Photo Courtesy of Andrew Robertson
Tired parents, who crave an hour reprieve daily, gladly sign up their tots to run some of that energy out in co-ed soccer teams. This decision quickly landslides into a lifestyle of minivans, practices, games, soccer moms and coffee. The majority of little kickers burn out by middle school, but for others there’s a passion found only in the game.
This classic scenario is seen in movies such as “Bend it Like Beckham” and “Air Bud,” that show that soccer is not just a pastime; it can be a way of life for man and man’s best friend. It’s powerful enough to persuade a girl to impersonate her brother in “She’s the Man.” Across the world, people chant, cheer and gather behind the elites. The talented and committed athletes travel through the cuts of high school and select teams. But what does one do when faced with the choice between the university of their dreams and the game?
Pepperdine is one of three WCC schools that does not offer men’s soccer. However, this setback does not stop students with a heart for the game from playing. Club soccer offers skilled soccer stars the opportunity to continue their passion for more than just kicks.
“We’re pretty competitive. There were 40 people at tryouts this year, and we accepted 25 on the roster,” senior Andrew Robertson said.
“The majority played club and high school soccer and had prior experience.”
Robertson was selected his freshman year and has played for the club soccer team ever since. He is co-captain with junior Sean Hansen. He takes care of his team on the field and works through managerial responsibilities behind the scenes. The program is student-run and has earned great success under strong student leadership.
“I hope after I graduate we continue the tradition of having a solid club soccer program,” Robertson said. “The passion student leaders have will be key to maintaining a successful soccer program.”
After players make the cut, they commit to two practices a week, as well as weekend games and tournaments. The season runs from Sept. 9 through the end of October. In spring, the club meets informally, putting time in on the field in weekly pick-up games.
This past weekend, men’s club soccer traveled to San Diego for the SDSU Azteca tournament, where the men pulled out a second place overall finish. The men have had a history of success, winning the Aztec Cup Robertson’s freshman year. The team started off strong with three consecutive wins 1-0, 3-2 and 2-1. Robertson says his club soccer career highlights include the victories over SDSU (3-2) and Fresno State (2-1).
“We usually have equal power and skill as league teams but don’t always use them,” Robertson said. “In the past we typically get second or third in league, but this year we have a good mix of upperclassmen experience and leadership along with talented freshmen. Our goal is to win league.”
Along with a new team of experience and fresh skill, this year the club team hired Aerick Brown, a nationally licensed soccer coach with 25 years of experience. This combination is sure to give the Pepperdine squad a leg up over the competition this season.
Most games are played in LA County, but there are two matches hosted at Pepperdine this season: Oct. 5 at 11 a.m. against UC Riverside and Oct. 20 at 1 p.m. against UC Irvine.
At home or away, collegiate or club, the players all committed to continue the game beyond high school. It serves as a testament to the lifestyle born from soccer, the world’s most popular sport.
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Follow Stasia Demick on Twitter: @sdemick12
As published in the Sept. 26 issue of the Pepperdine Graphic.
