Positions
In a game of soccer 11 players are on the field, for each team, at one time. Different coaches use different strategies and formations but this here is the basic one.
Stopper
(defensive mid)
Sweeper
(Deepest Defender)
Goal keeper
David Beckham
As an 11 year old he had just finished playing a game for his Sunday league team when his mom told him that Manchester United had been watching him. They wanted him to come down to their camp and have a trial. He began to train with Man U. at 14, at 16 he signed a contract, and at 20 he joined the starting line up forever. For 14 years Beckham had played for the team he grew up rooting for and it was the only job he has ever known. The highest paid soccer player in the world, and one of the best. So why would Manchester United trade him to Real Madrid? The money he was sold for was used to fill in other positions that needed improvement. Also their strategies have changed. Before they would cross the ball into the middle from one of the corners, now they are looking for players with good foot work. This isn't the last time he will see Man. U., but next time he'll be on the other side of the field.
Tim Howard
In January 2003 Tim Howard received a phone call one night. It was the Manchester United goalkeeping coach letting him know that they've been watching him for his skill in front of the net. A few years ago he was trying to get started up playing in front of 15,000 fans in Giant Stadium. Now, age 25, he's the starting goalkeeper for the most famous soccer club. In his first 30 games he had already compiled 14 shutouts. Once the most talkative guy in the locker room, now hardly speaks. Between the leaving of their star in 1999 Man. U. has gone through 9 goalkeepers before Howard arrived. Now that he's there they won't let him go.
Ronaldo
A 6 foot forward dribbles down the field in his country's yellow and green uniform dodging defenders on his way to the goal. This 28 year old is Brazilian superstar Ronaldo. Not only does he play for the national team but he also plays for Inter in Milan, Italy. At 16 he joined his first pro team. When he was 17 he was the youngest player on Brazil's 1994 World Cup team. After a disappointing loss to France in the "98 World Cup, Ronaldo took some time off. He the joined the Brazilian team and won the 2002 World Cup over Germany.
Mia Hamm
Mia Hamm, the first female sports superstar, a hero in the eyes of all girls who play soccer. She was the one who encouraged millions of girls to start playing soccer. She's an all around natural leader. She lead the women's world cup team to 2 world cup titles and 3 gold medals. As a 13 year old she was the first girl to play on a football team in Wichita Falls, Texas. In college she led the Tar Heels to NCAA finals in '92. Now that the Athens Olympic Games are over she is retiring with her goals completed and a tremendous weight off her shoulders.
