The MLS of Indoor Soccer

 The Empire Strykers professional indoor soccer team had a home game this evening. The weather here in Southern California is on hurricane watch for the second time in my life and we don't really know what that means to be honest. Anyway, the weather was looking great so we decided to go to the game. The good thing about indoor soccer is that it is not dependent upon the weather. 

The Toyota Arena is enclosed so we don't really know what the weather is like outside when we're at the game. There were signs on the screens along the hallways that mentioned evacuation plans if the weather were to affect the game. Thankfully, the game went perfectly well and the rain was refreshing when we left. 

I can see why professional indoor soccer is gaining popularity and the league the Empire Strykers plays in is comparable to the MLS. The game is fast paced and there are a lot more goals than outdoor. The field is smaller, the walls can be played so there aren't throw ins and there is a lot less stoppage time. There are 4 quarters and the atmosphere is more like a hockey game with the potential for cheerleaders, etc. 

Where are most of the players coming from? 

I am really looking forward to the USMNT (United States Men's National Team) playing their first World Cup game in Los Angeles at SoFi stadium on June 12th, 2024. I hope we get to attend. 

Will there be indoor soccer World Cup games? Are there countries teams? Where is this movement mostly? Is it starting in the United Staes? 

Hopefully I can answer these questions within the next few posts. 

Until then, thank you to the people who have been helping us along the way in this journey. I hope what you love increases. 

A Gender Balance in Soccer

 Women's soccer in the United States has been a strong suit for years. Around the world, men's soccer seems to have dominated in comparison to women's soccer. Now we are seeing women's teams around the world evolve and the balance of gender in soccer is getting better. I believe this shift will bring more momentum to our USMNT and they're due for some great success. 

Home Soil or Otherwise?

 "Soccer has its own unique charm no matter where it's played. In the United States, the soccer scene has been growing steadily, and the Major League Soccer (MLS) has gained popularity. Overseas, you have the rich history and intense competition of European leagues like the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and more.

It really depends on what you're looking for. The passion and tradition in European football are hard to beat, but the U.S. is making strides and has its own exciting developments. What's your take on it?" -Chat GPT

PARS

 My soccer journey started way back when I was a baby. We went to my dad's soccer games every Sunday in Orange County. I was born around the same time as a few of the kids from the teammates. We were cousins from day one, our family being the game of soccer. I remember going to the games from when I was a few years old. Me and the girl cousins would cheer for our dads on the sidelines. As we got a little bit older, we put together routines for their team and cheered our little hearts out every Sunday. Every Sunday was the best day of our life. Those are still my cousins and my best friends. 

We still cheer for the guys on the team. Some of them refs now, most still play in their late 70's together in tournaments and such. Those men have cheered me on in my soccer games, tournaments, college games, etc. I look at pictures of them holding me when I was a baby, being present when I was a toddler running around the soccer field, celebrating at weddings, mourning at funerals... I am forever thankful for the dedicated teamwork amongst them.. still, to this day. 

Chatting About Soccer

 "There are various reasons why people choose soccer as their favorite sport. It could be the global appeal, the skillful play, the excitement of goals, or the sense of camaraderie among fans. What aspects of soccer make it your favorite?" - Chat GPT

The Journey of a Caterpillar

I have an ankle injury from playing soccer. 

I crawled off of the field. 

I knew it was going to be a long recovery when I felt my ankle pressing against my shoe because it swelled up so quickly. 

I called my sister. 

Visited urgent care. 

Crutches for two weeks. 

That didn't last with three kids. 

Hobble, hobble hobble. 

Hop, hop, hop. 

Six weeks of this? 

This is not the way I imagined getting into shape. 

I wanted to keep playing soccer to get into shape to play soccer. 

The shin splints from hopping. 

The mental obstacles. 

The awakening of muscles I need in order to not put weight on one foot.  

Maybe it's the end of the soccer journey for me?

I walk into the classroom instead. 

Hello again Dr. 

More support for my injury. 

Free soccer game tickets.

Soccer game. 

Soccer career? 

Another soccer game. 

Soccer career? 

Soccer Positional Success Tips

 "As a goalkeeper, focus on communication with your defense, maintain constant awareness of the game, and position yourself strategically. Work on shot-stopping skills, diving, and quick reflexes through regular training. Develop distribution abilities for accurate goal kicks and throws to initiate counterattacks. Stay composed under pressure, and learn to read opponents' movements to anticipate shots. Continuously analyze and learn from your performances to refine your skills. Confidence and mental resilience are key – embrace the highs and learn from the lows to evolve into a reliable presence between the posts.

Strikers, hone your goal-scoring instincts by practicing various finishing techniques with both feet. Develop a quick turn, strong dribbling skills, and the ability to exploit defensive weaknesses. Work on positioning to create goal-scoring opportunities, and stay composed in front of the net. Learn to time your runs to perfection, making it difficult for defenders to predict your movements. Be a constant threat, stay agile, and use your speed to exploit gaps in the opposing defense. Lastly, never underestimate the power of teamwork – build a strong understanding with your teammates to enhance your effectiveness in the attacking third.

Midfielders, be the engine of the team by mastering passing accuracy, vision, and ball control. Develop a strong work rate, contributing both defensively and offensively. Enhance your ability to read the game, anticipate plays, and intercept passes. Build your stamina for endurance throughout the match, as you'll cover a lot of ground. Communicate effectively with teammates to orchestrate plays and maintain possession. Cultivate a versatile skill set, combining both defensive and attacking attributes. Stay composed under pressure, and be a link between defense and attack. Your influence in dictating the tempo can be a game-changer.

Defenders, prioritize solid defensive fundamentals, including positioning, tackling, and marking. Develop a strong sense of anticipation to intercept passes and thwart attacks. Communicate effectively with your teammates to maintain a cohesive defensive unit. Stay composed under pressure, and avoid unnecessary challenges in critical areas. Improve your ability to read the game and anticipate the movements of opposing attackers. Work on your ball distribution skills to initiate plays from the back. Be physically strong and agile, and understand when to clear the ball or play it out from the back. Remember, a reliable defense is often the foundation of a successful team." - Chat GPT 3.5