Striker Assist

By Jake Maddox and Sean Tiffany

Jax, a striker, is the star of his soccer team. But when he moves up a level and joins a new team, he has a hard time following directions and trusting his team. For someone who's been playing soccer for years, Jax has a lot to learn about teamwork.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Capstone Young Readers
• Release date: Sep 1, 2012
• ISBN: 9781434259875

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: The Championship Game

CHAPTER 2: New Season, New Team

CHAPTER 3: The Orange Crushers

CHAPTER 4: Trouble on the Field

CHAPTER 5: Crushers vs. Condors

CHAPTER 6: Battling the Bobcats

CHAPTER 7: Teamwork

CHAPTER 8: Crushers vs. Bullfrogs

CHAPTER 9: A Big Finish

CHAPTER 1

THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

The crowd at the Centerville Recreational Soccer Fields roared. The Screaming Hawks were up by four in their battle against the Tigers. The winner of the game would be named the city league champion.

Hawks striker Jax Cooper watched as the ball soared into the Tigers’ goal. Annoyed, he shook his head. Hey, Danny! Jax yelled. That striker always burns you on that fake. Stick with him.

Relax, Jax, Danny said. Look at the score. The game is going fine.

Fine isn’t good enough, said Jax. I want it to be going great — no, perfect. Come on, guys. Let’s do that new play we practiced.

The rest of the team walked to the center of the field for the next kickoff. Rob, a midfielder, stuck by Jax. I say we just do what we usually do, Rob said. We’ll kick the ball to you, and you’ll score. We’re all okay with that.

Yeah, I can score, Jax thought. I just wish the rest of my team could.

Jax jogged behind his teammates to the center of the field. The referee set the ball down for the kickoff. Jax bent his knees and readied himself for the kick.

Scott, another forward, kicked the ball to Joey. Joey nervously