INT: Josh Wolff’s office. His office has a desk to the right and two chairs in front of it. There’s also a couch on the back wall with a coffee table. There’s an Austin FC flag, a decorative arrangement of horseshoes, and a picture of him and Gregg Berhalter from their time together in Germany. JOSH is wearing a black warm up jacket with black pants.
SCENE opens with JOSH having his feet up on his desk and in an obviously happy mood. He’s holding a cell phone that has all of his attention.
JOSH
So predictable, so predictable (shakes head while smiling)
KNOCK ON DOOR
JOSH
Come on in!
DAVY walks in, AUDIENCE applauds as he walks into the center of the room
DAVY
Good morning Coach, still basking in the glow of another win?
JOSH
Four wins in five, beating two rivals, and the top team in the conference? Oh, you better believe it.
DAVY
We’re still barely a playoff team if the season ended today.
JOSH
But it doesn’t end today. Do you know what Gregg used to say to me when I was his assistant? Always get as high as you can on the highs, and blame the players when the lows come, it’s their fault.
DAVY
Again, Josh, that’s not the phrase.
JOSH
Don’t fall into that mess DAVY, then you’d be just like all those bum ass losers I read about in that group SlackTokCord chat who wanted me fired when the team had one win in 18 games. Look at us now! Top of the league over the past five games.
DAVY
That’s an arbitrary endpoint JOSH.
JOSH (Leans forward and looks serious at DAVY)
All end-points are arbitrary, that’s the nature of sports, or dates. MLS chooses 34 games in an unbalanced schedule to decide who makes the playoffs, and that playoff format changes constantly. Copa Tejas has an imbalance of home and away matches and last year we won despite losing 4 of 6 games to the other Texas teams. Again, we’re on a high right now, let’s get as high as possible. Come on DAVY, read this SlackTokCord chat along with me.
DAVY (staying in the middle of the room)
You know I don’t like when you spend all your time on social media reading everything about Austin FC. Did you turn the google alerts for your name off like Mr. Borrell suggested?
JOSH
No, I didn’t. Here’s why. 90% of coaching is confidence, I need to feel confident that the system will work and that what I’m doing will translate into points. Just because Mr. Borrell has made me change tactics doesn’t mean I have to listen to everything he says.
MR BORRELL opens the door and walks in. He’s wearing a dark suit with a white shirt and has an indiscernible look on his face. He’s holding a small tray of sushi from HEB.
JOSH
Hello Mr. Borrell, Sir, what uh, brings you into my office today?
MR BORRELL doesn’t say a word, moves past DAVY before taking a seat on the couch. He looks at the two of them.
MR BORRELL
Josh, you’re doing great (said excitedly). Do you see what I’ve been saying about how you don’t have to control the ball to control the game?
JOSH
(through gritted teeth) Yes Sir
DAVY
It’s been working great! The team looks more organized, the midfield looks compact, and if we just had a little more speed in the attack we could really take advantage. All of your signings have worked out incredibly Mr. Borrell Sir.
MR BORRELL
Thank you Donnie. I feel like this whole MLS thing is easy once I clear out all the contracts that are holding us back. Whoever signed some of these…idiot.
JOSH
(through gritted teeth) Some of those seemed like great deals at the ti…
MR BORRELL
(laughs hysterically)
DAVY
Either way we can’t wait to see what you have cooking for the summer, Sir
MR BORRELL
Oh, just you wait, besides Mikkel I have a few other signings coming together. That’s why I came in here today actually. Josh, Donnie, it’s time both of you get to come into my war room.
DAVY and JOSH look at each other, treating this as high honor they weren’t expecting.
DAVY
Thank you so much Sir.
JOSH
Thank you Mr. Borrell, when do we get to see it?
MR BORRELL
Meeting today after you finish training, come to my office. Make sure the guys are ready for the Whitecaps this week. (leaves)
After the door closes JOSH nods, looking pleased with the outcome.
JOSH
I get access.
(END SCENE)