Roberto Cabrallo lay asleep in his bed, dreaming about tomorrow's game. The next afternoon would be one of the most important games he had ever played. A Scout from America's national team would be in Westchester watching the game and perhaps select players to represent America in the "11 and under" world championships.

In his office, the scout was busy assessing the strengths and weaknesses of each player. In fact, the team he had already picked was so strong that he didn't think anyone from tomorrow's game would have a chance to make the team.


The next day Roberto was awesome. He dribbled the ball as if it were attached to 
his feet. His passes were right on the mark and he scored a beautiful goal to help 
his team tie the best team in the league. Roberto had noticed the scout watching him, but the scout was stone-faced and Roberto didn't know what he was thinking.

Two days later, the scout telephoned him. "Roberto, would you be interested in playing for America in the "11 and under" world championships?" he asked. "We have a series of practices starting next week and then the games begin." "Yes!" Roberto said excitedly, nearly dropping the telephone. I'll be there."

(…and there's much, much more!)