The biggest regret of my soccer career
I played in two games in the championship, but missed a penalty kick in the first. The second game was against Kanto Daiichi. Our captain, who usually starts, broke a bone about 10 minutes into the first half, so I was sitting on the bench and suddenly had to come on. I was more anxious than happy. The No. 10 kid told me, "I'm counting on you, do your best," and he gave me the captain's armband and handed it to Henri. I looked out the stands and saw my two roommates who couldn't make the bench cheering for me, and that made me realize I had to work hard. That day, I just ran harder than ever. I just kept doing my best, thinking, "It doesn't matter what happens." But when it came to the penalty shootout, I missed the first game, so I didn't take it. I was scared I'd get nervous again. That's my biggest regret from high school soccer. I wish I had taken it. But the game itself was fun.
It was a championship I'd dreamed of since I was little. I was elated. I wasn't tired. I was sure I would win. So when I lost, it was all over in an instant, and I didn't even cry. I gave it my all, so I had no regrets, but later on I wondered why I hadn't kicked. My biggest regret is that I ran away. The night after we lost, Henry and I were watching the game and talking about it.
