CHAPTER 3

The Goalkeeper

Yasmin stood inside the goal. She wanted to hide.

Ali kicked the ball. Yasmin ducked. The ball went right into the net. Ali’s team cheered.

“Goalies can use their hands,” Coach Garcia reminded Yasmin.

Soon Ali’s team kicked the ball toward the goal again. This time Yasmin jumped to catch it. She missed.

“Goal!” shouted Ali.

Coach Garcia called out, “Good try, Yasmin!”

Yasmin got ready again. Soon Ali’s ball came right at her feet. She rushed toward it—and tripped. But she stopped the ball!

“You did it, Yasmin!” Emma cheered. “You blocked the goal!”

Yasmin got up slowly. “I did?”

Coach Garcia gave her a high five. “Great job, goalie!”

“You’re the star of the team, Yasmin!” Emma said. “Can you teach me that move you did?”

“You were just like the pros on TV!” Ali said.

Yasmin grinned and wiped the sweat off her face.

“It wasn’t even that dangerous,” she told them.

Coach Garcia offered her a bottle of water. “I’ll be the water girl,” she said.

Yasmin gulped down the water.

“Thanks, Coach,” she said. “Who’s ready to play again?”