Why does Skurzynski open and Nethergrave by describing how Jeremy accidentally scores a goal for the opposing soccer team?

Skurzynski opens "Nethergrave" with Jeremy accidentally scoring a goal for the opposing team to immediately establish his character as someone who feels out of place and struggles with self-confidence. This mishap sets the tone for Jeremy's larger struggles in his life, highlighting his feelings of inadequacy and foreshadowing his desire to escape into the virtual world. The incident serves as a catalyst for his journey, emphasizing the contrast between his real-life failures and the potential for success in the digital realm.