On the Edge of the List

Two center backs were dragged away by the winger, and a brief pocket opened outside the area. The cross was blocked. The ball bounced out to Mason. Brooks charged from behind. "Careful!" someone shouted. Mason did not control it. Meeting the bouncing ball, he leaned back slightly and struck it on the volley with his right foot. The ball flew over Brooks's shoulder, carved a vicious arc, and buried itself in the top right corner. 2-1. The staff member filming outside the locker room could not stop himself from swearing. The white team players froze first, then rushed toward Mason. Noah grabbed his shoulders. "The beat you talked about! There really was that beat!" Mason only patted his back. "Remember it."