[whistle blowing]
Devin: I wasn't thrilled about moving to L.A.,
but I gotta say,
it's growing on me.
It's always sunny.
You can play year-round soccer.
Plus, they sell press shoes on every corner.
- [whistle blows] - That's it for today.
Thank you all for trying out for Club soccer.
Final decisions will go out tomorrow.
Devin.
Nice work out there today.
Thanks. It felt good.
It looked good.
I'm glad you came out. You're very talented.
I look forward to seeing more from you.
It's official.
I'm really starting to love L.A.
♪ Five, six ♪
♪ Five, six, seven, eight ♪
♪♪
[cheering]
Well?
I like it. Spicy.
I'm tellin' you, this one's gonna change the world.
You said that about the wasabi one.
So things are going better at work, then.
Yeah, I think the employees are finally warming up to me.
Hey, guys.
Hey, Chief.
Where you goin'?
Lunch.
That's not warming up. You ate lunch alone.
That's depressing.
It's normal. Nobody eats lunch with their boss.
I know, but, you know, I-- I've always been one of the guys.
And when you were, how many times did you eat lunch with your boss?
Well, that's absurd.
Nobody wanted to have lunch with Jay.
- Oh, my God, I'm Jay. - I liked Jay.
Yeah, that's 'cause you saw him once a year at the Christmas party
when he was pretending to be nice.
You better get used to it.
Corporate sent you out here to be the new CEO.
You can't be everyone's friend.
But why can't I be both?
Because no one likes the guy that fires people.
I haven't fired anybody.
Yet.
Guess what.
No ball in the house.
Sorry. Forgot.
And cleats off.
Sorry. Forgot.
So? How were tryouts?
A-mazing.
The coach took me aside to tell me she was glad I came out.
And you ready for this?
She said she was looking forward to seeing more from me.
Don't brag or anything.
Nice job, Dev.
[sighs] The players are so good.
Wait 'til you see them.
Oh, sorry, I will not be having dinner with you guys for a while.
I'm mean, The Kicks practice all the way 'til four,
and then Club 'til seven.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, back up.
You're not playing both Kicks and Club.
Seriously?
I'm with your mom on this one.
Do you want me to get your report card out from last year?
You were over-scheduled, and your grades suffered.
She's right. We're not going through that again.
But that was last year. I can handle it now.
My time management skills are way better.
You were up all night cramming for Spanish
because you had Kicks practice.
Just sayin'.
Speaking of, how'd you do on the quiz?
Oh, come on, Dev.
It's not my fault.
Everyone here grows up speaking Spanish.
Back home, the only Spanish I learned was taco Tuesday.
I rest our case.
Look, I'm glad you did well,
but you're gonna have to make a decision.
Kicks or Club.
I like all the girls in The Kicks.
But I'll never get to the Olympics
unless I'm on a Club team.
I mean, I don't want to, but...
I guess I'll have to quit The Kicks.
Hopefully, they won't care.
[school bell rings]
Surprised?
You can say that. When did you do all this?
Last night.
It was so much fun. And we ordered pizza.
It's a tradition. This is how we welcome new players.
FYI: I didn't help.
Another tradition.
She never helps.
I-- I don't know what to say.
You didn't have to do this.
We wanted to. We're really happy you joined the team.
Yeah, we kicked butt last game because of you.
For the record, I was the one who scored.
- From Devin's pass. - It doesn't matter.
We lost 7-1.
I know but we haven't scored against Pinewood
since my mom went here, and she's really old.
[chuckles] Yeah, seriously, Devin,
I was sure you were gonna go play Club, and blow us all off.
Well, I wouldn't say playing Club is exactly be--
I mean, they're really good. You should see them.
Wait, when did you see them?
[scoffs] I don't believe it.
You tried out for Club, didn't you?
Okay, yes, fine, I did.
And?
And I want to play both, but my parents won't let me,
so blame them for making me choose.
Did they make you choose Club?
Well, no.
But, come on, you guys understand, right?
Uh, no.
Well, I guess I just thought since I only played one game with you, it--
Spare us. We don't need you.
We kinda do.
You're welcome.
Let's go, Zoe.
[sighs]
Hey, Vic. Pull up a chair.
Uh, thanks, Chief, but I'm late for my 1:30.
It's 12:15.
Hey, Emma. Want to sit?
Oh, um, sorry, I've got Math at 1:30.
It's 12:15.
I'm just saying I feel bad for her.
She looked sad eating all alone.
Stop feeling bad for everyone.
She betrayed us, Zoe.
I know, I know. You make a good point.
Look, Devin totally used us.
She played one game, acted like she was all team Kicks,
and then dumped us as soon as she could.
Well, when you put it like that it does sound kinda harsh.
I say we freeze her out.
Why do you even care?
You barely show up to practice anyway.
Good point, Emma.
Hey, I never pretended to be anything I'm not.
That's true. She hasn't.
You've always been selfish.
Another good point, Emma.
Will you pick a side and stick to it?
That's true. I know, I should.
But I can't.
Okay, that's it for today, guys.
Mirabelle, can I see you in my office for a sec?
Okay.
Is this about my late English paper?
Because I swear, my email was down,
and I just couldn't send it.
No, it's not about that.
But that's a pitiful excuse.
It's about Devin.
Well, I'm irritated.
She just blew us off.
You sound a little jealous.
Of Devin? Yeah, right.
So it doesn't bother you that she made Club and you didn't?
Look, I couldn't care less about Club soccer. Okay?
I mean, it's a total time suck anyways.
Mirabelle, remember that I'm also your counselor.
And you sat in that same chair last year in tears
because you didn't make Club.
I didn't cry.
Nobody knows I tried out.
Just try and be sensitive to Devin.
She's doing her best just like you.
They decorated your locker?
I know, right?
And then they un-decorated it.
I mean, I played one game, which we lost big time.
Didn't think they cared so much.
They were probably hurt because you rejected them.
Aren't you supposed to make me feel better?
[sighs] Sorry, you're right.
Club soccer is more important.
I didn't mean to hurt them,
but do you know how many pro players
have come out of the California Club system?
Yes, you've told me.
[sighs]
Don't beat yourself up.
You did the right thing.
Are you just saying that to make me feel better?
- Yes. - Kara!
Ignore me, I'm tired.
It's 8:30.
In L.A. It's 11:30 here.
FYI: It's always three hours later in Connecticut.
I keep forgetting. Sorry.
Go to sleep.
[electronic blip]
Hey, Dev, I've got some of your--
What's wrong?
I didn't make Club.
What?
But I thought the tryouts went well.
Yeah. Me, too.
I'm sorry,
but you'll still play soccer.
You have The Kicks.
Not anymore.
I quit.
Before you heard back from the Club team?
Yes, Mom. And I know what you're gonna say.
It was dumb, and you're right.
Okay.
I'm gonna leave you alone now.
I'll be downstairs if you want to talk.
There's nothing to talk about.
Hey. Do you know where the cards are?
You're playing poker now? Seems like the perfect time.
I have to drive Bailey and Dev to school, and you've gotta work.
I know, but I'm thinking about having a poker night.
With my employees.
I thought they hated you.
Not for long.
I had an epiphany last night.
You know, when I was working under Jay,
he never once made an effort to befriend his employees.
I'm not gonna be Jay.
So you're making mandatory fun?
No, I'm not making mandatory anything.
I'm just inviting them to our house
so they can see me as someone other than their boss.
But you are their boss.
Well, that may be, but...
I'm still gonna be me.
No run this morning?
No. What's the point?
I'm not training. My soccer season is over.
Don't you think you're being the slightest bit dramatic?
No. I didn't make Club.
I might as well just give it up all together.
Right. Not dramatic at all.
Last night when I was unpacking some boxes,
I found something.
You made this when you were seven years old. Remember?
"Dear Mommy and Daddy,
"I'm gonna be a pro soccer player when I grow up.
"P.S.: I love brownies."
[laughs] So cute.
You spelled brownies with two Es.
[laughs] And soccer with a K.
Nice try, Mom. But let's face it,
I'm not the great soccer player I thought I was.
And now, as a bonus, I also don't have any friends.
The Kicks hate me.
Stop. They don't hate you.
Hey, traitor.
Morning, traitor.
- Girl: Traitor. - Hey, traitor.
Oh, come on.
I know you guys are upset.
Save your excuses. Traitor.
You don't have to be so immature.
Oh, it was very mature the way you blew us off.
Zoe?
We're-- we're just a little disappointed.
You let us down.
I hope it was worth it.
Have fun with all your new Club friends.
I didn't make Club, okay?
Okay, wait. What do you mean you didn't make Club?
You said you did.
No. I assumed I did.
But I wasn't good enough to make the team.
There. You happy?
[school bell rings]
Feel like talking?
Not really.
I do.
Coach Flores, this really isn't necessary.
I'm also your counselor.
And these are my counseling hours.
So humor me.
Look, I'm-- I'm sorry you didn't make Club,
but there's always next year.
You don't understand.
Soccer is more than something I do for fun.
I know.
I love how passionate you are,
which is why I don't want you to give up hope.
You're my coach. You tell me,
what am I doing wrong?
Why didn't I make the cut?
Devin, let's be honest.
I'm not really a coach, per se,
I'm an English teacher.
And a student counselor.
I only coach because apparently,
I'm not busy enough.
Maybe you should talk to the Club team coach.
I-- I don't know.
Star athletes aren't born. They are made.
Yeah, I saw the poster when I walked in.
And that's not just a pithy poster.
It's true. You need persistence.
[door opens]
I got your message. You wanted to talk with me?
Yes, uh, Principal Walker. You know our new student?
Of course. Devin, from Florida.
- Connecticut. - That's what I meant.
Uh, thanks, Coach Flores. I'd better get to class.
Think about what I said.
Yeah.
- [whistle blows] - Coach: Let's go!
Inside, outside.
Pick it up!
Devin: But you said I was talented,
and you were looking forward to working with me.
You are talented, but there are a lot of talented players.
This is southern California.
I-- I'm learning.
Is there any advice you can give me?
You know, something I could work on?
[sighs]
Your issue is you're one dimensional.
What? How?
Look, you're strong forward, especially on your right,
but your left side is weak.
But I play right.
You have to be strong on every side.
If you want to make it to the next level,
you need to become more multifaceted.
Well, thanks for being honest, I guess.
Keep kicking.
I will.
- Let's go! - [whistle blows]
But on my left side.
Okay. Whoa, what is that?
Cracked wheat crackers and imported Fourme D'Ambert cheese.
I can't serve this.
I'm trying to make them feel like I'm part of the team.
How am I gonna do that serving elitist cheese?
I didn't know cheese could be elitist.
Maybe just give them some cheddar slices.
Oh, sure, and let them think I'm talking down to them?
You've really put a lot of thought into cheese.
Okay, let me get the hummus, then.
You're joking, right? Hummus?
Sweetheart, hummus is what we do, like, all day.
I prefer to keep all things hummus at the office,
thank you very much.
Okay, take a deep breath.
- That's not gonna help. - I was talking to myself.
- Right. - Here.
Have a piece of elitist cheese.
- No, I-- - Hmm?
They'll be here any minute, okay?
[poker chips clatter]
Call.
Hmm. I think you're bluffing, Dad.
You have a bad poker face.
You mean I look like I care my entire staff blew me off?
'Cause I don't.
Ha, ha!
Poker's fun.
We should do this every night.
I can't believe they'd do this to me.
I can. People are awful.
They call you traitor and ignore you at lunch.
I hear that.
Ugh, this pity party is getting really old.
What you're trying to do is admirable,
but not realistic.
Like I said, it's okay to be the boss.
You're right.
You're right, I'm done trying to be Mr. Nice Boss.
Your employees are intimidated,
but that comes with the territory.
Call a staff meeting and clear the air.
You, too.
I doubt the Kicks will come to my staff meeting.
They're jerks, anyway.
No, they're hurt.
And honestly, I don't blame them.
Face it, Dev. You screwed up.
Own up to it.
Bailey: Well, I, for one, am having fun.
School's easy, I met some cool friends,
and the comic book shop at the mall
has an actual bat cave.
What more could I ask for?
Are you done?
Well, I wasn't, but I can be.
- Be. - Come on.
You don't get it, Mom. Everything's going great for you.
Really? Is that what you think?
'Cause you're wrong.
I haven't made one friend since we moved here,
business is lousy,
and I'm still afraid to drive on the freeways.
They're crazy big.
But I thought you got two jobs last week?
No, I got two interviews last week.
I lost them both to local event planners.
Point is, we just have to keep going.
We can't give up.
- I know. - You're right.
- [doorbell rings] - [knocking]
- Hey. - Chief, sorry we're late.
We would have been here sooner, but, you know,
- the storm. - It's just drizzling.
No such thing in L.A.
Didn't you see the news?
The rain caused a Sig alert,
there was a mudslide at the Sepulveda pass. Ugh.
I have no idea what you're saying,
but we're glad you made it.
Come on in.
Oh, you'll learn Sepulveda.
Oh, just a head's up, the fancy cheese is all gone.
Okay.
What can I get you guys?
Practice time, huh?
Wait.
Please.
There's something I need to say.
I get it. You're mad and I don't blame you.
Save it. Come on.
Can't we just let her talk?
I mean, what's it gonna hurt?
All right. Whatever. Talk.
Look, I'm not sorry I tried out for Club.
Not the best apology so far.
What I mean is,
trying out for Club isn't the problem,
and-- and the fact that I wasn't good enough
isn't the problem.
Although I'm seriously bummed.
The problem is I didn't think of you guys at all.
Clearly.
I should have taken your feelings into consideration.
I guess I didn't handle the whole thing very well.
No need to guess. You didn't.
So let me get this straight.
Now that Club's out of the picture,
you just want to crawl back to us?
I wouldn't put it that way,
but yes.
I like you guys,
and I'm really sorry I let you down.
Thanks for apologizing. I forgive you.
Uh-uh-uh. Not so fast.
How do we know you won't dump us again?
Where is she going to go?
It's true. The Club team already announced their roster.
I don't expect you to forgive me so easily,
but I'm willing to earn your trust.
Here.
What's this?
You want to be on the team so badly,
you can be the equipment manager.
Great idea.
Emma: Yeah, you get to set up the practices,
and clean up afterwards.
Including washing sweaty pennies.
Sounds fair.
Can I hug her now?
[scoffs]
Okay, well, better get moving.
[grunting]
[exhales]
Hey, I'm sure there are plenty of decent players
who don't get into Club.
Devin: I love soccer.
The smell of the grass.
The feel of your foot connecting with the ball.
The thrill of getting a goal.
But the best part of soccer
is being on a team.
[laughing]
I almost forgot that.
Girls!
Hold up! Practice is cancelled.
What?! Why?
Well, unfortunately, Coach Flores had a family emergency,
and she had to leave suddenly.
When is she coming back?
I'm not sure. It may be a while.
Uh, but what about us? Who's our coach?
For now, you don't have one.
Devin: Yep. I'm part of a team.
A team that can't play.
♪♪