Soccer Shootout

By Jake Maddox and Sean Tiffany

Berk always plays goalie for his soccer team. But when a new kid, Ryan, moves to town, Berk has to play an unfamiliar position. Ryan may have incredible talent, but he’s also wildly unpredictable. Can the team survive the season?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Capstone Young Readers
• Release date: May 24, 2013
• ISBN: 9781434288608

Jake Maddox

Who is Jake Maddox? Athlete, author, world-traveler – or all three? He has surfed in Hawaii, scuba-dived in Australia, and climbed the mountains of Peru and Alaska. His books range from the most popular team sports to outdoor activities to survival adventures and even to auto racing. His exploits have inspired numerous writers to walk in his footsteps – literally! Each of his stories is stamped with teamwork, fair play, and a strong sense of self-worth and discipline. Always a team-player, Maddox realizes it takes more than one man (or woman) to create a book good enough for a young reader. He hopes the lessons learned on the court, field, or arena and the champion sprinter pace of his books can motivate kids to become better athletes and lifelong readers.

Book preview

Chapter 1

SAVING THE DAY

Berk stood along the goal line. His heart was pounding in his chest so loudly that Berk wondered if the other players could actually hear it.

All around him, his teammates screamed for him. Come on, Berk! they yelled. You can do it!

Parents and friends stood on the sidelines of the soccer field. They, too, were yelling and cheering.

Berk danced back and forth on his feet, trying to stay calm. He wiggled his fingers a little to keep them loose.

The penalty kick he was about to face would decide the state championship. Berk always loved playing goalkeeper, but he never realized that the outcome of an entire season might be in his hands.

Berk’s team had played a strong game. Peter Stanton, Berk’s best friend, had scored the only goal for Berk’s team, the Titans. It was a beautiful, curving shot from just outside the penalty area. But then, Peter always had a great shot.

That’s partly how Berk got to be such a great keeper. Practicing with Peter and learning how to stop his shots had helped Berk improve his game.

Peter’s goal had given the Titans a 1–0 lead early in the second half. With about ten minutes left in the game, the Cosmos had tied the score.

The Cosmos had a corner kick, and the player dropped the ball perfectly in front of the net. One of the Titans’ defenders missed a chance to clear it, and a Cosmos player got a direct shot on goal.

Berk dove and stopped it, but