Beginning of Essay
It was a Sunday during the second weekend in March. I had been mentally and physically preparing for this day all week long. This was to be my debut game for my community team, Deacons United. I was the second-string goalie. The team had played two games previous ....

Middle of Essay
.... and goalkeeper, who both had international experience. By contrast, our team had no current national players. In the dressing room, I found all of my teammates already preparing for the game. The room was small and poorly lit. The captain was taking us through all kinds of stretching exercises. Everyone else was quiet, their faces reflecting concentration on the game ahead. Suddenly the coach started to announce the starting eleven. My name was announced first. The silence was punctuated by applause. I was watching to see if anyone showed concern; I did not detect any. The applause continued for every member of the starting team. The room was getti ....