Only Friends

Chapter 49 - Matildas Vs Lionesses

The Matilda's were set to play a couple games against the Lionesses in late November before heading back to Australia to play some home games against Brazil.  We knew the Lionesses were going to bring a tough game. Playing against Leah and her side, as she was still captain, was going to be a challenge. Leah's captaincy is now constant. Although Steph Houghton came back into the side a few months ago, Leah remained captain. I was proud of her and everything she had accomplished. It was crazy to think that she is 25 and captaining her country. 

Since Rachel and I talked after my Dad died, we had been regularly messaging each other. It was amazing talking with her again, as I remembered why we were so close to begin with. I remembered her constant support and laughter, and the unconditional love she had for me and I for her. She really was a shining light in my life when it was so dark. Her and Kristie were. They were my protectors and saviours.

I facetimed Rachel the night before our match against each other at Wembley. I was in my hotel room, while Sam was out with Emily getting food.
"Are you excited to play me?" I asked her, smiling.
"Definitely. We will beat you, for sure," she replied, laughing, her northern accent strongly presenting itself.
"Wouldn't get too cocky," I replied. We talked for a little while longer, before she brought up her recent issues.
"Millie and I just broke up," she said solemnly, but not as if she was sad.
"Wait, actually? I thought you really liked her?" I said, confused.
"I did," she replied, "I just don't know if she is right."
"Rach, who is right then?" I asked. Rachel has dated many girls over the years, and somehow, she also entangles herself in some messy love situation. I thought Millie might've been different as she isn't an NWSL player, and removed from most of the messy love triangles.
"I don't know."
"Was it mutual?"
"Not really. I just needed time." When she said this, I remembered my break up with Jill and how I needed time. Would you classify our break up mutual? It didn't start that way but I think Jill knew it was right. We both did.

We hung up soon after so we would get ready for the game. I decided not to tell Kristie about Rachel and Millie breaking up, realising that it wasn't really necessary for her to know. She was happy with Sam and they were perfect together. Kristie's life really changed when she broke up with Rachel, and changed for the better. I think it was the right thing for both of them to do.

We got to Wembley the next day, and Sam wore the captain's armband, as she normally would. When all the Matilda's girls are playing (Caitlin, Hayley, Emily, Ellie, myself, Sam, etc), we are able to work effortlessly, flowing and understanding each other. We have been together for so many years now, with no disruptions, that we have this undisputed connection and bond. I love playing with these girls.

The game, although stressful and the crowd being against us, was very enjoyable. We went out and played with freedom, not restricting or confining ourselves. Ellie and I put up a solid defence, not letting the English forwards have many chances at shots.

In the 21st minute, Lauren Hemp hit the ball in for a cross in our defensive end, and Nikita came in for the tap in, but I slid my legs just in front of the goal line, to push it to Tegan who picked up the ball. It could've been 1-0, but it was saved.

In the offence, Sam scored to give us the lead going to half time at the 41st minute. She is always able to make a nothing ball into a fabulous goal. She is incredibly skillful in that way.

Going into the second half, England came out firing. Ellen White scored, but it was a lucky shot. The mess in the box was hard to control, and the ball slipped by all our legs to end up in the net. There was nothing that could've been done.

The game finished in a draw which, although anticlimactic, was a good result for both teams.

I went up to Rachel after the game and hugged her.
"Good playing," I said to her, smiling. She put her arm around my waist and leant into my side.
"Your defence is too good," she said, whispering in my ear. I laughed at this.
"Yours too," I replied. I gave her another hug, nuzzling my head into her shoulder. We are around the same height unlike Jill or Kristie who are both a lot taller. I then went back to Sam and the team.