Men's Soccer Incorporates International Talent

Kyle Keck | Echo

For some Taylor freshmen, going to college requires moving to a new city or state. But for some members of the Taylor men's soccer team, it meant going to a completely new country.

Given the fact soccer is the world's largest sport, with an estimated 3.5 billion fans worldwide, it benefits the Trojans to seek talent across the globe. With a little luck and Midwest charm, Taylor has done exactly that. As the first regular season game approaches, Taylor will kick off the year with four international players on its roster, including senior Giovanny Guthro (Colombia), senior Danny Cawley (England), freshman Lewis Nisbet (England) and junior Caleb Bouchier (South Africa).

Like any freshman adjusts to life as a student, these international athletes have to adapt to how the game is played on American soil.

"I noticed immediately that players here in the states are extremely athletic and physical, whereas in England it seemed far more technical at a club level," Nisbet said. "College is different. I can't compare it to anything in England, besides maybe semi-professional."

As soccer fans across the world watched the FIFA World Cup this summer, it was obvious to see that athletes were playing with an immense amount of emotion. Whether they were throwing a temper tantrum over a referee's call or passionately celebrating a header goal in the final minutes, the ability to communicate is an indisputable key for soccer players. Depending on their background, communication comes more easily for some than others.

"The communication barrier is tough. If you want to play at a very high level, you have to be able to communicate," Guthro said. "This is hard for me, because I find it easier to express myself in my native language."

Although the adjustments the athletes faced were demanding, the perks of growing up in a soccer-loving country are undeniable.

"I believe playing soccer in England growing up has helped me become a better player because soccer is the main sport, and I have been playing since I was six years old," Cawley said. "England is known for having the best league in the world, and growing up watching great players taught me many things. It also made me push myself, because watching these players made me want to play at their level."

The international players are not alone in having to adapt to a new environment. The Trojans' roster is also full of American players who are expected to adapt to the skill sets of their teammates. These skill sets come with unique experiences from countries that view soccer as the chief pastime. Senior midfielder Timmy Miller is all for it.

"Since soccer is such a global sport, I think having some international guys from all over the world brings a different style and approach to the team that is invaluable. These guys are so talented on the field, and I love playing with them," Miller said. "Soccer has a way of uniting different cultures together, and I'm thankful our team gets the opportunity to display that."

Each of these players come from different backgrounds. Each of these players was forced to make different adjustments. But ultimately, each of these players call Taylor their home away from home.