Soccer Team Upset

Tyler hopes for an unbeatable season for his soccer team, but is that even possible when his friends—and the team's best players—leave for an elite travel team?

With their best players gone, Tyler is excited when Coach Murray gives him the midfielder position. It's tough, and even though Tyler is trying his hardest, his team can't seem to win a game.

Then an elderly English soccer fan tells Tyler about the United States' 1–0 surprise upset against England, the world's number one team, in the 1950 World Cup. Inspired by these underdogs and their one play that changed the course of the game, Tyler finds a new sense of determination. But is one play really enough to beat the top-ranked team in their own league?

Weaving a fast-paced story of jealousy, compassion, and pride, author Fred Bowen excites readers in this classic tale of underdogs rising to victory. Find out the real story of the 1950 World Cup match between the United States and England in the afterword.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs