35. Soccer

                                               Soccer

Soccer has had a slow start in America. In fact, themajority of schools still have no official soccer teamsor coaches. But the blossoming popularity of thegame cannot be denied. Thanks to the efforts ofsome world-famous soccer stars, soccer is soon tohave its place in American culture.

Although soccer has enjoyed decades of popularity elsewhere, it was literally ignored in America.Instead, a variation of the game called “football”was most popular in the U.S. and still is to this day.But the obvious advantages of playing soccer instead will soon win even the most avid football enthusiasts.

For one thing, soccer is a much safer game to play than football. No one deliberately tries toknock an opponent down in soccer. In fact, they players are discouraged from even touching each other.

Soccer is a game that requires skill and dexterity in controlling the ball. Since no one may usehands to do this, soccer players soon acquire incredible control of their heads, knees, andfeet.

Useful Words and Expressions:

1. slow start 缓慢起动

2. blossom 兴旺，发展

3. ignore 忽视

4. avid 渴望的

5. discourage from 劝阻

6. dexterity 灵巧，机敏