The two goals in two minutes had completely shattered Maya's perfect tactical blueprint.
In the Apex dressing room, the atmosphere was electric.
"That solo goal, Emre," Jonathan Rowe said, shaking his head in a state of reverent disbelief. "That wasn't just a goal. That was disrespectful. I loved every second of it."
"He beat their S-Rank Maestro like he was a training cone!" David Kerrigan added, laughing. "I think I saw the poor kid's soul leave his body."
Ethan let them enjoy the moment before stepping into the middle of the room.
"That was a brilliant response," he said, his voice ringing with pride.
"But don't you dare get complacent. I know their manager. She is smart, she is a winner, and she is in that dressing room right now, dissecting every single thing we just did. She will have a new plan for the second half. Be ready for it."
Across the corridor, the Nova Athletic dressing room was a picture of quiet, focused intensity.
Maya was not shouting.
