First Touch

Every journey begins somewhere. Adrian dos Santos's begins in the streets of Tepico, Mexico City, more specifically on the soccer field. Ever since he was a small boy, he had been playing. Over the years, honing his craft at the game, he found himself a spot at Cruz Azul, a Mexican football club that plays in the top division of Mexican football, Liga MX. Even after all his success though, he still felt something is missing. What could it be? One day he was surprised to find he has been scouted and traded to Chelsea football club in London, a premier league that will greatly advance his career. Hesitant to leave his family and the only city he's ever known, Adrian knew what he must do. Arriving in London was an absolute culture shock. There was a brutal immediacy to the city Adrian was not familiar with. On his first night in town, he goes out with a few teammates from the Chelsea club. The last thing he wants is to come across as antisocial! He meets Peter, a friendly, hospitable man along with a few others that are not so sure Adrian is the right "fit" for the team. After a few drinks at a local pub, Adrian slips out and again, feels that same feeling that something is missing in his life. If it's not successful in his career in soccer, what could it be? Cue Phoebe, a slender, graceful woman who owns a hair salon in town. Immediately, the two sense something between them, and Adrian invites her to club Chelsea's first game. During the opening game, Adrian, unfortunately, is benched. Yet after an injury on the field, he is put in where he ultimately shoots the winning goal. Half of him is filled with that familiar feeling of success while another part of him feels that he did it for Phoebe. At the same bar where they met, Adrian and Phoebe celebrate with the team. After getting some air, Adrian shows Phoebe how to juggle a soccer ball until a trip of the feet brings them closer than they ever have before. Adrian couldn't be happier, though he begins to worry about how he is going to balance his budding relationship with Phoebe and his commitment to club Chelsea. His closest friend Peter and even some old teammates from back home advise him to stay away, but his heart is telling him otherwise. Adrian doesn't have time to dwell on these thoughts though, because one morning before practice, assistant coach Ian, who has always had it out for him, tells Adrian he's been traded. Suddenly, his entire world is turned upside down. Will Adrian fight to continue playing with Club Chelsea? Will he have to go back home and forget about Phoebe? Will Phoebe potentially lose the love of her life? Every journey begins somewhere, but Adrian's is far from over.