Today is the big game! Leo loves soccer more than anything. He pulls on his cleats and runs out onto the bright green field.
Leo is not the best player on the team. His friend Zaya is. She is quick and fast, so when Leo gets the ball, he passes it to her.
Both teams play hard. The ball zips up the field and back down again. Everyone runs and runs.
Soon it is almost the end. The score is tied, two to two. Leo chases the ball and gives it his all.
Then the ball rolls right to Leo's feet. The goal is wide open in front of him!
But Zaya is standing in an even better spot. Leo has to choose fast. Should he take the shot, or pass to Zaya?
Leo does not think twice. He kicks the ball hard across the field to Zaya.
It is not his own shot. But it is the smart play, and a good teammate helps the whole team.
Zaya swings her foot. GOAL! The ball flies into the back of the net.
It is the winning goal, right at the buzzer! The whole team leaps up and cheers. They pile together, laughing.
Zaya runs straight to Leo. “That was YOUR pass!” she says. “We won together!”
Leo beams from ear to ear. You don't have to be the star, he learns. The best teammates lift each other up.