Touchline Spring 2026

PENNSYLVANIA’S LEADING YOUTH SOCCER PUBLICATION

SPRING 2026

2026

STATE CUP

Your Moments

ATHLETE

Q&A’S Preparing for a new season

Quarterly Calendar World Cup Facts

NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #15 MONROE, GA

Awards Banquet

THE NEXT

GENERATION

YOUNG REFEREES OF THE YEAR

Ready for tournament season? Train like the pros, rep your favorite team, and shop the latest jerseys, cleats, and gear at your local Soccer Post!

PENNSYLVANIA LOCATIONS Lancaster

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Berwyn

424 Swedesford Road, Berwyn, PA, 19312 (610) 240−9656

Huntingdon Valley

2074 County Line Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA, 19006 (215) 322−7606

Mechanicsburg

45 Gateway Dr Store B101, Mechanicsburg, PA, 17050 (717) 310−5511

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Welcome to

Spring Soccer Season

W

elcome to the spring soccer season, one of the best times of the year to play the game. There’s an energy you feel the moment you step back onto the grass after a long, cold winter. For some players, it’s a fresh start. A chance to improve, compete, and most importantly, enjoy the game.

Spring always brings excitement, but this year feels a little different. With the FIFA World Cup less than 100 days away, there’s a buzz building that’s hard to ignore, I know I can’t.

Our city is getting ready to welcome the world, and that’s something truly special. For young players, this is more than just watching games on TV. It’s a chance to feel connected to the global game: to grow your understanding, sharpen your skills, and experience soccer in a way you may have never felt before. Take every opportunity to immerse yourself in what’s ahead. The events and opportunities throughout the Eastern Pennsylvania communities will be unmatched.

With our State Cups are underway, that excitement is already showing itself. It’s one of the highlights of our season every year, and we’re all looking forward to an exciting finish with finals coming up in May. These are the moments players remember.

The thrilling times ahead should remind us all why we fell in love with the game in the first place. We’re about to see that joy fill the fields, the sidelines, and the streets right here in our own backyard. And the excitement won’t be limited to Lincoln Financial Field. I hope to see many of you at Lemon Hill for the FIFA Fan Festival, but there will be celebrations and watch parties across the state so everyone can be part of it.

You don’t need to be in Philadelphia to experience the event of a lifetime—this World Cup belongs to all of us. It’s in our backyard. And as I always say, there’s never been a better time to be part of the game.

Quarterly Calendar APRIL April 19 April 26

Grassroots In-Person 9v9 (Host Fusion FC) - Etters, PA Coach for Community (Host Colonial SC) – Conshohocken, PA

MAY May 8 May 10 May 16 May 15-17 May 30 May 31

Lebanon Soccer Festival – Lebanon, PA National D License – Ambler, PA Reading Rec Festival – Reading, PA State Cups Finals – WSFS Sportsplex James Finnegan Spring Festival – Philadelphia, PA National D License – Yardley, PA

JUNE June 5-7 June 5-7 June 6 June 13

ODP Boys East Regional Tournament – Lancaster, PA ODP Girls East Regional Tournament – Tuckahoe Farm, NJ Kensington We Belong Festival – Philadelphia, PA Grassroots In-Person 7v7 (Host Council Rock United Soccer) – Richboro, PA

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CREDITS PUBLISHED BY: Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer 4070 Butler Pike, Suite 100 Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 Phone: 610-238-9966 Fax: 610-238-9933 E-mail: info@EPYSA.org Website: EPYSA.org EXECUTIVE BOARD President - Lennie Brown First Vice President Melissa Murphy Weber Second Vice President Bill Fuller Treasurer- Jim Brown Secretary Bill Ross At-Large - Tim Murphy At-Large - John Mickle District 1 Commissioner Jeff Tener District 2 Commissioner Rachel Gallegos District 3 Commissioner Gary Blockus District 4 Commissioner Eric McKitish District 5 Commissioner Scott Merritt District 6 Commissioner Christina Loss OFFICE STAFF Chief Executive Officer – Chris Branscome Chief Operating Officer – Kelly Connor Technical Director – Gary Stephenson Assistant Technical Director – Fernando Carrizo Assistant Technical Director – Anna-Kate DePaolo Director of Operations – Leo Kelly Director of Registration Services – Meghan Petroski Director of Soccer Development – JT Dorsey Outreach/Grassroots Soccer Specialist – Mallory O’Riordan Director of Competitions – David Jones Director of Communications – Morgan Weindel Director of Marketing & Events – Karly Kaminsky TOUCHLINE Editor-in-Chief – Chris Branscome Editors – Catie Branscome, Morgan Weindel Photography – Catie Branscome Designed and printed by A.E. Engine, Inc. www.ae-engine.com

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2026 AWARDS Award Winners

Administrator of the Year

Girls Coach of Year

Irene Dobrin Dynamo United & Penn Athletics

Adam Freeman Penn FC Youth 2007 F Black

Volunteer of the Year

D’Anjolell Award

Janine & Pete Afflerbach Harleysville FC

Boys Team of the Year YMS 10B Premier United

Girls Team of the Year

Carlisle Area Youth Soccer Cannons 07/08G

Boys Coach of the Year Charlie Dodds Lower Merion SC 007

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Phoenixville Area Soccer Club

Mike Barr Excellence in Coaching Award

Antonio Bayon and Danielle Fagan

Service to Youth Award

Randy Garber and Mike Gorni

Service to Community Award Carlos Najera

Young Referees of the Year

Taryn Ludwig and Michael Orlando

BANQUET

2026 Good Citizenship Award Winners Logan Bock Stephen Buczek Emily Chi Tyler Do Carson Kramer Kevin Levan Drew Lucot Alexa Misiolek Bryan Nihart Max Noh Nathan Perley Tessa Pirolli Kaitlin Quinn Cameron Rolph Samantha Seager Tyson Sippel Bailey Walder Clara Webb

2026 Grow the Game Grant Recipients

1776 United FC Abington Community United Blue Mountain Soccer Club Carlisle Area Youth Soccer Iona Soccer Club Midway Manor Community Association Pocono Mountain Youth Soccer Club Pottsville Youth Soccer Association South Middleton Soccer Association Tamaqua Area Youth Tri-Valley Youth Soccer Club Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

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YOUR STATE CUP

MOMENTS

We want to see your best State Cup moments! Whether it’s a game-winning goal, a big save, an epic celebration, or your team’s sideline energy, send us your photos and videos from the tournament.

Throughout State Cup, we’ll be sharing submissions on social media and hosting contests for categories like Best Goal, Best Celebration, and more. Winners will receive a prize and be featured on our social channels.

Submit your photos and videos to communications@epysa.org and you might see your moment highlighted during State Cup!

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World Cup Fast Facts

Get to know the teams playing in Philadelphia!

The world is coming to Philadelphia for the 2026 FIFA World Cup! From historic powerhouses to rising nations, each country brings its own style of play, colors, and traditions to the World Cup stage. Check out this guide to learn more about the countries you’ll see at Lincoln Financial Field.

Côte d’Ivoire

Haiti

Les Éléphants (The Elephants)

Les Grenadiers (The Grenadiers)

NICKNAME:

NICKNAME:

COLORS:

COLORS:

Orange, White, and Green

Blue, Red

CHANT/CHEER:

CHANT/CHEER:

Drum-heavy chants and rhythmic singing, often led by supporters with instruments

Call-and-response style chants with drums FUN FACT:

Their only World Cup appearance was in 1974

FUN FACT:

They won the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil in one of the most dramatic tournament runs ever.

KNOWN FOR:

Passion, resilience, and pride PLAYER TO WATCH:

Duckens Nazon

KNOWN FOR:

Physical, fast, and powerful attacking play LEGEND TO KNOW:

Didier Drogba

Ecuador

Brazil

La Tri

COLORS:

Seleção (The Selection)

CHANT/CHEER:

Yellow, Green, Blue

NICKNAME:

NICKNAME:

Yellow, Blue, Red

COLORS:

“¡Sí se puede!” (“Yes we can!”)

CHANT/CHEER:

“Brasil! Brasil! Brasil!” + samba drums

FUN FACT:

One of the youngest squads in international soccer right now

FUN FACT:

The only country to play in every World Cup ever.

KNOWN FOR:

KNOWN FOR:

Speed, energy, and high pressing

Skill, creativity, and flair (aka “samba soccer”)

PLAYER TO KNOW:

LEGENDS:

Enner Valencia

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Pelé, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho

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POSSIBLE OPPONENTS

Iraq

NICKNAME:

Lions of Mesopotamia COLORS:

Red, White, Black CHANT/CHEER:

Emotional, unified chants often tied to national pride

France

Croatia

FUN FACT:

Les Bleus (The Blues)

Vatreni (The Blazers)

KNOWN FOR:

NICKNAME:

COLORS:

Blue, White, Red

CHANT/CHEER:

“Allez Les Bleus!” (“Let’s go Blues!”)

FUN FACT:

Won the World Cup in 2018 and were runners-up in 2022 KNOWN FOR:

Depth, elite talent, and tactical strength PLAYER TO KNOW:

Kylian Mbappé

NICKNAME:

Won the 2007 AFC Asian Cup

COLORS:

Grit and defensive discipline

Red, White (checkered), Blue CHANT/CHEER:

“U boj, u boj!” (traditional chant)

PLAYER TO WATCH:

Zidane Iqbal

FUN FACT:

Bolivia

Finished runner-up in 2018 and third place in 2022

NICKNAME:

Technical midfield play and composure

COLORS:

KNOWN FOR:

PLAYER TO KNOW:

Luka Modrić

La Verde (The Green) Green, Red, Yellow CHANT/CHEER:

Traditional chants with drums and horns FUN FACT:

Their home games are played at one of the highest altitudes in the world KNOWN FOR:

Tough defense and unique playing conditions PLAYER TO WATCH:

Marcelo Martins Moreno

Suriname

NICKNAME:

Natio

Curaçao

Ghana

COLORS:

La Familia Azul (The Blue Family)

The Black Stars

European-style chanting mixed with Caribbean energy

NICKNAME:

COLORS:

Blue, Yellow

CHANT/CHEER:

Drum-led chants with Caribbean rhythm FUN FACT:

Their program has grown rapidly in the last decade

NICKNAME: COLORS:

Red, Yellow, Green CHANT/CHEER:

Drum-based chants + dancing in the stands FUN FACT:

KNOWN FOR:

Reached the World Cup quarterfinals in 2010, the furthest ever for an African team (tied record)

PLAYER TO WATCH:

Athleticism, speed, and attacking play

Strong Dutch-influenced playing style Leandro Bacuna

Red, Green, White CHANT/CHEER:

FUN FACT:

Many players have connections to the Netherlands and play in European leagues KNOWN FOR:

KNOWN FOR:

Technical skill and growing international presence

PLAYER TO WATCH:

Sheraldo Becker

Mohammed Kudus

PLAYER TO WATCH:

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F O R P L AY E R S

DON’T LET RAIN STOP THE GAME! Spring soccer season is exciting, but it can also be a little wet! April often brings rainy days, muddy fields, and slippery grass. But that doesn’t mean you have to stop playing! There are plenty of ways to stay active and keep improving your soccer skills—even when the weather is messy.

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PRACTICE SKILLS INDOORS

If you have a little space inside your house, you can still work on your soccer touches. Try gentle toe taps on the ball, practice juggling, or dribble slowly around a few objects like shoes or cones.

Even a few minutes a day can help improve your control.

WATCH AND LEARN

Another fun way to stay involved with soccer is to watch a game or highlights of great players.

Pay attention to how they pass, move, and work with their teammates. You might learn something new to try the next time you play.

BUILD YOUR FITNESS

On rainy days you can do simple exercises like jumping jacks, squats, lunges, or quick footwork drills. These activities keep you in shape, so you’re ready when the sun comes back out.

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E A S T E R N P E N N S Y LV A N I A Y O U T H S O C C E R P L AY E R S P O T L I G H T

lete h t

Young athletes from our soccer community share their passion, inspirations, and favorite moments from the pitch.

RYAN S. //

AGE: 14

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SOCCER SKILL OR MOVE?

Fake robona

WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO PREGAME SONG?

Dtmf because it’s calm

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE POSTGAME SNACK?

Banana

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE A COACH HAS EVER GIVEN YOU?

Keep going!

ALENA R.

JACOB S.

ELLA O.

AGE: 12

AGE: 10

AGE: 12

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE POSITION TO PLAY AND WHY? Goalkeeper because I like making big saves and being a leader on my team!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE POSITION TO PLAY AND WHY? My favorite position to play is Center Defensive Mid because you get to be all over the field and still have a chance to score goals and defend goals.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SOCCER MEMORY SO FAR?

WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO PREGAME SONG? My pregame song is “Fast Car” covered by Luke Combs. It calms me down before games.

BUILD YOUR DREAM SOCCER TEAM:

DO YOU HAVE ANY PREGAME SUPERSTITIONS? I always have to do my secret handshake with my dad and I give my mom a kiss on the cheek.

CENTER BACK: Van Djik

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE A COACH HAS EVER GIVEN YOU? The best coach I ever had (Biff Sturla LMSC) believing in me everyday made me grow as a player more in one season than any advice I’ve ever received.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SOCCER MEMORY SO FAR? My favorite soccer memory so far was winning the 2025 Presidents Cup Eastern Regionals with my Penn Fusion preECRL team. We grew so much as a team in a year and it was so fun to finish the year as champions together!

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Making the ODP team and winning our tournament this summer. It was a goal of mine and I loved playing with new teammates and making new friends.

GOALKEEPER: Mary Earps RIGHT BACK: Cafu

CENTER BACK: Sergio Ramos LEFT BACK: Roberto Carlos DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER: Roy Keane CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Zidane CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Messi RIGHT WINGER: Messi STRIKER: Mbappe LEFT WINGER: Ronaldo

FOR REFEREES

THE NEXT G Meet the young officials recognized as this year’s Young Referees of the Year.

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For many young soccer players, becoming a referee is another way to stay involved in the game they love.

Officiating offers the opportunity to see the game from a different perspective while developing confidence, leadership, and decision-making skills along the way.

Each year, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer recognizes outstanding young officials through the Young Referee of the Year award. This year’s recipients have already made their mark in the referee community, showing dedication to the game and a willingness to take on the responsibility that comes with officiating. We asked each of them to share a little about their journey and why they continue to step onto the field each weekend.

GENERATION Taryn Ludwig CHURCHVILLE HVAA GA ASPIRE 07/08 Taryn Ludwig has been refereeing for four years, first getting involved as a way to stay connected to the game she loves. What started as an opportunity to earn money while she was too young for most traditional jobs quickly turned into something much more meaningful.

For Taryn, officiating is more than enforcing the laws of the game. She enjoys helping guide matches in a way that allows players to compete and develop in a safe and sportsmanlike environment.

“I love soccer and want to help create a positive environment where players, coaches, and referees can all share that love for the game,” she said.

Along the way, refereeing has helped her build confidence as both a leader and communicator. The role requires constant focus, quick decision-making, and the ability to stay composed under pressure.

“Referees have to constantly read the game, communicate with players and coaches, and make quick decisions while keeping the game fair and safe,” she explained.

Taryn credits much of her growth as an official to the support system around her, including her assignor and mentor Howard Lemonick and her dad, who began refereeing around the same time she did.

“My dad started refereeing around the same time I did, so we learned and grew together,” she said. “We often worked games together and talked through a million different plays and ‘what if’ situations.”

Looking ahead, Taryn hopes to continue refereeing throughout college so she can remain connected to the game.

Why Do I Ref TARYN

“I ref because I love soccer and want to help create a positive environment where players, coaches, and referees can all share that love for the game.”

MICHAEL

“I ref simply because I love the game.”

Michael Orlando WARMINSTER Michael Orlando has been refereeing for two years, inspired to get started by the coaches and mentors who introduced him to officiating.

“I first decided to become a referee because most of my coaches and mentors growing up were referees,” he said. “They all convinced me that it is truly the best job out there.”

Since then, refereeing has allowed Michael to stay connected to the sport he grew up playing while also building relationships within the soccer community.

Through officiating, Michael has developed important skills that extend beyond the field, including leadership, patience, and the ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations.

“It takes hard work, careful attention, and patience,” he said. “But it’s also a fun way to stay involved in the sport you grew up playing.”

One of his favorite refereeing experiences so far came when he had the opportunity to officiate matches featuring academy teams from the New York Red Bulls and the Philadelphia Union.

Looking ahead, Michael hopes to continue refereeing throughout college and beyond while continuing to give back to the soccer community.

Young referees play an important role in the future of the game. By stepping into officiating at an early age, they help support the soccer community while gaining valuable experiences that extend beyond the field.

As they continue to grow as officials, this year’s Young Referees of the Year represent the passion and commitment that helps keep the game moving forward in Eastern Pennsylvania.

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F O R PA R E N T S

SUPPORTING YOUR PLAYER:

WHAT REALLY MATTERS

Youth soccer is about more than wins and losses. The support players receive off the field plays a major role in their confidence, development, and overall experience. A positive environment from parents can help players enjoy the game, stay motivated, and continue to grow.

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BEFORE THE GAME

The time leading up to a game sets the tone. Keeping things calm and positive helps players feel prepared without added pressure.

Encouragement and reassurance can go a long way in helping players step onto the field with confidence.

DURING THE GAME

From the sideline, the most important role is support. Cheering for effort, teamwork, and positive moments helps create an encouraging atmosphere. Allowing coaches to coach and players to make their own decisions helps players develop independence and confidence during the game.

AFTER THE GAME

Postgame conversations can have a lasting impact. Instead of focusing only on the result, asking players how they felt or what they enjoyed helps keep the experience positive. Giving players space to share their thoughts encourages confidence and reflection.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Development takes time, and every player’s journey is different. Confidence, enjoyment, and growth are all shaped by the environment around them. When players feel supported, they are more likely to stay connected to the game and continue improving.

At the end of the day, the experience players have in the game is shaped by the support around them.

By keeping the focus on encouragement, enjoyment, and growth, parents play an important role in helping players build confidence and develop a lasting love for soccer.

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FOR COACHES

THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE Great coaching goes beyond formations, game plans, and results. Often, it’s the small, consistent actions that shape a player’s experience and development the most. The way a coach communicates, reacts, and creates an environment can have a lasting impact long after the final whistle.

1 2 3 4 5

HOW YOU COMMUNICATE

Clear, simple communication goes a long way.

Players respond best when instructions are easy to understand and delivered in a way that builds confidence.

The tone you use matters just as much as what you’re saying.

Positive, constructive feedback helps players stay engaged and open to learning.

YOUR BODY LANGUAGE

Players are always watching. Reactions on the sideline, whether it’s after a mistake or a big moment, can influence how players feel and perform. Staying composed, supportive, and confident helps create a steady environment where players can focus on the game.

CREATING THE ENVIRONMENT

A strong team environment balances competitiveness with encouragement. Players should feel challenged, but also supported. When mistakes are treated as part of the learning process, players are more likely to take risks, grow their skills, and develop confidence on the field.

CONSISTENCY IS EVERYTHING

Consistency builds trust. Showing up prepared, setting clear expectations, and providing steady feedback creates a reliable environment for players. When players know what to expect, they can focus on improving and enjoying the game.

THE BIGGER IMPACT

Coaches play a key role in shaping not only how players perform, but how they experience the game. The small moments, conversations, and reactions often leave the biggest impression.

At every level of the game, coaching is about more than just results. It’s about guiding players through challenges, building confidence, and creating an environment where they can grow.

When coaches focus on the small details day in and day out, the impact extends far beyond the field.

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Our hat trick:

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ACTIVITIES

Create your own World Cup jersey The World Cup is coming, and every team needs an amazing jersey.

Now it’s your turn to design one! Use the blank jersey on this page to create your own World Cup kit. Get creative with colors, patterns, numbers, and logos. When you’re finished, send us your design!

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Submit your entry: Email communications@epysa.org or mail it to “Communications” at 4070 Butler Pike Suite 100, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462.

90th Anniversary Celebration

You’re invited to help Easterseals celebrate 90 years of impact at our Party on the Plaza on Saturday, April 25th Walk With Me Register as an invdividual or as a team and then walk along the river or through the Philadelphia Union Stadium

Mission Village The Party on the Plaza - food, music, family-friendly activities, giveaways, and a chance to meet Phang

Soccer for All A free soccer clinic for children with disabilities run

by Philadelphia Union Youth Coaches with support from Easterseals therapists.

Register Today! www.easterseals-sepa.org EPYS_March_26.indd 1

3/5/26 3:29 PM

WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS

Qualified Teams

Think you can predict the final World Cup standings? Write down your predictions and compare them to the final results this July!

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Algeria Argentina Australia Austria Belgium Brazil Cabo Verde Canada Colombia Croatia Curacao Cote d’Ivoire Ecuador Egypt England France Germany Ghana Haiti IR Iran Japan Jordan Korea Republic Mexico Morocco Netherlands New Zealand Norway Panama Paraguay Portugal Qatar Saudi Arabia Scotland Senegal South Africa Spain Switzerland Tunisia United States Uruguay Uzbekistan

Join Subaru, Philadelphia-area Subaru retailers, and the Philadelphia Union to get more kids in the game.

1 in 2 families involved in sports struggle to afford it.

Donate new or gently used soccer gear to help more kids fall in love with the game.

Donate gear and enter for a chance to win* unforgettable experiences: A trip to the 2026 MLS All-Star Weekend VIP access to a 2026 Union home match Travel to a 2026 Union away game Exclusive visit to the Union broadcast booth Get involved Now – April 3, 2026 Accepted Gear: Soccer Balls, Cleats, Goalie Gloves, Shin Guards, Socks, Shorts

philadelphiaunion.com/subarugearforgood *No donation or purchase necessary to win.

Soccer

ACTIVITIES

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12

Across

Down

and ACROSS a 4th down football kick

DOWN 1. Through the legs

ward5. Attacking forward

2. Star American player

3. A goalie kick

2. Star American player

6. Ball crossing the goal line

he goal line 8. 1 for every appearance with the national team

9. Acrobatic overhead pearance with thekick national team 11. Ejected from the game = “___” Card

rhead kick 12. The coach of the team

Pennsylvania Youth Soccer m 28 theEastern game

1. Through the legs

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4. To kick the ball while still in the air

4. To kick the ball while still in the a

5. What we call “football” in America

5. Association football in American a

7. Fédération Internationale de Football Association 10. To defend against a free kick

7. Fédération Internationale de Foot Association