Great balls of fire

The passionate emotions that sweep European and South American countries when their teams play in the World Cup may never be matched by the majority of Americans, who look instead to the slower-paced game of baseball as their national pasttime. Yet, interest in soccer has skyrocketed in the United States [HTML_REMOVED] as many as 17 million Americans play the sport, a number that far surpasses the 10 million baseball players.

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[HTML_REMOVED]April[HTML_REMOVED]

14 [HTML_REMOVED] 6 p.m., UW Club at FK Pacific Reserves, Starfire 2

15 [HTML_REMOVED] 4 p.m., Scrimmage against Central club team, Starfire 1

27 [HTML_REMOVED] 3 p.m., UW Club at FK Pacific Reserves, Marymoor 1

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[HTML_REMOVED]May[HTML_REMOVED]

5 [HTML_REMOVED] 4 p.m., UW Club at Seattle Americans, Starfire 1

6 [HTML_REMOVED] noon, UW Club at Bierlein FC, Starfire 1

12 [HTML_REMOVED] 3 p.m., UW Club host Seattle Americans, Starfire 2

13 [HTML_REMOVED] possible scrimmage against an All-Nations team

19 [HTML_REMOVED] 6 p.m., UW Club host Bierlein FC, Starfire 1

20 [HTML_REMOVED] possible scrimmage against an All-Nations team

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[HTML_REMOVED]June[HTML_REMOVED]

2 [HTML_REMOVED] 6 p.m., PSSL Championship, Starfire 2

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Expanding participation in soccer at the recreational level means that many college students these days have been immersed in the sport since they were old enough to kick a soccer ball. It also means there are many students who play the sport at a high level, but still can't make it on their college team and are left wondering what comes next in their soccer career.

At the UW, the men's club soccer team provides an opportunity for these players to continue to participate in the sport. The team has become highly regarded in its own right in the Pacific Northwest.

"The level of the A team is very high quality," club team president Daniel Libby said. "We play in a league (the Puget Sound Soccer League) that hosts professional players and top college players in their off-seasons. I like to think we are one of the best amateur teams around."

In addition to playing against teams from the Puget Sound Soccer League, the team scrimmages against college squads from the area. In two of its latest games, Washington suffered a 2-4 loss to the team from Seattle Pacific University, but defeated the Washington State team 3-0 April 1.

This past year, turnout for the club team at their annual fall tryouts was so high that a B team was formed to accommodate additional players. The second team acts as a feeder to the top group, with the A team extending invitations to players from B to play with them when they're short a few bodies.

The second squad plays in the top flight of the Greater Seattle Soccer League, which is composed mostly of adult teams from around the Seattle area.

"The players are mostly in their 20s and 30s," said freshman Corey Pollock, the co-captain of the B team. "You can tell from the quality of their play that they used to play at a high level."

Pollock was one of those asked to return after the tryouts to help helm the newly formed B team and, along with Mark Williams [HTML_REMOVED] his fellow captain [HTML_REMOVED] carries out managerial duties such as organizing transportation and jerseys as well as making decisions about rosters and formations.

The teams hold open practice twice a week during fall and winter quarters. At these practices, anyone is welcome to participate, including those who are not members of the club. There are usually about 50 players spread out over three fields, with one field devoted to the first team practice, one field for team B's practice and one field left open for pickup soccer. Games are played throughout fall quarter and once a weekend during winter quarter.

This year, for the first time, the A team also has games during spring quarter. Although there are no official practices, the IMA hosts seven vs. seven recreational soccer, and players find time to practice on their own.

"We've never played during spring quarter before," Libby said. "This is the first year we've done it, and it's been great. People like to play soccer."

Many players find out about the intramural team on their own, finding the Web site or hearing about it as they look for opportunities to play soccer at Washington. Others are referred to the club by the UW men's NCAA team after contacting the coaches. Having outgrown youth league and high school teams, the highly organized nature of the club team gives players an opportunity to continue to compete after coming to UW.

Most of the team members played at a high level before college, participating in the top recreational soccer leagues and playing for their high school teams. While there is always the option to play for an adult team like the others in their league, the club team is also a good way for players to connect with the University community.

"The club team lets you continue to play soccer after coming to college," club officer Michael Sloane said. "You could play in the men's league with an adult team, but with the club team, you're playing with other college students and people your age."

This doesn't mean that intramural soccer at UW is all work and no fun, however. The team members often form close friendships as the team practices and plays throughout the year.

"I've made some really good friends on the team," Sloane said. "Practices are fun. They're serious, but not overly serious."

Playing a sport they love at a competitive level is something not many college students can experience, especially at a Division I school. Clubs like the men's soccer team are an opportunity for students to continue to play soccer with others who share their love of the game.

Reach reporter Risa Pavia at sports@thedaily.washington.edu.