Before the Opening

"Prove it!" "Broken Prince!" He heard all of it. He did not look up. His first touch came from Lucas. A hard cross from the right. Mason started between two center backs half a beat before everyone else. He reached it, but instead of shooting, he cushioned the ball back to the top of the box. Brooks arrived there. It was the kind of move that belonged on a tactical board. But Brooks had not expected it. He thought Mason would force a shot. His feet were a beat late, and the defender blocked the finish. The stands groaned. Brooks turned and shouted, "Why didn't you hit it?" Mason moved back into the box. "You had the better position." "Then call it earlier." "You should have seen it."