The Back of the Net: A Story of Rescue, Renewal, and Reward

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.

About the Author

Larry Fitzgerald, a retired businessman turned youth soccer coach, infuses his writing, managing, and coaching with an unwavering commitment to Christ's Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Concerned for today’s youth growing up without spiritual guidance, Larry took to writing. Larry’s impactful short fiction is showcased in anthologies like “Stories from the Attic” (2022), “Fortunes” (2023), and “Memphis Mosaic” (2024, by AA Inc. Publishing). His stories transcend pages, offering beacons of spiritual enlightenment for a generation navigating a world where God's presence is often obscured.

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