During her final winter of middle school, Nozomi Onda struggles to decide where to go for high school. Nozomi wants to continue play on the boys' soccer team even in high school, but at the recommendation of her advisor Samejima, she decides to join the Warabi Seinan High School girl's soccer team, also known as the "Warabis." On her first day on the team, the new students are made to play against the second-years, and her team includes midfielder Midori Soshizaki, who led her team to third place at the national tournament in middle school, as well as Sumire Suo, a lightning-fast full-back.

The first half of the Warabis' practice game against Kunogi Academy ends with a score of 0-7. Upon witnessing the high skill level of her opponents, Nozomi is not disheartened, but rather begins to glow with excitement. Nozomi's play inspires her team to regain their momentum, and though the Warabis are closing in on Kunogi's goal, the point difference only widens. Meanwhile, Suo is distressed over having her preferred playstyle shut down completely, and Nozomi goes off on her.

The Warabis close in on Urawa Hosei's goal with an attack focused around Nozomi, but at the last second, they fail to score the first point of the game. As both teams struggle for dominance, Urawa Hosei takes advantage of a split-second opportunity, and their eccentric forward Alice Adatara scores the first point. The Warabis attempt to even the score, while Urawa Hosei's attacks centered around forwards Tenma and Adatara continue.