Same Team

New Beginnings

*Emily's POV*

I can't believe the day has finally come. Today is the day I get drafted to play professional soccer. I've been dreaming of this day ever since I played on my first team back when I was five.

I wonder how high I'll get picked. Last year Morgan Brian was the first pick. Moe is so good, I could never imagine getting drafted as high as her. I just hope a team finds me good enough to pick at all.

"Emily, come downstairs. Family is starting to arrive." I hear my mom call. I really hope my family and I get to hear my name called, they all came for this special moment.

I walk downstairs and am bombarded with hugs. All my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and even family friends have showed up. Then the best surprise of them all, my twin sister, Emma, came home and surprised me. With both of us going to college in two different states we barely get to see each other. I'm really happy to see her.

We all settle scattered around our living room watching the live broadcast of the 2016 NWSL draft. Soon my phone starts to ring with an unfamiliar number. I step into the kitchen to take the call.

"Hello, is this Emily Sonnett? This is Mark Parsons, head coach of the Portland Thorns." The unfamiliar voice on the other end of the call says.

"Hi. Yes this is Emily. It's nice to hear from you, Coach." I reply.

"Well Emily, I'll keep it short and sweet. I'd like to be the first to welcome you to the Portland Thorns. The whole organization agrees you'll be the perfect fit for our team this season. We can't wait to have you out here. You'll hear more in the coming days, just wanted to call and be the first to congratulate you. Now, go enjoy this moment with your family."

I couldn't believe what my ears were hearing. "Th-Thank you so much for this opportunity. I-I won't let you down." I utter out.

"I know you won't, Emily. We'll talk soon. Have a good evening."

I hang up the phone and begin to walk back into the living room. As soon as I do, I hear words that will forever echo through my head. "With the first pick in the 2016 NWSL draft, the Portland Thorns select Emily Sonnett, a defender from the University of Virginia."

Next thing I know I am wrapped in the arms of my mom, dad and Emma. Emma and I look at each other in the eyes. "You did it, Em." She says with tears welling up in her eyes.

*Lindsey's POV*

It's so nice to be back in the States. My time with PSG in France was so important to my development as a player and a person, but I know that if I ever want a chance with the national team I know I need to be here.

As of now I'm headed to Orlando to play with the Pride, but who knows what can happen on draft day. Later tonight a bunch of my hometown friends are coming over to watch the draft with me and see if I'm staying with Orlando.

I decide to go for a run to clear my head before my friends come over. Being honest, I'm really nervous for tonight. It's an honor to have been picked up by Orlando, but I've spent the past four years far away from home. I'd love to be able to play closer to home. I know it was the right choice for me, but I feel like I missed so much while being in France.

Once I get home from my run I go take a quick shower. As I am drying my hair I hear the doorbell ring. I run downstairs and open the door to see all of my high school friends standing there. We all embrace each other as we haven't seen each other in nearly four years.

We all gather around the TV in my living room. While we're waiting for the first pick all of my friends and I catch up. Hearing all of their crazy college stories makes me kind of sad I missed out on all of it, but I knew it was for the best.

Next, I look to the TV and see the commissioner coming out to announce the first pick. "With the first pick in the 2016 NWSL draft, the Portland Thorns select Emily Sonnett, a defender from the University of Virginia."

"You ever hear of her?" My friends ask.

"Only a little. It was hard to follow a lot while over in France. But she must be pretty good considering she's the first pick." I reply.

A little while later I feel my phone to start buzz. All of my friends stop and stare at me as I answer. "Hello?"

"Hi, is this Lindsey Horan? This is Mark Parsons, head coach of the Portland Thorns."

"Yes, hi Coach. It's nice to hear from you."

"Lindsey I just wanted to call and welcome you to the Portland family. We see you as an integral part of this team. We've traded Alex Morgan to Orlando for you. We can't wait to see you up here in Oregon."

"Wow thank you so much. I can't wait to get there and get to work."

"Have a good night Lindsey."

When I hang up the phone all of my friends anxiously await the news. "I'm gonna be a Portland Thorn." I say to them.

All of them let out "Woo's" and "Yay's" to celebrate the trade.

I feel so relieved. I was worried I wouldn't get to play near family again. I know that Portland and Colorado aren't that close, but it's better than being across the country.