Then, just as Bucky had imagined it, the coach pulled the jacket out of the box and slipped it on. It fit perfectly. Bucky thought he saw tears in the coach’s eyes when the coach saw the words stitched on the front.
“Thank you all,” he said. “It’s a wonderful present. You must have worked very hard to earn the money for it!”
Bucky and the others grinned at one another. Even Stookie was smiling.
“Now,” the coach added, “everybody come to my house for ice cream!”
Bucky gathered up his belongings. Stookie was near him, doing the same.
“Hey, Stookie, can I try your computer game on the way to the coach’s?” someone asked.
Stookie gave a shrug. “Sorry,” he said. “I don’t have it anymore.” He caught Bucky’s eye—and Bucky suddenly realized where Stookie had gotten the money to help pay for the jacket. He’d sold his computer game!
Bucky threw an arm around Stookie. “You sure know how to come through in the clutch,” he said. “And I’m not just talking about that goal you made.” As Stookie grinned, Bucky added, “Here’s hoping the Soccer ’Cats stay together for the next season!”
#1 The Captain Contest
#2 Operation Baby-Sitter
#3 Secret Weapon
#4 Hat Trick
#5 Master of Disaster
#6 Heads Up
#7 All Keyed Up
#8 You Lucky Dog
#9 Switch Play!
#10 Kick It!
#11 Making the Save