In the book, Arnold is an aquatically challenged alligator. On the team, he's responded well to the sink-or-swim skill building approach. For a laugh during games of Alligator River, he still puts on his snorkel and inner tube.

Gorinda excells at beating the offside trap. In the book, she and her fellow ghosts are victimized by text books that aren't scary. A constant need for group hugs has damaged her popularity on the team.

Stan saves penalty kicks with his head. In the book, he feasts on blinkies and can only by stopped by multiple layers. He sees the team psychologist for headaches and a fear of weanie roasts.

In the book, Francina is taken down by the triathlon scandal at the Animal Olympics. On the team, she's known as a one-dimensional dribbler who hitchhikes to practice.

Gilbert now pays better attention thanks to the Coachable Moment teaching style. But in the book, he'd rather prance on rocks than listen to fishing lectures. He still snares fifty/fifty balls with his beak.

In the book, Flash is a deviant squirrel who sprints directly away from danger. Thanks to those scrimmages with special rules, he's become more unpredictable as a soccer player. Wise Old Yazoo has advised him to apply for free agency.

In the book, Antonio and other black ants lift weights to prepare for their day of reckoning. He still pumps iron after every practice, but he's serving a suspension for headbutting a red ant.

Coach frequently looks skyward for inspiration. He was originally featured in the Thoughtful Soccer logo. The baseball cap and clipboard led to his demotion.