Tales of the Tournaments

The second half commenced, and AT went reluctantly back to the bench to sit between Pinoe and an equally reluctant Kelley again. Pinoe looped an arm around AT's waist, holding her in place as the action resumed. Neither side made any halftime subs, though AT was sure Kelley, at least, was as eager to get off the bench as she was. Probably more, for certain reasons.

"Alyssa Naeher lets the ball go out, it's a goal kick - Naeher's 95th appearance, third most of any US women's keeper in history, Hope Solo and Brianna Scurry still far ahead." 

AT looked over at Alyssa, her Big Alyssa, looking somewhat pleased with herself as the record was noted. Sure, she might have a ways to go yet to chase down two of the most famous keepers in team history, but surely if anyone could do it, it would be her.

The ball rocketed back and forth between the US and Sweden's possession - Lindsey Horan swept it to Julie Ertz, but then Kosovare Asllani swept Julie's legs out from under her, whistled down for a foul.

The referee brought the Swedish captain up short, giving her not only a verbal warning, but the yellow card as well. 

"And really, I think Asllani has good intentions here, just trying to get the ball but getting a plant leg on Julie Ertz, putting her down on the ground," Aly was saying, and AT was relieved to see Julie get up, exchanging friendly smiles and shoulder clasps with Kosse.

Oh. Tia JJ's not mad with Kosse, and Kosse wasn't bad on purpose. But I bet it'll still have to mean something anyways, AT thought worriedly, wondering who would deal with it. Hopefully Sofia's Kosse wouldn't be in biggest trouble, Tia JJ wasn't hurt after all, not really.

"Horan in a battle with Rolfo for the ball - foul for Lindsey Horan, who's already on a yellow card, so if she were to pick one up tonight and the US advances, she would be out in the quarterfinals," the announcer was saying, and AT wanted to scream at him.

"Lindsey can't get in trouble again. She's the captain."

"Lindsey is perfectly capable of getting herself in trouble again," Kelley said sardonically, grimacing.

"Still scoreless - sixth time these two teams have met at the World Cup, first time, though, in the knockout stage."

"Can Aly please shut him up before AT implodes," Pinoe muttered, wrapping an arm around the teen and giving her a squeeze as she fumed. "He's not saying anything that isn't true, kiddo."

"Yeah but it's like all he wants to talk about is one of us has to go home," AT sniffled.

"Horan into the box - sends it across - wow, Musovic got a piece," the announcer was saying. The ball looked like it would have smashed Musovic in the face, actually, but she got a hand on it first, sent it back into play and quickly recovered herself. "Corner for the US." 

Lindsey dropped to her knees, covering her face, as encouraging chants of "U-S-A" swept the stadium, and AT knew Lindsey must be feeling guilty that Musovic saved that goal.

AT watched anxiously as Andi took the corner kick, sending it back into play, but their teammates couldn't quite get a handle on it. 

"Smith drives it into the box, right at Musovic - game's picking up now," the announcer was saying, and Sophia looked furious with herself. Or more likely with Musovic, AT thought.

In the 61st minute, Sophia was caught offside, and five minutes later, a substitution was called for. AT looked up hopefully (having already got up from the bench to pace now and then) but it was Lynn, called in to substitute for Trinity Rodman.

AT was, admittedly, glad of that. Trin had looked a little roughed up. She made room between her and Kelley for Trinity, and looked worriedly at the older girl.

"There's still no score."

"I noticed," Trinity said, sounding tired, and AT guessed whining to Trin wasn't the best idea. She refocused in time to see Soph try for another shot at the goal, as unsuccessful as the rest had been.

"If Soph isn't subbed out soon she's going to explode," Kelley muttered. "All that pressure."

Emily Sonnett's next attempt went just about as well as Soph's, and Kelley was just glad Emily didn't kick the referee or something - she'd been known to be a hothead when things didn't go her way. AT would have quite liked to kick something herself, but Pinoe was restraining her from losing her temper.

"Sweden has used their bench much more effectively than the US this tournament," the announcer was saying. "You've got to be prepared to go 120 minutes, maybe penalty kicks--" 

AT looked up, alarmed. It was true they were still scoreless 78 minutes in, but-- "Do you think he's right?" she asked worriedly. "Will it come to that?"

It was already full dark out, though the stadium lighting helped immensely, and AT sucked on her lower lip. "What if it does? Like Rio?"

Kelley groaned and buried her face in her hands. "Oh, please God no. Not Rio again."

"No, not Rio again, because when we met Sweden in Rio, it was the quarters," Pinoe said grimly. "If it comes to that again, this would be worse. We'd better beat them this time."

"Let's hope," Kelley shuddered. "I don't want our little bit's first tournament to end here, like this, on penalties to Sweden of all things. If it comes to that...Fuck, Christen must be having flashbacks watching from home."

"Substitutions are going to be made for Sweden - Kanneryd, looks like, and Asllani," the announcer said. AT's gaze veered toward the Swedish bench, where Sofia was on her feet, along with Lina Hurtig, while Magda took the armband from Kosse. 

AT looked longingly at the field. "Sof's out there."

"I know, kiddo," Pinoe said sympathetically.

"Sof's out there and I'm not."

"None of us are out there, little bit," Kelley replied. "But I know how much you want to play with Sofia. I hope you'll get your chance."

"We're already at eighty-two minutes," AT worried.

"With no score," Kelley pointed out.

The ball was bouncing back and forth between the Americans and Swedes, and a cross from Lindsey Horan eventually got it to the feet of Alex Morgan. She shot it at the goal from distance, but it swept into the side netting, and the offside flag came up anyway. 

Alex looked irritated - with herself or with the flag, it was hard to say - but walked away, refocusing her attention on the next move. The ball was back in Sweden's possession.

"Eighty-fifth minute - if we're still scoreless after the second half, we'll have an additional 30 minutes of extra time, and if the score's still even after that, it'll go to penalty kicks," the announcer was saying. "Blackstenius passes to Jakobsson," and AT was suddenly paying attention again, shaking off her annoyance at his constant harping about the scorelessness as the night went on.

Sofia was lining up for the kick, and powered it toward the goal. 

AT watched as it arced cleanly toward the net - and right into Alyssa Naeher's hands.

"That was Sweden's first shot on target, here in the 85th minute," the announcer said, and AT didn't know whether to feel proud of Sofia or sorry for her, or relieved and proud that Big Alyssa had gotten in the way. It was a difficult mix of emotions to say the least, because of how much she adored them both.

"It's okay, little bit. I get it," Kelley soothed AT, ruffling her hair. "It's okay to feel sorry for her. She's your Sof. I'm sorry I got upset about her earlier."

AT gave her a surprised, grateful smile. "Thank you, Kell."

"No problem."

"Williams - the cross - once again it's there - saved by Musovic!" 

AT stifled a scream, shooting up from the bench as the ball came flying straight back at her Tia Alex, who'd been blocked from getting it in.

"How was she even there?" she gasped as Pinoe pulled her back down. "She wasn't there! And then she was right there!"

"Keeper magic," Pinoe said dryly.

Alex tried again, her header connecting directly with Musovic, and stoppage time was called for.

Two minutes.

"Two minutes? That's it?" Even the announcer sounded incredulous, for all that the volume of his voice somehow never wavered. 

For once AT was in complete agreement with him. "No one can do anything in two minutes, not with her and Big Alyssa in the goals. It'd need a miracle."

"Morgan, down the far side, versus Ilestedt - and the flag goes up."

AT growled at the offside. "Tia Alex didn't even kick anything yet!" she objected, and Pinoe shrugged.

"Looked like she was going to, I guess, kiddo. Who knows."

Play was getting rougher, and when Stina Blackstenius elbowed Sophia Smith out of her way, knocking her to the ground, and the ref did absolutely nothing, AT looked ready to charge onto the field.

Pinoe grabbed AT firmly. "What did your Tia Alex say, Alyssa?"

AT wilted. "To stay with you, but Pinoe!"

"You stay here on this bench until and unless you're subbed on," Pinoe said firmly.

Sophia was on her feet again, but it wasn't more than half a minute before the ref whistled for the end of the second half.

"Scoreless after 90 minutes of play; we'll be back for a half hour of extra time," the announcer said, and AT sighed, looking worriedly at Kelley.

"They already played a whole game and nobody did anything and now everyone's gonna be even more tired."

"I'm sure there'll be substitutions made soon," Kelley soothed AT.

But there weren't, at least not right away, and in the ninety-fifth minute Alex Morgan made yet another attempt on goal, blocked by Musovic. 

AT was seething. She didn't know why Vlatko had chosen to put Alex by herself out there, alone in the forward position - sure, others could score, but most of the responsibility fell to her, and it was a lot of pressure. Especially when Musovic just kept being there. 

Which admittedly was Musovic's job as much as it was Big Alyssa's, but that didn't mean AT had to like it when she was making life difficult for Tia Alex.

"Player still down."

AT whirled to look, and saw one of the Swedes on the ground. Panic rose in her throat, but the screen showed the 16 on her shorts.

Not Sofia, then. Filippa Angeldahl. AT breathed a sigh of relief, but immediately felt guilty for it. She didn't know Filippa, not really, but was pretty sure Sof liked her at least some. And Filippa had been knocked down by the USWNT's number 17.

Andi Sullivan.

Andi wasn't carded, but Sweden was awarded a corner kick, and Filippa was soon back on her feet, much to AT's relief. She didn't like seeing anyone get badly hurt, and imagined Andi would be relieved too.

However, likely just as a precaution, Filippa was subbed out anyway, for Hanna Bennison.

As play resumed, Pinoe caught a motion from one of the coaching staff, and slowly got up from the bench, turning to AT.

"Stay here," she said firmly, "and behave. There really isn't much time left."

AT scowled at her lap. "But Pinoe."

Pinoe shook her head. "I know, little one, but you won't be alone. Kelley's here, and we'll see who's being subbed off."

Probably, AT realized, somebody would be her Tia Alex.

It was, in fact, Alex who joined AT and Kelley on the bench, and AT immediately snuggled up to her as Kelley grabbed her some water.

"Tia Alex, Musovic was--"

"Just doing her job, mijita."

AT sighed. "But are you okay?"

"A little tired, mijita, but Musovic hasn't done anything I can't handle," Alex promised.

AT nodded into Alex's shoulder. Lynn and Lindsey attempted shots on goal one after the other, both blocked by the Swedish defense, and AT knew whining for Tia Alex wouldn't go over well.

"How come they're like that, though?"

"Well, they're Sweden. They'd probably like to eat us for breakfast, most of them," Alex remarked dryly. "Give Sweden an inch and they'll be all over you."

"But we haven't given them any inches. They've just taken them," AT objected.

"M-hmm," Alex agreed, stroking AT's hair. "But that's football, mijita. That's just how it goes." 

"Gonna go to 120, if still tied, penalty kicks decide who moves on, and who goes home."

"Oh, shut up," AT muttered in his general direction.

"Alyssa," Alex said reprovingly, though she wasn't really angry. "I imagine it's been hard to sit here on the bench hearing that all match, hasn't it?"

"Uh huh."

"I'm sorry, mijita," Alex cuddled her gently.

The whistle rang out, and AT turned to see Stina Blackstenius getting shakily to her feet. Video replay on the screen above them showed that Emily Sonnett and Andi Sullivan, between them, had brought Stina to the ground, practically sandwiching her between them in a collision.

While the yellow card was clearly cupped in the ref's hand, in the end she decided not to show it, since Stina was more or less fine, and AT breathed a sigh of relief.

Then she looked at Alex, who definitely did not look relieved. "Tia Alex?"

"It's going to be a long night," Alex sighed.

"It's been a long night," AT muttered.

"I know." Alex held AT close, watching as Alyssa Naeher blocked the resulting goal kick, not quite willing to let herself relax until the whistle sounded for the end of the first half of extra time, when they could all get up and stretch their legs a bit. It had been long enough already, but it would definitely be an even longer night for some of them.

Practically the instant the second period of extra time started, there was trouble. The ref's whistle brought AT's attention to Sweden's #10 - her storasyster, Sofia - and the USWNT's #14, Emily Sonnett. 

"High boot for Jakobsson," the announcer was saying, and he added, sounding amused, "Sonnett seems to think it was a high boot, too. Jakobsson seems to believe she was just leaning into it."

The replay looked like Sofia kicking Emily in the shoulder, but on the other hand it looked like Emily was leaning toward where Sofia's boot was. Although Sofia's boot was higher than it should be in any case.

"That's going to be fun to sort out," Alex muttered. "At least Sof is Kosse and Magda's problem tonight."

In the space of about eight minutes, Lynn, Lindsey, Sophia, Julie, and then Lynn again, had all tried efforts on goal - Julie's from a corner kick by Pinoe - and been blocked or saved. The pace was getting more frantic and both sides were battling hard. To be scoreless and just twelve minutes away from penalty kicks - no one liked penalty kicks, except as Aly Wagner sarcastically put in, "keepers who like the limelight."

"Well, that might be Musovic, but not Lyssa," AT said. "She doesn't ask for the glory." 

In the 112th minute, Rebecka Blomqvist came on for Stina Blackstenius, and AT licked her lips nervously. Becka, as Sofia sometimes called her, had been doing well for Sweden, scoring a couple notable goals already. Substituting her for Stina could be a problem for the US.

"That was a takedown by Eriksson, free kick for the USA," the announcer said and AT looked to see Sophia Smith getting back on her feet. 

At least Soph's okay, AT thought anxiously. I hope. But the free kick didn't amount to anything, and the two sides battled for the ball across the field. 

Emily Fox,  - currently wearing her Mama Christen's number 23, AT thought - got shoved to the ground by Lina Hurtig, and Sweden were called foul. Upon additional review, Becka Blomqvist had initiated the challenge by elbowing Emily backward, and Lina had just finished the takedown. 

Megan Rapinoe took a free kick, but it was cleared away quickly by Sweden.

As Julie Ertz was running, she shoved Becka Blomqvist away with her left hand, hitting her in the face and sending her to the ground. The ref's whistle rang out, and Julie got shown the yellow card.

"Tia JJ," AT whispered worriedly, "but Tia Alex, it was an accident right?"

"It looked like one to me, mijita, but accident or no, it was still a slap in the face," Alex said grimly. "What would you want the ref to do if you were Rebecka, hmm?"

"Oh," AT said, conceding the point reluctantly. "Uh huh. Is Tia JJ in big trouble?"

"Personally, for what she and Hurtig did to Foxy, I think Blomqvist deserved to be smacked, but I would have picked a better target," Alex said sardonically. "We'll have to teach JJ how to aim."

AT blushed. 

"Sonnett and Fox out, O'Hara and Mewis on," was the next decision, with only a few minutes left before penalty kicks would become necessary. Kelley got up from the bench, stretching, and swapped places with Emily - both Emilys, AT thought, Kristie following Kelley onto the field. 

"Do...do you think Vlatko will put me on, Tia Alex?" AT offered anxiously.

"I don't know, mijita. At this point, probably not," Alex admitted reluctantly.

"It's probably past your bedtime anyway, little one," Foxy said, and AT glared.

"Just cause you stole Mama Christen's number doesn't mean you can think you're like Mama Christen, cause you're not."

"Alyssa Paola Press Heath, that was unfair, unkind and unbecoming," Alex said firmly.

AT hung her head. "Sorry," she whispered. "I just want my mamas."

Foxy nodded. "I know you do," she agreed. "Sorry, I didn't ask to take Christen's number, promise. It's just what was left." 

"One minute of stoppage time. Kristie Mewis, making her World Cup debut in the dying seconds of extra time," the announcer said.

That meant, AT knew, that unless someone scored pretty much right now, Kristie's only chance at goal would be in penalty kicks.

"Ball played long--halfway line---and that's it. Penalty kicks are gonna determine who will go on and who will go home in this incredible battle between Sweden and the USA."

AT looked at Alex, anxiety rising. "Can we keep Sof if we win?"

"I'll ask Caro, mijita," Alex said dryly. "But I think we might have a better shot of that than the other way around. The Swedes are absolutely not keeping you here."

AT cringed. "Oh. Cause I gotta go home because...because all the bad trouble."

Alex squeezed her shoulder. "Yes. But don't worry, mijita, sweetheart," she murmured. "You're alright, you'll be safe."

"Musovic is checking her water bottle," the announcer noted with interest, and Aly laughed. "Yes, we saw that Alyssa Naeher's towel also has a cheat sheet of the Swedes' penalty kicks," she quipped.

AT gave Alex a startled look. "Can they do that, Tia Alex?"

"I think it's a joke," Alex said dryly. "You can't always tell with Aly. Probably Musovic just needed a drink."

"Sullivan steps up - GOAL! Andi Sullivan, 1-0 US."

"About damn time," Foxy muttered. Alex shook her head slightly.

Here we go.

"Rolfo will try to equalize here - she's had a rough night during the run of play. Can she score here against Alyssa Naeher?"

"No," AT whispered.

Frido stepped up, made the shot, and planted it firmly in the net. 

"Goal. 1-1."

"USA's Captain Lindsey Horan will go next. Had plenty of opportunities to score in the 120 minutes against Musovic. Walks up - GOAL! 2-1 US."

AT bounced to her feet, cheering with the crowd.

"Rubensson versus Naeher, a chance to tie it up. 2-2!"

AT sat back down, sucking on her lower lip as she watched Alyssa worriedly.

"Kristie Mewis - must have looked good in training on penalties, because she's going to step up. Mewis off the left foot - GOAL! And the US is 3 for 3, they lead 3-2." 

Kristie was screaming with joy as though they had just won the World Cup. But to get a goal on her first touch was no small feat, especially in a penalty shootout. AT wanted to hug her, but forced herself to sit back down.

"Bjorn will take the next one."

AT watched curiously as Nathalie Bjorn stepped up. Bjorn had been all over the place during the match, but AT hadn't really noticed her do anything, at least not important. She wasn't sure how good Bjorn was at this kind of thing.

"Bjorn versus Naeher...." the announcer began, and as Nathalie footed the kick, it leapt forward and up, flying over the crossbar. She clapped her hands to her mouth as he stated the obvious. "MISSED! Sigh of relief from the US bench as Rapinoe steps up."

AT did, indeed, feel relieved and she knew she wasn't the only one.

"Megan Rapinoe knows about pressure...." the announcer began and AT watched anxiously as Pinoe stepped up. Her kick, like Nathalie's, flew high and wide over the bar, a right footed shot that shocked everyone.

Including Pinoe - she was laughing in disbelief and shock, wondering how the hell that could have happened now.

"Jakobsson - or is it Ilestedt? It's 13...no, it's 15, it's Blomqvist," the announcer said, and AT swallowed as Becka stepped up for Sweden.

She was glad it wasn't Sof, but on the other hand Becka had every reason to be mad with them now and if being mad fueled her accuracy, like it did for some...

"SAVED! First save on penalties!"

AT sighed in relief, clinging to Alex. They were still 2-3, then, as Sophia Smith stepped up.

Soph's kick, unfortunately, flew high over the crossbar, and Sophia covered her face.

Please let Sweden miss, please let Sweden miss, AT thought, sucking her lower lip anxiously. At least maybe we can keep Sof if it happens.

"Now you're relying on 20 year old Bennison - this is the most important kick for Sweden, because if she doesn't score, it's over," the announcer was saying.

"Bennison - GOAL! Clutch from the 20 year old, it's 3-3!"

AT's jaw dropped. "Wait - but Tia Alex, now what?"

"Now we pick a new five and go again," Alex said quietly.

"But who--" AT fell silent, eyes round with shock, as her question was answered for her.

"Alyssa Naeher is going to be taking this penalty. Goalkeeper versus goalkeeper."

AT stared. "Can she do that?"

Alex rolled her eyes. "She smashed a giant spider for you. Pretty sure the ball's about the same size."

AT shuddered, remembering. "Uh huh."

"Straight down the middle - Naeher SCORES! US are ahead, 4-3."

AT shot to her feet again, cheering.

Then Magda Eriksson stepped up. AT sat on Alex's lap, clinging to her Tia Alex. "Big Alyssa's got to get it," she whispered.

"Yes, or Magda has to miss," Alex agreed.

"Eriksson--GOAL!"

4-4.

"The veteran Kelley O'Hara next, in her fourth World Cup."

"Kell's not old," AT wrinkled her nose, and Alex chuckled. "She'll thank you for saying so, mijita."

"O'Hara--OFF the post!"

The bench was dead silent.

AT stared up at Alex.

Lina Hurtig stepped up, and as the announcer said how she had hurt the US before, and now had the power to send them home, AT buried her face in Alex's shoulder.

"I can't look."

"It's alright mijita." Alex drew a breath. "Sit up, I'll watch with you."

Slowly, AT nodded and sat up straight, letting Alex hold her hands as she reluctantly turned her eyes back to Lina.

"Hurtig--off Naeher---did it go in?" the announcer was asking, and AT blinked, shaking her head. It had flown right at Big Alyssa and bounced off her, and Alyssa looked sure it hadn't gone in.

But the ref sent it to be double checked, just to make sure, because Lina seemed sure it had. And the last thing the ref wanted was the players fighting over it.

"Incredible," the announcer said as the ref's decision returned. She gestured to Lina, and the Swedish team piled on top of each other, screaming. "Sweden wins. The US are out of the World Cup." 

Pinoe went right to Alyssa Naeher, hugging the keeper comfortingly - Alyssa still looked thunderstruck by the decision, still, and ready to fight someone or something.

AT curled up in Alex's arms. "No," she whispered in a small voice. "No, no, Tia Alex, it didn't, it didn't."

"Goal line technology says it did, mijita," Alex said regretfully.

"Goal line technology is a lying liar and it shouldn't have made Big Alyssa cry," AT said angrily, crossing her arms.

Soon after this, the USWNT filtered back into their locker room, knowing that Sweden's would be loud with celebration now, or soon. AT obediently kept within arm's length of Alex as required, though more often than not she was clinging to Alex anxiously.

"Tia Alex," she said urgently.

"Yes, mijita."

"Do we have to go home tonight?"

"Tomorrow," Alex reminded her gently. "We have one more night to sleep here. Though I don't know how much sleep we'll be getting."

"Alex, um, about that."

Alex turned her head to look at Kristie and rolled her eyes. "Yes, you got your permission. I think at least you earned it."

Kristie grinned. "Thanks, Alex."

"Enjoy yourself and please try and stay out of trouble. I hope I can trust Kerr to keep you in line."

"Yes ma'am."

AT frowned. "Kristie gets special permission to stay because Sam?"

"That's right," Alex nodded.

"And because she scored today?"

"Well, that helps," Alex conceded. "But she did already ask in case this - well, a loss, we didn't expect this - happened tonight. She was just reminding me."

The door slammed open, and Kristie whirled around as a handful of newcomers entered.

There was a familiar figure in the doorway, garbed in a golden-yellow jersey - with Kristie's #22 American jersey, rainbow numbers for Pride, draped over her shoulders.

Vaguely, AT remembered a mention of a "fan holding up Kristie's jersey" but wearing a yellow one, implied to be a Sweden supporter. She wondered if the Pride jersey had obscured the announcer’s vision or if he just hadn't been paying attention, as Sam flew to Kristie's arms, grabbing her and kissing her in front of the locker room.

Sofia entered behind Sam, with Foudy and Carli behind her.

AT looked at Alex for permission, and with Alex's nod, ran to Sofia, hugging her storasyster tightly. "I didn't know if you'd come, you have a party," she said anxiously.

"A party you're invited to, lillasyster," Sofia said gently. "If your Tia Alex says it's okay of course. I have a feeling she's going to be busy, and it'd be hard to stay glued to her while things are going on." She looked at Alex. "We'll keep it appropriate for an eighteen year old."

"Keep it appropriate for an American eighteen year old please," Alex said dryly. "And no sneaking AT into your suitcase, Eva Sofia Jakobsson. I want her back in an hour, no more than that."

AT looked up with a happy gasp. "Tia Alex?"

"You're still on notice, mijita. But I wouldn't keep you from your storasyster tonight of all nights," Alex said softly. "Just...keep an eye on her for me, Sofia."

"Always," Sofia promised.

Once Sofia had taken AT away, Sam turned to Alex. "Hey, do you mind if we get out of here? I kind of have to be back in Sydney tomorrow and I need to take Kristie with me."

"It's not like she wasn't sleeping in your room last night anyway," Alex sighed with an exasperated eyeroll.

"Don't know if we should call that sleeping," Lynn smirked. Kristie threw a piece of lint at her.

"Shut up."

"Behave, Kristen," Sam said warningly, and Lynn's knowing grin widened.

"Okay, wouldn't want you all to be late," Alex agreed. "Kristie, behave for Sam please."

"She knows what'll happen if she doesn't," Sam replied. "But don't worry, I'll return her to you intact. Eventually."

Blushing, Kristie let her girlfriend lead her away.

When AT, Sofia, Kristie, and Sam had gone, Carli and Foudy turned to survey the remaining teammates.

"O'Hara, Williams, Rapinoe, stay. The rest of you who were on the bench, ice baths."

Ashley Sanchez, Sofia Huerta, Savannah DeMelo and Alana Cook went at once. The two substitute keepers lingered a minute, just to squeeze Alyssa's arms reassuringly.

"You did great, Lys," Casey said encouragingly.

"You really did," Aubrey agreed. "Nothing to be ashamed of. You did your job. And _your_ shot was amazing."

Alyssa nodded quietly. "You heard Foudy."

"We're going," Casey sighed. "Just don't let her be too hard on you, okay?"

"Mmm." Alyssa shrugged non-committally. Exchanging glances, her fellow keepers reluctantly went through the door. She looked around the locker room.

Crystal was holding on to JJ of course, and then there were Naomi and Soph, Lindsey and Emmy, Foxy and Sully, Lynn and Kelley. Alex was standing with Trinity, somewhere between Kelley and Emmy, looking more than a little anxious.

Considering Foudy was in the room with them, Alyssa didn't need to ask why. 

"Pinoe, what are you doing?"

Alyssa turned as Rose spoke up. She hadn't been allowed to dress for the match, but she was still there, and had noticed Megan heading for the ice baths. Or rather, back from them, something in hand.

"I thought Foudy might be looking for this."

Foudy took the bath brush from Pinoe when it was offered. "Not really, no, but thank you, Megan."

"So...we're not doing like last time again, Mummy?" Lindsey turned to Carli for reassurance, feeling wracked with guilt, and Carli drew Lindsey into her arms, giving her a squeeze.

"Not exactly, no, Princess. No bath brush this time," she promised. "But we're still doing room visits again."

Lindsey let out a keening whine, burying herself further in Carli's arms. "Mummy no please, we'll be so good."

"I know you will, Lindsey, princess," Carli said gently. "But that won't get you out of trouble once you've gotten yourself in it."

"Bad trouble like with the Easter bunny, Mummy?" Lindsey whispered, and Carli shook her head, giving Lindsey a squeeze.

"No, Lindsey, angel, not quite that bad. It's not as though you ran away again," she reassured her. "But I need you to please be my grown up Lindsey for a little bit longer, okay? Mummy loves you big or little, Princess, but we need to make sure you understand what's going on."

"Don' want to have to," Lindsey whispered, and Carli nodded sympathetically.

"I know, but it's okay Lindsey. I'm here. We're all family here, sweetheart. No one's going to let anything happen that you can't handle."

"Linds," Alex said, and Lindsey turned to her. "It's alright, deep breath Lindsey," Alex said coaxingly. "We might be in trouble, but you're not in the worst trouble, I'm sure. Come on back up, Lindsey, we need you to be a grown up for now please."

Lindsey took a shaky breath and nodded, tears dripping from her lashes. She steadied her breathing and accepted a water bottle, taking a few sips. "S-sorry, Alex."

"No, no, you don't need to be sorry Linds. It's not naughty to be little," Alex soothed. "But right now we need you to be big until Foudy and Carli are done."

Reluctantly, Lindsey nodded. "I'm...I'm ready, I guess."

"Alright. Well, AT's gone to Sofia's party, so for now we're going to wait for her," Foudy said, getting sputters of indignation from some of the girls.

"AT didn't do anything wrong!" Kelley burst out.

"I didn't say she did, Kelley Maureen," Foudy said calmly. "But she's not here, and since we're handling this with room visits I want everyone safely back at the hotel. Besides, after over two hours on the field you all need time to process. Ice baths, all of you."

Given the sense in that, the girls obeyed, though Alex was feeling worried.

"Carli," she said, getting into the tub her former captain was standing beside. "What if something happens and AT isn't alright?"

"Do you trust Sofia?" Carli asked, and slowly, Alex nodded.

"Then she'll be alright, Alex. Sofia won't let anything happen to her over there."

All the same, Alex picked up her phone and texted Sofia.

Sof, is AT alright?

Don't be such a...what do you call it? Mother hen. I've got her, she's fine.

Alex hoped Sofia wasn't lying. Not that she didn't trust the Swedes to look after Alyssa, but tonight had been...emotional, to say the least. And it wasn't over yet.