The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 04/09/08
 
They say the game that night against the AFC Lightning was like a fairy
tale.
 
The Fayetteville team was considered the favorite to win in the Georgia
Soccer State Cup playoff game against the Tucker Youth Soccer Association
Triumph.
 
 
Lakeside High seniors Amadu Ndiaye (left) and Alec Kann have played soccer
together for nearly 10 years.
 
 
With 15 minutes left to play, the Lightning was leading 1-0.
 
In their nearly 10 years of playing together, Alec Kann, 17, and Amadu
Ndiaye, 18, had been in some tough spots. If they were going to make it to
the semifinals, they knew the Triumph had to turn things around.
 
The semifinals, though, weren't the only thing at stake that night. Their
chances of playing college soccer hung in the balance, too.
 
Just as halftime got under way, Ndiaye learned what Kann already knew: A
Furman University scout was on the sideline watching.
 
How am I playing?, Ndiaye asked coach Neil McNab that June night.
 
You're playing fine, McNab told him. Ndiaye's nerves were getting the best
of him. He felt like he might throw up any moment. Although he was most
comfortable playing left back and center midfield, he had to play forward
that night. But Ndiaye persevered, scoring a goal to tie the game.
 
A goal from another teammate put the Triumph ahead 2-1. With five minutes
left to play, the defense packed it on and the Triumph won.
 
The Lakeside-DeKalb starters talked about that win recently like proud
parents talk about their children.
 
It could've been the fairy tale ending that made it worth remembering, but
more than likely it was the game itself. Soccer is in the teens' blood. It
has been for a long time.
 
They were little boys, no more than 8 years old, when they first met on the
field of the Tucker Youth Soccer Association. From that moment on, Kann and
Ndiaye lived and breathed soccer. On the field, they learned to anticipate
each other's plays the way an old married couple can complete each other's
sentences.
 
If there is a challenge, Kann said, "I know he's going to win it no matter
what."
 
How?
 
"He just always does."
 
By the time they entered Lakeside High in Decatur, they were no longer just
teammates, they were friends. They've been starters for the Lakeside Vikings
every year since ninth grade and currently serve as team captains.
 
Partly because of them, coach Rick Barbe said, "we are setting our goals
high this season.''
 
The Vikings, who've suffered only one loss this season, recently clinched a
playoff spot, defeating their archrival St. Pius 2-1.
 
Next year, Lakeside will go on without Kann and Ndiaye.
 
Weeks after the game against the Lightning, Furman asked Ndiaye to join its
team. And about a month later, officials contacted Kann.
 
Both signed with the university this year, extending their streak of playing
together four more years.
 
"Going away to college is a big step," Ndiaye said. "It's nice to be going
with a friend."