The Back of the Net: A Story of Rescue, Renewal, and Reward (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9798891851719)

One mistake. One moment. Everything changes.

Michael Shepherd has spent his life coasting-until his eighteenth birthday turns his world upside down. A benchwarmer for the Barrymore High soccer team, Michael is unexpectedly subbed into a crucial game... and he scores the winning goal-for the wrong team.

What follows is a brutal 48 hours of self-doubt, humiliation, and heartbreak. He loses his dignity, his girlfriend, and his sense of purpose. But instead of giving up, Michael makes a choice: he's going to fight back. First, he'll earn his place as a starter on the team. Then, he'll win back his girlfriend-and, more importantly, his self-respect.

With the help of his no-nonsense coach, Kyle Patton, and his determined teammate, Jake Ledger, Michael discovers that success takes more than just talent-it takes discipline, heart, and resilience. As the Barrymore Huskies battle for the state championship, Michael fights his own battle to prove he's more than a mistake.

If you love soccer, second chances, and stories of perseverance, The Back of the Net will have you cheering until the final whistle.