Skip to content

The Starting Eleven, by Doug Milam

th

A soccer club owner who’s won two trophies in life, neither of them silverware. Seasoned spectators with grand ideas, perhaps too fond of brandy to execute them. A commentator who relishes calling the match despite a penchant for on-air gaffes. And players determined to salvage their season.

Among them is Lao-ming, the striker with ambitions as high as the stadium. Diego, the forward who loves to walk as much as he loves to chase. Willian, the wide man struggling to regain his footing. Harley, the central midfielder battered but holding on. Hadad, another midfielder, haunted by memories of war and loss. Avi, the wide man charming a woman close to the club. Alan, the left back wrestling with anger and falling short. Hans, the center back scheming for money and influence. Anders, the newly signed center back, careful in his defense. Ngumah, the right back searching for love and his next beer. And Lee, the goalkeeper, preoccupied with late nights.

The Starting Eleven is a story of a diverse team striving for redemption. Each player confronts personal challenges while chasing dreams on and off the pitch. It’s a tale of ambition, camaraderie, and the relentless pursuit of glory.

Atmosphere Press

Atmosphere Press is a selective hybrid publisher founded in 2015 on the principles of Honesty, Transparency, Professionalism, Kindness, and Making Your Book Awesome. Our books have won dozens of awards and sold tens of thousands of copies. If you’re interested in learning more, or seeking publication for your own work, please explore the links below.