The Left-Footed Goalie

Part One

Theo could only kick with his left foot. His right foot simply would not cooperate. It went the wrong way every time.

At practice Coach Mara watched him play. "Theo, I want you in goal today," she said.

"In goal?" said Theo. "But I want to score goals, not stop them." Coach Mara only smiled.

A soccer team has eleven players on the field. One of them is the goalkeeper. Only the goalkeeper can use hands and arms.

The match began on Saturday, and a whistle blew. The ball rolled out onto the grass.

The other team kicked hard. Theo leaped and caught the ball. He held it tight against his chest.

Now what? Theo could throw it, but he wanted to try something. He dropped the ball and swung his left foot.

Boom! The ball flew far down the field. It landed at the feet of Jess.

Jess was the fastest girl on the team. She raced up the field and scored a goal. The whole team cheered, and Theo punched the air.

It happened again in the second half. Theo caught another ball. His long left kick sent it flying down the field.

The match ended two to nothing. Theo's team had won the whole game.

"You are the best goalkeeper ever," said Coach Mara. Theo grinned. His left foot had found its place.