As Lexi sat in the locker room, her nerves were on edge. The upcoming match against France loomed large, and even though she was only a substitute and wasn't promised any minutes on the field, her anxiety was palpable.
The rest of the USWNT noticed Lexi's nervous energy and rallied around her, offering words of encouragement and support. Carli Lloyd, with her veteran experience, stepped forward first, placing a reassuring hand on Lexi's shoulder.
"Hey, Lexi, you got this," Carli said with a confident smile. "Just go out there and do your thing. We've all got your back."
Tobin Heath chimed in next, her trademark grin lighting up her face. "Yeah, Lexi, you're gonna kill it out there. Just remember, we're a team, and we've got each other's backs no matter what."
Megan Rapinoe, always one to inject humor into tense situations, added, "And if all else fails, just imagine the other team as a bunch of tiny gnomes trying to steal your lucky socks. Works every time!"
Amidst the camaraderie, Alex Morgan stepped forward, her voice firm and determined. "Lexi, you're going to show all those haters wrong out there. They don't know what you're capable of, but we do. You've earned your spot on this team, and now it's time to prove it to the world."
Lexi's nerves began to ease as she absorbed the unwavering support of her teammates, feeling a surge of determination welling up inside her. With their encouragement ringing in her ears, she knew she was ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead on the field.
"Thanks, everyone," Lexi said, her voice filled with gratitude. "I won't let you down. Let's do this!"
As the team prepared to leave the locker room, Alex took a moment to quietly approach Lexi, her voice barely above a whisper amidst the bustle of the room.
"Hey, Lexi, did you manage to message Leah yet?" Alex asked, concern evident in her tone.
Lexi's expression fell slightly as she realized she had forgotten in the midst of her nerves, and she shook her head. "No, I forgot. And even if I did, I'm not sure what to say."
Understanding Lexi's predicament, Alex reached out, gently taking her phone from her hand. With a reassuring smile, she began typing out a message on Lexi's behalf.
"Don't worry, I'll help you out," Alex said, her fingers flying across the screen. "There, all done."
Miss America
Hey Leah, Alex here. I'm just with Lexi but she's a bit busy right now so I thought I'd send you a message I know she wants to send you. She probably won't be able to answer any message until after the game anyway.
I hope you are at the game and wearing that special jersey I managed to get you. It was very hard convincing Castillo to sign it. You better be supporting the USA today.
When we get on the pitch look out for a nice surprise. And Leah, don't get mad ok.
From Alex Morgan
"Come on Lexi let's go show them who you are!"
~ Leah ~
As Leah and her family settled into their seats, excitement buzzing in the air, Leah couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment. She glanced around the stadium, searching for any sign of Lexi, but she was nowhere to be found. Frustration bubbled within her as she pulled out her phone, her fingers tapping anxiously against the screen.
"Mum, I still haven't heard from Lexi," Leah complained, her voice tinged with worry. "She said she'd message me, but it's like she's disappeared."
Her mother, Amanda, placed a reassuring hand on Leah's arm, her expression calm and soothing. "Sweetheart, I'm sure everything's fine. Maybe she's just caught up in something."
Leah huffed, unconvinced, but she nodded nonetheless, trying to quell the rising unease within her. Just then, the teams began to enter the pitch for warm-ups, drawing Leah's attention away from her phone for a moment.
But then, a text message notification flashed across her screen, and Leah's heart skipped a beat. It was from Lexi—or so she thought. As she read the message from Alex Morgan, confusion washed over her, her brows furrowing in bewilderment.
"Mum, look at this," Leah said, passing her phone to Amanda. "It's from Alex Morgan, but she's talking about Lexi. I don't understand."
Amanda frowned as she read the message, equally perplexed by its contents. "That is strange, sweetheart. But it seems like Lexi can't message you right now. Let's just enjoy the game and see what happens."
Leah nodded, a mix of emotions swirling within her—confusion, curiosity, and a touch of excitement. She glanced down at the special jersey she was wearing, a gift from Lexi, and a small smile tugged at her lips despite her lingering concerns. With a deep breath, she focused her attention back on the pitch, determined to enjoy the match and the unexpected twists it might bring.
Leah's brother, Jacob, leaned forward in his seat, squinting as he scanned the area near the players' entrance. "Hey, isn't that Lexi?" he exclaimed, pointing towards the bustling crowd.
Leah's dad chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Don't be silly, Jacob. Lexi wouldn't be out on the pitch," he replied, glancing over at Leah to see her reaction.
Leah's eyes widened with anticipation as she followed Jacob's gaze, but all she could see was a flurry of activity as players and officials bustled about. "Where?" she asked eagerly, scanning the area again, but the teams had already disappeared into the tunnel to change into their kits for the match. Disappointment gnawed at her insides as she realized she had missed her chance to catch a glimpse of Lexi.
Leah's heart raced as the teams emerged from the tunnel, her eyes fixed on the players, eager to catch a glimpse of Lexi. Amidst the sea of jerseys, she spotted Alex Morgan glancing in her direction. A smile spread across Leah's face as she wondered if Alex had noticed her wearing the Castillo shirt.
Suddenly, Alex turned towards the bench and flashed a double thumbs-up to someone out of Leah's view. Leah's curiosity piqued as she tried to catch a glimpse of who Alex was signaling to, but her view was obstructed by the bustling crowd. She couldn't help but wonder if Lexi was the one receiving that encouraging gesture from one of her idols.
As the excitement of seeing Alex's acknowledgment faded, Leah's mind raced with doubt. Why would Lexi be on the subs bench? She wasn't on the team, right? The uncertainty lingered in Leah's thoughts, overshadowing the thrill of the moment as she anxiously awaited the start of the match.
~ The Game ~
OK, we're off. Rapinoe gets down the right and wins a throw deep in France's half, but the US can't make anything of it and France have a goal kick.
3 mins:
US knock a free kick into the French box, but it pinballs around a little before heading safely clear.
5 mins:
Decent start and pressure from the US. Rapinoe gets another chance to fire one in. Her first cross is blocked by the French and then she's dispossessed and the French will try to work the ball forward.
6 mins:
Now Morgan gets forward and cuts inside her marker, but her floated cross from just inside the box is just over Heath's head. First bright moment from Morgan though.
8 mins:
France try to build patiently - they play a lot of balls to feet, but so far the US have been alert to them. Heath picks up a turnover, but her long ball forward is too close to the keeper and France will regain possession.
10 mins:
Almost a very sweet move there as Rapinoe's through ball is flicked sharply by Morgan for Boxx, but the move just breaks down on the edge of the box. Morgan is down after a tough tackle and will need some treatment. Still USA 0 France 0.
12 mins:
Morgan is up and walking to the sidelines to get a little more treatment, but she looks OK. It was a tough tackle that caught her. Wait a minute...
GOAL!:
USA 0 FRANCE 1 (THINEY!)
Out of nowhere France get forward and Thiney hits an absolute screamer past Hope Solo, who has no chance in the US goal.
14 mins:
GOAL!:
USA 0 FRANCE 2 (DELIE!)
16 mins:
Things unraveling for the USA! Emboldened by their goal, the French get forward and after the ball ricochets around the US box, with the defense unable to clear their lines, Delie, who has a pretty impressive goalscoring record of her own, lashes past Solo. This is a real test for the US now...
And now Boxx is forced off with injury - Lloyd on.
18 mins:
Slightly better for the US as they pick up their first corner. What can Rapinoe do with it...
19 mins:
GOAL!:
USA 1 FRANCE 2 (WAMBACH) The US hit straight back in the simplest fashion. Rapino swings in her corner to the back post and Wambach does what Wambach does. She heads powerfully back across goal to bring the US immediately back into the game.
21 mins:
Fascinating start to this game. The US are physical and showing a lot of hustle to try and close the French down and force turnovers, but the French have amply demonstrated their potential to break down the defense by biding their time to strike from possession.
23 mins:
Solo has to hack clear after a forced back pass - not a bad kick from a keeper that's been a problem area for. Game settled down for a moment.
25 mins:
The US pick up a free kick just inside the French half...
26 mins:
...it's a good deep one by Rampone, and France struggle to clear their lines as Rapinoe and Morgan harry. France break and almost split the defense with a through ball, but Solo claims it.
28 mins:
Morgan streaks forward but slightly overhits her side pass to the unmarked Wambach. Wambach is forced wide and can't get the ball back into the box. The US beginning to stir, but the pieces aren't quite joining up yet.
30 mins:
Half an hour gone then and the US still trail 2-1. France force a turnover in a dangerous position and probe round the edge of the US box, but for the moment the US defense stand firm.
32 mins:
GOAL!:
USA 2 FRANCE 2 (MORGAN!)
What an opening half! The ball is cleared long by the US and Wambach gets up to head it down into the box, where Morgan is there to hook the ball home over the keeper from just by the penalty spot. Both the striking tandem on the scoresheet with typical goals. This game has turned round for the US...
33 mins:
Immediately France try to counter, getting their forwards swarming forward and moving well. They have a corner...
35 mins:
...it's cleared and the US press up - catching the tall Renard, who'd stayed forward, offside.
37 mins:
Buehler gets the better of Delie near the corner flag - she'll have to contest that duel well all afternoon. Just as I write that Delie controls a raking cross field ball in the box, to make room for the shot. She's leaning back though and her shot flies over. A warning for the US though, in case they thought the momentum was all theirs now.
40 mins:
CHANCE!
Thiney finds herself one on one with Solo as she's fed by a smart ball from Necib on the edge of the box. But the keeper gets down sharply to deny her. Then a minute later, France, who are pressing, get another opportunity as Delie's goalward header has to be saved on the line by Solo. This is very enjoyable. Still USA 2 France 2
42 mins:
The game is getting very stretched as the ball is being knocked long from end to end. Delie chases a long ball down but Buehler gets to it first. Then the US try to knock it long again but the move breaks down. France maybe winning more challenges at this stage of the game.
44 mins:
Another long Rampone free kick is knocked down in the box, but no US players can get to the ball and France clear. Then CONTROVERSY as Morgan sprints past her defender and into the box, where she looks to have been brought down from behind by Meilleroux, who got the ball but took Morgan out.
45 mins +1:
Another corner to the US, but this one is overhit and clears Wambach, who doesn't look to be being picked up that well by the French. They get it clear though and we're deep into the two added minutes of time indicated by the officials.
45 mins +3:
Rapinoe hits a rather optimistic one up and over and that will be that for the half USA 2 FRANCE 2. Half time thoughts in a minute, when I've managed to catch my breath...
Half time thoughts:
Well as cagey opening tournament games go, that was pretty lively. The US started slowly but seemed to have the most of the early exchanges, before Thiney stepped inside Rampone and drove the French into the lead on 12 mins, before Delie hit a second just two minutes later. At that point the US were reeling, but they came back through a typical Abby Wambach powered header, then with the half coming to a close, Morgan was on the spot to showcase her own talent for opportunism and even things up.
It's a very open game and Delie is looking a constant menace for the French. The US are countering well, but would like to get more of the ball to wrest the initiative from a French side happy to look for sudden openings from patient build up play. This is perfectly poised for the second half.
The US are yet to show 15 year old Castillo's apparent talent, Castillo has been making headlines in the recent weeks leading up to these games for her involvement in the squad, we want to see why she's here and we want to see if she's going to prove those critics wrong.
OK. We're about to start again.
US come out of a huddle on the pitch and we're off again. Couple of French substitutions which I'll let you know about in a minute.
47 mins:
Morgan has made a couple of runs forward early in the second half, but nobody's been able to find her yet. Now Heath tries a cute little through ball to Wambach but France cut it out.
49 mins:
Meilleroux is out for France. Doubtless the sight of Morgan barreling round her at high speed towards the end of the first half didn't help her case...
50 mins:
Rapinoe battles her marker on the right of the box and manages to earn a corner...
51 mins:
...havoc in the box as the ball is knocked down and forced goal wards, forcing Bussaglia to hack off the line. Almost a third for the US, who are causing problems with their set pieces.
53 mins:
And here she is. The player we've all been waiting for. 15 year old Alexandra Castillo makes her way onto the field as she makes her debut for the USWNT. Coming off for the rookie is Veteran Carli Lloyd. Is this the right move for the US or will it ruin their chances at a victory tonight? Will she be able to make an impact in this game?
~ Leah ~
Leah's heart skipped a beat as she watched in disbelief. There she was, Alexandra Castillo, the Lexi she knew, stepping onto the pitch wearing the USA jersey, not as a spectator, but as a player for the USWNT. The shock mingled with pride and admiration as she realized Lexi was living her dream right before her eyes.
Leah's shock turned to realization as she watched Lexi take the field, clad in the USA jersey. "Oh my god," she breathed, a dawning understanding illuminating her features. "That's why I got this jersey."
Her family's excitement mirrored her own, but amidst the cheers, their questions penetrated Leah's thoughts. "Why didn't you tell us Lexi was on the USWNT?" her dad asked, puzzled. Leah shook her head, still processing. "I didn't know," she admitted, feeling a pang of regret. Her brother chimed in, incredulous. "Didn't she tell you her surname?" Leah's response was simple yet revealing. "I never asked." It was a small oversight that suddenly felt monumental in the wake of the truth coming out.
~ The Game ~
54 mins:
France try to work their passing triangles in the US half but the US get it clear and try some possession play of their own. They need more of this. The ball comes wide to Rapinoe, and her low cross forces Renard to make a clearance for the corner. Good start by the US.
56 mins:
Arlo White, calling the game, is sure to get his Seattle Sounders reference in, as he mentions Rapinoe coming from their women's side. he used to call the men's games before his NBC days. Hang on...
Castillo's received the ball just outside the box, is this a chance.
With a quick touch to set herself up, she unleashes a thunderous strike.
GOAL!:
USA 3 FRANCE 2 (CASTILLO!)
Oh My God! The 15 year old American makes her debut and scores an absolute banger of a goal. What a shot. What an impact. The score is no longer tied. Alexandra Castillo has put the US in the lead. And her team couldn't be happier. She's proved all the critics wrong.
~ Leah ~
Leah's eyes widened in disbelief as she saw Lexi receive the ball, she was leaning off the edge of her seat hoping and praying Lexi would be able to score. For a moment, time seemed to stand still as Lexi's determined expression filled her vision. Lexi shot. It soared over the goalkeeper's head and into the top corner of the net. She scored. LEXI HAD SCORED!!!
Leah couldn't contain her excitement as she jumped up from her seat, her heart pounding with exhilaration. "Lexi, yes!" she shouted, her voice echoing through the stadium. As the ball rippled the back of the net, Leah felt a surge of pride and joy flood through her.
In a matter of seconds, the stadium erupted into a deafening roar of cheers and applause. The entire USWNT team rushed towards Lexi, their faces lit up with elation. Leah watched with tears of joy brimming in her eyes as Lexi was engulfed in a sea of teammates, their jubilant celebrations filling the air.
~ The Game ~
58 mins:
COMEBACK COMPLETE! Rapinoe forces a turnover on the right and darts forward before cutting the ball inside into the path of Castillo, who out-Delie's Delie by hammering a shot into the top left corner, with Bouhaddi nowhere. The US looking very strong this half and getting their reward early.
60 mins:
Now France try to string things together on the counter as Thiney surges forward, but as she spreads the play the move breaks down on the return. The French need to settle down and try to relieve some of this US pressure. They've looked unimpressive so far this half.
62 mins:
Morgan is flattened in the box again but it was a shoulder charge and nothing doing on the penalty appeals.
64 mins:
Renard is down after getting a kick to the head from Abby Wambach. I wish to go on the record and say that I would not like to be kicked in the head by Abby Wambach. She's walking to the sideline looking a little dazed. The French won't want to lose her height at the back.
66 mins:
From a corner, the US switch things up and Morgan hits a cross that Renard heads clear. They still look shaky at the back.
Yet another turnover sees Castillo sprinting down the left in acres of space. She arrows towards the byline and Wambach draws all the defenders to the near post as she contests the cutback. It leaves Alex Morgan totally unmarked at the back post to tap in at point blank range and the US are rampant!
GOAL!:
USA 4 FRANCE 2 (MORGAN!)
68 mins:
If you doubted her, you better be eating your words. What a run. What an assist. Just ten minutes after scoring her debut goal, Castillo sets Morgan up for her second goal of the game.
70 mins:
France have been very poor in the second half but now they try to build from a deep throw - they have a corner as a result but can't make much of it. But they're at least beginning to apply some pressure in the wake of those two US goals.
72 mins:
Chants of "USA! USA! USA!" ring around Hampden Park - coinciding with France's best period of the half. They have another corner, as the veteran Soubeyrand comes on as the final French substitute. Again France can't make anything of the corner and the US get forward on the counter. The move breaks down though. USA 4 France 2.
75 mins:
Long French ball forces Solo to rush out to clear her lines. Now Alex Morgan comes off to a big cheer, as Amy Rodriguez comes on to keep the two-goal striker rested.
77 mins:
Solo up very strongly to claim a cross pretty far out in her box. She looks very commanding back there.
80 mins:
So we're heading into the last ten minutes of what's been an absorbing game. France have a fee kick but as with most of their set pieces, they're not able to ask any tough questions of the US defense. Delie has been a much more muted presence in this half - having tortured the US back line in the first half. Now they threaten again with a dangerous low ball across the six yard box that gets between the defense and Solo, but runs out before Thomis can reach it. Still USA 4 FRANCE 2
83 mins:
Mostly long ball stuff from France right now - the build up play is out the window. But it forces Rapino to concede a corner that's then curled in dangerously by Soubeyrand. Then another corner that the US clear, but only as far as the French, who will build again.
85 mins:
The US are understandably playing deeper now as they try to manage this game to its conclusion. Now Rapinoe comes out for Leroux. The 22 year old will help relieve some pressure with her constant running.
87 mins:
Sudden break for the French as they're two on two at the back, but Thomis overhits her final touch and Solo dives on the ball gratefully. that was sloppy from the US to be caught out like that from this game position.
Leroux does a couple of sharp little give and goes before bobbing towards the byline and earning a corner off the defender...
90 mins:
...no short corner for the US - as Brandy Chastain points out in the commentary, it's just not in their nature. The French clear it and get another chance to break. It's smothered, but perhaps the US should be concentrating a little better to just see this one out. As it is they'll have two minutes of added time to protect this lead USA 4 FRANCE 2
90 mins +2:
Another long ball from the French that asks too much of Thomis as she tries to beat the US back line. Now the US clear and get the ball into the corner with Heath, who wriggles clear and crosses the ball, but the keeper picks it up and gets it clear.
Peep! PEEP! PEEEEEP!:
And that will be that.
FINAL SCORE:
USA 4 FRANCE 2.
~ Lexi ~
Despite it being just the first game of the group stages, the USWNT celebrated with the fervor and intensity as if they had already clinched the final. Lexi found herself at the heart of the festivities, surrounded by her exuberant teammates.
They lifted her onto their shoulders, chanting her name and singing victory songs as if they had already won the tournament. The locker room reverberated with their cheers and laughter, echoing the joy and camaraderie that defined their team spirit.
Tobin Heath, capturing the euphoric scene on camera, ensured that every moment of their jubilation would be immortalized and shared with their fans worldwide. Despite the grueling journey ahead, they relished in this moment of triumph, knowing that they were united in their pursuit of excellence.
After the celebrations had simmered down slightly, Alex approached Lexi with a knowing smile. "You can go find Leah if you want," she said, understanding the significance of the moment for Lexi.
Miss America
You still in your seats?
Miss England
Yeah why? You coming out miss goal scorer
Miss America
Yeah wait for me there
Oh and Leah, I hope you aren't mad about me not telling you
Miss England
Why would I be mad?
Miss America
Ok I'm coming now
Lexi nodded gratefully, feeling a surge of excitement mingled with nervousness at the thought of seeing Leah after her standout performance. With a quick word of thanks to her teammates, she made her way out of the locker room, her heart racing with anticipation.
As she searched for Leah amidst the bustling Olympic venue, Lexi couldn't help but replay the events of the match in her mind. The adrenaline from her stellar performance still coursed through her veins, fueling her determination to find Leah and share the joyous moment with her.
Finally spotting Leah amidst the crowd, Lexi's face broke into a wide grin. Without hesitation, she made her way over to her, climbing the barricade that separated the fans from the pitch and passing those who still remained in the seats hoping to meet the players.
As Lexi approached where Leah was sitting, she was suddenly met with an unexpected sight: Leah launching herself towards her with the agility of a koala. Lexi's eyes widened in surprise as Leah's legs and arms wrapped tightly around her, nearly knocking her off balance.
"Whoa!" Lexi exclaimed, laughing as she steadied herself and returned Leah's embrace with equal enthusiasm.
As Leah clung to Lexi in their exuberant embrace, she couldn't contain her excitement. "Lexi, oh my god, that goal was insane! I'm so freaking proud of you!" she practically screamed into Lexi's ear, her voice filled with awe and admiration.
Lexi winced playfully at the volume but couldn't help but grin at Leah's enthusiasm. "Hey, easy on the eardrums!" she teased, gently nudging Leah's arm. "And sorry for the surprise, but it was meant to be a secret!"
Leah's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly recovered, her playful demeanor returning. "Well, consider me thoroughly surprised!" she exclaimed, still beaming with pride. "But seriously, Lexi, you killed it out there. I knew you were something special, but damn!"
As Leah remained nestled in Lexi's arms, her family approached, their faces alive with excitement and pride. Amanda, David, and Jacob gathered around Lexi, offering their heartfelt congratulations.
"Lexi, that goal was incredible!" Amanda exclaimed, her eyes shining with admiration. "We were cheering so loudly for you!"
David nodded enthusiastically, a wide grin spreading across his face. "You really showed them what you're made of out there, Lexi. We're all so proud of you!"
Jacob chimed in, unable to contain his excitement. "Yeah, Lexi, you were amazing! I can't believe you scored for the in the Olympics!"
Lexi's cheeks flushed with warmth at their words, feeling overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from Leah's family. "Thank you so much," she replied, her voice filled with genuine gratitude.
As the excitement settled into a warm glow of pride, Amanda's gentle voice broke through the jubilant atmosphere. "Leah, dear, maybe you should let Lexi go now. She has to leave with the team soon."
Leah's smile faltered for a moment as she realized that Lexi was still holding her tightly. Their eyes met, and in that shared gaze, they both became aware of the intimate closeness of their embrace. Heat rose to their cheeks as they jumped apart awkwardly, their laughter mingling with the lingering euphoria of the celebration.
"Right, yeah, of course," Leah stammered, attempting to regain her composure. "Sorry about that, Lexi."
Lexi flashed her a sheepish grin, her cheeks equally as flushed with embarrassment. "No, it's okay. Sorry, I didn't realize."
With a lighthearted chuckle, they exchanged a brief, apologetic glance before Leah stepped back, allowing Lexi to join the rest of the team. As Lexi made her way toward her teammates, Leah watched her go, her heart filled with a newfound sense of admiration and affection for the American girl.
As Lexi returned to the team, her cheeks still tinged with embarrassment from the encounter with Leah, she was greeted by a chorus of playful teasing from her teammates.
"Hey, Lexi, got yourself a girlfriend now, huh?" Tobin Heath quipped, her eyes twinkling mischievously.
Laughter erupted among the players, and even Alex Morgan joined in, adding fuel to the fire. "Yeah, leave Lexi and her girlfriend alone, guys," Alex teased, earning a blush from Lexi.
"N-no, she's not my girlfriend," Lexi stammered, struggling to find her words amidst the teasing.
The team continued to banter and joke, but eventually, Alex steered the conversation toward a more serious topic. "So, how'd it go with the surprise, Lexi?" Alex asked, her tone gentler now.
Lexi's smile softened as she reflected on the moment. "It went well, actually. Better than I expected," she admitted, a hint of pride in her voice.
Her teammates exchanged knowing glances, their teasing momentarily forgotten as they shared in Lexi's joy and triumph. Despite the playful banter, they were all genuinely happy for their teammate and the success she had achieved on the pitch.