An Unusual In-and-Out: A Three-Minute Tragedy

Hello!
I felt like updating my note, so I'm writing this! 😁

Today, I'd like to talk about an incident that happened during the Empress's Cup in my university days!

Part 1: A success story from coming off the bench

This might be sudden, but I actually quite like coming on as a substitute.

The reason is that during my freshman year of college, I was often used mid-game,
and most of my matches started from the bench.

During that time, I had various experiences,
from matches where I couldn't change the momentum,
to matches where I brought energy to the team with assists or goals.

Thanks to that, I grew to love coming on as a substitute. lol

I thought about why that is, and I think it's probably because my role becomes clear.

Running around in the front line and pushing forward aggressively.
Fully demonstrating this playstyle.
And bringing energy to the team!

Since it becomes simple like this,
it might suit me, as I usually don't do well when I overthink things. lol

Part 2: I'm going in! ...or so I thought.

The main topic for today.

An incident during the second round of the Empress's Cup in my freshman year of college (2020).
It's already been 5 years! 😳

I started from the bench that day too, but since I had grown to love coming on as a substitute,
I was well-prepared both mentally and physically.

At the end of the first half, the score was 0-1.

(I have a feeling my name is about to be called.)

Just as I thought that,
I was indeed told I would be playing from the second half.

"Here it comes!! I'm gonna do it!"

That was how I felt.
I was fully revved up and warmed up with great enthusiasm.

I was set to play as a left-side midfielder, and
I was determined to change the flow of the game.

About a minute after the second half kicked off (or so it felt),
I went in to press the opponent
with full force to try and win the ball.

The moment I touched the ball, I felt a bad sensation.
That feeling of my ankle giving way, like a sprain...

'Oh, this might be it.'

I realized it in an instant.

As expected, it was excruciating just to walk.
It felt like my ankle wasn't even in its socket.

But I couldn't exactly say I'd shattered my ankle on the very first play,
so I pushed through for a few minutes.

I went off the pitch for a moment, had them wrap it up in tape,
and went back on.

...but, it was obviously impossible. Haha.

It hurt just to walk, so that was to be expected, right?

To write this article,
I looked back at the official records from the past.

Since I was substituted at the 56th minute,
I was only on the pitch for nine minutes!?

But it felt like only about three minutes...

Honestly, I just wasted a substitution card. 🤣

Part 3: This is life, too

It was the first time in my life I'd had such a short playing time.

But I think life is just a series of things like this.

I really messed up.
Why does it have to end up like this?

There are many times when I feel miserable and pathetic.
But as time passes, it becomes a funny story or a memory.

To make that happen, I was able to learn that it is important to give my all in every single moment,
and to do it without any regrets.

That is why I will enjoy the present!
No matter the situation, no matter the position,
I will live the way I want to!

That is all for now! See you in the next article!✨