Back of the Net

Cory Bailey, a science student living in Los Angeles, dreams of researching the ocean professionally. Her parents support her goal and encourage practical experience. She signs up for a summer Sea Science program, but a bus mishap lands her at the Harold Academy soccer training center.

Realizing the mix-up, Cory tries to contact the Sea Science program to escape, but the line does not work. With no easy way out, she decides to stay and make the best of it. She arrives at the Harold Soccer Academy and begins adjusting to a different environment.

On the first day, Cory attends science lessons, soccer drills, and experiment sessions. She excels in science and in the experiments but struggles with the demanding soccer drills. Oliver, the academy's top player, is impressed by her scientific approach and reaches out to befriend her.

After training, a dorm room is assigned for Cory to rest. She meets several aspiring soccer players who become her friends. They form the team later nicknamed Worst of the Best, or WOTB.

As the National Soccer Competition approaches, Cory and Oliver enjoy post-class discussions about the science behind soccer. Edie, Oliver's longtime friend, grows jealous of the attention and begins to scheme. The tension foreshadows a conflict to come.

Edie destroys Cory’s glowing pickle demonstration and insults her soccer skill after training. The humiliation leaves Cory depressed and doubting her place on the team. She contemplates quitting football and transferring schools to focus on her research.

Cory’s friends gather to support and encourage her through the setback. They remind her of her talents and the possibility of contributing to the team in new ways. Inspired by their faith, she decides to persevere.

Coach Smith informs the team that the school will not sponsor WOTB next year unless they deliver stellar results. The looming financial pressure makes the matches feel more consequential. Yet Cory remains determined to find a smarter path to victory.

Cory proposes a training regimen grounded in physics and data. She tailors drills to exploit scientific principles, and the team begins to show noticeable improvements in the latest sessions. The players gain confidence and trust in her approach.

On the day of the National Soccer Competition, Worst of the Best defeats several teams and advances to the final. The new training methods fuel their momentum and team chemistry grows stronger.

In the final, a teammate is injured and Cory must step in. Using her science knowledge, she scores at the last minute to clinch the championship for WOTB. The team and supporters celebrate the hard-won victory.

Cory does not revel by insulting Edie. She consoles her, and Edie apologizes for the prank. The two reconcile, and Cory, Edie, and the team celebrate the victory together.