Post-game interviews

"So, Allie, what are your thoughts on today's performance ?" the interviewer guy asked.

"I'm very proud of this team. I really think today's win was an authentic team effort. Everyone gave their best. I'm glad people like Maura Rys or Gabie Jenkinson joined the team. And I'm looking forward to seeing youngsters like them prove that they belong to the team. The team never doubted them. And hopefully the fans will see it too." the blonde answered.

"Was it a pay-back for the draw during the Olympics three years ago ?"

"I wouldn't say it was a pay-back. Colombia had grown so much as a team, and their striker that scored the two goals was really good. Regardless of the pressure we had on our shoulders - obviously because it was the first important game we had apart from the 'Algavre Cup' and the 'She Believes Cup' that we didn't win because France was a better team - and that we wanted to make people proud again."

"And you succeeded in doing so. Thank you Allie."

"Thanks"

#

"Any particular performance on today's game that you have in mind ?" the journalist asked, raising the mic to Moe's mouth.

"Well, I'm obviously very happy for Maura. She's been a tremendous player so far, and usually is so shy and not outgoing. So seeing her save our asses during the first minutes of the game was really special. Thanks Maura !" She giggled, before becoming serious again. "I'm also very proud of my teammate, Cari Roccaro. She didn't touch the ball much today, but she made each and every single time count. And I'm proud of her."

"Can you address the rumors of a new couple among the National Team ?"

"A new couple ?" Moe asked, feeling her throat becoming sore.

"After Preston, and then Harli becoming real, there have been some rumors about two girls dating." the interviewer explained.

"I can officially say that 'Preston' is the only couple on the team" Moe said with confidence.

"Some people said Allie Long and Kelley O'Hara were romantically involved" the guy insisted. "Is that true ?"

Moe stopped smiling. "I've no idea. But since it's their private life, I suggest everyone leave them be. But I've never heard about such a thing" she then lied.

"Thank you Morgan."

"Anytime" the brunette said, following Lindsey into the locker room.

#

"Hello Christen !"

"Hi, how are you ?"

"Doing good, thank you." The guy paused for a second, before saying : "First of all, I need to ask you about your relationship with Julie Johnston, if that's okay with you."

"Sure" Christen let out, retraining herself from rolling her eyes. She didn't understand why reporters gave so much importance to the couples of the team, rather than in the game they just played.

"You guys are inspirations to a bunch of young LGBT people out there. How does that make you feel ?"

"Well, I think I've never thought that would bring us here." Christen said, before rephrasing : "I mean, when Julie and I started dating, she literally left her own wedding to run away with me. I thought people would hate us for this. At least some people did. But our teammates always supported us. I remember a text Carli sent Julie, and then I saw how relieved Julie was. The thing is that no matter where you come from, or what sexual orientation you have. it's important to know that you're not alone. Our team was here for us. And, at the end of the day, we still are growing strong together, and that didn't affect the team like we thought it would've, so that's great."

"People are referring to you as a role model, both for LGBT youth and for soccer lovers. Did you ever think you'd be seen as one ?"

"I hoped I would be" Christen said, and the reporter and cameramen laughed with her. "Nah, I mean, not on the whole 'LGBT role model' since I am not a lesbian. I just fell in love with her, and just chose not to push my feelings away anymore. But for the soccer side, I always dreamed of becoming someone like Mia Hamm, that I watched in the World Cup when they won."

"And we hope this will continue !" the reporter said.

"Thank you."

#

Mal stepped in front of the camera, already bored.

"Congrats on your goal" the reporter said.

"It was all Christen" she sharply said.

Within three years, Mal had become a little bit more introvert. She was not the youngster anymore. She didn't want to be stepped on anymore. The reporter looked at her, forcing a smile.

"But thank you" she added, knowing that the medias were a big part of the popularity of the team. The reporter seemed to already have forgotten her sharp response, because he immediately came up with a new question.

"What did you think about Gabie Jenkinson's performance in goal ?"

"It was alright" Mal said. She then rolled her eyes. Of course out of all my teammates they needed to ask me about that bitch. She sighed, and kept on speaking because she knew she had to. "She came up with pretty big saves."

"You don't seem to like her that much" the guy hesitantly said.

"It doesn't matter if I like her or not. The most important thing is that she's doing her job properly, and I am thankful for that." Mal immediately bounced back, annoyed by those stupid questions already. "Are we done here ?"

"Y-yes, thank you-"

But Mal already turned her back on him.

The locker room was filled with a good atmosphere.

Crystal had of course put some music on, and her and Sonnett were dancing wildly - at least if the gestures Sonnett was doing really were dancing moves. Their teammates were talking to each other, and different groups had been created. On one side of the room, Maura was sitting with Saskia and Cari. The three defenders were getting along pretty well. Cari just heard what Moe said about her, and was smiling like an idiot.

Her two teammates, who noticed her sudden joy, frowned. Cari looked at them, and her smile disappeared.

"What ?" she asked, offended. "Don't I have the right to smile ? We just won a game, that's a huge thing !"

"We never said you shouldn't be smiling" Saskia pointed out. "Are you sure you're smiling because of the game ?"

Cari froze. Uhn ? How could she even know... Is she some kind of observant person or I don't know what other shit ? Because that's obviously not possible that she noticed I was checking Morgan out ! I was subtle, and nobody was watching ! The defender looked at her teammates, fear filling her eyes. They can't know ! If Morgan knows, she'll never talk to me again ! And why am I calling her Morgan anyway ? She shook her head slowly, trying to find an excuse that wouldn't be too weird.

But the only thing she thought about saying was terrible.

"What should I be smiling about then ?"

Saskia and Maura exchanged a concerned look.

"Well, your parents were in the stands" Maura carefully explained. "I thought you knew"

"Oh".

"Are you okay ?" Saskia asked, looking at Cari like if she had three eyes or something. "You're acting weird, and you look really pale."

"Y-yeah, it's been an emotional day" Cari let out. "Imma say hi to them, I totally forget they were coming today, to be honest."

She quickly got up and walked out of the room. She saw Lindsey and Moe coming in her direction, but didn't even think about greeting them. I'm so screwed. Why am I so awkward all the time ?

She rolled her eyes at herself.