Volume One: Our Own League Chapter 142: The Seventh Graders’ Prodigies

Before the first half ended, Luo Dongqing made several substitutions in an attempt to change the situation, replacing those particularly selfish and attention-seeking players. However, the effect was less than ideal, and by halftime, Team A of Grade One had conceded yet another goal.

In the end, Zhu Ge and his teammates were defeated four to one.

When the match concluded, Zhu Ge walked off the field with a sullen face. Once at the sidelines, he lay down on the grass, covering his face with a towel, cutting himself off from the world. Zhong Haokun looked much the same, his expression grim; he had never played such a humiliating game before and was in a very bad mood.

Of course, the one feeling the worst was Wang Xu.

He had conceded four goals in just one half; this performance was nothing short of disastrous. He felt it was unlikely he would be selected for the team. His expression was despondent, on the verge of tears.

Liu Peng and He Xiaoke also looked displeased. They had suffered greatly during the match and were feeling miserable after coming off the field. They knew their chances were slim after such a showing; this performance was likely the end of the line for them.

Both sat quietly on the bench, anxiety gnawing at their hearts. Their poor display today might well mean missing out on the school team.

As they sat in silence, it was clear that their fears were justified—they would not get to play in the second half. Instead, another group of players would take the field. Their squad was large, with 24 players, and everyone was meant to have a chance; naturally, many substitutions would be made at halftime.

Xu He sat in the stands and said to Zhuo Jun, “This first half was really brutal. Zhu Ge and the others were caught up in it too.”

Zhuo Jun nodded slightly, feeling a pang of sympathy.

He truly feared that when it was his turn to play, he might end up with similar teammates. If that happened, it would be a real problem.

Zhuo Jun spoke softly to Xu He, “Let’s hope we don’t get such teammates.”

Xu He said nothing, merely nodding in agreement.

Xu Dongsheng, sitting before them, overheard their conversation and smiled knowingly. It seemed the players had already recognized the issue; hopefully, they would avoid making such mistakes in the afternoon match.

At that moment, Luo Dongqing’s face was ashen.

Yet, he did not reprimand the first-half players. Instead, he fixed a cold stare on the players about to enter for the second half, reminding them, “I don’t want to see the kind of poor performance we had in the first half. I want you to put the team’s interests above your own. Individual performance is important, but the team’s welfare is more important! I believe no team would want someone who only cares about themselves and ignores the team.”

The players coming on for the second half wore serious expressions, as if the mistakes of the first half were their own, accepting the criticism with humility.

Of course, those selfish players from the first half felt deeply ashamed and bowed their heads, wishing they could disappear.

Soon, the second half was about to begin.

Xu He looked toward the field and, just as he had guessed, it was practically a different team. Zhong Haokun and Zhu Ge had left the pitch. Among the new players, Xu He recognized Xu Donglai, Song Xiang, Yuan Fang, Qin Tailong, Yang Xin, and Yang Hao.

To be honest, Xu He felt a bit worried at this point.

Because among this lineup was Yang Hao!

Yang Hao was known for playing solo. In the league, he was the kind of player who fought battles alone. In attack, he seemed to see no teammates, acting entirely on his own. Now that he was on the field, would he continue to play solo in this second half?

Xu He watched with anticipation.

Zhuo Jun frowned slightly, clearly also curious and hopeful about Yang Hao’s performance.

What would Yang Hao’s style be like in this match?

Yang Hao’s teammates, including Yang Xin, were also uneasy. Having faced Yang Hao directly, they knew his characteristics and skills well, and they were genuinely worried about him.

But looking at Yang Hao’s proud demeanor, none dared to approach him or say anything.

The atmosphere was somewhat strange.

Luo Dongqing noticed this too. His gaze landed on Yang Hao, curious about who this player was that drew so much attention.

At that moment, the second half began.

The opposing United Team also made several substitutions, wanting to give all their players a chance, although their squad was smaller, so many players remained on the field, such as the midfielders “Beckham” Chen Wei and “Zidane” Qi Dan, along with their number 9 striker.

With their key players still on the pitch, the United Team took the initiative early in the second half, launching attacks and pressuring Grade One Team A.

It was clear that Team A’s midfield was not as thick as before; the pressure from the opposition’s midfield had eased considerably. Passing through midfield was less difficult, and they found more opportunities.

Clearly, Team A’s defense was weaker in the second half.

The United Team naturally gained many chances, threatening Team A’s goal. They felt hopeful, expecting the second half to be easier and anticipating more goals.

Especially their number 9 striker, who believed he was the brightest star on the field.

Not long after the second half began, he received a perfect chance.

Inside the penalty area, he got a pass from Qi Dan, facing Team A’s goal with no defenders nearby — a clear one-on-one.

United Team players on the sidelines rose, raising their fists in celebration before the ball even crossed the line.

They thought their younger schoolmates were far too weak, no match at all. They were extremely confident, even considering themselves destined to be the school team’s mainstays, with those juniors only filling backup roles.

The number 9 striker was brimming with confidence. Without even looking at Xu Donglai in goal, he unleashed a powerful shot with his right foot toward the lower right corner.

The ball flew at great speed and looked destined to score.

But just as the ball was about to enter the goal, Xu Donglai dived to the side and slapped it out of bounds with one hand.

The number 9 striker and all United Team players were stunned, mouths agape.

Impossible!

At such close range, how could he save it?

On the sidelines, Yang Tong Mingxiong, Luo Dongqing, and Xu Dongsheng all brightened, staring at Xu Donglai, thinking, “This kid is interesting.”

Xu He in the stands could not help but praise, “As expected, Xu Donglai is Xu Donglai; his goalkeeping is truly outstanding. I don’t think the United Team will score anymore!”

Xu He realized Xu Donglai was in excellent form and clearly excited. With this, the United Team’s chances were slim. He even began to pity their number 9 striker.

Today, that forward would suffer a significant blow.

A corner kick gave the United Team another opportunity.

Beckham Chen Wei had a chance to shine again. His curved ball accurately found the number 9 striker inside, who leapt high, overpowering everyone with a powerful header.

The ball shot swiftly toward the upper right corner of the goal.

Almost everyone thought the ball was certain to go in; the angle was too tight, no one could stop it. The number 9 striker shouted excitedly, certain of scoring.

*Smack!*

Just as the ball was about to cross the line, a pair of slender hands stretched out in front of the goal and knocked it away.

The number 9 striker and United Team players were dumbfounded, staring in disbelief at Xu Donglai lying before the goal. It was as if they had seen a ghost.

Yang Tong Mingxiong on the sidelines also widened his eyes. To be honest, Xu Donglai truly shocked him; he hadn’t expected such a player at Jinguan City No. 17 Middle School.

Previously, Yang Tong Mingxiong hadn’t even noticed Xu Donglai.

During fitness and ball tests, Xu Donglai’s performance was unremarkable — a presence easily overlooked in the crowd. Naturally, no one paid attention to him then.

Unexpectedly, this kid gave them a pleasant surprise today.

Now, their eyes were fixed more intently on Xu Donglai.

But just then, Team A launched a counterattack.

The ball Xu Donglai saved landed at Yuan Fang’s feet near the penalty area line. Yuan Fang shielded the ball from a pressing opponent and sent a diagonal pass to Yang Hao on the wing.

Yang Hao received the ball, immediately dribbled, turned, accelerated, and sprinted toward the United Team’s half.

Xu He exclaimed, “Here he comes! Yang Hao is coming!”

Hearing this, Xu Dongsheng focused intently on Yang Hao.

What was it about this guy that earned so much attention and respect? He needed to see for himself just what kind of ability Yang Hao possessed.

The counterattack was underway.

Yang Hao swiftly pushed the ball forward, crossing midfield with a few quick strides, rapidly charging toward the United Team’s penalty box. His speed was decent; once past midfield, he was the only attacker in this half. The defense still had three or four players, so the United Team remained calm.

A defender near the halfway line saw Yang Hao dribbling with long strides and charged to disrupt him.

But Yang Hao got there first, extending his leg to poke the ball away, then jumped to leap past the defender and chased down the ball. Facing the next defender, Yang Hao suddenly executed a Marseille turn, bypassing his opponent.

Everyone watching gasped in amazement.

Facing the next defender, Yang Hao feinted with a quick flick, then cut inside and blasted into the penalty area. When confronted by a center-back rushing out, Yang Hao faked a shot before deftly dribbling past him with ease and now faced the goalkeeper.

The crowd held their breath, watching in stunned silence.

His movements were fluid and mesmerizing, a spectacle to behold.

In front of Yang Hao, these defenders seemed paper-thin, completely powerless to resist.

The United Team’s goalkeeper focused intensely, knowing this kid was no easy challenge.

Then, Yang Hao suddenly unleashed a furious shot, the ball skimming the grass toward the far corner.

The goalkeeper’s face changed instantly as he dived, but it was too late.

The ball struck the inside of the distant post and bounced into the goal.

Two to four — Team A had pulled one back.