A Different Game by Sylvia Olsen Page B

soccer player, Albert had been the first one to shout an answer. “Muscle,” he said, flexing his arms. Danny said legs. Jeff said feet.
    â€œNo, think about it,” Uncle Rudy said, pointing to his head.
    That’s when Murphy figured it out. “The brain,” he said.
    â€œYou got it right, Murph,” Uncle Rudy said. “And don’t you boys forget it. A soccer player has to use his head first.”
    But smart wasn’t something Murphy would have called Albert. Not until recently. Now Albert is sharp.
    He watches all the players. He knows what they’re good at and what they’re not so good at. No matter how hard Murphy tries to compensate for his slower left side, he doesn’t fool Albert.
    The ball sails right past Murphy. No higher than his head, but just out of reach and faster than he can respond to.
    â€œYou go, Albert,” Connor hollers.
    â€œWoooowwww, nice shot,” Haywire shouts.
    â€œYou’re going to blow those middle-school coaches away,” Jeff says. “Albert Adams, the new starting center for the Riverside Strikers, coming right up.”
    One more thing about Albert. He inspires other players. He’s a hero to younger boys like Haywire. They dream that one day they will play like Albert, but for now they are happy to feed him the ball and cheer him on.

Chapter Two
    Wednesday is Uncle Rudy’s day off. So by 10:00 am, he’s at the field waiting for the boys to show up.
    â€œHow’s it been going?” he asks Jeff and Murphy when they arrive at the bleachers. “Have you guys been running? Are you doing the drills I gave you last week? Are you working on your squats?” He points at Murphy.
    â€œYeah,” Murphy says. “Most days.”
    â€œMost days aren’t good enough, Nephew.” Uncle Rudy cuffs Murphy good-naturedly on his shoulder.
    â€œEvery day. Nothing less than every day. Dedication makes a good athlete.”
    â€œOkay, okay,” Murphy says.
    He knows Uncle Rudy is right, but Murphy would rather play a game than do the exercises. It’s the same with the other boys.
    â€œThat’s why I’m here on Wednesdays,” Uncle Rudy says when a few more boys arrive. “It’s a workday. Drills, running, drills, running—we are going to make superstars out of each and every one of you.”
    He matches the boys up in pairs and leads them through agility and ball-handling drills. They do strength exercises and even some yoga. The first time Uncle Rudy had the team do a yoga breathing exercise, the boys laughed at him. But after a few weeks of doing yoga stretches, Murphy could tell the difference. Those weird moves make him feel two inches taller and way more limber.
    Uncle Rudy works the boys in small groups and individually. It isn’t until after they have a break and eat oranges, which Uncle Rudy always brings, that he leads them in a game.
    He makes sure Albert and Murphy are never on the same team. That way Murphy gets to experience trying to save Albert’s shots. If it weren’t for Albert,
    Murphy would never have become such a good goalie. Albert’s skills have made Murphy faster, tougher and smarter. And for that he is thankful.
    And besides, Albert is the only player who works Murphy’s left side.
    Uncle Rudy runs the sidelines hollering at the boys.
    â€œThink about it, Jeff. Anticipate.”
    He watches each one of the players.
    â€œDon’t just give it to Albert, Connor. Make him work for it.”
    He doesn’t criticize, but Uncle Rudy doesn’t believe in praising everyone all the time either.
    â€œAlbert, Danny’s all over your fancy footwork.
    Let’s see some smooth, solid ball control.”
    After Rudy blows the whistle, he sits on the bleachers, and the boys gather around on the grass.
    â€œWe’re making good progress. But I’m not here to blow sunshine in your face. I’m here to push you to get