Tyler_s hopes for an unbeatable season for the Cougars disappear when his friend Zack, the team_s hot-shot midfielder, and two more of their best players accept an offer to play for the Panthers, an elite travel team.


Tyler has to admit he_s pleased when Coach Murray puts him in Zack_s midfielder position. But playing the middle is tough and Tyler_s spirits really sink when the Cougars lose their season opener in a close game--and the next game, too.


Then an elderly English soccer fan tells Tyler about America_s 1-0 surprise upset of England--the world_s number one team--in the 1950 World Cup. Any game can be won or lost by a single play, Mr. Robertson insists.


But will one play really be enough to beat the top-ranked Mustangs?


Fred Bown offers an exciting story of a young athlete who must build up his confidence in order to build up his team_s--even if it means losing his best friend. The exciting play-by-play game action as well as the victories and upsets--on and off the field--will keep young readers on the edge of their seats.