Soccer is, obviously, the leading sport in the world. Teams from all over the world compete in various leagues, both amateur and professional, to win it’s prize. Pickup games are interesting. For your humble writer, the last game was about ten years ago. I was a good shooter and passer, as well as defender. But my ball skills, the equivalent of ball handling in basketball, were awful. I was not very athletic as a footballer. During my whole lifetime I had, I think, ten goals and seven assists. I had played for fifteen years every three days on average. I’m a much better mind than athlete, but I have no stories coaching or managing.
My team in the United States is the Los Angeles Galaxy of the MLS. My favorite team abroad is Manchester United. My favorite player growing up was Cobi Jones. My favorite now is Cristiano Ronaldo. I hope I get an opportunity one day to watch him play live.
My favorite football memory was in 1999 when the U.S. Women’s National Team defeated the Chinese in penalty kicks. I hope for more memories for the U.S., both women’s and men’s.
Before I go, one rule I’d like to see abolished is the offside rule. If players are too lazy to guard an opposing player or a defensive zone of the field, they need to find another career. This way scoring will get a much needed increase.
Play safe and smart, footballers!