“Fun, interesting, and a lot of work I didn’t expect.” Some words San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Jacob Hustedt used to describe his experience as an MLS rookie. “Dribbler. Go straight at people. I like to make things happen.” Short phrases Hustedt used to describe his style as a player. The former University of Washington standout joined the Quakes after being drafted 25th overall in this winter’s MLS SuperDraft. “I was thrilled when they drafted me,” Hustedt commented. “It has been fun ever since. I haven’t really
Russ Andolina is simply put one of the biggest soccer supporters in Buffalo, New York. He caught “the soccer bug” during the run up to the 2002 World Cup. One of the first matches he ever attended was the USA/Honduras qualifier in September 2001. He called the game “better than any sporting event” he had seen or been part of. His love for the sport continued to grow and flourish through the years. Eventually he did his own part in growing the game by starting the Buffalo
Growing the game is of the utmost importance to Aaron Matti. As president of the Akron (OH) chapter of the American Outlaws and co-founder of the Rubber City Brigade, Matti has dedicated his love of the beautiful game to getting more and more people exposed to the sport. The Outlaws have been the driving force for promoting the American game for years, while the Brigade is a new group created to support soccer in the Akron community as a whole.
The game of indoor soccer has some of the most diehard fans in all of the beautiful game. Cleveland’s own Shawn Bartczak is one of those true supporters even though the ride called pro indoor soccer hasn’t been easy. The indoor game has always been exciting, especially when large crowds create a circus-like atmosphere and a sport that is truly American. The biggest criticism of soccer amongst casual fans has always been a lack of goals, but that is certainly not
An American helping rebuild a legendary English club is a special story. Bruce Greenberg is the subject of that story as he does his part in bringing phoenix club AFC Rushden & Diamonds to life and future prominence. Fans gather to see AFC Rushden & Diamonds in action against Wellingborough Town XI (Photo Credit: Mal Swinden). Greenberg arrived in 2006 at a time when Rushden & Diamonds was at the top levels of non-league football. He chose to support R&D even though
An American Hero and His Connection to the Beautiful Game The year is 1997. A young Jeromi Rogers looks down from his seat at “The Horseshoe” to see a young Columbus Crew in action. He is there with his grandparents, long-time supporters of soccer and their favorite club, AS Roma. Admittedly he is part of a soccer family in a part of the country, Northeastern Ohio, where American football is king. Almost 15 years later, the scene is repeated at Crew Stadium. But a lot has changed with both
Beach soccer is on the rise in the U.S. It is a game played in Virginia, California, even the Great Lakes in Ohio and Michigan. But when you want to talk about beach soccer, you talk to Florida Beach Soccer FC. They are the leaders in the sport, landing some serious hardware in 2011. The most impressive was the Major Beach Soccer Men’s National Championship, claimed by FBS on December 18th after a 1-0 victory over Team Spartan in Clearwater, Florida.
Pete and Tyler sharing some time in training A bond between father and son is strong. A bond that includes the beautiful game is even stronger. Whether you are talking about Slavko Kljestan placing a ball in the crib of sons Gordon and Sacha or a local father sharing his love of the game with his teenage son, the story is one that needs to be told. North Canton’s Pete and Tyler Walters are a special pair, a father and son that
RJ Pooch knows it is hard work being a fan of the beautiful game. You have to have unbelievable passion, an understanding of the global game, and most of all, be willing to share your love of the game with others. RJ does all these things and the results have been amazing. Pooch not only helped create the Cleveland chapter of the American Outlaws, but he is also a founding member of the 6th City Syndicate. The Syndicate was created
