When you are finished with this page, click on the "Close" button at the bottom or on the X in the far upper right corner of your screen.

Title Page
Philip Carlos Nickel The Soccer Superstar

Page 1
Today was the day! Philip Carlos Nickel, age 5, from Metairie, Louisiana, still couldn't believe he had been lucky enough to win the big soccer sweepstakes. The grand prize had been tickets to watch his favorite team the Wildcats at the stadium. Philip was especially excited because as the big winner he was going to get to sit on the bench with Steve Engle! Also, Philip could take Debbie and Tom to the game, too.

Page 2
Once inside the stadium, Philip, Debbie and Tom were ushered to the Wildcats locker room.
"Philip, you're such a big fan of ours that we'd like to make you an honorary member of the Wildcats," the coach said. "Here's your very own uniform."
The coach then turned to the players. "Okay everybody, let's win this one for Philip!"
The team all cheered and ran out to the field.

Page 3
Philip, Debbie and Tom hurried to sit on the bench. They didn't want to miss the opening kick off.
As they sat down, the referee tossed the coin. The Wildcats won the coin toss, and decided that they would kick off.
The ball was kicked into play. The players dribbled the ball down the field.
"Go team!" yelled Philip.

Page 4
Philip watched excitedly as the ball went up and down the field. His team was making runs at the goal but hadn't been able to score yet. The opposing team was the Sundevils and they had already scored once.
Suddenly, Philip heard a whistle. One of the Wildcats had been fouled by the other team and was laying on the ground clutching his leg.
With all the excitement on the field, no one noticed that the ball was zooming through the air toward Philip. What could he do? Thinking fast, Philip gave the ball a mighty kick. Up, up in the air the ball went.

Page 5
"That was quite a kick," the coach said to Philip. "We have an injured player and the team needs a player to kick the free kick. Have you ever kicked a free kick before, Philip?
"Sure, I love playing soccer! I know I can score on the free kick for you." Philip said.
Philip could not believe his good luck. He was actually going to get a chance to help the Wildcats win the game!

Page 6
Steve walked up and said, "Glad you are going to try our free kick, Philip. We know you can score."
Philip lined up in front of the goal to kick the ball.
The coach yelled, "I know you can do it, Philip!"

Page 7
Philip looked at the soccerball laying on the field. With all his might, he kicked the ball straight at the goal.
The goalie from the Sundevils jumped towards the ball as it flew through the air. The soccerball sailed by the goalie's hands and into the net.

Page 8
Now the score was tied, but Philip wanted the Wildcats to win.
Philip used all his soccer skills. He dribbled the ball down the field. He trapped the ball with the top of his foot. He even used his head to pass.
"Way to go Philip," yelled the coach from the sidelines. "That was a great header!"
Philip kept looking for the shot but hadn't scored another goal. There was less than a minute left in the game and Philip was getting tired, but he couldn't disappoint his team.

Page 9
The ball came towards Philip but he was far from the goal. Suddenly he saw an opening.
"Do I really have the shot?" wondered Philip.
There was only one way to find out. Philip used all his strength and tried a long kick. The crowd grew silent as the ball flashed through the air. The ball hit the edge of the goal for just a second, then bounced into the net. Score!

Page 10
Philip had scored the winning goal! The Wildcats had won the game! The crowd started chanting, "Philip, Philip! The other players hoisted Philip above their shoulders and marched him around the field.
"This has been the best day of my life," Philip said to Debbie and Tom.
As the coach handed Philip the Most Valuable Player trophy, he said, "Philip, you can play on our team any day. You're a real soccer superstar!"