After communicating with Cousins and Morris, Theo came forward to take this backcourt free kick just outside the penalty area.
At this moment, the opposing goalkeeper, Marcus Bettinelli, was very cautious.
He did not stray too far from the goal, denying Theo the opportunity for a direct long-range chip.
Theo wanted to see if a direct pass would work.
He first surveyed the positioning of the players in the front court.
After planning the trajectory and landing spot, he raised his right arm.
At that moment, scenes from the match against the Reserve Team flashed before his eyes.
It was the same run-up.
His right foot struck the bottom right of the ball with force.
The ball followed the path Theo had planned, heading straight for the left side of the opponent’s penalty area.
By this time, the opposing goalkeeper was still in the six-yard box.
Seeing the ball flying over rapidly, he realized it was too late to come out, so he had to call on his defenders to clear it.
Charlton Athletic U18 striker Azeez had not had any good opportunities throughout the match.
A fast defensive midfielder from the opposing team had been shadowing him closely, leaving him unable to exert his strength.
His partner, Bobo, was lacking in ability and could not stretch the opponent’s defensive line for him.
Seeing that it was his own goalkeeper taking the backcourt free kick this time, and having witnessed his ability to score from a long-range chip a few days ago, Azeez wanted to see if there was a chance and prepared to make a run for it.
Just then, the ball flew out.
Seeing the height and speed of the ball, the striker’s innate keen sense made him realize something unusual.
It wasn’t a shot—it was a pass.
He immediately started running, shaking off the defensive midfielder who had been marking him closely, and sprinted with all his might toward where the ball was expected to land.
Even though it was the 80th minute, his speed was not much slower than at his peak.
“This free kick will be taken by Theo!
I heard he scored a super long-range shot of over 80 meters a few days ago!
Let’s see how this ball turns out!
Can it go in?” The Charlton Athletic commentator at the scene was excitedly narrating the situation on the pitch.
Upon hearing about the 80-meter goal, the crowd erupted in gasps of amazement.
“Theo has started, the run-up!
The ball is away!
The ball speed is very fast!
Is it a shot?
No, it’s a pass!
Azeez has broken free from the defense, he has caught up to the ball!
Great opportunity!
A shot!
Goooooooooal, it’s in!
In the 82nd minute, Azeez has scored a golden goal, giving Charlton Athletic a 1:0 lead over Fulham!
A super long-range assist from Theo!” In the backcourt, after Theo sent the ball out, he quickly returned to his six-yard box.
He didn’t want to experience the head coach’s spit-flying hairdryer treatment.
Seeing Azeez score, he raised his hands high and clapped vigorously.
Another point secured.
In the remaining minutes of the match, Fulham tried to equalize and attacked in numbers, but most of their players had reached their physical limits, leading to low attacking efficiency.
Theo didn’t even need to make any decent saves; he just collected two gentle crosses.
Another two points secured.
In the 89th minute, while Fulham was desperate to equalize and Frazer Richardson was dribbling forward, Jenkinson intercepted the ball and made a rapid advance down the right flank.
Relying on his speed to blow past the opposing right-back Parsons, he sent a low cross into the box.
Azeez and Bobo were both charging at the goal, and ultimately, Azeez poked the ball into the Fulham goal at the far post.
2:0.
Seeing the goal, Theo clenched his fists and raised them high.
Debut match.
Won.
With the referee’s final whistle, the match ended.
Charlton Athletic U18 youth team defeated Fulham U18 2:0.
As the match ended, players from both sides exchanged greetings and then went to the sidelines to interact with the fans.
Vice-captain Cousins and Jenkinson took Theo to the sidelines to celebrate with the fans.
The fans greeted Cousins and Jenkinson familiarly.
They were not yet familiar with Theo, but they applauded him for doing a great job today.
After a brief celebration, Theo packed his personal belongings and walked out of the training base with Cousins and Jenkinson.
At the gate of the training base, they ran into Jack Binks, who was driving a sports car.
It seemed the other party was waiting for him at the gate on purpose.
Seeing Theo come out, Binks didn’t get out of the car.
He rolled down the window and looked at Theo coldly.
“Trash Theo, don’t think that just because you performed well in this match, you can secure a starting spot.
Let’s wait and see.” Theo didn’t take it to heart initially, but Cousins and Jenkinson, who were walking beside him, had their expressions change slightly.
Cousins hurriedly said, “Theo!…” But Theo stopped him from continuing: “It’s fine, I have the strength to suppress him.” Jenkinson seemed to want to say something but hesitated, ultimately remaining silent.
Theo didn’t take it to heart; he thought that as long as his ability surpassed the other person’s, he could keep his starting position.
But he had oversimplified things; he didn’t expect that the other party’s words would soon come true.