I'm one of those strange Americans who probably should have been born in Europe or Brazil. I'd probably hate the food, but I would fit in better in places where people have an unhealthy love of soccer.
I just love the sport. I've played most of my life. There, I said it.
I've seen the sport grow at the grassroots and professional level in the United States during the last 20 years -- from a time U.S. National Team games were only shown on Univision to today, where the team gets ESPN, ABC and New York Times primetime play.
The national team, which was the kicking boy of international soccer for decades, recently beat the No. 1 team in the world and almost did the same to Brazil, a soccer powerhouse.
With a World Cup 338 days away (but who's counting?), I've dusted off my Adidas cleats and headed out to the soccer grounds again. I've been playing in pick-up games every Sunday for the last month, and I join a team on Saturday to begin a new adult league season.
I'd spent five years here without playing in one game, but then, to my surprise, I learned the Crossroads has an 18-team adult league. My wife and I spotted a crowded soccer field one Sunday and decided to veer into the parking lot. We were lucky enough to catch bits of the championship game.
From Cuero to Yoakum and Port Lavaca, other crazy Americans like me will dust the cleats off again this weekend to compete in this league's new season. Victoria, I'm told, has nine teams in the league.
So, I got to thinking: Is soccer big in the Crossroads? Areas across the United States that are rich in ethnic diversity tend to have a strong soccer contingency. This has helped Major League Soccer, the country's top-tier pro league, to expand to 16 teams with two more on the way in 2011.
I'm beginning work on a story that features our area adult league. I'll also look at area soccer participation at all levels.
What are your thoughts? Is soccer big in the Crossroads? Ever catch an adult league game?
Thanks for your input.
Gabe Semenza / Advocate public service editor and Pele wannabee
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Soccer is big everywhere I have lived. One of my oldest son's friends got a scholarship to a Florida university with his soccer. Both of my boys played tennis and soccer. Most baseball was spent warming the bench, and both ended up in the emergency room with busted lips from wild pitches when young. Sort of put a damper on that sport.
July 15, 2009 at 7:40 a.m.I've never been really much of a sports fan, but I was completely converted after spending a year and many vacations in Spain. Watching a "football" game in a pub is serious fun. I've become so interested in soccer now that my husband and I are considering a trip to South Africa for the World Cup! I am glad to see that the sport is gaining interest in the US and that there is a league in Victoria.
July 14, 2009 at 8:34 p.m.Thanks for the notes scout and Dazed15. I'll be watching that U.S.-Mexico game. We've never beat Mexico in Mexico, and this is an important World Cup qualifier. Should be good.
Dazed15: Thanks for the advanced warning. Can I contact you for the story -- or have you contact me? I'm reachable at 361-580-6519. I'm trying to locate the league president and talk to some of the players. Thanks -- Gabe
July 8, 2009 at 1:04 p.m.The league has been around for years. I have been playing in the league for about 3 years. If you decide to play just know a couple of things. 1- The referees are not certified and only one ref does the game( meaning many bad calls will be made) 2-At times games get called because players will try to fight ref for all the bad calls. 3-get on a team where you know people or can befriend or you might find yourself rarely playing because teams rarely practice so if your good and they havnt seen you play odds are its going to take a couple of games for them to realize your good oh and if your average or worse expect to wait before you start seeing more than 10 minutes of plaiyng per game.
July 7, 2009 at 8:39 p.m.OMG! where have you fellas been? You cant sleep all day on Sundays, lol .
AUG. 12 - USA-MEX
July 7, 2009 at 7:22 p.m.Thanks, KRS. I'll post a schedule and contact info as soon as I get it. I know my first game is at 4 p.m. on Saturday at the fields near the new skate park. Come on out and see if you can attach yourself to a team. -- Gabe
July 7, 2009 at 4:53 p.m.I've lived here 11 years and didn't know we had an adult league...I would love to play, as I am sure many others. Please post some info.
July 7, 2009 at 4:35 p.m.