College soccer
College soccer is a term used to describe soccer that is played by teams operated by colleges and universities as opposed to a professional league operated for exclusively financial purposes. College soccer is probably most widespread in the United States, but is also important in South Korea, Canada.
In the United States, college soccer is divided into three NCAA Divisions, as well as the NAIA.
Many top American college soccer players play for separate teams in the Premier Development League during the summer. One college club, the BYU Cougars, have foregone playing in the NCAA or NAIA and instead play their games in the PDL.
Notable College Soccer Graduates
- Carlos Bocanegra, Fulham FC, UCLA
- Conor Casey, FSV Mainz, University of Portland
- Steve Cherundolo, Hannover 96, University of Portland
- Brian Ching, San Jose Earthquakes, Gonzaga University
- Brad Friedel, Blackburn Rovers, UCLA
- Shaka Hislop, Portsmouth FC, Howard University
- Vedad Ibisevic, Paris St. Germain, Saint Louis University
- Stern John, Birmingham City, Mercer Community College
- Shalrie Joseph, New England Revolution, St. John's (NY)
- Cobi Jones, Los Angeles Galaxy, UCLA
- Kasey Keller, Tottenham Hotspur, University of Portland
- Clint Mathis, Hannover 96, University of South Carolina
- Alejandro Moreno, Los Angeles Galaxy, UNC Greensboro
- Ryan Nelsen, D.C. United, Stanford University
- Joseph Ngwenya, Los Angeles Galaxy, Coastal Carolina University
- Olivier Occean, Odd Grenland, Southern Connecticut State University
- Eddie Pope, D.C. United, University of North Carolina
- Damani Ralph, Chicago Fire, University of Connecticut
- Claudio Reyna, Manchester City, University of Virginia
- Santiago Hernán Solari, Real Madrid, Richard Stockton College (1 season)
- Paul Stalteri, Werder Bremen, Clemson University
- Taylor Twellman, New England Revolution, University of Maryland
- David Weir, Everton F.C., University of Evansville
- Andy Williams, Chicago Fire, University of Rhode Island
See Also