Is soccer really starting to grow on me?

Marques Hunter

of the Gateway

Soccer was a sport I never developed into as a budding athlete; way too much running for me. As a spectator, the only time I’d sit down and pay attention was when the FIFA World Cup was televised. It’s the most widely watched tournament in the world. I think it’s also the most interesting international competition. My three favorite sports, in order, are American football, baseball and basketball. Since coming in as the new sports guy, I’ve been assigned to cover other sports I never thought would be exciting to see. Soccer was on my docket of spring sports. While I wasn’t as excited about soccer versus baseball, my general interest for sports had begun to evolve. I played one year of soccer — our team name was the Street Burners. We had this chant that would go, “Street Burners kick with speed. Street Burners kick with grace. Street Burners kick the ball in the goalie’s face!” I thought that was the coolest saying, until one of my teammates accidentally kicked a screaming line drive that hit me directly in the face. His name was Benjamin. The only reason I remember that is because it is the most physically painful moment of my short-lived soccer career. After the twinkling stars disappeared and I felt my face to make sure it was still intact, I wasn’t as enthused about the Street Burner mantra. After watching the Gig Harbor Tides soccer team play a couple games against the Foss Falcons and Bellarmine Lions, I’ve concluded they are a fun team to watch. Aside from the small chatter from the boys on the bench, itching to get on the field or just trying to stay warm because it’s been freezing lately, soccer might be starting to grow on me. I visited Moscow, Russia, when I attended the University of Washington-Tacoma. My colleague, professor and I were on a joint project working with fellow journalism students from the Motherland. Rafael, a friend of mine who grew up in Armenia but attended Moscow State University, said we should go to a soccer match. I wasn’t really up for it. It was April. It was still 10 degrees with snow flurries. They don’t have large expensive domed stadium for sporting events in Russia, either. Being in a foreign country, I wanted to immerse myself in their culture as much as possible. But the plans fell through. That was the closest I ever got to watch a competitive soccer match. Until I began watching the Gig Harbor Tides soccer team. On the other side of town, the Peninsula Seahawks recently defeated the Bremerton Knights 5-1. I’m planning to watch Peninsula this week. And believe me, when the two schools play each other, I’ll be there. While the Tides have lost back-to-back games against the Bellarmine Lions and South Kitsap Wolves, watching from the sideline can be entertaining — just make sure you’re layered with clothing. Now, soccer isn’t moving up into my No. 3 slot — it probably never will — because I’m not as fascinated by the sport and the way it’s played. But seeing how important winning is to these high school athletes is fun to watch. The Tides’ soccer field, a synthetic grass field, sure is beautiful. When it starts warming up a bit, which isn’t a guarantee though because last regular season home game is April 24, I’m sure it has to be one of the best fields on the peninsula to catch a game on a warm afternoon. However, the Seahawks have an advantage. They have covered seats, since they share their field with the football program. Parents and other supporters for the Tides have to bring their own chairs or just stand for the entire match. Check out a match when Peninsula or Gig Harbor plays. If that’s not possible, make sure you go to the Seahawks versus Tides contest at Peninsula on April 12. That’s going to be a good game.

Reach Sports Editor Marques Hunter at 253-853-9243 or marques.hunter@gateline.com.