, and Jessie had played only part of the half. They’d be moving up to the front line for the rest of the game.
    Across the field, Calvin was psyching himself up for a wild twenty-four minutes. He’d spent the first half at sweeper, keeping things clear at the defensive end but not having much impact on the offense. He’d be at midfield now, trying to control both ends of the field as he had in earlier games. Zero would be playing goalie. Things were looking favorable for Little Italy.
    He looked upfield and saw Jessie at right wing staring across at him, her braids pulled back and held by a pink hair band. Danielle was at left wing, wearing a similar blue band. Between them at center was their cousin, Johnny Rodriguez.
    Through three and a half games, no one had scored against Bauer Electric. Thinking over that fact gave Calvin a rush of energy. It was time to end the streak.
    His chance came just minutes into the half. After Rodriguez sent a long line-drive shot directly into Zero’s arms, Angel Medina fielded Zero’s punt near midfield and darted along the sideline. Calvin went straight up the center of the field, staying level with Angel. Mary Pineda trailed behind Angel, providing an outlet for the ball when he got trapped by a couple of defenders.
    Mary fielded the ball and crossed it over to Orlando Green at the left wing. Orlando dribbled forward, then sent the ball in front of Calvin, who raced toward it and one-touched it ahead, never breaking stride. His speed carried him past Danielle, and just one defender and the goalie stood between him and the net. Angel was streaking in from Calvin’s right. Calvin gave him a leading pass, then moved around the defender, positioning himself for a return pass.
    Calvin was just inside the goal box. Angel’s crossing pass was perfectly placed. Calvin stepped quickly toward the ball, trapped it with his instep, and fired it into the goal.
    He avoided celebrating as he jogged back for the kickoff, looking straight ahead and keeping his hands down. But he couldn’t help himself as he got near Jessie, softly singing, “Un-de -feat- ed,” as he ran past.
    “Long way to go,” she murmured. She spit on the ground and ran in place.
    Jessie got the equalizer a few minutes later, taking a chip from the corner and stopping it cold with her foot, racing past Mary, and easily faking out Peter. Zero made a diving attempt at the shot, but the firmly hit ball slid under his fingertips and rippled the net.
    Jessie returned the zinger to Calvin as she trotted up the field, singing, “In your fa-a-a-a-ce, ” while Calvin shook his head and winced.
    The teams battled frantically as the second half wound down. Calvin had one hard shot knocked down by the goalie, and Danielle came ever-so-close to sneaking one past Zero. But much of the action took place near the center of the field, with constant changes of possession and furious defensive efforts.
    Two minutes were left when Bauer Electric made a charge down the field, with Johnny and Jessie doing most of the footwork. Calvin stayed between Jessie and the goal, determined that she wouldn’t get off a clear shot.
    Stop them here, Calvin thought. We’ve got time for one big push down the other end.
    Danielle had the ball at the upper corner of the goal box, with Peter right on her. Danielle pivoted and crossed the ball to her sister, who took it at the top of the box, glaring at Calvin.
    Jessie feinted left, then