I'm working the middle of a high level 19u match, Legends v. Alliance with the State Cup title and a trip to Regionals on the line. The Legends team features a forward with blazing speed, a guy who is used to playing long ball on the attacking end. Late in the tied match, the Legends have decided to drop back into a bunker defense. Their forward lingers near the midfield line to exploit a long pass dumped into the attacking end, hoping for a lightning strike goal that will decide the contest.

The opportunity presents itself with a brilliantly placed pass up the left touchline, and the forward is off to the races, with a defender struggling to keep pace. The sidelines erupt in noise as it is clear that the defender is beaten. The goalkeeper nervously comes off his line, hoping to cut the shooting angles down. My focus is on the action on the ball because I am anticipating what indeed comes. The defender reaches with his inside hand (thinking his body will screen his act from me), gets a good handful of jersey and tugs, taking down the attacker just outside the penalty area. To add a final flourish, the defender staggers to the ground as well, trying to sell a push by the attacking player.

Continued...