Freedom Area High School's Student Newspaper

FHS Press

Freedom Area High School's Student Newspaper

FHS Press

Freedom Area High School's Student Newspaper

FHS Press

Tri-County Soccer: Fun N’ Rough

Much like ice hockey, indoor soccer is a winter sport that isn’t through the school, but is unique. Indoor soccer games are held at the Tri-County Soccer Arena, and the games last into the wee hours of the night. There are many differences between indoor and outdoor soccer, though. There are some differences along the lines of rules, while other differences lie within the category of the game pace. Games at the arena run all day long, all lasting not even a whole hour. The two halves each last 20 minutes and halftime is about two. Another difference is that indoor games are rougher. “When I was younger, I got grabbed by the collar of my shirt and yanked down to the ground,” Junior Nick Kanschat said. This wouldn’t happen often in an outdoor game because of the strict rules. Sophomore Draek Boggs tripped and caused himself and a boy from the other team to fall down. When they stood up, the player pushed Boggs for no reason at all. The other player acted like Boggs meant to trip him, but he didn’t. There are also walls surrounding the field, so the athletes get pushed up onto them frequently. One of Freedom’s indoor teams is called “The Evil Lizards.” This team is made up of sophomores, and most of them play high school soccer. Freedom also has two other teams, and they consist of juniors and seniors. One team member, Kanschat, enjoys playing for indoor compared to outdoor. “It’s like there’s no practice, [and] you just show up; it’s just a group of friends playing,” Kanschat said. In order to play, you have to sign up with as many team members as needed. Each member pays a certain amount of money and then attends games whenever they may be, which is usually weekends between 10 and 11 at night for every Freedom-based team. The coaches are usually just parents of the team members. Kanschat’s team is coached by Junior Michael Collins’ dad, the Evil Lizards are Sophomores Nate Lewis’ and Patrick Baker’s dads, and Senior Evan Mengel’s team by his grandfather. A number of indoor soccer players would encourage others to try it out. “I enjoy indoor soccer because its fun and a great way to keep active during the winter. It is worth it because it can help you develop your skills and is a great way to learn how to work as a team with your teammate,” Boggs said.