Chapter 38: Losing To An Underdog
Canterlot United Ladies were playing Hillwood United in a pre-season friendly to prepare for next season. The formal Canterlot giants were all but playing at their professional best as they were somewhat trailing 2-0 to an underdog like Hillwood United. The team was in the dressing room with Helenia trying to lighten up the atmosphere on such a poorly executed team from the 1st half.
"Girls". The manager proclaimed, trying her hardest to motivate an already flexible team. "This isn't good enough. We need to concentrate. We need to focus. We need strentgh if we are going to go after underdogs like Hillwood United. What was the playing on that pitch for the 1st half really for? Why did you all execute poorly on tactics? And why are we trailing 2-0 because of sloppy defending. C'mon, this isn't the Canterlot United Ladies that I know and love. Where is that team spirit at?".
She did try everything that she throw at her, but she had to try harder to find luck until someone chimed in with her motivation.
"To be honest. We did actually tell the others to do what we needed to win the game".
"But that is still not good enough to surpass Hillwood United. Do you think we will win with the kind of play from the 1st half?".
The rest of the team shook their heads as apposed to signal the manager to reply.
"Oh man...if only I didn't sub the key players at the start. Girls, I'm sorry if I'm being snappy, but it's probably for the best".
"It's ok, ma'am". Applejack replied. "I see why your kinda...bent out of shape from this".
"Thanks Applejack. It just needs to be perfect, y'know".
"I knoow what needs to be done and what not to do, Helenia. I understant this pretty well. They don't call me honest for nothing".
"Well...yeah. This team needs some impoving and I like to keep my job as manager of this wonderful team".
"What they need is some fresh water and some more Gatorade. Here". The southern-accented farm girl passed a box of Gatorade to Helenia. "It's kind of how Apple Cider keeps me going, but less alcoholic".
"Thanks, Applejack. You are a big help".
"What can I say? I'm always a big help to my friends and family".
Helenia showed a smile towards her, then proceeded to the rest of the team, putting down the box of Gatorade and continued.
"Here, take one each and see if we can bounce back on Hillwood".
"What is this?". Sticks asked, looking out the Gatorade drink. "Is it safe?".
"It's a sports drink". Applejack explained. "It's sports fuel for professional athletes".
"Uhh...I'll try it for the sake of the team". The badger concluded, taking a sip of the Gatorade and generally swallowing it in her mouth. There, she looked at the details on the drink and turned her head to Applejack.
"It's ok, for the standards. But It's good luck for Canterlot United".
"Of course it is. We need to beat Hillwood, don't we?".
"Uh, huh. Got it".
"I like this". Lola proclaimed. "I might actually enjoy this for basketball practise. Although, Pumpkin Spice Lattes comes in a close second".
"Oh...right". Applejack responded. "I forgot that you're a professional basketball player".
"Of course. I practise ALOT in Tune Land".
"Yep".
As Applejack was just getting her point across to Lola, Helenia stopped the talk between the team and stated that it was only a matter of time before the 2nd half starts.
"Ok, what we need to improve on is learn how to deliver passing, tactis can be shouted across the playing field and don't let any more goals passed. I'm counting on you guys. Anymore motivationial speeches before we get back on the field".
"Nope". One of the players responded.
"Nah".
"I got nothing".
"Actually". Sticks replied. "I've been thinking this; When life gives you lemons, don't make lemonade. Make life take the lemons back. Get mad! I don't want your damn lemons! What am I supposed to do with these?! Make life rue the day it thought it could give Sticks the Badger lemons! Do you know who we are! We're the team that's going to win the match with the lemons! We're going to drink Gatorade and invent a tacical plan that wins matches with the lemons!".
"Are you sure, sugarcube?". Applejack caught all of that.
"It's either that, or lose. And we don't want to lose to an easy team like Hillwood United".
"Ok...then...Helenia".
"I say that's a well executed motivationial speech, Sticks". Helenia said.
"Really? I thought I got it from somewhere".
"C'mon". The manager had just checked her watch and it was approximately 3 minutes until the 2nd half. "We better go now. It's 3 minutes until the 2nd half".
And so, the team got up and exited for the 2n half of their friendly. All they needed to accomplish was to win the match, starting from getting goals to put them equal with Hillwood United.
That's the end of this chapter. Canterlot United Ladies trail 2-0 at half time, and the team will need to bounceback if they are going to win the match. What will happen next? Read on to find out. Please review.