S
occer is called, “The Beautiful Game.” The origin of the
term is disputed, but when the legendary Brazilian soc-
cer player, Pelé, titled his autobiography, My Life and the
Beautiful Game, the phrase became a ubiquitous descrip-
tion for soccer.
Part of what makes soccer beautiful is the certain kind
of magic that takes place in the open structure of the game.
Unlike other sports such as football and hockey, soccer’s clock never
stops. It runs for two 45-minute halves. Even when there is a player down,
there are no time-outs. Then at the end of each half, the referee declares
additional “stoppage time” on the clock to compensate for any interrup-
tions in play due to injuries or disputes.
In addition to this freedom of time, there are few physical restrictions.
With the exception of minimal shin guards and cleats (and gloves for the
goalkeeper), the players (two teams of 11 each) are unencumbered by
bulky equipment. They wear no protective gear, and there are no bats, no
mitts, no sticks—just 44 feet and a ball. With such simplicity built in, both
physically and philosophically, there is room for the kind of spontaneity
and synchronicity that feels magical.
Soccer is a game of opportunity rather than being a fast-paced, high-
scoring game. The pros might argue with me, but as a spectator, the pace
is more meditative than driving, more fluid than strategic. The vast major-
ity of advancements across the field don’t result in a goal. But when the
opportunity presents itself, the players better be ready. It takes a com-
bination of skill and focus to place the ball in the back of the net. The
conditioning and training individual players and the team participate in is
intense. I had the opportunity to go behind the scenes and spend the day
with members of the LA Galaxy soccer team to learn more about what it
takes to play this game well and even become a soccer legend.LA Galaxy and the Beautiful Game
LA Galaxy was one of the original eight teams that started Major League
Soccer in the US in 1996. To this day, LA Galaxy is one of the league’s
most-decorated, with five MLS Cups, four Supporters’ Shields, and
two Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cups. The club has appeared in a record nine
MLS Cups, and won the Western Conference regular season title eight
times. In 2007, they signed English soccer legend, David Beckham, chang-
ing the face of U.S. Soccer with the most high-profile transaction in MLS