THE BALL zoomed from left to right. The opponent was making a fast headway to the goal. I was the last line of defense. The kicker threw the ball expertly, avoiding our sweepers and was about to . . . SWAK! I kicked the ball back, surprising the kicker and disorienting the other team. After a few evasive maneuvers and careful kicks, our forwards managed to confuse the enemy goalkeeper and we scored. At last!

It's hard to prepare for a soccer game. Just to practice soccer, I had to devote two hours of my free time each day to hone my kicking. Our team had to improve passing and defense and even I still made some small mistakes.

I had to also buy the necessary equipment: soccer shoes, shin guards and long socks. Sure, the shoes fit nicely and the shins guards offer protection, but I still can't believe how much that took out of my savings account. Soccer really is an expensive sport.

And when I first saw the rest of my team, I thought the only way we'd get through a game was by luck and brashness and not by skills. But by our second practice, I saw a spark of potential. Our passing improved through time, simple kicking skills developed and our teamwork got so slick and tricky that not even a fly could get through our complex web of defense.

There is still a lot to learn about soccer, like the more advanced moves and strategies, but I would rather focus on the basics first to survive the onslaught we would be encountering from experienced opponents.