Soccer League Takes Action To Stifle Yawns

Soccer has long been accused of being boring to watch. The United States Interregional League is trying to do something about that image.

During the USISL’s Spokane Shadow soccer game tonight against the Portland Firebirds at Spokane Falls Community College at 7 p.m., a fan may see a “stampede” goal, a kick-in from the sideline, or a 35-yard shootout.

After the seventh foul in a half by either team, the opposing team is awarded a live shootout, better known as a “stampede” shot. In this scenario, one player lines up with the ball at the top of the center circle, closest to the opposing team’s goal. All other players line up at the midfield stripe. When the whistle is blown, everybody chases the player with ball, trying to catch him before he shoots on goal.

Teams also have the option of kicking the ball in if it goes out of bounds within 35 yards of the defensive team’s endline. This rule change has taken away the throw-in, substituting a more exciting corner-kick situation.

Shootouts are handled differently in the event of a tie. Instead of penalty kicks from 12 yards, the ball is placed 35 yards from the goal and the player has freedom to move toward the goal. The catch: Shooters have just 5 seconds from the time the referee blows the whistle to put the ball in the goal.

On May 20 in Portland, the Shadow beat the Firebirds in a 35-yard shootout after playing to a scoreless tie at the end of regulation.

Tonight’s game could be just as exciting.

“They’re a real go-get-‘em kind of team,” Shadow general manager Jeff Heimbigner said. “They dump it forward a lot and attack you.”

Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children.

Women show skills today

Some of the best women soccer players from the area will meet in a all-city all-star game to showcase women’s soccer this afternoon at 4:30 at Spokane Falls CC.

Some of the players include NAIA All-Americans Jeannie Rein and Jennifer Tissue from Whitworth and All-WCC selections Michelle Busch and Jenni Druffel from Gonzaga. Shannon Stiles, a former Shadle Park and Santa Clara University standout, will also be there.

Admission is free with the purchase of a ticket to the Shadow game.

, DataTimes