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Locals’ World Cup Soccer Q&A

Phil SandovalPost Independent Staff

Thirty-two national teams start their quest toward winning the 2006 FIFA World Cup Soccer Tournament today with two scheduled matches in Germany. To gauge locals feelings, a panel of longtime area coaches and directors were asked to comment on the international game and its appeal in the United States.The panelists are: Brad Jordan Currently a director for the National Soccer Academy and the areas co-director of coaching and player development for the NSA. Jeff Mohsenin Coach of a traveling U-18 Western Slope boys team. Formerly an assistant coach at Colorado Mountain College and boys head coach Roaring Fork High School. Plans on assisting Colorado Rocky Mountain Schools boys team this fall. Steve White Program director and head coach at Colorado Mountain College. Formerly the head varsity boys and girls team coach at Glenwood Springs High School. Chris Woods Recreation Director for the town of Carbondale. Current head varsity girls coach at Basalt High School. Last season he was also the head boys soccer coach at Roaring Fork High School.What is the most exciting part of international soccer for you?JM: Its the styles of play and the feelings players have for each other and the chemistry the teams have. The simple things of the game are done well.CW: The game is unpredictable. Theres always a team that comes out of the blue.Will soccer ever become a major sport in the U.S.?BJ: I think it will. More kids play soccer versus any of the other sports. SW: I tell people, if you watch three games, youre hooked. The game is making progress, but it will take another generation.What will it take for soccers popularity to rise in the U.S.?JM: The game is growing. Its just going to take time. More kids feel it move and enjoy the game. What has to happen is those kids who are playing now need to get into coaching.CW: Its a numbers game. There are 200 million people in the U.S. Its just going to take time. Ten years ago, the World Cup was not on the U.S.s radar.If you could change one current international rule, what would that be?JM: Reduce the amount of injury gamesmanship. Faking injuries takes away from the game.CW: Give Australia an easier road to the Cup.SW: I wouldnt change anything. The rules have worked well for 100 years and the game plays real well.Andre Cantor. Love Him? Hate Him? Who is he?(Editors Note: Cantor is probably the most recognized broadcaster in soccer history. His most famous trait is his loud, prolonged call of Goooooooallllll! after each score. All four panelists had to be reminded of Cantors association with the sport before commenting.)BJ: Hes a great dynamic for the game.JM: He gives the game a special character.SW: Nobody else can announce a goal like him.CW: I think hes great.


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